Committee of the Whole Meeting - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 9:30 a.m. - City of Richmond Hill

City Council Meeting Summary

A strategic-focused session addressing land-use planning, progress on the city’s strategic plan, and active community engagement. Key decisions included advancing the Employment Land Study (SRCM2602) and approving the Staff Report and Strategic Plan Update (SRCM2603), while continuing public participation avenues and relaunching neighborhood safety initiatives.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) Employment Land Study and land-use constraints (SRCM2602) - The council discussed limited employment lands and the need to protect and optimize the remaining parcels. Deputy Mayor Chan urged careful, deliberate use: “We have to be really approaching the employment land in terms of application... gingerly, cautiously, to make good use of it.” - The Employment Land Study is a cornerstone of the Official Plan update to guide future decisions.

2) Strategic Plan 2024-2027 progress and annual report (SRCM2603) - Mayor West presented the strategic plan and its annual report, emphasizing that progress underpins council actions: “The plan was designed to underlie everything that we do on council over this term.” - The discussion highlighted achievements and ongoing efforts toward the plan’s three pillars.

3) Public promotion and communication of strategic progress - Deputy Mayor Chan advocated transparent communication, including infographics to illustrate progress and show the results of public input: “It’s important that we continue to remind council and our residents about all the work. They had input into the strategic plan and so they should see the results of their input.”

4) Official Plan Update and Appendix One posting - The Employment Land Study recommendations were to be integrated into the Official Plan update, with Appendix One to be posted publicly for transparency once the council passes it next week: “This remarkable piece that is now included as appendix one to the staff report will now be posted on the city's website once it's passed at council next week.”

5) Community safety and engagement; Neighborhood Watch and acknowledgments - Councillor Tree highlighted neighborhood safety efforts and planning to relaunch Neighborhood Watch, inviting resident involvement: “If any resident has interest in Neighborhood Watch, please engage me. I'm going to relaunch again if any street or block needs it.” - Staff and community partners were acknowledged for CPR and safety initiatives, such as St. John Ambulance: “A huge shout-out to St. John Ambulance who helped us host a CPR event on the weekend.”

Opportunities for Public Input

• Neighborhood Watch: Residents interested in relaunching or joining should contact Councillor Tree for information and to express interest.
• Official Plan Update: Public input is welcomed during ongoing Official Plan consultations and related committee discussions.
• Strategic Plan initiatives: The public can follow and provide input on progress and results showcased through ongoing communications.

Motions and Outcomes

• Adoption of the Agenda

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

• Agenda Item 115 and Agenda Item 11.4.2

  • Outcome: Pulled for separate discussion to be addressed later in the meeting.

• Employment Land Study (SRCM2602)

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
  • Next Steps: Staff will provide updates on the recommended measures as part of the Official Plan update.

• Approval of Staff Report SRCM2603 and Strategic Plan Update

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
  • Details: Approved the staff report and strategic plan update; Appendix One to be posted on the city’s website.

• Adoption of Remaining Agenda Items on Consent

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

• Adjournment of the Meeting

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Councillors Present

• Karen Silivitz — Ward 5 Councillor, Chair of the Committee of the Whole
• Mayor David West
• Councillor Sue Thompson
• Councillor Davidson
• Councillor Tree
• Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan