Monday, October 5, 2026
The City of Richmond Hill is receiving $1,095,000 in funding from the Government of Ontario to support the South Richvale Valleyland Sewer Protection Project. The funding will be used to protect and improve important water systems in the South Richvale Valleyland, along Patterson Creek, south of Carrville Road and east of Bathurst Street.
Through the project, Richmond Hill will stabilize the creek banks to prevent further erosion and improve the waterway’s ability to manage extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall. This investment will protect the underground sanitary sewers from becoming exposed due to erosion, reducing the risk of cracked or damaged pipes, which could potentially leak into the creek. The work will also reduce sediment in the creek, creating a better habitat for aquatic species, including the endangered Redside Dace fish.
“The city takes pride in a strong asset management program, maintaining its infrastructure in a cost-effective manner by investing at the right time to keep systems running and lasting longer. This funding will support the continued building of a strong and resilient Richmond Hill,” said David West, Mayor.
Funding is through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s (MHIP) Health and Safety Water Stream, which includes more than $875 million to help municipalities and First Nations build, expand and rehabilitate aging water, wastewater, stormwater and flood control infrastructure, preserving the current housing supply and safeguarding against extreme weather events.
“In the City of Richmond Hill, our investment will improve water systems for approximately 6,500 existing homes through our $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. Together, we’re building the infrastructure communities need to grow, thrive and remain resilient for generations to come,” said David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure.
Patterson Creek is part of the larger Don River watershed, one of the major river systems that flows south to Lake Ontario.
Streambank erosion along Patterson Creek has been identified as a risk to underground sanitary sewers that could cause pipe failure resulting in sewage being discharged into the environment. In response, the city is collaborating with York Region, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the Government of Ontario to deliver this key infrastructure project that will protect the community and environment.
Construction on the South Richvale Valleyland Sewer Protection Project is underway and expected to be completed by October 2026, with ground restoration plantings extending into 2027.
Featured image: (City of Richmond Hill)
