Access Richmond Hill
The Access Richmond Hill Contact Centre provides assistance for general inquiries, responds to questions or concerns regarding programs and services as well as accepts in person payments.
Contact Us
905-771-8800
Hours of Service:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Report Feedback
Report a problem with a service, e.g. missed garbage collection, overnight parking, potholes, street lights, etc.
Heritage Programs
Heritage Services Programs and Activities
Heritage Services is committed to having programs and events that celebrate the Richmond Hill community. Heritage programs are offered at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, A.J. Clark Interpretive Centre and many of our community centres. We offer something for all ages.
Learn more by selecting from the list of programs and activities below:
| Registered Programs | ||||||
Summer Program RegistrationThe Summer Program schedule is now open for registration. We offer a variety of programs, heritage tours, and lectures where participants can discover Richmond Hill’s unique heritage, learn a new skill or enjoy meeting new friends. Programs are offered at the Heritage Centre and other locations in the community. Knitting -Beginner/Intermediate See you in the Fall! Manners Matter – Children See you in the Fall! Manners Matter – Teen See you in the Fall! |
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Teddy Bear Picnic – July 18 |
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Date: Thursday, July 18 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Location: Richmond Hill Heritage Centre – 19 Church Street North Join us for a fun-filled afternoon jam-packed with activities. Enjoy a tree talk with Professor Pricklethorn, musical entertainment, and Teddy Bear dental checkups. The afternoon will include crafts, activities, and a sample of homemade ice cream! Don’t forget to bring your picnic basket, blanket, and your favourite teddy bear! Ages 2 to 12 years. Adult participation is required. |
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Walk and Learn Historical Tours |
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The Outdoor Walk and Learn Tours are back for Spring 2024! Enjoy fresh air, exercise and a healthy walk through a historic building, neighbourhood or park while discovering your community heritage! All Walk and Learn tours run rain or shine. Please wear appropriate attire for walking and the outdoors.
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| Children’s Birthday Party Packages | ||||||
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| Summer Camp | ||||||
Summer Camp RegistrationSummer Camps at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre are open for registration. Summer Camp at the Heritage Centre offers a unique experience for your child in a smaller setting. Children will enjoy hands on activities, games and interactive experiences in our galleries learning about the community and more. Arts and Crafts Factory Ages: 4-7 - Half day Dino Adventure Camp Ages: 4-7 - Half day Discovery Camp Ages: 6-11 - Full Day Camp Information
Transfers/WithdrawalsTo transfer into another program or cancel your registration, please complete the following form(s) and email it to recreation@richmondhill.ca VolunteersVolunteers play an important part in Richmond Hill Summer Camps. Volunteers work directly with campers under the supervision of City staff counsellors and supervisors. Some of the roles of a volunteer include facilitation of camp activities and games, assisting with arts and crafts, and set up and take down of activities. Are you looking to gain some experience in a camp setting? Sign up to be a Richmond Hill volunteer to have access to the volunteer postings for summer camp. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/Volunteers. |
| Withdrawal Policy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Program WithdrawalCan't participate in a registered program anymore? Transfers and Withdrawals can be completed online at RichmondHill.ca/ActiveRH or through written form.
Or fill out the Withdrawal Request Form and email the completed form to our Recreation Department. If applicable, please allow 2 to 4 weeks for refund processing. Submission of a form does not guarantee that a refund will be issued, and non-attendance at a program does not constitute a notice of withdrawal. Withdrawal requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Withdrawal Request Form. Requests to “Refund to Account” are final. Program Transfer PolicyTransfer requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Transfer Request Form. Transfers will be processed according to the criteria outlined below, provided that there is space available in the requested activity.
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Inclusion Services |
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| The City of Richmond Hill welcomes and encourages individuals of all abilities to participate in our Heritage Services programs. We are dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for all. The Heritage Centre is a fully accessible site. To learn more and see how we can assist with your needs, please visit our Inclusion Services web page. |
Group, School and Private Packages
Schools, community groups, families, older adults and friends are all invited to book one of our many Heritage Discovery Packages and take a walk back in time! Enjoy guided tours, a private tea and tour party, curriculum programs for schools, and activities for Youth Service Groups.
Learn more about each Heritage Program and Discovery Packages
| Discovery Packages for Schools | ||||||||||||||
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Our Discovery Packages for Schools are designed to meet the requirements outlined in the Ontario curriculum. We are pleased to provide the Curriculum Connections and Objectives for each program to assist teachers with their planning. To request a booking, please review the descriptions and fill out the Discovery Package request form.
