Adam Mc Lean

There are some residents in Richmond Hill who groan about their town and how the elected officials who make up council do things.

Even last week, a man was overheard saying, “I think the town wastes a lot of money.

“The town’s problem is they don’t spend properly.”

Well, some residents’ perceptions may change as Richmond Hill staff gets set to unveil the Key Findings and Directions Report of the People Plan project to council Dec. 1.

The people plan is the first step in the new town strategic plan, which focuses on goals and aspirations of residents and those who work here and will also contribute to a new official plan, which describes land use policies, such as new housing, businesses and schools.

Basically, Richmond Hill councillors and staff asked the question, ‘What matters most to the people who call Richmond Hill their home?’

Everyone will hear the answer Dec. 1.

The plan’s process began in October 2007 through a session where the town asked residents what their hopes and expectations are for the future of the town or, in the opinion of some, how to “spend properly” for tomorrow.

The collected information from public consultation events such as open houses, community roundtables, a Facebook group and online surveys, in combination with background research results and trend analysis will now be used to help develop an updated strategic plan, as well as the creation of a new official plan.

The report will contain these findings from the consultation phases.

“We have had great response from the public participating in the people plan process to this point and already some interesting information is beginning to surface,” Mayor Dave Barrow said.

‘We have had great response from the public ... and already some interesting information is beginning to surface’.

He believes Richmond Hill is on the cusp of a mature growth transition for which an effective blueprint needs to be developed.

A transition that will not only bring to light new needs, but new factors affecting the town, such as a proposed subway extension to the intersection of Yonge Street/Hwy. 7 and also preserving environmentally sensitive lands in the face of urban sprawl.

“Although it’s a process that won’t happen overnight, we need to identify and plan how we will address these things now with both our strategic plan and official plan,” Mayor Barrow stated.

Some popular topics among residents, according to results from the town’s online survey are, public transit, a safer community, the ability to cycle and walk within the community, affordable housing, a revitalized downtown core, preservation of heritage buildings and protection of natural areas.

The public is invited the presentation in council chambers at 225 East Beaver Creek Rd.

For more information, visit www.richmondhill.ca/strategicplan

The key findings and directions report addresses four main areas of concern for Richmond Hill residents:

• Richmond Hill’s identity within York Region, GTA and Ontario;
• What is important to Richmond Hill residents;
• Challenges, opportunities and trends facing Richmond Hill;
• Key future directions for Richmond Hill.