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Re-elect Karen Cilevitz - Monday, October 26, 2026

Experienced . Engaged . Effective
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Experienced . Engaged . Effective
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TERMS 2014 - 2018 & 2018-2022 & 2022-2026
Quote:
"It has been an honour to represent our Ward 5 residents for the past 12 years. I strongly believe this inherent experience, intrinsic knowledge and comprehensive understanding of complex municipal governance, policies and procedures, is vital to continue to serve the public’s best interests through the next 4 critical years."
COMMITTED DEPENDABLE LEADERSHIP
WARD 5 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
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 Engagement Committee (W5CEC) is a unique forum serving residents through open discussion and community participation; meetings held in-person and/or virtually; a regular opportunity for residents to interact and speak directly with their Ward 5 Councillor; invited keynote speakers; enjoying regular discussion and Q&A with residents regarding current meaningful topics of local interest and concern
SERVING ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEES/MEMBER OF OUTSIDE ENTITIES 2022-2026:
CONFERENCES ATTENDED 2020-2026
PURPOSEFUL ACTION - FORWARDED MEMBER MOTIONS - 2022-2026
January 25, 2023 - Council Meeting
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
To support the election of Regional Councillor & Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan to the Federation of Canadian Municipaities (FCM) Board of Directors for the 2023-2026 Term
Carried Unanimously - Council, January 25, 2023
October 25, 2023 - Council Meeting
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Changes to the Council Oath of Office Acknowledging indigenous Treaty Rights
Carried Unanimously Council, October 25, 2023
February 21, 2024 - Committee of the Whole
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Urging the Federal Government to Convene a Second National Summit to Combat Antisemitism
Carried Unanimously - Council, February 28, 2024
April 3, 2024 - Committee of the Whole
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Requesting the Provincial Government Extend the Province-Wide Deadline for Identifying Listed Non-Designated Heritage Properties
Carried Unanimously - Council, April 10, 2024
May 15, 2024 - Committee of the Whole
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
To raise the Pride Flag at City Hall for the Month of June, 2024, in recognition of Pride Month in Canada
Carried Unanimously - Council, May 22, 2024
February 26, 2025 - Council Meeting
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Requesting the Provincial Government Redistribute the Provincial Land Transfer Tax & GST to Municipalities to Support Sustainable Infrastructure Funding
Carried Unanimously - Council, February 26, 2025
April 16, 2025 - Committee of the Whole
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Urging the Provincial Government to Improve Legislation Protecting Non-Native & Exotic Wild Animals from Being Kept, Displayed, and/or Sold anywhere within Ontario other than with Accredited Zoos/Listed Legal Entities
Carried Unanimously - Council, April 23, 2025
April 1, 2026 - Committee of the Whole
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Requesting the Federal Government Establish a Multi-Level Task Force to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence
Carried Unanimously - Council, April 8, 2026
May 6, 2026 - Committee of the Whole
Moved by COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
To raise the Pride Flag at City Hall for the Month of June, 2026, in recognition of Pride Month in Canada
Carried Unanimously - Council, May 13,
2026
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION & AWARENESS - REQUESTS FOR PROCLAMATIONS & FLAGRAISINGS - 2022-2026
February 8, 2023 - Council Meeting
COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Request to Proclaim February 8th National 211 Day in Richmond Hill
Approved Unanimously - Council, February 8, 2023
February 22, 2023 - Council Meeting
COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Request to Proclaim March 8th International Women's Day in Richmond Hill
Approved Unanimously - Council, February 22, 2023
April 23, 2023 - Council Meeting
COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Request to Proclaim June Seniors Month in Richmond Hill
Approved Unanimously - Council,
April 26, 2023
May 27, 2026 - Council Meeting
COUNCILLOR CILEVITZ
Request to Proclaim June Pride Month in Richmond Hill
Approved Unanimously - Council, May 27, 2026
Quote:
"As a female on Council, I know the necessity of diverse representation. All genders, cultures, creeds and ideologies are best served by public entities which denounce intolerance and disdain for others. As an identified Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) City and a Compassionate Community, Richmond Hill’s remarkable diversity must continue to be both embraced and respected."
