Recap: Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting - November 18

Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting Tuesday November 18, 2025 at 1:30pm

Meeting Agenda: Revised Meeting Agenda

Watch Council Meeting: Meeting Video

Recap:

• Richmond Hill proposes a modest 3.46% property tax increase for 2026, balancing rising costs while maintaining services.

• The city leverages federal funding to address affordable housing, aiming for 3,000–5,000 new rental units in the coming years.

• The BIA reports a revitalized village core with successful events like Spooky Village and wellness expos, enhancing local business vitality.

• Richmond Hill Public Library is expanding programming and renovating key spaces to better serve diverse community needs.

• Capital budget jumps to $121 million to fund infrastructure, parks, roads, and community facilities, reflecting growth and renewal priorities.

• City commits to FIFA World Cup public viewing events in 2026 by investing in infrastructure upgrades at Richmond Green Park and Dave Barrow Civic Square.

The 2026 Budget will come to Council December 3rd.

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On the Agenda:

2026 Budget – Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area

2026 Budget Update: Village of Richmond Hill BIA

The Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area (BIA) has proposed its 2026 budget, focusing on supporting local businesses and enhancing the downtown experience.

Key Highlights:

• Total budget: $168,275

• Tax levy: $100,000 (collected from commercial properties in the BIA)

• Reserve fund contribution: $68,275

What’s Changing in 2026:

• Overall spending is down by $14,000 compared to 2025.

• Event and meeting costs are reduced.

• A new $17,500 investment in streetscaping to beautify the area.

• Salaries and professional services remain steady.

• Marketing and office rent costs have been trimmed.

This budget supports the BIA’s continued work to promote local businesses, improve public spaces, and create a vibrant downtown for everyone to enjoy.

2026 Draft Budget

To provide Council with highlights of the 2026 Draft Budget as outlined in the 2026 Budget Book published on the City’s website, reflective of Council’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. More info: 2026 Draft Budget

Budget Strategy

• Prioritizes affordability, service quality, and long-term sustainability

• Limits new staffing to 4 positions (down from 42 projected)

• Uses reserves and phased funding to reduce pressure

• Maximizes revenue through user fees and cost recovery

Total Budget: $510.4 million

Includes operating costs, infrastructure investments, and water/stormwater services.

Property Tax Impact

• Proposed tax increase: 3.46%

  • 1.96% for City operations

  • 1.5% for long-term infrastructure (Capital Asset Sustainability Levy)

• For an average home assessed at $1.146M:

  • Annual increase: $75.52

    • $42.78 for operations

    • $32.74 for infrastructure

Water & Stormwater Rates

• Water/Wastewater: 6.1% increase

• Stormwater: 50% increase

• Average household impact: $112.33/year

These increases help fund future repairs and keep systems in good condition.

Capital Investments

• 2026 Capital Budget: $121.1 million across 151 projects

  • Focus areas:

    • Roads, pipes, and crossings

    • Parks and recreation upgrades

    • Flood protection and climate resilience

    • Facility improvements

    • Coordination with Metrolinx on the Yonge North Subway Extension

Based on an average current value assessment of a single detached residential property: $1,146,000

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Public Comments: 

The public may submit written correspondence regarding agenda items by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca. Written correspondence must be submitted by 12 p.m. (noon) one business day before the meeting. Comments submitted will be provided to all Members of Council, are considered as public information and will be included on the public agenda posted to the City’s website.

Delegations: 

Any person who wishes to speak to Council on agenda items must pre-register with the Office of the Clerk by 12 p.m. (noon) one business day before the meeting. Applications to appear as a delegation can be submitted by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca or by using the on-line application form. Delegations can be in person, or electronically by video conference or telephone. The Office of the Clerk will provide instructions on appearing as a delegation.