Introduction Richmond Hill, located in south-central York Region, is part of the Greater Toronto Area. Its development is closely tied to the historic Yonge Street, which was initially planned as a military road by John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Upper Canada. The city officially incorporated as a village in January 1873. History In the early 20th century, Richmond Hill became known for its large greenhouse operations and rose-growing industry, earning it the title of the “rose capital” of Canada. The village council adopted the motto of the Duke of Richmond, after whom the city may have been named. The city’s unofficial motto is “A little north, a little nicer” – reflecting its friendly and down-to-earth character. Mayor-Council system Richmond Hill's governance structure involves a Mayor David West , a deputy mayor Godwin Chan and a team of Councillors, operating within a Mayor-Council system. The Mayor, elected at large, heads the muni...