Richmond Hill Supports Climate Change Actions

Council reaffirmed the importance and need for climate change action and the City’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote resiliency in our city through various initiatives. In collaboration with the community, Richmond Hill is preparing a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) – a comprehensive look at our community’s energy consumption patterns with the goals of reducing emissions and promoting related economic opportunities and benefits. The CEEP will explore mitigation options that save energy costs for residents and businesses. Recommendations from the CEEP will also identify other tools (e.g. policies, incentives, etc.) to encourage energy conservation, sustainable development and green technology in Richmond Hill. Since spring 2019, a number of community engagement activities have taken place to increase awareness about climate change and encourage participation from the community. This two-year project is expected to be complete in 2021 when recommendations will be brought forward. As part of implementation, we will be asking for help from community groups and individuals to reach out to other citizens and share ideas on how they can reduce their GHG emissions and increase their home or property’s resiliency to climate change. For more information, contact Maria Flores, Manager of Sustainability, Planning and Regulatory Services, at maria.flores@richmondhill.ca.

Richmond Hill Approved 2020 Operating Budget

Council approved a 2020 operating budget of $184.5 million, which is a 0.73 per cent increase on the Richmond Hill portion of property taxes. Richmond Hill achieved the low increase while also adding new services such as citywide windrow clearing and Sunday service at the new Oak Ridges library. Council also approved the 2020 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater budgets. The 7.5 per cent increase on water and wastewater takes effect April 1, 2020 and is largely driven by the nine per cent wholesale rate increase York Region charges for these services. The Stormwater rate will also increase by 7.5 per cent, effective April 1, 2020. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/Budget.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26 at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.