Richmond Hill City Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on April 1st to review the Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan and consider expanding the city's CCTV camera network. The Richmond Green project, three years in development, proposes a 12-court pickleball hub, volleyball courts, a relocated skate park, enhanced water features, and improved event spaces in a phased approach beginning in 2027 with an estimated cost of $12.1 million for Phases 1 and 2. Council also unanimously approved funding for five additional CCTV cameras with automatic license plate recognition technology at a cost of approximately $100,000, to be funded from the Community Enhancement and Economic Vitality Reserve Fund. ## Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan Council received a draft master plan for Richmond Green Park following three years of development and extensive public consultation that generated over 500 survey responses. The plan proposes transforming the park into a destination facility with a 12-court pickleball hub, three volleyball courts, a relocated and enhanced skate park, combined ice skating and water play trails, an upgraded waterfall, new event space with a permanent stage, and improved pathways and gateways. Michelle Dobby, Manager for Park and Natural Heritage Planning, presented the phased approach with Phases 1 and 2 estimated at $12.1 million, targeted to begin in 2027 pending capital budget approval. The plan will be posted for a 30-day public comment period before returning to council in July 2026. Multiple residents delegated regarding pickleball facilities, with Richmond Hill Pickleball Club representatives noting the club has surpassed 3,000 members and arguing that 12 courts would be insufficient given explosive growth in the sport. Teresa Mito, club secretary, stated: > "Demand for the space is high, but access is very limited" Mayor West clarified that Richmond Green would not be the only pickleball facility in the city, with a comprehensive Tennis and Pickleball Strategy scheduled for presentation on June 17th. Staff confirmed that a parking study determined no additional parking spaces would be needed despite the new amenities. ## CCTV Camera Expansion Program Councillor Castro Liu brought forward a motion to install five additional CCTV cameras with Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, adding to the nine cameras currently deployed in Richmond Hill. The motion, co-sponsored by Mayor West, would fund the approximately $100,000 cost from the Community Enhancement and Economic Vitality Reserve Fund with no direct property tax impact. York Regional Police presented data showing measurable crime reductions in areas with existing cameras: - 40% reduction in residential break-and-enters - 49% reduction in commercial break-and-enters - 48% reduction in motor vehicle thefts The motion included privacy protections: - Footage automatically deleted after 72 hours unless required for investigation - Cameras restricted to public spaces in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Police emphasized that camera locations would be determined using evidence-based placement according to violent crime data, not political considerations. Councillor Davidson raised questions about whether cameras prevent crime or merely assist in catching perpetrators after crimes occur. Regional Councillor Depala noted that York Regional Police budget increases of 7.7% in 2025 and 12.7% in 2026 have already resulted in 3–4% property tax increases at the regional level. The motion passed unanimously after council received 134 pieces of correspondence. ## Development Charges and Infrastructure Funding Mayor West emphasized the critical importance of development charges for funding major infrastructure projects like Richmond Green and Dave Barrow Civic Square. The mayor warned that without development charges, projects either would not proceed or would require significant property tax increases. > "If we don't pay for projects like this through development charges, then we either are not going to do it or we're going to have to raise taxes and neither of those things are anywhere close to acceptable." This discussion occurred in the context of provincial pressure to reduce development charges to incentivize housing construction, with the mayor stressing the principle that "growth pays for growth." ## Dave Barrow Civic Square Budget Increase Deputy Mayor Chan pulled Item 11.3 for separate discussion, which requested an in-year budget increase of approximately $1 million to complete the Dave Barrow Civic Square project. The deputy mayor noted: > "Planned, justified, and approved, are now coming back with significant cost increases" This was raised in the context of a city budget exceeding $500 million and residents facing higher taxes, water rates, and storm water fees. ## Community Events and Environmental Initiatives Mayor West acknowledged Passover beginning at sunset and Easter weekend celebrations. April was highlighted as Earth Month, with multiple community activities planned, including community cleanups. The mayor also thanked staff for organizing the 10th annual Maple Syrup Festival, which was described as: > "Probably one of the best ones that we've ever had" ## Motions Passed: - Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan – Staff report SRPBS 2607017 received for information with all comments referred back to staff (unanimous) - Installation of five additional CCTV cameras with ALPR technology funded from Community Enhancement and Economic Vitality Reserve Fund at approximately $100,000 (unanimous recorded vote) - Tax adjustments under Section 57 and Section 358 of the Municipal Act (File: SRCFS 26-0007) – passed unanimously following public hearing Noted: - Item 11.4 – Independent Electricity System Operator – Alternate recommendation D approved regarding changes to tariff fee bylaw wording - Member Motions 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 were automatically pulled for separate discussion ## Attendees Mayor David West, Deputy Mayor Chan, Councillor Davidson, Councillor Shu, Councillor Castro Liu, Councillor Thompson, Regional Councillor Depala, Councillor Silhouette.