COMMITTED DEPENDABLE LEADERSHIP
SEATED ON CITY OF RICHMOND HILL COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL - 2022-2026
A DEPENDABLE VOICE ON RICHMOND HILL COUNCIL & COMMITTEES:
AN EXPERIENCED VOICE FOR ALL WARD 5 RESIDENTS, BUSINESS OWNERS & ENTREPRENEURS:
A SEASONED AND ENGAGED VOICE FOR HERITAGE RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION:
AN EFFECTIVE VOICE DEMONSTRATING COMPETENT REPRESENTATION OF ALL WARD 5 RESIDENTS & BUSINESS OWNERS - ACHIEVEMENTS PAST & CONCURRENT :
An efficient and effective voice for all Ward 5 residents:
PROUD WARD 5 RESIDENT SINCE 2009, RESPONSIBLY AND ACCOUNTABLY SERVING RESIDENTS, LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS
Quote:
"My top three issues for 2026-2030 are:
COMMITTED DEPENDABLE LEADERSHIP

2026
Check back daily for updated list!
I’ve known Karen for almost ten years and during that time she has been totally engaged in helping residents of Ward 5. She is quick to intervene in City matters when needed.
On a personal level she has treated me with nothing but respect, concern and friendship. I have worked with Karen on many projects: her signature Musicfest event, Ward 5 Civic Engagement Committee to name a couple. She helped us form the Mayvern Area Residents Association.
The one characteristic I love about Karen is her ability to say what she means: she does not beat around the bush; she is outspoken and direct, yet at the same time honest and truthful.
Thank you, Karen, for your past contributions to Council and to Ward 5. I look forward to supporting you and working with you in the next term of office.
Pat Pollock
Ward 5 Resident
As Ward 5 Councillor, Karen Cilevitz has shown she truly cares for her constituents and the City of Richmond Hill.
She is an honest and involved politician.
She is truly engaged and supports many city initiatives. Karen is approachable, available and happy to assist her constituents.
I confidently endorse Karen for re-election as Ward 5 Councillor.
Craig Lee
Ward 5 Resident
I have known Karen Cilevitz, Councillor for Ward 5 in Richmond Hill, for approximately four years through community and local activities in Richmond Hill. During that time, I have found her to be professional, approachable, and respectful in her interactions with residents. She has always been willing to listen and engage with members of the community.
In my personal interactions with Karen, I have appreciated her responsiveness and her willingness to take the time to acknowledge questions and concerns raised by residents. She has consistently conducted herself in a courteous and professional manner and has demonstrated a genuine interest in community matters.
Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to observe her participation in local events and community initiatives. I have found her to be accessible, respectful of differing viewpoints, and committed to maintaining open communication with members of the community.
I appreciate the opportunity to have known her and wish her continued success as she seeks to further her years of public service, she definitely has my vote!
Mahsa Ahmari
Ward 5 Resident
My wife and I have lived in Ward 5 since 2005, and we have been so lucky to have Karen Cilevitz as our Councillor!
Whether we needed support around aggressive and disruptive door-to-door marketing, landscaping issues or Covid-19 safety protocols, Karen has always lent an ear, and had our back!
In the last eleven years, she has become one of the family - the kids know her by name, and recognize her face from a distance...she is ever present, always smiling and approachable. Richmond Hill needs more Karens!
Mike Jacques
Ward 5 Resident
I’ve been a resident of Richmond Hill since 2004 and have had the opportunity to stay engaged in our community over the years, including my involvement in school council since the 2018–2019 school year. Through this time, I’ve had the privilege of knowing Karen Cilevitz, even prior to her role as Ward 5 Councillor, and have consistently seen her genuine commitment to supporting the local community.
Navigating municipal processes can sometimes be challenging, but Karen has always been approachable and willing to work through the details alongside residents. In my experience, she has been a reliable point of contact when sharing concerns or recognizing positive efforts within our local services, and she has always taken the time to listen and respond thoughtfully.
