Sustainable Transportation

With a growing population in Richmond Hill and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area, traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are expected to increase. Promoting and choosing more sustainable options, such as walking, cycling, public transit and teleworking will work to counter these trends.

Sustainable transportation in Richmond Hill

Our community has shown a strong desire to reduce motor vehicle use and traffic congestion. Richmond Hill supports public transit and provides an ever-evolving active transportation network to help make this happen. The City has over 160 km of bike routes in both residential neighbourhoods and business parks. Biking, walking and other forms of active transportation are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, whether part of your daily commute, your trip to school, or for recreation.

Transport Canada and Ministry of Transportation guidelines help shape Richmond Hill's efforts to encourage sustainable transportation. These guidelines help municipalities plan and develop ways to support active transportation and public transit. York Region also has a regional Transportation Master Plan, which includes long-term plans for region-wide walking and cycling networks.

Richmond Hill has its own Transportation Master Plan and Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan. Both plans aim to manage traffic congestion through the development of active transportation infrastructure, policies, and programs. For the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan in alternative formats, contact the Sustainable Transportation Coordinator at 905-747-6340.

We also participate in Smart Commute, a program that assists businesses and their employees to make more sustainable commuting choices. Our City fleet is also going green by rightsizing, and using biodiesel fuel.

Learn more about active transportation in Richmond Hill.

Electric Vehicles

Richmond Hill supports electric vehicle (EV) use for their environmental and financial benefits. There are three EV charge stations at City facilities for public use - two at the main Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Road) and one at the Operations Centre (1200 Elgin Mills Road East).

Learn more about electric vehicle charge stations in Richmond Hill.