IT SEEMS AS if the beginning of time since Richmond Hill’s Town Hall was on Yonge Street, right in the middle of the then village. It was a time before the Region of York, online services and a time with a smaller population. The village was a place where most people knew each other and often knew many of the village staff. As it grew, so did the staff required.
In the early 1970s York Region formed. The village became a town and its boards moved outward in all directions. As the population grew, so did the amount of staff. Several departments had to rent space at various locations around the town. Clearly, having the staff in different places was a logistical problem, so the council of the day purchased 225 East Beaver Creek Rd.
This building now houses all staff, and in fact, this building yields some extra space, which we rent out to earn extra revenue.
Based on current numbers, it will be 15 to 20 years before we would even need to consider looking for extra space. More residents are demanding online services, so for many, we have eliminated the need to visit Town Hall at all.
If we build a new Town Hall on Yonge Street, will that create a culture where one knows administration staff and knows one’s neighbors? Can a change in location create a sense of pride and community? Do we disregard the estimated cost of close to $100 million? Or, is it better to build a civic square at Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive where people can gather and celebrate milestones with council?
Perhaps civic pride starts with you and me and has nothing to do with buildings and locations. Maybe a council that demonstrates responsible financial spending brings about pride in a community. My mind isn’t made up yet. I am looking forward to hearing from constituents on this issue.