Karen’s support for school and community initiatives has also stood out. She has been present, engaged, and supportive of local events and celebrations, helping to strengthen the connection between the community and the city.
What I appreciate most is that Karen is not only a strong listener, but someone who takes action. She works to move ideas forward and, when challenges arise, remains committed to working with council to find solutions or ensure important issues are brought into meaningful discussion.
Based on these experiences, I personally support Karen and intend to stand behind her in the upcoming 2026 municipal election.
Chris Mottoo
Ward 5 Resident
Karen has and continues to be a phenomenal Ward 5 Councillor. We are blessed to have her, she gets it done quickly and efficiently. Karen is kind and patient. I would endorse her re-election 100%.
Tino Perciballi
Ward 5 Resident
In May 2025 an event happened at my condo complex that resulted in a significant number of first responders needed at the scene. Within minutes Councillor Cilevitz called and her first words were “How can I help?” She did not know what had happened but knew it was serious and offered as much help as would be needed in this situation.
This is a clear testament to Councillor Cilevitz’s commitment to her constituents and her City and this absolute dedication has been a constant in her years at City Council.
She deserves my vote and yours.
Michael Grit
Ward 5 Resident
Having lived in Ward 5, Richmond Hill for the past 35 years, I fully support Karen for all she has done in the Ward.
From contacting her for illegal dumping in the parks or on the street to City of Richmond Hill queries, Karen has always responded immediately and resolved any and all issues.
I 100% endorse Karen for re-election in Ward 5.
Peter O’Desse
Ward 5 Resident
Karen has been an amazing Councillor for Ward 5. Whenever I have an issue, I know that she will take care of it. It saves a lot of unnecessary stress when you try to deal with the City and their employees aren't being extremely cooperative.
Karen is the only elected official that I will allow to put a sign on my lawn to vote for her.
Aaron Berger
Ward 5 Resident
FOR ALL YOUR 2026 ELECTION VOTER INFORMATION:
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/living-here/election-information.aspx
VOTER QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBITY
Qualified / Eligible Voters
To be added to the Voters List and to vote, a person must be:
1. A Canadian Citizen - Canadian Citizen identification does not include Permanent Residents
2. At least 18 years old as of Voting Day (October 26, 2026)
3. A resident of Richmond Hill, or the owner or tenant of land in Richmond Hill, or the spouse of such owner or tenant of land - Individuals who own multiple properties (or the spouse of owners of multiple properties) can only vote once, and residents must vote in the Ward in which they live.
4. Not disqualified from voting under subsection 17(3) of the Act (see below)
Disqualified Voters (subsection 17(3) of the Act)
The following persons are disqualified from voting:
1. A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution.
2. A corporation.
3. A person acting as executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity, except as a voting proxy in accordance with section 44 of the Act.
4. A person who was convicted of the corrupt practice described in subsection 90(3) of the Act, if voting day in the current election is less than five years after voting day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted.
Proxy Voting
If an eligible voter is not able to vote at an Advance Vote or on Voting Day October 24, 2022 for any reason, they can appoint a Proxy Voter to vote on their behalf. Both the voter who can’t vote and the Proxy Voter must be eligible voters. Both must also be on the Voters’ List.
Click here to check you are on the Voter's List:
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/am-i-on-the-voters-list.aspx
Click here for all your information on how to vote in the October 2026 Municipal Election:
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/living-here/voter-information.aspx
MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2026 VOTING INFORMATION -
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Online Voting For All Residents 2026
Online voting via electronic devices will take place from Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. to Voting Day, Monday, October 26, 2026 at 8 p.m.
