u/ZealousidealRock2861

Mark your calendars - October 6th, 7th, 8th, & 15th
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the candidates running in the upcoming election, hear where they stand on local issues and gather the information you need to make an informed decision.

Stay informed, get involved and make your voice heard!

If you choose not to vote, you’re leaving the decision in the hands of those who do. Make sure your voice is part of the conversation.

This is a good time for all of us to understand what a Ward Councillor actually does …and what they don’t. 🗳️

Too often, I hear stories of residents reaching out to their councillor expecting them to fix every issue or make something happen immediately. But not every concern falls under municipal government, and an individual councillor doesn’t make decisions alone. Councillors represent residents, help shape municipal policies and services and participate in decisions made by council as a whole.

Before election day, take some time to learn which level of government is responsible for the issues that matter to you. Learn what your Ward Councillor can realistically do, what requires a decision of Council, and what belongs with the provincial or federal government.

Knowing who is responsible for what helps us ask better questions, have realistic expectations, and make informed decisions when we vote.

Being part of a community isn’t only about expecting our representatives to know their responsibilities, it’s important that we know ours too.

Come out and join us at the York Region Food Network Fresh Food Market, here in Richmond Hill!

Everyone is welcome, so stop by, say hello, connect with your community, and pick up some affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. 💚

Along with the Fresh Food Market, we’ll also have 🤝 community resource tables, 🍪 light snacks/treats, and ☕ beverages to enjoy while you’re there.

📍 Community Christian Reformed Church
45 Crosby Avenue, Richmond Hill
📅 Wednesdays, September 9 & 23
⏰ 4:00–5:30 p.m.

🛍️ Bring a reusable bag if you have one — and if you don’t, no worries! We’ll have reusable bags available too.

✨ Don’t miss out! Come shop, connect, learn about community resources, and spend a little time with your neighbours.

We hope to see you there! 🥕🍎🥬🍋

#RichmondHillFreshFoodMarket #YorkRegionFoodNetwork #RichmondHill #FreshFoodMarket #CommunityResources #CommunityConnections #FreshProduce #EveryoneWelcome

On September 16, Scott Thompson will officially launch his campaign for re-election as Ward 2 Councillor, and friends, neighbours and supporters are invited to come out and join us.

Over the past four years, Scott has had the privilege of representing Ward 2 and hearing directly from residents about the issues and priorities that matter most to our community. There’s more work ahead, and this is an opportunity to come together and show your support as the campaign gets underway.

Come by, say hello, meet the team and help us kick off the campaign!

📍 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375
233 Centre St E, Richmond Hill
🗓️ September 16
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM

Everyone is welcome!

Register at https://www.votesthompson.com/events

#ScottThompsonWard2 #YourVoiceOnCouncil #RichmondHill #Ward2RichmondHill

York Region Food Network is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our new Midday Munch program a welcoming and successful community gathering for older adults in Richmond Hill.

Starting Monday, October 26, Midday Munch will take place every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, and we are looking for volunteers who can lend a hand throughout the day.

🕘 Volunteer Schedule:
• 9:30 AM – Setup and food preparation
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Lunch service
• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Cleaning, packing up, and shutting down

There are plenty of ways to get involved!

Volunteers may assist with:
🍳 Cooking and food preparation
🧼 Washing dishes
🧹 Cleaning and putting things away
🍽️ Serving meals
👋 Greeting and assisting participants
🏃 Helping ensure timely and smooth meal service
🪑 Setting up and putting away tables and chairs
💪 Lifting and moving tables, chairs, and supplies

Volunteer positions will include, but are not limited to:
• Cooks
• Dishwashers
• Servers
• Greeters / Floaters
• Expeditors
• Cleaners

There will be some crossover between roles depending on your preferences, experience, skills, and what is needed during the program.

Volunteers should be comfortable being on their feet for extended periods and should be prepared to help wherever needed during setup, service, and cleanup.

