Skip to main content

Independent voter guide. Not a City of Richmond Hill service. About this guide

Richmond Hill Votes 2026
Menu

What they say

I believe every issue deserves to be examined on its own merits.

Governance and accountability

Residents deserve more than a vote at election time.

Governance and accountability

Good governance doesn't require everyone to agree.

Governance and accountability

By issue

From the candidate's campaign site, read 5 October 2026. Scott Thompson campaign, about page · read 5 October 2026

Governance and accountability

Scott Thompson campaign, home page · read 5 October 2026
  • “If I am honoured to earn your trust for another term, you can expect me to bring the same thoughtful, respectful, and independent approach that has guided every decision I've made on your behalf.”

    another term

  • “My Philosophy - Every decision begins with the same question “What outcome best serves the residents and the long-term interests of Richmond Hill?””

  • “I believe every issue deserves to be examined on its own merits. Before making a decision, I strive to understand the facts, listen to different perspectives, consider the long-term impacts, and make the decision I believe is in the best interests of our community.”

  • “Residents deserve more than a vote at election time. They deserve a Councillor who is accessible, who explains decisions, follows up on concerns, and remains accountable throughout their term of office.”

  • “Good governance doesn't require everyone to agree. It requires people to listen respectfully, debate honestly, and respect the democratic process once a decision has been made.”

Nothing found yet on: Taxes and spending, Housing and development, Seniors, Youth and families, Local business, City services.

On council

25 recorded votes located

Most motions pass without a recorded vote. These are the recorded votes we found, not a complete history.

  1. Taxes and spending

    Taxes and spending4 votes
    • Reopen Council's September 2024 decision on the committee for the 2025 capital budget

      Carried 7-1

      · Council · SRCFS.24.037 · Minutes

    • Revise the timing of key indoor recreation and park projects

      Carried 8-1

      · Council · SRCFS.24.037 · Minutes

    • Set the 2024 tax increase target at up to 3%, not counting the asset sustainability levy

      Carried 5-3

      · Budget Committee of the Whole (all councillors meeting on the budget; Council confirms later) · SRCFS.23.034 · Minutes

    • Approve the rest of the 2024 budget strategy

      Carried 8-0

      · Budget Committee of the Whole · Minutes

  2. Housing and development

    Housing and development9 votes
    • Defer City development charges on non-luxury rental buildings to match York Region (rentals kept at least 40 years), with 5% of units at affordable rents for 20 years

      Failed 1-8

      · Council · 15.5 SRCFS.26.023 (clauses b) to e)) · Minutes

    • Receive the staff report on deferring development charges for non-luxury rental buildings

      Carried 9-0

      · Council · 15.5 SRCFS.26.023 (Clause a)) · Minutes

    • Send the development charge deferral motion back to staff for more analysis, with a report by September 16

      Failed 3-6

      · Council · 15.5 SRCFS.26.023 · Minutes

    • Tell the Ontario Land Tribunal that Council does not support the Parkway Hotels redevelopment applications at Highway 7 and Leslie Street

      Carried 8-1

      · Committee of the Whole · SRPBS.26.026 · Minutes

    • Ask staff to report on a full secondary plan for Bathurst Street and Highway 7

      Failed 1-8

      · Council · Minutes

    • Approve a revised Official Plan update timeline and a $2.04M project for two secondary plans along Highway 7

      Carried 9-0

      · Council · SRPBS.24.115 · Minutes

    • Send the Official Plan update and secondary plan report back to staff

      Carried 8-1

      · Council · SRPBS.24.078 · Minutes

    • Approve Official Plan and zoning changes for a Metroview Developments project and assign it servicing capacity

      Carried 9-0

      · Special Council (a Council meeting outside the regular schedule) · Minutes

    • Approve revised Official Plan and zoning changes for a Sabella Ridge Estates development on Yonge Street

      Carried 7-1

      · Committee of the Whole · SRPI.23.073 · Minutes

  3. Community safety

    Community safety1 vote
    • Pay York Regional Police for up to five more CCTV cameras, about $20,000 each

      Carried 9-0

      · Committee of the Whole (a meeting of all councillors whose decisions Council confirms later) · Minutes

  4. City services

    City services8 votes
    • End recycling pickup at super mailboxes in January 2026 instead of 2027

      Failed 4-5

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

    • Receive the staff report on changes to Blue Box recycling

      Carried 9-0

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

    • Keep recycling pickup at City buildings from January 2026

      Carried 8-1

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

    • Keep recycling pickup for downtown businesses in the business improvement area

      Carried 9-0

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

    • Charge downtown businesses in the business improvement area a $365 waste fee in 2026

      Carried 6-3

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

    • End recycling pickup at super mailboxes on 1 January 2027

      Carried 5-4

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

    • End recycling pickup for places of worship, non-profits and daycares from January 2026

      Carried 8-1

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

    • End all garbage and recycling pickup for industrial and commercial properties outside the business improvement area from January 2026

      Carried 9-0

      · Council · SRCS.25.01 · Minutes

  5. Governance and accountability

    Governance and accountability1 vote
    • Move the City's corporate communications away from X (Twitter)

      Failed 4-5

      · Committee of the Whole · SRCFS.25.022 · Minutes

  6. Other

    Other2 votes
    • Consult the public on a proposed radio antenna system

      Carried 9-0

      · Committee of the Whole · SRPBS.25.044 · Minutes

    • Urge the federal government to hold a second national summit on combating antisemitism

      Carried 8-0

      · Committee of the Whole · Minutes

Motions moved or seconded

Moving or seconding a motion is not the same as the final vote on it.

  • Moved by End recycling pickup at super mailboxes in January 2026 instead of 2027 · Failed 4-5 · Minutes

What they say they did on council

Scott Thompson campaign, what ive been working on page · read 5 October 2026

  • “After concerns were raised about the difficulty of crossing Bernard Avenue, particularly by seniors travelling between a nearby retirement residence and local shops, I worked with City staff to advocate for a safer crossing. I'm pleased that construction of a new overhead pedestrian crossover is now underway, making this important crossing safer and more visible for everyone.”

  • “Although responsibility is shared between York Region and CN Rail, I have continued working with both organizations to keep this issue moving forward and advocate for meaningful improvements.”

  • “I was pleased to support the improvements at Kozak Park and to keep residents informed throughout the project so they could see how the investment would enhance this important community gathering place for years to come.”

4 more

Scott Thompson campaign, what ive been working on page · read 5 October 2026

  • “After working with York Region Transit, new shelters have now been installed, providing greater comfort and dignity for those who rely on public transit.”

  • “I created Eco Family Fest in conjunction with Climate Action Richmond Hill to bring families together for a fun day of learning about sustainability, local organizations, and community involvement.”

  • “That's why I organized a Community Safety Town Hall, bringing together representatives from York Regional Police, Richmond Hill Fire, York Region, and City staff to answer questions, share information, and help residents better understand the services available to them.”

  • “I have been proud to support the creation of the memorial at Unity Park, which will provide a permanent place for remembrance, reflection, and healing while honouring the lives of all those who were lost.”

Recorded votes for this term

Background, in their words

“Four years ago, you entrusted me with the privilege of serving as your Ward 2 Councillor.” “Since then, I've worked every day to listen, to ask questions, to make informed decisions, and to represent our community with honesty, integrity, and respect.” Scott Thompson campaign, home page · read 5 October 2026

About our research on this candidate

On the City's certified list, checked 24 August 2026. Campaign site read in full on 5 October 2026. Council record: 25 recorded votes from 11 meetings. Not a complete history. Press search: not done yet. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.

Think something here is wrong? Ask for a correction.