Autism Crisis and Housing Updates - Council Meeting - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - 9:30 a.m. - City of Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill Council met on Earth Day with Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan presiding in the absence of Mayor West, who was in Germany on a business promotion trip. Council heard a delegation from Autism in Mind about long waits for autism therapy funding, received updates from York Region Housing on projects adding and preserving affordable units in Richmond Hill, and approved a change to limit the personal information published about residents who speak at council meetings.

Topics Discussed

Autism Services Crisis in Richmond Hill

Suki Troy, founder of Autism in Mind, told council that “in Canada, one in 50 children are diagnosed with autism,” and said that “in Ontario alone, more than 70,000 children are currently waiting for government funding to access therapy, and many wait for more than five years.” Troy added that “autism therapy is not covered under OHIP.”

Troy also framed the issue as a community design and inclusion challenge, telling council: “Inclusion should not be an afterthought. It should be intentionally built into the fabric of our communities.”

Major Regional Housing Developments

York Region Housing staff presented on current construction and renewal work and the importance of maintaining existing units. Jody Deany, General Manager of Housing and Homelessness Services for York Region, told council: “We certainly know we have a housing crisis, and every unit that we can preserve is incredibly important to us.”

Staff also described the scale of the challenge beyond any single municipality, noting: “The housing affordability crisis is simply too large for any single organization or single level of government to tackle,” and said projects require senior-government participation: “We need the strong support from upper level governments to co-fund this project to ensure that they are in advance stage and ready for construction.”

On project design and sustainability, Gabriel Wong said: “Today is Earth Day, so it’s fitting to say this building is designed for future electrification. This is a thoughtful approach that we don’t invest in expensive technology right now but be ready for future technology to maintain the sustainability and operational efficiency.”

Staff also outlined how residents can stay involved during construction, explaining: “We establish a community liaison committee and that’s established before construction even starts… Usually, it’s about 15 members. They get to provide us with feedback throughout the entire development process.”

Environmental Initiatives and Recognition

Council marked Earth Day during the meeting. One speaker closed remarks with: “Have a wonderful Earth Day.”

Privacy Protection for Public Delegates

Council approved a change to reduce the amount of personal information published when residents participate in council proceedings, limiting what is posted publicly to names and ward numbers rather than full addresses, effective Nov. 15, 2024.

Councillor Carol Davidson supported the change after staff discussions, saying: “I asked if we could have an option button and after discussions with staff it’s just another layer of bureaucracy that would be cumbersome at this moment in time.” Davidson added she hoped the change would increase participation: “I hope actually with a little bit of anonymity it will encourage more people to engage with this council and come forward with their thoughts and ideas.”

Community Safety and Engagement

Council also shared upcoming community events and engagement opportunities, including a community safety and wellbeing town hall and other public events announced during councillor updates.

Motions

Passed: - Motion to receive York Region Housing presentation with thanks (moved by Councillor Michael Sheir, seconded by Councillor Car) - Motion to reduce personal information published for public delegates to name and ward number only, effective Nov. 15, 2024 (introduced by Dr. Rashu) - Bylaw 45-26 to confirm proceedings of the meeting - Motion to adjourn (moved by Councillor Simon Tree, seconded by Councillor Scott Thompson)

Attendees

• Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan (Chair)
• Councillor Scott Thompson
• Councillor Carol Davidson
• Councillor Simon Tree
• Councillor Michael Sheir
• Councillor Car
• Dr. Rashu

Regrets: Mayor West (in Germany on business promotion trip)