For food safety and comfort, volunteers must:
• Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes
• Tie back long hair
• Follow proper food handling and hygiene practices
• Be comfortable standing and moving around for extended periods of time

Whether you love being in the kitchen, enjoy meeting new people, or prefer working behind the scenes, there is a place for you on the Midday Munch team.
Help us create a welcoming space where community members can enjoy a delicious meal, connect with others, and build new relationships.

Interested in volunteering? Contact York Region Food Network to learn more and get involved!

4moreinfo@yrfn.ca

www.yrfn.ca

Looking for a way to get involved in your community? Join Scott Thompson’s re-election campaign and be part of the team!

Volunteers can help with door knocking, events, sign delivery, content capture, and connecting with local residents.

Adults and students welcome

🎓 High school students can earn community involvement volunteer hours while gaining hands-on experience and learning more about civic engagement, local government, and how municipal campaigns work.

It’s a great opportunity to meet people, build experience, and get involved in your community.

👉 Sign up today:
https://www.votesthompson.com/support#volunteer

#Volunteer #CivicEngagement #RichmondHill #GetInvolved

Richmond Hill’s Municipal Election is coming up on

Monday, October 26, 2026.

Local elections affect many of the things we experience every day including roads, traffic, parks, recreation, libraries, development, neighbourhood growth, property taxes, fire services and more.

Before you vote, take some time to learn about the candidates and the issues.

📍 WHAT WARD DO YOU LIVE IN?

Richmond Hill has 6 wards.

Your ward determines which Ward Councillor candidates will appear on your ballot.

Find your ward and official election information through the City of Richmond Hill:

🔗 https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/election.aspx

You can also find ward and candidate information through Strong RH — RH Elections 2026:

🔗 https://strongrh.ca/rh-elections-2026/

✅ MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON THE VOTERS’ LIST

Starting September 1, residents can check, add or update their information on Richmond Hill’s Voters’ List.

This is especially important if you have moved, changed your name or need to update your information since the last municipal election.

Start with the City’s election page:

🔗 https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/election.aspx

📬 WATCH FOR YOUR VOTER INFORMATION PACKAGE

Eligible voters on the Voters’ List should receive a Voter Information Package in late September or early October.

Keep it somewhere safe.

It contains important information about voting, including the information you will need to vote online.

💻 WHEN CAN I VOTE ONLINE?

Online voting begins:

📅 Tuesday, October 20 at 10 a.m.

and ends:

📅 Monday, October 26 at 8 p.m.

🗳️ WHEN CAN I VOTE IN PERSON?

Paper ballot voting will be available:

📅 Saturday, October 24
⏰ 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

📅 Sunday, October 25
⏰ 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

📅 Monday, October 26
⏰ 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

📍 WHERE DO I VOTE?

Richmond Hill will have 7 Vote Centres.

You can vote at ANY Vote Centre in Richmond Hill. You are not limited to the Vote Centre in your ward.

• Oak Ridges Community Centre
• Elgin Barrow Arena
• Bayview Hill Community Centre
• Richmond Green Sports Centre
• Elgin West Community Centre
• Richvale Community Centre
• Langstaff Community Centre

For Vote Centre information and official voting instructions:

🔗 https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/election.aspx

🔎 WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR?

Richmond Hill voters will elect:

• Mayor
• Up to two Regional and Local Councillors
• One Ward Councillor
• Eligible School Board Trustees

The City of Richmond Hill has published the official certified list of candidates.

Start here:

🔗 https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/election.aspx

But knowing a candidate’s name is only the beginning.

Before deciding who will receive your vote, ask:

❓ What are their priorities?

❓ What are their positions on growth and development?

❓ What are their plans for taxes and City spending?

❓ What do they think about traffic, roads, parks, recreation, housing and community services?

❓ How will they communicate with residents?

❓ Do they understand what Richmond Hill Council can actually control?

❓ Are their promises realistic?

❓ How would they pay for what they are proposing?

🏛️ IF THEY ARE AN INCUMBENT, LOOK AT THEIR RECORD

If someone asking for your vote has already served on Richmond Hill Council, don't only look at what they promise to do next.

