Ward 5 has 30,925 residents, according to the 2021 Census. Yet in the last municipal election, Karen Cilevitz won with just 1,525 votes.
What some residents may not know is that Karen Cilevitz pleaded guilty to fraud under $5,000 in July 2022, just months before that election.
She received a three-month conditional sentence and was required to make restitution to the City of Richmond Hill.
This raises a question I think every resident should consider:
After a councillor has pleaded guilty to fraud involving public funds, how much trust do you have in their handling of your tax dollars?
Regardless of your political views, accountability and transparency should matter in local government. Residents deserve to know about the records of the people representing them.
And with another municipal election approaching, this is an opportunity to have that conversation.
Please vote, encourage your friends and family to vote, and make sure Ward 5's future reflects the voices of its residents!
YOU CAN VOTE ONLINE!
Richmond Hill residents have multiple ways to cast their ballots:
- Online voting: October 20–26, 2026
- In-person voting: October 24–26, 2026
- Election Day: Monday, October 26
You can vote online from home using the information in your Voter Information Package. You don't need to visit a polling station.
Check your voter information and learn how to vote:
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/living-here/voter-information.aspx
Not sure where you stand on election issues?
You can explore the Toronto Star's Vote Compass:
https://votecompass.thestar.com/
Municipal councillors make decisions about our neighbourhoods, roads, development and property taxes. It's worth spending a few minutes researching their records and understanding your options before casting your ballot.
Sources:
YorkRegion – Karen Cilevitz pleads guilty to fraud under $5,000
City of Richmond Hill – Official 2022 Election Results
Richmond Hill – 2026 Voting Information