RICHMOND HILL – The Urban Economy Forum (UEF), through the World Urban Pavilion, announced that Richmond Hill will become the first Frontrunner City in Canada helping to advocate for sustainable development worldwide. 

This partnership positions Richmond Hill as an advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and will showcase the City's commitment to developing more resilient and sustainable communities through innovative and forward-thinking policies and projects. 

As Richmond Hill sets its sights on becoming a world-class leading city in sustainable urban development, this collaboration will explore opportunities for advancing key goals for the community – including climate resilience, access to greenspace, improved mobility, and a healthy environment – with the possibility to showcase these achievements on global stages.

This partnership is part of the World Urban Pavilion’s Canada Frontrunner Program, a national initiative aimed at strengthening cohesion across Canada and promoting a unified sustainability agenda. The program aspires to position Canada as a global leader in sustainable urbanization, akin to Silicon Valley’s role in technological innovation. This program not only acknowledges cities, but also the private sector, universities, governments, and civil society that are making strides in sustainability. It also supports them in their journey to set new benchmarks for urban development worldwide, and to become global examples of excellence.

Richmond Hill’s role as a Frontrunner City results from a rigorous assessment from the World Urban Pavilion, which is dedicated to identifying and supporting Canadian champions in sustainability. As a diverse, growing municipality straddling a major metropolis to the south and a critical landform – the Oak Ridges Moraine – to the north, Richmond Hill has demonstrated a capacity for balancing urban development with environmental protection, and is committed to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

As part of this collaboration, the World Urban Pavilion and the City of Richmond Hill are actively seeking inspiring best practices from local businesses, civil society organizations, academia, and other local stakeholders. Stakeholders are invited to collaborate in the co-creation of local initiatives that have global potential as world models of sustainable urbanization. Through these partnerships, Richmond Hill aims to leverage collective expertise, knowledge and resources to achieve new heights in sustainability.

For more information about the Canada Frontrunner Program and how to get involved, please visit worldurbanpavilion.org or contact alex.venuto@worldurbanpavilion.org.

QUOTES

“This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for Richmond Hill to lead by example and inspire other cities around the world. We are proud to work with the Urban Economy Forum and the World Urban Pavilion to advance our sustainability goals and create lasting positive impacts for our community.” - David West, Mayor, City of Richmond Hill

“Richmond Hill’s aspirations to become a Frontrunner City is a testament to its commitment to these goals. But more than that, it is a recognition of the city’s potential to influence and inspire others. Through this partnership, Richmond Hill will have the opportunity to work closely with UN-Habitat and the World Urban Pavilion, to share its successes, learn from others, and contribute to a global dialogue on sustainable urbanization.” – Raf Tuts, Director, Global Solutions, UN-Habitat

“Richmond Hill’s selection as a Frontrunner City highlights its dedication to sustainable urban development. We look forward to showcasing its exemplary practices and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to drive global initiatives that enhance urban sustainability.” - Reza Pourvaziry, Chair, Urban Economy Forum

BACKGROUND

About the Urban Economy Forum (UEF)
The Urban Economy Forum (UEF) is dedicated to advancing sustainable urban economies and municipal finance. Through partnerships with international organizations and local governments, UEF supports innovative approaches to urban challenges and works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About the World Urban Pavilion
The World Urban Pavilion, launched by UEF in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Government of Canada, serves as a global knowledge exchange hub for sustainable urbanization. It connects cities, experts, and financial institutions to localize the SDGs and drive transformative urban solutions.

About the City of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

The City of Richmond Hill is home to a diverse population of 202,000+ people and 4,500+ businesses, many of whom are designing and developing the next generation of cutting-edge products. Richmond Hill is a leader in environmental management and sustainability. Its forward-thinking Environment Strategy and Community Energy and Emissions Plan help guide the City and community’s environmental efforts and tackle climate change issues from various angles. The City has award-winning stormwater management, urban forest management and corporate energy reduction programs, as well as one of the highest waste diversion rates in Canada. Richmond Hill is committed to working with innovative and engaged citizens, as well as key government and private sector partners, to build a sustainable, resilient, low-carbon city.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Alex Venuto
Deputy Director, World Urban Pavilion
Urban Economy Forum
alex.venuto@worldurbanpavilion.org 
204-799-3774

Candice Debi
Director, Communications Services
City of Richmond Hill
candice.debi@richmondhill.ca 
416-708-5672