The Richmond Hill native and resident was 75 years old.
“This is very sad and unexpected news,” current Richmond Hill Mayor David West told CP24.  “It’s very sad. (Dave) had a huge impact on our community for many, many years. He just seemed to know every nook and cranny about this community that he called home for many, many years.”
West, who before being elected mayor earlier this year was a Richmond Hill councilor for nearly a decade, has known Barrow as both a colleague and friend for at least 15 years and said his contributions to the community have been invaluable.
“He’s always been a great champion for Richmond Hill.  It was obvious the positive impact it had on Richmond Hill,” he said, noting Barrow’s efforts to positively guide development and rapid growth in Richmond Hill.
“We’ve really grown as a community in the time Dave has been involved.”

	It’s a very sad day for Richmond Hill.

So many people called Dave a friend because he was such a charming, humble and truly committed person to our community. The inscription on Dave Barrow Square perfectly embodies Dave’s work. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/lnN7xIaKSj — David West (@DavidWestRH) September 22, 2022 Oak Ridges Coun. Greg Barrows posted a tweet about Barrows’ death shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday. “I am shocked to learn of the passing of former Mayor Dave Barrow,” he wrote. “Dave was a leader who connected with people in the community, he loved Richmond Hill. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

	I am shocked to learn of the death of former Mayor Dave Barrow.

Dave was a leader who connected with people in the community, he loved Richmond Hill. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/HuCJSLOB9v — Greg Beros (@gregberos) September 22, 2022 Barrow’s life as a local politician began in 1978 when he was elected as a councilor for Ward 4. In 1985, after the death of his father, Barrow left politics for about 12 years to run his family’s business. From 1997 to 2006, he served as a regional councilor for York before becoming mayor of Richmond Hill in November 2006. Barrow, who served on a number of local, district and provincial councils, took medical leave in February 2021 and after a brief return to city council officially resigned as mayor in September 2021. Just last week, dozens of people, including Barrow and his wife Tomye Anne, gathered to dedicate a plaza on the grounds of the Richmond Hill Central Library in his honor. A bronze plaque in the newly dedicated Dave Barrow Square includes his famous quote and motto: “It’s all about the community.”

	“It’s all about the community” I am honored to participate in the dedication of Dave Barrow Square to thank our Former Mayor Dave Barrow for his 30+ years of service to Richmond Hill.  Albert and I thank you for your dedication and contribution to our city.  It is much appreciated.  pic.twitter.com/kBncroEFBM
— Daisy Wai (@DaisyWai_) September 17, 2022
A trail section in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve was also recently named in Barrow’s honor.
“The David Barrow Trail reflects former Mayor Barrow’s commitment to creating strong and vibrant communities in which to live, work and play,” the Toronto and District Conservation Authority said in a tweet on September 14.

	We are proud to announce that a slant section trail in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve will be named the Dave Barrow Trail!  The David Barrow Trail reflects former Mayor Barrow’s commitment to creating strong and vibrant communities in which to live, work and play.  pic.twitter.com/i8JzGo6TV4
— Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (@TRCA_HQ) September 14, 2022
Members of the public are welcome to sign a book of condolence at the Richmond Hill Central Library at 1 Atkinson Street (near Yonge Street and Major MacKenzie Drive) and at the City of Richmond Hill Municipal Offices at 225 East Beaver Creek Rd.  The books, which will be given to the Barrow family, will be set up from Friday to Monday, October 3rd during regular business hours.
Flags have also been lowered at all Richmond Hill facilities to honor Barrow.

	The City of Richmond Hill is mourning the death of former Mayor Dave Barrow.  All flags are flown at half-mast in his honor.  The community is invited to sign a book of condolences and memories.  Visit for details.  pic.twitter.com/tFs7U7t7ie
— myrichmondhill (@myRichmondHill) September 22, 2022
Burrow’s funeral plans are still in the works at this time.