Richmond Hill Council's Committee of the Whole Meeting

Richmond Hill council's committee of the whole focused on a draft tennis and pickleball strategy, including proposed new courts, court management changes, and future hub locations. Councillors also discussed snow clearing obligations in unassumed subdivisions, voted to dissolve two advisory committees tied to completed planning work, and directed staff to oppose a larger Bayview Avenue condo proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Topics Discussed

1. Draft tennis and pickleball strategy

Staff presented a draft strategy for tennis and pickleball facilities. Michelle Dobby presented on behalf of staff and the consulting team. Staff said engagement included two public open houses, an online survey with more than 500 responses, and six interviews with clubs and other groups.

The draft strategy proposes 32 new pickleball courts across the city. Mayor David West said, "Taken together, this equates to 26 new pickleball courts by 2031," which, with the existing 25 courts, would bring the city to "one court for every 5,000 people." The plan also includes a 12-court pickleball hub at Richmond Green, an 8-court hub at Brody Park, 8 new tennis courts at future West Gormley Community Park, and 2 tennis courts at Heron View Park.

Staff said survey respondents supported both larger hubs and smaller local sites. David West said staff found that "83% of respondents to the online surveys … noted their support for the provision of a hub at Richmond Green," while also supporting "smaller hubs at other parks for that more casual drop in play."

2. Pickleball demand, timing and location concerns

Councillors and delegates spent much of the discussion on whether the draft strategy moves quickly enough and whether it provides enough dedicated space.

Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan said some of the need is immediate, not long term: "I kind of get excited when I initially see we're getting I believe 26 new courts … then I look that's by 2041 in 15 years. Whereas some of the needs are really now not 15 years from now."

Mayor West said siting remains difficult because of noise impacts on nearby homes: "One of the major barriers I see with pickleball is in Richmond Hill anyway is citing it in places where it isn't going to cause so much noise that it's going to make all the adjoining homeowners upset."

Councillor Castro Liu suggested looking at seasonal or portable winter options, saying, "In winter the demanding is still there. Our gymnasium or community center is really limited space. So any possible portable either bubble or dome can be used."

Councillor Carol Davidson also backed trying seasonal courts at Gormley GO, saying taxpayers have "already paid for that tarmac" and that testing whether it works "as a seasonal courts I think is brilliant because it's a win-win for taxpayers."

3. Delegates said the draft plan falls short

Several speakers said the strategy still does not provide enough dedicated, year-round pickleball space.

Robert Livingstone told council, "Recommending anything short of a large purpose-built year-round indoor pickleball facility or hub in Richmond Hill, I think, is a failure."

Another speaker said demand is already outpacing supply: "If these temporary solutions are working, why are programs selling out immediately? Why are dedicated courts overcrowded? Why are so many Richmond Hill residents leaving the city to play elsewhere?"

A further delegate argued pickleball players were being treated as an afterthought, saying, "Pickle ball is not a temporary trend. This is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide." The speaker added that residents were asking for "proper recreational infrastructure and a strategy that reflects the reality of what players are experiencing."

Council members acknowledged that frustration. Mayor West told delegates, "We are doing everything we can. I understand and I accept your passion and your love for this game."

4. Snow clearing in unassumed subdivisions

Council also discussed snow removal responsibilities in unassumed subdivisions, where developers remain responsible until roads are assumed by the city.

Councillor Simon Cui said newer residents should not receive lower service because of that status: "Even though people might be relatively new … they deserve the same service." He added that where a subdivision is still under a builder's control, "it is their responsibility."

Cui also asked staff directly, "Is there any penalty mechanism in place if the developers fail to meet the requirements set by the city?" Staff said the city can complete the work and charge the developer under the subdivision agreement.

Councillors discussed strengthening future agreements and improving communication so residents know whether to contact the developer or the city when snow is not cleared.

5. Bayview Avenue development / Ontario Land Tribunal

Council discussed a Bayview Avenue condo proposal south of Bloomington near a wet area where earlier approvals had been for a smaller building. The latest proposal seeks greater height and three levels of underground parking.

Councillor Karen Cilevitz sharply questioned the application, asking, "How is this even possible as an application" when a previous one-storey underground concept had already been rejected by the applicant, and adding, "Three stories of parking below ground on a wetland in a very wet area?"

Mayor West said he would not support a larger building than council had already approved: "There's no way in the world I would be okay with anything like a height and building envelope bigger than what we have approved."

Council directed staff to oppose the larger proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal and defend the previously approved form.

Motions

Passed: - Item 11.7: Draft Tennis and Pickleball Strategy advanced for later council ratification, with a 30-day public comment period after the next council meeting - Motion to prioritize and accelerate delivery of a permanent pickleball facility at Brody Park, including design, funding strategy and implementation guidelines, for 2027 budget consideration and a target opening in 2028 or earlier - Direction confirming the Richmond Green pickleball facility will continue through detailed design and future funding approvals - Item 11.4: Dissolution of the David Dunlop Observatory Park Steering Committee and the Heritage Centre Advisory Committee - Motion transitioning the DDO park project from ad hoc planning into regular operations and asset management - Item 11.8: Direction to oppose the larger Bayview Avenue proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal and support the previously approved 8-storey form

Attendees

Councillors identified in the meeting materials: - Mayor David West - Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan - Councillor Simon Cui - Councillor Karen Cilevitz - Councillor Scott Thompson - Councillor Carol Davidson - Councillor Castro Liu

Staff/presenters identified: - Michelle Dobby - Anand Desai - GF Group - Dylan Consulting