By Claude & Parth on 2026-04-09, City: Richmond Hill, View Transcript
Richmond Hill Council heard presentations on two community initiatives: a proposed “One Heartbeat” global statue, and a presentation on autism services and support needs in Richmond Hill during Autism Awareness Month. Council also heard a commitment from Deputy Mayor Gordon Chan to raise first-responder training needs with York Regional Police at Regional Council.
ONE HEARTBEAT GLOBAL STATUE PROPOSAL
William Ho, introduced as a Global Ambassador partnered with the United Nations, presented a proposal to install a “One Heartbeat Global Statue” in Richmond Hill. Ho described the statue as interactive, with visitors placing their hands on it so their heartbeat can be recorded and “communicated to the rest of the world.”
Ho presented two size options: a 100-foot version and a 45-foot version. He told council the larger statue could attract 5 million visitors annually and generate $55 million in local spending, with projected revenue of $1.5–$1.8 million from visitor fees.
Ho said the project was about raising Richmond Hill’s profile: “About 20 years ago, Mayor Dave Barrow wanted me to elevate Richmond Hill into international arena. I told him that I would do that at the right time and the right occasion. Today is the time that we can do it all together.” He also told council, “Your heartbeat, my heartbeat, one heartbeat.”
Three potential locations were discussed: Yonge Street and Highway 7, Dave Barrow Square, and Richmond Green Park.
AUTISM SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Nancy Marchese, founder of Breakthrough Autism, presented during Autism Awareness Month. Marchese told council autism prevalence has increased from “1 in 500–800 children in 1998” to “1 in 44 children today in Canada.” She said Breakthrough Autism operates two centres in Richmond Hill and employs about 50 staff.
Marchese emphasized the range of needs among autistic people, telling council: “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.” She also said about 28% of the autistic population is considered to be profound, and described examples of what that can look like in daily life, including children leaving home at night without families knowing, and self-injurious behaviour.
Marchese said “most home- and community-based services exclude people with profound autism because of their intense support needs.” She asked the municipality to support four areas: first responder training, workplace accommodations for municipal employees, event accessibility, and small business support for treatment centres.
FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING INITIATIVE
Council discussed gaps in first responder training, including an incident Marchese described where a police officer brought a nonverbal person who was wandering to the Breakthrough centre and told staff, “We don’t know what to do.” Marchese said the centre helped reunite the individual with their family.
Deputy Mayor Gordon Chan said he would contact York Regional Police at the next Regional Council meeting in Newmarket to explore inviting the Breakthrough centre to visit the YRP Children’s Safety Village in Stouffville.
ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAM WAIT TIMES
Marchese advised families to “get on the list right away” for the Ontario Autism Program after diagnosis because of long wait times. She described the OAP as “where the bulk of the funding lies,” and said many families pay out-of-pocket while waiting, which she described as “a major financial commitment.” She said the organization offers flexible options for families waiting for funding, including reduced hours and increased parent coaching.
COMMUNITY SAFETY SEMINAR
Councillor Thompson announced a community safety and well-being seminar scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Elgin Barrow Arena. Thompson said the panel will include York Regional Police, York Region Community Health Services, the City bylaw department, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Mayor. Residents can pre-register and submit questions through Thompson’s website.