date posted: 2006-10-01
As the Chair of the Richmond Hill Downtown Task Force, I am pleased to report that big changes are finally taking place in our village core area.
The most exciting news is that the long awaited Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts is well on its way to becoming a reality. The original concept of a community theatre has grown into a true performing arts centre with a 600 seat main auditorium featuring outstanding sightlines and superior acoustics. The presentation theatre can be configured for small intimate recitals or mid scale presentations. The theatre project also includes that restoration of the historic school house, a multi-purpose rehearsal/banquet hall, a rear laneway, and a civic square on Yonge St. Parking for over 300 cars will be provided on site.
But that’s not all that’s happening downtown. I am hopeful that the Tridel condominium project will get underway in the near future at the old Major Mack Hotel site. The Lorne Block building at Arnold St. and Yonge St. will soon be demolished and the new multi-purpose building which will replace it will be a replica of the original building of yesteryear.
Several other downtown buildings have improvements underway thanks in part to the Town’s facade improvement program.
Richmond Hill is well known for its beautiful planters and hanging baskets which adorn the lamp posts in the village core. Another new initiative this year is the replacement of many sections of the interlocking brick sidewalks which were installed years ago.
All of the downtown intersections will have new curbs which are gently sloped permitting persons who have mobility restrictions to move easily across the streets and return to the sidewalks.
The next step is to encourage local businesses and property owners to similarly upgrade and improve their facilities to attract new customers. The Downtown Task Force and Town Council are committed to helping our village core be a vibrant people place.
As I have stated before in this space – we need people living, working and walking on Yonge St. in downtown Richmond Hill.
In closing, I would like to thank the Richmond Hill Post for the opportunity to write this column over the last few years and for the readers who have taken the time to read them.