In-Person Voting For Ward 5 Residents 2026
In-person voting by paper ballot and vote tabulators will take place at RICHVALE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 160 AVENUE ROAD, RICHMOND HILL on:
Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
OR
Monday, October 26, 2026,10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ASSISTANCE TO GET TO RICHVALE CC
TO VOTE IN-PERSON DAY- OF, CONTACT KAREN AT:
Karen.Cilevitz@rogers.com
647-296-7582
12 YEARS OF VITAL EXPERIENCE TO INVEST YOUR CONTINUED TRUST
12 YEARS OF ENGAGED DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE
12 YEARS OF EFFECTIVE PROVEN LEADERSHIP WITH DEPENDABLE
RESULTS
The undertakings and actions of all 444 Ontario Municipal Councils and their elected officials are governed by provincial legislation known as the Municipal Act. Municipal Councils have very specific roles to play in the daily management, maintenance and sustainability of their respective independent municipalities. Provincial legislation governs our overarching responsibilities, while local Bylaws guide our municipality-centric roles and duties.
Municipal Councillors are often approached to assist residents or asked to “right” specific issues to which we are not able given our legitimate position as local Municipal Councillors - such as issues related to public safety--York Regional Police have this jurisdiction; and/or issues related to matters specifically governed by provincial or federal legislation--those fall to our MPPs and MPs.
I, we as a Council, work very closely with our partners at York Regional Police (YRP) - in Richmond Hill specifically with our brave and dedicated police service members who are located at 2 District, our local YRP headquarters situated in Ward 5 at Major Mackenzie & Arnold. YRP officers will often attend Residents Meetings to have direct discussions with residents relative to public safety. My Ward 5 Civic Engagement Committee has played a key role in this effort and I thank all members of YRP who have ever taken the time to attend these meetings or be the keynote speakers/presenters at these meetings which are held either in-person at the Central Public Library or on a virtual platform.
I, we, will always do our very best to advocate on behalf of our residents to our provincial and federal partners for specific matters and/or those of a general nature, such as citizenship and immigration on the federal level and healthcare on the provincial level. But we, your Municipal Council, do not have the ability to repeal or amend in-place provincial and/or federal legislation; that responsibility lies solely with Queen’s Park and/or Ottawa.
Municipal Councils don’t function under the “control” of political parties, we work solely for our residents who elected us. There is no “political-colour” so-to-speak in municipal governance. The responsibilities therein lie solely with those you elect every 4 years to ensure appropriate and effective local governance is available to and maintained by your Municipal Council.
Regional Councils, if they exist, are the upper-tier component of municipal governments comprised of Mayors and specifically elected Local & Regional Councillors, responsible for large scale infrastructure and service delivery which can cross municipal boundaries, achieving broad based efficiencies and uniformity across the defined region as a whole.
What do we, as your municipal government, take care of?
All local, hands-on ground level matters affecting your everyday lives:
• Garbage, waste & recycling collection through specifically contracted entities such as Miller Waste in Richmond Hill
• Snow removal and maintenance of all local roadways, sidewalks and public spaces - York Region is responsible for clearing and maintaining all major north-south and east-west regional transit corridors such as Yonge St., Bathurst St., Bayview Avenue, Carrville/16th, Major Mackenzie, Elgin Mills etc.
• Local Bylaw Enforcement, Monitoring and Education such as parking and private property matters which are governed by in-place Council-approved regulations.
• Local Road and Traffic Safety - We must comply with the provincial Highway Traffic Act regarding speed limits, but we are committed to ensuring our local roadways are safe both for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, such as with the installation of speed bumps; bollards; and roadway line paintings to differentiate vehicle-travel lanes from bike lanes.
• Local urban forestry and greenspace maintenance—Planting city trees on public rights-of-way to ensure the growth and sustainability of our vital tree canopy; working with the TRCA to ensure the sustainability and viability of our rivers, creeks and waterways; design and construction of all local parks; maintenance and management of all our local parks and trailways; rehabilitation and reconstruction of local parks which have reached the end of their hardware life-span; local community gardens and gardening; attending to any needs of the local environment which require the municipality’s attention, such as replacing dead or diseased city trees and ensuring any locally-affected environmental negative impacts, such as the recent Emerald Ash Borer insect infestation, is/was appropriately managed to best protect our beloved local plantings, forests and greenspaces.
