Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting - September 16
- Marian
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting Tuesday September 16, 2025 at 1:30pm
A Budget Committee of the Whole meeting is when all members of Council come together to review and discuss the proposed budget in a more flexible format than a regular Council meeting. It’s designed to encourage open conversation, questions, and feedback from everyone before any final decisions are made. The goal is to build understanding and shape recommendations for final approval at a future Council meeting.
Meeting Agenda: Agenda
Watch Council Meeting: Meeting Video
Agenda Items:
Balanced Budget – Despite unexpected costs this year, Richmond Hill is on track to finish 2025 on budget.
Extra Revenues & Savings
Higher income from late tax payments, investment earnings, and building permits.
Savings on insurance, energy, and waste collection.
Unexpected Costs
$3.8M emergency road repair at West Beaver Creek (sinkhole & sewer collapse).
Extra costs for snow clearing after a harsh winter.
Higher costs in fire services due to overtime and repairs.
Water & Wastewater – A shortfall of $3.7M caused by lower water use and leaks. This will be covered by reserve funds (no impact on services this year).
Stormwater Fund – A small surplus ($143K) will be set aside for future water quality protection projects.
Bottom Line: Richmond Hill remains financially stable. Careful planning and reserve funds ensure services continue without interruption.
2026 Budget Survey Highlights
Between May 27 and June 17, 2025, Richmond Hill received 180 responses to its budget survey. Here's what residents had to say:
Top Funding Priorities
Residents identified their top three areas for funding:
Snow and windrow clearing
Parks and outdoor recreation
Fire protection and emergency services
Lowest Funding Priorities
The areas selected for lowest funding priority were:
City festivals and events (especially Council-related)
Climate and environmental initiatives
Affordable and rental housing programs
Housing Initiatives
Top priorities included:
Investing in infrastructure to support housing (29%)
Streamlining planning and permitting (19%)
Regulating secondary suites and addressing illegal units
Residents also voiced concern over housing affordability and environmental impacts on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Recreation & Culture
Most support went to:
Maintaining existing parks and facilities (37%)
Building new trails and green spaces (21%)
Some called for upgrades (e.g., tennis courts, cricket field) and more programs for older adults, while others urged fiscal restraint and private partnerships.
Fiscal Sustainability
To balance the budget, respondents preferred:
Reducing or eliminating some services (49%)
Slight property tax increases (24%)
Debt financing for capital projects (18%)
Feedback emphasized efficiency, cost control, and exploring new revenue sources like hotel taxes and naming rights.
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.
