Building a Stronger Richmond Hill, Together - 2026 Draft Budget
- Marian
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
The 2026 Draft Budget will be presented at the Budget Committee of the Whole meeting on November 18, 2025. 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.
Every year, Richmond Hill’s budget tells a story, not just about numbers, but about people, priorities, and the kind of community we want to build together.
The 2026 Budget is about investing wisely today so that Richmond Hill continues to be a great place to live, work, and play for generations to come.
Your Tax Dollars at Work
This year’s budget totals $510 million, with $258 million dedicated to day-to-day services, like snow clearing, road repairs, parks, and recreation, and $121 million set aside for capital projects that shape our city’s future.
To keep services strong and our infrastructure in good condition, the City is proposing a 3.46% increase to its portion of the property tax bill. That includes a 1.96% increase for operating costs and a 1.5% Capital Asset Sustainability Levy, which goes directly toward repairing and renewing the facilities, roads, and parks we all rely on.
Water and Wastewater and Stormwater Management Rates
Along with property taxes, the 2026 Budget includes updated water and stormwater charges that fund the essential systems keeping clean water flowing and neighbourhoods protected from flooding. The City’s Water and Wastewater Budget totals $119.5 million, covering the treatment, delivery, and safe disposal of water across Richmond Hill. The Stormwater Management Budget adds another $12.1 million to maintain ponds, sewers, and drainage infrastructure that protect homes and roads during heavy rain. In 2026, the average household using 170 cubic metres of water will see a combined increase of about 6.1 per cent for water and wastewater and 50 per cent for stormwater—equal to roughly $112 more per year. These rate adjustments ensure that the City can continue investing in critical water and stormwater projects, keep systems in good repair, and meet environmental standards that protect our community and the Oak Ridges Moraine for generations to come.
Investing in What Matters
From improving local parks to expanding community programs, this budget focuses on the things residents value most. Some 2026 highlights include:
151 capital projects across Richmond Hill, worth $121 million in total.
New amenities like splash pads and outdoor ice rinks at Bayview Hill Park.
Expanded recreation options, including new indoor pickleball courts and more library programs for youth and families.
Infrastructure renewal, from roads and trails to facility upgrades, ensuring everything stays safe and in good repair.
Smart city investments, such as a new online property tax portal and stronger cybersecurity to protect residents’ information.
A City Ready for the Future
Richmond Hill continues to grow, we expect more than 25,000 new residents by 2031, and with that growth comes new opportunities. The 2026 Budget helps the city stay ready by planning ahead, modernizing services, and making decisions that reflect community values.
It also continues the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability, with projects like the Lake Wilcox Management Plan update, an updated
Salt Management Plan, and the Valleyland Rehabilitation Master Plan, ensuring our natural spaces are protected for future generations.
Working Together
Mayor David West describes this year’s budget as “a reflection of our resilience today and our optimism for the future.” It’s a budget built around three simple priorities:
Deliver the right services.
Maintain and strengthen our infrastructure.
Continuously improve how we serve our community.
Whether it’s planting trees, fixing roads, or offering 9,800 recreation programs for more than 64,000 residents, every dollar in this budget tells the story of a city working together.
Because Richmond Hill isn’t just where we live — it’s our shared home.
Learn more about the 2026 Budget at RichmondHill.ca/Budget.
