Richmond Hill to Invest $38 Million in the Community

2021 Capital Budget focuses on upgrading infrastructure for the future 

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Council is working to revitalize and update the City’s infrastructure to ensure continued smooth delivery of services to residents without placing additional burden on taxpayers.

After a year of opening modern, cutting-edge community amenities such as the state-of-the-art Oak Ridges library, the expanded Ed Sackfield Arena, redeveloped David Hamilton Park and the 130-metre long Lake Wilcox boardwalk, the City’s 2021 capital budget brings renewed focus to updating essential infrastructure such as roads and watermains as well as improvements to existing facilities.   

The $38 million capital budget prioritizes the improvement of City assets and infrastructure to support a modern, sustainable municipality. Significant projects worth more than $1 million in the 2021 draft capital budget include:

• Major Mackenzie Drive – Bathurst to Yonge Street Watermain Replacement  -  $4,738,100
• Elgin West Community Centre - HVAC and Roof Replacement  -  $3,950,000
• Fleet Replacement including ice resurfacer, mowers and tractors  -  $1,472,000
• Elgin Barrow Arena - HVAC Replacement  -  $1,460,000
• Replacements - Advanced Water Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Pilot  -  $1,350,000
• Richmond Hill Centre Subway Project  -  $1,253,400
• IT Foundational Projects  -  $1,200,000
• McConaghy Centre – Mechanical/Electrical Systems and Roof replacement  -  $1,100,000
• McCachen Street – Road Reconstruction  -  $1,017,500
• Bethesda Sideroad – Road Reconstruction Phase 1 - Utility Relocations  -  $1,000,000

In addition, Richmond Hill will invest to update two existing community parks. Design work for the revitalization of Dove Park and Bridgeview Park are included in the 2021 capital budget for a total of $253,700.  

The majority of the $38 million budget is funded by non-tax sources, such as Federal gas tax grants, the stormwater rate and development charges. Richmond Hill Council set a maximum of $15 million that could be funded by property tax-supported reserve funds to ensure wise use of all resources available to the City. Earlier this year, Richmond Hill Council set a maximum 0.5% municipal property tax increase for the 2021 operating budget, the lowest in more than 15 years.  

The Budget Committee of the Whole approved the draft 2021 capital budget at its meeting November 10. The capital budget will go to the November 25 Council meeting for final approval.

Quotes

“During the pandemic, Council’s focus has been on our residents and what they need. Our 2021 capital budget is similarly focused on residents as we update important infrastructure like community centres and snow-clearing equipment. The budget also funds our work to develop Richmond Hill Centre as a modern blend of residential and business spaces, ready for the subway.”  - Mayor Dave Barrow

“Our capital budget for 2021 is a responsible approach to city building, particularly while the pandemic continues to impact the community. The projects we are funding next year are ones that keep the city running, like safe roads, clean water and efficient facilities, as well as planning ahead for the community of the future.”     - Joe DiPaola, Budget Chair and Deputy Mayor

“The 2021 capital budget balances the funding we have, including development charges and grants, with the projects that are needed. We’re making sure all the City’s budgets are streamlined and lean so that we use taxpayer dollars wisely.”      - Greg Beros, Budget Vice Chair and Ward 1 Councillor 

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill’s Capital Budget outlines the financial needs for growth and maintenance of existing infrastructure, such as community centres, fire stations, pools, parks, trails, arenas, roads and sidewalks.
• Capital project work plans typically span two to four years as they often include multiple stages such as feasibility studies, environment assessments, functional and detailed design and construction. 

Additional Links

• RichmondHill.ca/Budget
• Draft 2021 Capital Budget
• News - Richmond Hill Takes Action to Ease Budget Impact of COVID-19

Media Contact

Libbi Hood, Communications Advisor, libbi.hood@richmondhill.ca