High-level summary - The January 28, 2026 Richmond Hill council meeting covered a mix of accessibility and disability-employment initiatives, development concerns in the Village Core, provincial ARU considerations, life-saving device registration, and enhanced winter communications. Several bylaws were passed, some items were deferred or withdrawn for revision, and public input was incorporated through forums and presentations.

Five most important topics

1) Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Pilot Project - Amandep Singh presented on behalf of Enabled Talent, advocating for concrete actions to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities and linking policy to practice. He stated: “We turn policy into action by supporting hiring, onboarding, and job matching in a way that works for everyone.” - The discussion emphasized collaboration across government programs, colleges, universities, and nonprofits to prevent “falling through the cracks” and to pilot inclusive employment strategies in Richmond Hill.

2) Proposed Development at 169 Richmond Street (Village Core) - Community member Paulo Vulp raised concerns about a four-townhouse proposal within the Village Core, arguing it would undermine zoning safeguards and the area’s character. He warned of potential future severances and told the council, “Village Core was not just a zoning label to us. It was a promise. And today, that promise feels broken.” - The topic underscored tension between housing density pressures and the preservation of the Village Core’s heritage and planning safeguards, including critique of limited notice and consultation.

3) Municipal Discretion on ARUs and Provincial Stance - The meeting highlighted Premier Doug Ford’s statements about municipal discretion over ARUs, with the Premier reportedly noting that municipalities “could have chosen three” units and could have protected the village core. Quote: “Municipalities were not required to allow four units everywhere. They could have chosen three. They could have added guardrails. They could have protected the village core. Richmond Hill chose not to.” - This discourse raised questions about safeguarding local heritage areas amid provincial housing policies and density expectations.

4) AED Device Registration and Winter Safety Measures - Regional Counselor Depala discussed a motion on AED device registration that had already passed in Richmond Hill and would be brought to the regional council on February 26. He also mentioned planned seminars on operating AED devices to improve access to life-saving equipment. - Public input opportunities were noted through upcoming regional discussions and potential consultations or seminars on AED use.

5) Winter Operations Communication and Social Media Strategy - The council debated how to best inform residents during winter events, including cross-posting across platforms and the role of Facebook ads to overcome algorithm limitations. Councillor Davidson said: “This motion is about taking every reasonable shot we can to reach residents when they need timely, practical information.” - The discussion compared platform effectiveness (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram) and stressed the importance of timely, platform-appropriate updates for storm responses and snow removal.

Files, bylaws, and related references - Bylaws discussed: Bylaws 181 through 187 were presented and passed unanimously. - No specific file numbers were cited for these discussion points in the transcripts.

Opportunities for public input - Public input occurred via the public forum (e.g., Amandep Singh’s Disability Inclusion presentation) and anticipated opportunities through planning hearings for the Village Core development and regional discussions (AED device registration). Residents were encouraged to engage through upcoming meetings, hearings, or staff-directed outreach, though no direct email addresses were listed in the transcripts.

Motions, decisions, and outcomes - Motion to Adopt the Agenda - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion to Adopt Previous Council Minutes - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Member Motion 16.1 - Outcome: Deferred to a future meeting. - Motion to Withdraw and Revise a Proposal - Outcome: Withdrawn; will be revised and re-presented at the next council meeting with additional input. - Motion to Pass Bylaws 181 through 187 - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion to Move into Closed Session (labor relations with Richmond Hill Professional Firefighters Association, Local 1957) - Outcome: Passed; council moved into a closed session. - Motion to Improve Winter Operations Updates on Social Media (cross-platform posting) - Outcome: Discussion initiated; no final decision or vote recorded in this section; further deliberation planned. - Motion to Inspire Staff to Maximize Engagement (communication plan) - Outcome: Passed (in principle); staff empowered to continue refining engagement strategies. - Motion to Social Media Strategy and Snow-Event Posting Plan - Outcome: Amended during discussion; final approval not explicitly stated; further deliberation expected. - Motion to Strategic Communication and Social Media Engagement - Outcome: Passed in principle or as part of ongoing work; further information and staff input anticipated.

Councillors present - Mayor (presiding) - Deputy Mayor Chan - Councillor Tree - Councillor Thompson - Councillor Leu - Councillor Davidson - Councillor Payne - Regional Counselor Depala - Also referenced: Clerk (procedural guidance) and other staff as noted in sections

Notes for residents - Public input opportunities remain through public forums, planning/hearings, and regional discussions (e.g., AED registration on February 26). For active items, monitor the agenda and contact staff or attend meetings for opportunities to provide input.