Same issues, same order, for each candidate. Where a candidate has not published on an issue, the cell says so. Current office holder first, then alphabetical by surname.
An empty cell means we looked and found nothing; it does not mean the candidate is against it.
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Ward 5 Councillor: Karen Cilevitz, Yuliya Benedziktavich and Marty Paulin
“committed to keeping taxes as low as possible while ensuring the city's ability to best serve and supply all residents and commercial businesses with sustainable and transparent fiscal responsibility”
“Property tax increases also should not be compared to other municipalities due to the very nature of each municipality’s specific needs and requirements.”
“Before the budget is finalized, I would explain which proposed projects involve Ward 5, what they are expected to cost and how residents can share their questions and priorities.”
“My top three issues for 2026-2030 are: Employ best possible practices to accountably manage land-use planning and development across Ward 5 and the city.”
“Monitoring Intensification Development along our Regional Transit Corridors - Compliant heights and densities; appropriate building separation specifications between hirise towers; lot coverage; compliance with our…”
“finding and executing best practices city-wide to ensure a percentage of new housing built in Richmond Hill is "affordable", whether that be in rental living or purchasing one's own home”
Approve revised Official Plan and zoning changes for a Sabella Ridge Estates development on Yonge Street · For
Approve Official Plan and zoning changes for a Metroview Developments project and assign it servicing capacity · For
Send the Official Plan update and secondary plan report back to staff · For
Ask staff to report on a full secondary plan for Bathurst Street and Highway 7 · Against
Approve a revised Official Plan update timeline and a $2.04M project for two secondary plans along Highway 7 · For
Tell the Ontario Land Tribunal that Council does not support the Parkway Hotels redevelopment applications at Highway 7 and Leslie Street · For
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 · Against
Receive the staff report on deferring development charges for non-luxury rental buildings · For
Send the development charge deferral motion back to staff for more analysis, with a report by September 16 · For
No statement on housing and development on Yuliya Benedziktavich's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Paulin
“He will push for smart development and growth that balances the need for respect of existing neighbourhoods while prioritizing affordable family starter home options rather than the willy-nilly placement of high-density…”
“If there is a park or path you avoid after dark, I would ask City staff to look at that location with residents and consider whether lighting, visibility or maintenance could be improved.”
“For neighbours living near the daytime support centre, I would seek a meeting with residents, the provider and the relevant City and police representatives.”
No statement on community safety on Marty Paulin's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Traffic and roads
Traffic and roads
Cilevitz
“advocating for signalized pedestrian crosswalks across Ward 5; working collaboratively with residents and Bylaw keeping our local streets, parks and greenspaces safe for all residents to enjoy; assisting resident groups…”
“He will demand strict enforcement (by City By-Law staff and York Regional Police) of the City of Richmond Hill Micromobility guidelines and the Highway Traffic Act and explore ways for York Regional Police to enhance…”
No statement on parks and environment on Yuliya Benedziktavich's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Paulin
No statement on parks and environment on Marty Paulin's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Seniors
Seniors
Cilevitz
“If elected, I will stand with seniors and families by protecting and strengthening municipal long-term care and older adult care, keeping it rooted in the community, connected to local services and accountable to the…”
No statement on seniors on Yuliya Benedziktavich's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Paulin
No statement on seniors on Marty Paulin's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Youth and families
Youth and families
Cilevitz
No statement on youth and families on Karen Cilevitz's campaign site.
Benedziktavich
“For teenagers, I would ask what activities they would like close to home and bring their ideas to City staff, including through the Youth Action Committee.”
No statement on youth and families on Marty Paulin's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Local business
Local business
Cilevitz
No statement on local business on Karen Cilevitz's campaign site.
Benedziktavich
“If a question about a permit, a sign or a business space has gone unanswered, I would help you reach the right staff and follow up on the next steps.”
“When changes to streets or new developments are considered, I would ask how they could affect nearby businesses — including customer access, deliveries, sidewalks and parking.”
“Marty believes the City should show more support to local businesses, including purchasing products and services locally for municipal operations and actively promoting local entrepreneurs.”
“He advocates for restoring great community events like Heritage Village Day, which allowed both large and small businesses in the Central Business District to highlight their activities and connect with the community.”
No position on governance and accountability found. Karen Cilevitz's site describes past council work on it:
“Established in 2015 by Councillor Cilevitz - honouring her 2014 Campaign Commitment and continued through 2026 with the ongoing commitment to continue this well-received committee through to 2030, the Ward 5 Civic…”
No statement on other topics on Karen Cilevitz's campaign site.
Benedziktavich
“As Ward 5 Councillor, I would explore a gathering place of our own — a small, walkable street or open-air space where neighbours could meet, enjoy a café, browse a local market or spend an evening together.”
Karen Cilevitz
Yuliya Benedziktavich
Marty Paulin
Taxes and spending
Housing and development
Community safety
Traffic and roads
Parks and environment
Seniors
Youth and families
Local business
Transit
City services
Governance and accountability
Background and overall goals