Can't make it to us? We'll come to you!All of our programs can be brought to the classroom with our knowledgeable instructors. |
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NEW! Discovery Packages for Older Adults |
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“We’ve Got a Story to Tell!” Our knowledgeable instructors will deliver themed presentations in long-term care facilities and retirement residences, adult day programs and seniors’ groups. Our presentations provide a welcoming environment for participants to interact with historical artifacts, photographs and documents. They help promote meaningful conversation by engaging participants in hands-on experiences and encourage memory activation through storytelling. The programs are developed for older adults who live with cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, and social isolation. Delivery:
Let’s share stories and showcase Richmond Hill's unique heritage! Duration: Up to 1 hour Location: Outreach Program - Heritage Services staff come to your site. Fee:
Available: Year-round. Daytime: Mondays, Tuesday (mornings) and Thursdays To request a booking, please review the descriptions and fill out the Discovery Package request form.
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Discovery Tours |
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Discover your community’s heritage! We offer a number of tour packages that will allow your group to have a private tour of the Heritage Centre galleries or the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory. Perhaps get some fresh air, exercise and walk through a historic neighbourhood! To request a booking please review the descriptions and fill out the Discovery Package request form.
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| Discovery Tours and Activity Packages | ||||||||||||||
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A great outing for your Guide and Scout groups. These programs can also be adapted for ESL classes, community groups or just a get together with friends. To request a booking please review the descriptions and fill out the Discovery Package request form.
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Discovery Tour and Tea Package |
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Enjoy a look at the old village and identify homes and/or businesses of significance in the development of the City. Groups can choose from one of our Yonge Street tours. The walking tour is approximately 1.5 followed by a relaxing time in the garden view room or patio enjoying a traditional tea service. Choose from the following Tours:
Duration: 3 hours Fee: $309.55 for up to 12 people, $20.64 per additional person plus HST Available: Year-round. Daytime, Early Evenings and Weekends. To request a booking please review the descriptions and fill out the Discovery Package request form. |
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| Heritage Outreach and Virtual Presentations (HOP) | ||||||||||||||
| “We’ve got a Story to Tell.” Your group will enjoy a sit-down visual presentation to learn about personalities, places and events integral to the history of Richmond Hill. We can deliver this presentation in-person at your location or virtually. Rose Growing in Richmond Hill – A History of a Blooming Important Industry In the early 20th century Richmond Hill was known as the "rose capital" of Canada and "We've Got a Story to Tell" about the history of this blooming important industry. Join us for this this visual presentation exploring this industry and the several large Greenhouse companies that put Richmond Hill on the map. Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory - A History The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) has been a centre for astronomical research in Canada and a well-known attraction since its opening on May 31, 1935. But did you know this site was a family farm throughout the 19th century and "We've Got a Story to Tell" about the people that played an instrumental role in the development of the property. Join us for this visual presentation to learn about the history of the land and how it became the RHDDO. Growing Up Yonge - Part One the 19th Century Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe officially established Yonge Street in the 1790s. Envisioned as a military road from the Town of York (now Toronto) to Holland Landing, Yonge Street opened up the northern part of York County for settlement and positioned Richmond Hill as an essential stopping point along the two-day journey. Join us for part one of this two-part visual presentation illustrating the growth during the 19th century and the people that were influential in the development of Richmond Hill’s “Main Street”. Growing Up Yonge – Part Two the 20th Century In the second part of "Growing up Yonge", we see the evolution of transportation, industry and trade and population growth. Join us for part two of this two-part visual presentation illustrating the role Yonge Street played in the 20th century and how this "Main Street" shaped the village of Richmond Hill. Heritage Designation – Preserving our Community Designation of heritage properties is a way of publically acknowledging a property’s cultural heritage value to a community. Designation helps to ensure the conservation of these important places for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Join us as we explore the designation process referencing some of the City’s designated treasures. Richmond Hill’s Treasures – Behind the scenes of a Museum Collection Richmond Hill possesses over 10,000 artifacts related to the City’s social, political and economic history. They are held in public trust for the education and enjoyment of City residents. Join us as we take you behind the scenes to learn about the process of collecting the artifacts while exploring the broader activities involved in museum collecting. Duration: 1.5 hours Fee: In-Person at your site
Virtual - $107.21 per presentation. Available: Year-round. Daytime, Evenings To request a booking please review the descriptions and fill out the Discovery Package request form. |
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Archaeology Discovery Kits |
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Archaeology to Go!Take advantage of our hands-on Discovery Kits. Teachers and group leaders may rent Discovery Kits to enhance classroom and/or group presentations. Discovery Kits contain a number of prehistoric and historic artifacts that students can handle in order to gain a better understanding of these objects. Background material about Richmond Hill's archaeological history and other general information about how these kits will work best for your group is also included. Duration: 1 week minimum to 2 week maximum rental Pick Up/Drop Off Location: McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge Street Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1T8 Fee: $24.75 + HST per kit per week Available: Year-round. To request a booking please review the descriptions and fill out the Discovery Package request form. |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Heritage Discovery Packages |
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Program Evaluation
We want to know what you think about our programs. Complete a Program Evaluation form to give us your feedback. Your input helps us improve our programs and services.
Subscribe to our Heritage Services/RHDDO Mailing List
Receive the latest information on Afternoon Teas, upcoming programs, registration reminders, special offers and events delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to our Heritage Services/RHDDO mailing list.