• The operation and maintenance of all Community Centres & pools and Sportsfields
• Local land-use planning regulated by our in-place and Council-approved Official Plan and related policies, ensuring to the very best of our abilities and standards that intensification development, neighbourhood infill development, and all construction adheres to the policies we have in place which have followed extensive public and stakeholder consultations to ensure Richmond Hill’s voice and vision is best served and maintained. Our local Official Plan (OP) is guided by the provincially approved Regional Official Plan (ROP) which in turn is governed by provincial legislation which governs everything we do in this regard and sets the standards developers must follow. While we as an Ontario municipality must adhere to all overarching provincial legislation which guides all our local policies such as land-use planning (the Planning Act and Provincial Planning Policy) and all municipal matters (the Municipal Act), the 444 municipalities in Ontario are capable and responsible for implementing our own local policies, procedures, processes and regulations. All these official documents combined govern and direct everything we do in this regard, and, set the standards and parameters developers must follow.
• Local taxation undertakings for both Capital & Operating Budgets, affecting both the municipality and its Library Board, to uphold all matters the municipality as a whole must ensure so that its level of excellence and expectations are met and maintained.
• Richmond Hill’s Fire & Emergency Services
• Committees of Council which operate throughout the Term of Council (4 years) and make recommendations to Council to guide and set policy and decisions. The Committee of Adjustment (COA) is a quasi-judicial body which functions under the banner of the Planning Act and members of this Committee act under Council's Designated Authority to independently make their decisions regarding minor land-use planning variance matters.
As we are also part of York Region, there are specific and correlating matters of local governance over which the Region has jurisdiction and Richmond Hill works in tandem and partnership with the Region, and vice-versa, to ensure major regional infrastructure maintenance is upheld and the construction and reconstruction of which is always held in good operating standards of both repair and replacement. The Region is also responsible for the management of the Police Services; delivery of our safe drinking water; and is home to our local Health Department and the delivery and management of necessary Social Services.
The city collects all taxes for the Region, Richmond Hill and local public school boards. Approximately 50% of all taxes collected go to York Region (which encompasses 9 municipalities), 25% to the municipality, and 25% to the local public school boards. We have no say over school board regulations and decisions, including the building of new schools, which are independently managed by their respective Boards and governed by provincial legislation.
It has been my absolute honour and privilege to represent Ward 5 residents in particular, and Richmond Hill as a whole, as one of your nine Council Members over the past 12 years (3 Terms), undertaking the daily and overarching duties to ensure our city is managed appropriately in the best interests of all our communities, neighbourhoods, and residents.
Over the next 4 years Richmond Hill and all Ontario municipalities are going to experience extreme financial and fiscal pressures as a result of provincial legislation relative to land-use planning regarding new construction by way of major changes to Development Charges (DCs) contained within the Development Charges Act. Your next Term of Council must therefore be ready, able and experienced enough to best navigate some very difficult issues that will be front and centre to their governance and, have the appropriate ability to make decisions which may be of a challenging nature but always made in the best interests of the greater good.
I want to thank our Ward 5 residents who have supported me over the past 12 years. Their faith and trust placed in me since 2014 is inspiring and deeply heartfelt. I therefore humbly ask that on Monday, October 26, 2026, the majority of our residents once again extend to me the honour of electing me to a 4th Term of Council (2026-2030), to continue serving all Ward 5 residents to the very best of my abilities, knowledge, integrity and experience, ensuring the effective and accountable municipal leadership I have so proudly demonstrated for12 years continues into 2030.
Your trust in my abilities is deeply valued, respected and appreciated.
Karen
July 1, 2026
MAILING ADDRESS: 902 - 18 Harding Boulevard, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0T3
Cheques and/or Money Orders accepted with thanks - PLEASE NOTE: Cash cannot be accepted EasyDonate - INTERAC Transfer to karen.cilevitz@rogers.com *MAXIMUM PER PERSON - $1200* Your receipt will be mailed to you Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your support!
902 - 18 Harding Boulevard, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0T3
Phone: 647.296.7582
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