City Finances | Carol Davidson Ward 1

Discover how Richmond Hill allocates resources with its annual budget.

Get insights into municipal spending, priorities, and financial planning that shape city services, infrastructure, and community initiatives.

About Richmond Hill's Budget

Richmond Hill's annual budget is made up of the following: the Capital Budget and the Operating Budget, which includes Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Budget. Learn more about how tax dollars are spent on the My City at Work page.

Developing the 2026 Budget

It will include the operating budget to support the City’s day-to-day services and the capital budget to maintain and build new infrastructure.

More details: 2026 draft Budget Book

Please contact us to view the book in alternative formats.

Council Expenses

Richmond Hill is committed to being transparent and accountable. Our Member of Council Expense Policy and Member of Council Expense Policy Procedure documents outline how Council expenses are managed.

The City publishes Members' of Council year-to-date expenditure details on a quarterly basis.

View reports: Council and Event Expenses

Building a Stronger Richmond Hill, Together - 2026 Draft Budget

Richmond Hill’s 2026 Draft Budget, totaling $510 million, invests in essential services, infrastructure, and community growth. It proposes a 3.46% property tax increase and updates to water and stormwater rates. Highlights include 151 capital projects, new amenities, expanded recreation, and smart city upgrades. With sustainability and future readiness at its core, the budget reflects shared priorities and a commitment to making Richmond Hill a great place to live, work, and

3 days ago

Richmond Hill 2026 Budget Insights: Resident Feedback & Priorities

Richmond Hill’s 2026 Budget Survey gathered input from 180 residents, mostly aged 40–64 and living or owning property locally. Top funding priorities were snow clearing, parks, and emergency services. Lower priorities included festivals, climate initiatives, and housing programs. On housing, residents emphasized infrastructure upgrades, faster approvals, and sustainable growth, with some opposing City involvement in housing altogether.

Sep 16

Chairs in a meeting room with "Richmond Hill" sign on wall. Large windows in background. Text overlay reads "Meetings." Calm setting.

Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting - September 16

Richmond Hill is on track to end 2025 with a balanced budget, despite $3.8M in emergency road repairs and higher snow and fire service costs. Extra revenues and savings offset these pressures. A $3.7M water shortfall will be covered by reserves. Survey results show residents prioritize snow clearing, parks, and fire services, while festivals, climate, and housing rank lowest. Fiscal feedback supports service reductions, modest tax increases, and new revenue strategies.

Sep 12

Conference room with brown chairs and microphones. A "Richmond Hill" sign and a large window are visible. Text overlay: "Meetings".

Budget Committee of the Whole - June 24

Richmond Hill’s 2024 financial reports highlight strong reserve growth, reaching $479.85M, supporting infrastructure, services, and emergencies. Key changes include new housing grant reserves, cannabis fund closure, and internal financing for $22.1M in stormwater upgrades. Development charges brought in $34.53M, while fees for 2026 are set to rise 2% to align with inflation. These actions reflect sound planning, financial stability, and readiness for future growth.

Jun 24

Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting - Nov. 25

Agenda items: RH BIA and Library budgets, 2025 draft operating budgets, increase for cultural grants and an economic development mission.

Nov 18, 2024

Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting - Nov. 19

Presentation of the 2025 Draft Capital Budget and Forecast for the Capital program reflective of Council’s Strategic Plan 2024-2027.

Nov 12, 2024

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Discover how Richmond Hill allocates resources with its annual budget. Get insights into municipal spending, priorities, and financial planning that shape city services, infrastructure, and community initiatives.