Ask:

What have they done during the last four years?

Did they advocate for residents?

What motions or issues did they bring forward?

How did they vote on important issues?

How did they respond when residents raised concerns?

What results can they point to?

The City of Richmond Hill publishes Council agendas, meeting items, minutes and meeting recordings, giving residents an opportunity to look at what actually happened at Council.

Council meetings, agendas and minutes:

🔗 https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/living-here/Council-Meetings-Agendas-and-Minutes.aspx

📊 COMPARE THE CANDIDATES

Strong RH’s RH Elections 2026 page provides information to help residents find their ward, learn who is running and compare candidate policy positions.

🔗 https://strongrh.ca/rh-elections-2026/

Use it along with the City of Richmond Hill’s official election information:

🔗 https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/election.aspx

🎤 HEAR DIRECTLY FROM THE CANDIDATES

There are also confirmed opportunities to hear candidates speak for themselves.

🏢 RICHMOND HILL BOARD OF TRADE — ALL CANDIDATES DEBATE

The Richmond Hill Board of Trade is holding a three-evening series:

📅 October 6 — Richvale Gymnasium
Wards 3, 5 and 6

📅 October 7 — Bond Lake, Norm Taylor Room
Wards 1, 2 and 4

📅 October 8 — Langstaff Gym C
Mayor, Regional and Local Councillor candidates and School Board Trustee candidates

⏰ Events run from 5–9 p.m.

Learn more through the Richmond Hill Board of Trade:

🔗 https://business.rhbot.ca/events/details/2026-municipal-election-all-candidates-debate-25961

📚 RICHMOND HILL PUBLIC LIBRARY — MUNICIPAL ELECTION: MEET THE CANDIDATES

📅 Thursday, October 15
⏰ 6:30–8 p.m.
📍 Central Branch

RHPL describes this as a non-partisan opportunity to get to know the people and issues that will help shape Richmond Hill’s future.

Check RHPL’s events calendar for details:

🔗 https://rhpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events

🎙️ MARJ ANDRE’S CANDIDATE CONVERSATIONS

Also watch for Marj Andre’s Candidate Conversations on OnRichmondHill.com.

She will be doing the recordings until October 3rd and then releasing them as a set and there will be a separate OnRichmondhill.com newsletter and promo.

These short interviews give participating candidates an opportunity to speak about themselves, their priorities, their knowledge of municipal government and why they are running.

More Candidate Conversations will be added, so check back for updates.

🔗 https://www.onrichmondhill.com/

📖 DON’T GET ALL YOUR INFORMATION FROM ONE SOURCE

A campaign flyer or social media post tells you what a candidate wants you to know.

Good research goes further.

Compare:

✓ Official City candidate information
✓ Candidate websites and platforms
✓ Strong RH candidate and policy information
✓ All Candidates Meetings and debates
✓ Candidate Conversations
✓ Council agendas, minutes and recordings for incumbents

Listen to what candidates say — but also look at their experience, their record and whether their plans make sense.

🌎 NEED VOTING INFORMATION IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE?

The Province of Ontario’s official 2026 Municipal Voters’ Guide is available in English and French.

🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/document/2026-voters-guide-ontario-municipal-council-and-school-board-elections

For Richmond Hill-specific voting dates, rules and procedures, always confirm information through the City of Richmond Hill:

🔗 https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/election.aspx

🗳️ YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE

Don't choose someone simply because you recognize their name.

Don't make your decision based only on lawn signs, campaign flyers or social media.

Ask questions.

Attend an All Candidates Meeting or debate.

Watch candidate interviews.

Read their policies.

Look at their record.

Compare the candidates.

Then decide who YOU believe will best represent residents and help move Richmond Hill forward.

And remember:

Not voting is also making a choice.

When you don't vote, you leave the decision to everyone who does.

Be informed. Be involved. Make your vote count.

