City Council Meeting – Richmond Hill (September 2)

High-level summary - The session centered on the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Proposal (File SRPBS.25.080). With the mayor and senior officials absent, Counselor Scott Thompson was unanimously elected acting chair. The staff presented the proposed bylaw, invited public and council comments, but no final decision was made at this meeting; a future session will consider comments and potential amendments.

Five most important topics discussed

1) Selection of Acting Chair for the Meeting - Due to the absence of the mayor and other senior officials, Counselor Scott Thompson was unanimously elected as acting chair. Counselor Tree moved, “I want to move motion to nominate Counselor Scott Thompson as chair for tonight,” which Counselor Davidson seconded and the motion passed.

2) Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Proposal (File SRPBS.25.080) - A staff report outlined a single comprehensive zoning bylaw intended to unify zoning regulations citywide across centers, corridors, neighborhoods, employment areas, and greenways. Mr. Arulo Io stated, “The purpose of tonight's meeting is to request comments from the public and council on a proposed comprehensive zoning bylaw that will affect the entire city.” No final decision occurred at this meeting.

3) Alignment with Provincial and Regional Plans - The bylaw must align with the Provincial Planning Statement 2024, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, the Greenbelt Plan, and provincial updates such as Bill 185 and Bill 17. Io emphasized, “The zoning bylaw is an implementation of all of those requirements in accordance with the planning act.”

4) Public Consultation and Appeals Process - It was noted that oral or written submissions are needed to preserve appeal rights to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Acting Chair Thompson stated, “If a person, public body, or specified person does not make oral submissions... they are not entitled to appeal the decision of the city council to the Ontario Land Tribunal.”

5) Timeline and Objectives of the Zoning Bylaw - The process began in 2018 and is mandated to be completed within three years, aiming to create a unified document that implements the city’s official plan while addressing provincial/regional requirements. Io said, “The comprehensive zoning bylaw commenced in 2018, and tonight I stand before you to present a single unified document for your consideration.”

Opportunities for Public Input - The meeting explicitly requested public comments and feedback on the proposed bylaw. Residents were encouraged to provide oral or written submissions to ensure their concerns are considered and to preserve their right to appeal decisions.

Motions and outcomes 1) Nomination of Acting Chair - Title: Nomination of Counselor Scott Thompson as Chair - Outcome: Passed unanimously

2) Adoption of Agenda - Title: Adoption of the meeting agenda - Outcome: Passed unanimously

3) Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest - Title: Disclosure of pecuniary interest and general nature thereof - Outcome: No disclosures were made

4) Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Presentation - Title: Presentation of Staff Report SRPBS.25.080 on the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw - Outcome: Presentation delivered; public comments requested. No final decision made during this meeting

Councillors present - Counselor Scott Thompson (Acting Chair) - Counselor Tree - Counselor Davidson

File numbers / bylaw references discussed - File: SRPBS.25.080 (Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw)

Follow-up actions and notes - Public feedback on the comprehensive zoning bylaw will be collected and reviewed. - Further discussions and potential amendments to the zoning bylaw will be scheduled based on input from the public and council. - A final decision on the comprehensive zoning bylaw will be made at a future council meeting.