High-Level Summary:

The Richmond Hill City Council meeting on September 11th saw significant contributions from Councillors Shu, Chan, Tree, and Davidson. Key issues discussed included community events, public safety, crime statistics, the Terry Fox Run, and reconciliation efforts involving recognition of Indigenous names for local landforms.

Important Topics Discussed:

1. Outdoor Event and Community Gathering: Councillor Shu announced an outdoor event at Elgin Mills Community Centre to promote community engagement and cultural performances. "I'm so excited to invite you all to my favorite first outdoor event this Sunday afternoon from 12 to 4," she said.

2. Fire Prevention Symposium: Councillor Chan highlighted the Ontario Fire Prevention Officers Association's 66th Training Education Symposium in Richmond Hill, which hosted over 100 delegates from across Ontario. "I had the opportunity to welcome over 100 delegates from across Ontario," he noted, emphasizing the city's role in advancing fire safety education.

3. 911 Commemoration: Multiple councillors, including Chan and Mayor West, marked the September 11th anniversary. Mayor West reflected, "It is very important for us to remember the almost 3,000 people that were killed in that tragic and horrible event," recommending a moment of silence.

4. Terry Fox Run: Several councillors, including Davidson, promoted the Terry Fox Run for cancer research. Mayor West recalled, "We were honored to have that group do the launch here in Richmond Hill," emphasizing the legacy of the event.

5. Indigenous Landform Names and Reconciliation Efforts: Mayor West proposed a motion to recognize Indigenous names for local landforms as part of Truth and Reconciliation efforts. "I put this motion together simply to ask staff to go out and work with our treaty holders...to come up with some interpretive signage that can be put in parks," said Mayor West. The motion was unanimously passed.

Opportunities for Public Input:

Residents are encouraged to participate in and provide feedback on the proposed interpretive signage for recognizing Indigenous place names. Other avenues include taking part in community events, such as the Terry Fox Run, and engaging in public safety forums when organized.

Motions and Outcomes:

1. Approval of Meeting Agenda and Minutes:

   • Outcome: Passed.
   • Next Steps: Adopted agenda and council meeting minutes from June 19th and June 25th.

2. Adoption of Remainder of Items and Bylaws:

   • Outcome: Passed (including bylaws 183-11).
   • Next Steps: Implementation of adopted items and bylaws.

3. Member Motion - Applauding York Region Police and Addressing Public Safety Concerns (Regional Local Councillor Chan):

   • Outcome: Motions discussed but not detailed in the transcript.
   • Next Steps: Pending further action.

4. Motion to Recognize Indigenous Names for Landforms:

   • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
   • Next Steps: Staff will collaborate with treaty holders to develop interpretive signage in local parks.