#RHVotes #RichmondHillVotes #MunicipalElection2026 #Makeyourvotecount #InformedandInvolved

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York Region is seeking six new resident members to serve on the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2027 to 2030 term. This committee is comprised mostly of York Region residents with disabilities and is required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) to advise Regional Council on how to improve accessibility of York Region and York Regional Police programs, services and facilities.

This important volunteer opportunity is available to York Region residents at least 18 years old or individuals who represent organizations that provide services to York Region residents with disabilities. We welcome all applications, however preference will be given to those with knowledge and expertise of accessibility and disability laws and issues, and who represent the urban, urbanizing and rural diversity of York Region.

The application form is available at york.ca/accessibility. The applications deadline is September 25, 2026. For more information or alternative format requests, please email AODA@york.ca.

Join us for the next Richmond Hill Fresh Food Market on Wednesday, August 12th from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm at Community Christian Reformed Church, 45 Crosby Avenue.

Next market is August 26th 2026

Come by for affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, connect with neighbours, and enjoy some light summer snacks and beverages.

Every week there is something new!

Check out the community resource tables, sharing information about local supports and community programs.

Please bring a reusable bag if you can! (We do have a few extras, if needed)

Everyone is welcome. Come out, say hello, and pick up some fresh produce!

https://yrfn.ca/good-food-markets/

Community CRC of Richmond Hill

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Hello Neighbours, 

Please join me for the annual Ward 2 Richmond Hill Community Garage Sale organized by ❤️Shared Abundance 🎉

In Your Own Driveway
📍 Date: Saturday, August 8th 2026
🌧️ Rain Date: Sunday, August 9th 2026

Clean out those closets and join your neighbours for a fun day of treasure hunting and community spirit – right from your own driveway! The Ward 2 Community Garage Sale is a great way to declutter, make a little cash, and connect with others in your neighbourhood.

Whether you're selling kids’ clothes, household items, books, or collectibles, everyone is welcome to participate. Spread the word and let's fill the ward with deals and discoveries!

Important Note:
Each household is responsible for setting up and managing their own sale.

Register here https://forms.gle/E4PFyJEpkvF8Nosa9

Investigators with the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 14-year-old from the City of Richmond Hill.

Avery was last seen on May 5, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m., in the area of Yonge Street and Crosby Avenue. She has not been seen or heard from since.

Avery does have a cell phone that has been turned off, and has no access to money.

Police and her family are growing increasingly concerned for her well-being.

Description:

Female, 14-years-old
5’5”
Approximately 140 lbs.
Dark brown hair, brown eyes
Small slit above her right eye and is known to wear fake eyelashes
Last seen wearing a white tank top, a purple hoodie, red pants, black shoes and a baby pink or burgundy toque
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.

Prepared by: Constable Kevin Nebrija
26-154166
May 8, 2026

https://www.yrp.ca/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=62e53ce5-2dfd-4619-aa11-1cb01f8a9531

Join me for my 4th Annual Shared Abundance Plant & Seed Swap Event at Richmond Hill's Ward 2 Councillor Scott Thompson's ECO Family Fest! 🌍💚(https://www.scottthompsonrh.ca)

Bring your extra plants, seeds, or cuttings and exchange them with others in the community. It’s a fun, free, and eco-friendly way to grow your garden and connect with neighbours! 🌿🤝

✨ What to expect:
🌱 Seed Swap/Plant Exchange
🎁 Raffle Prize
🌼 Meet Courtney the Carrot!
🪴 Seedlings available for purchase (limited quantities)

📍 Elgin Barrow / Town Park
📅 Sat. May 30th, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📌 Please label and package all plants and seeds properly

👉 Seed Swap/Plant Exchange
Register here: https://forms.gle/Dbt3kARq7Xx9rgvB6
For more information: https://sharedabundance.wixsite.com/shared-abundance/events

Let’s grow together and build a greener, stronger community 🌎💚

#SharedAbundance #SeedSwap #PlantExchange #RichmondHillEvents #CommunityEvent #EcoFriendly #GardeningLife #GrowTogether #SustainableLiving #GardenCommunity #PlantLovers #FreeEvent #FamilyFun 🌿🌸