High-level Summary - The city council meeting focused on commemorative and community initiatives (Remembrance Day activities and land acknowledgment), technology and accessibility improvements (AED registration initiative), and organizational leadership (appointment of a new Fire Chief) with related bylaws. Significant decisions included approving AED registration (File 15.1.4), recognizing federal funding for Unity Park PS752 memorial, adopting a package of bylaws (181-187) and approving the Fire Chief appointment (Thomas Rurn) along with Bylaw 151-25.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) AED Registration Initiative (File 15.1.4) - The council discussed making Richmond Hill a leader in registering AED locations, aligning with provincial frameworks. Quotes from participants emphasized leadership and proactive registration: “This proactive step can be taken now to support the registry and make Richmond Hill an AED advocate and leader in Ontario,” said Robera Scott, Co-founder of the AED Foundation; Councillor DePaolo added, “There’s not a lot of work that needs to be done by our city staff.” - Relevance to residents: Public safety is enhanced by knowing AED locations, and private registrations are encouraged to broaden coverage.

2) Unity Park PS752 Memorial Funding - The mayor announced federal funding support for the Unity Park PS752 memorial project, with acknowledgement that federal and provincial funding are critical for completion: “Without the funding from the federal and provincial government, we’ll have a hard time making that happen.” The discussion framed this as a major step toward finalizing the memorial project. - Relevance to residents: Federal funding can accelerate memorial construction and related community events.

3) Remembrance Day Services and Community Participation - The meeting celebrated strong turnout and community involvement, including hundreds of cadets and local participation despite cold weather. A key quote highlighted the community’s dedication: “It was just wonderful to see...hundreds of young cadets and all the people that were there braving cold weather to remember the sacrifice that was made by so many people in this country.” - Relevance to residents: The Remembrance Day ceremony reflects community values and the city’s role in honoring veterans.

4) Fire Chief Appointment and Bylaw 151-25 - The council approved the appointment of Thomas Rurn as Fire Chief under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, with an effective date noted, and approved related bylaws (Bylaw 151-25). A council member remarked, “It is really going to be a wonderful thing to have somebody from our team step up and become the new fire chief.” - Relevance to residents: Leadership in the fire service affects emergency response and public safety.

5) Land Acknowledgment and Civic Engagement Context - The Mayor delivered a land acknowledgment recognizing Indigenous lands, reflecting the city’s commitment to respectful relations: “We acknowledge that what we now call Richmond Hill is on the treaty lands and territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Mississauga and Chippewa nations of the Williams Treaty.” The discussion also noted active community engagement in civic events. - Relevance to residents: Acknowledgment supports inclusivity and ongoing community dialogue in civic life.

Opportunities for Public Input - No public forum participants were registered for this meeting in the excerpts provided. Residents are advised to check future agendas for opportunities to provide input on specific topics. Where relevant, opportunities may arise through public awareness campaigns or week-by-week consultation related to AED registration and memorial projects.

Motions and Outcomes - Motion: AED Registration Initiative (File 15.1.4) - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Richmond Hill will register its municipal AED locations with the AED Foundation; staff will promote awareness and consider voluntary registration for private AEDs. - Motion: Recognition of Federal Funding for Unity Park PS752 Memorial - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Coordinate with federal and provincial partners to advance memorial plans. - Motion: Commend the "No Stone Left Alone" Initiative - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Ongoing support for veteran memorial initiatives (note: this item appears in related transcripts, illustrating cross-topic support for veterans’ remembrance). - Motion: Adoption of Agenda - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Proceed with the approved agenda. - Motion: Adoption of Previous Council Minutes (October 28-29) - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Official recording of past decisions. - Motion: Adoption of Items (excluding 15.1.4) - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Implement approved items. - Motion: Discussion/Consideration of 15.1.4 (AED registration motion) - Outcome: Deferred for further discussion (in some transcripts) - Next Steps: Await additional input and clarifications on AED registration and Bill 141. - Motion: Approval of Bylaws 181 through 187 (package) - Outcome: Passed unanimously as a package - Next Steps: Implement the bylaw package. - Motion: Appointment of Fire Chief (Thomas Rurn) - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Thomas Rurn to assume the role on December 1, 2025. - Motion: By-law 151-25 - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: By-law to take effect December 1, 2025. - Motion: Confirm Meeting Proceedings - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Official record of proceedings. - Motion: Adjournment - Outcome: Passed - Next Steps: Meeting adjourned.

Councillors Present - Mayor (Mr. Mayor) - Regional Councillor DePaolo - Councillor Selitz - Deputy Mayor Godman - Councillor Tree - Councillor Thompson - Councillor Davidson - Deputy Mayor Chan

Notes - Several sections reference AED-related discussions and memorial initiatives with multiple participants, including Robera Scott (AED Foundation) and regional/municipal representatives. File numbers and bylaw numbers included in the discussion include File 15.1.4, Bylaws 181-187, and Bylaw 151-25. Bill 141 (2020) is referenced in the AED registration discussions. Public input opportunities, while not explicitly utilized in these excerpts, are typically announced via agendas and delegations for future sessions.