Richmond Hill to Eliminate Vacant Unit Rebate Program

Council endorsed the elimination of the Vacant Unit Rebate program. The program, which was introduced by the Province of Ontario in 2001, provided a tax rebate to property owners of commercial and industrial buildings which were vacant for more than 90 days consecutively. The costs of providing the rebate where distributed between the three municipal taxing bodies (Richmond Hill, York Region and the Province re: education). After consultation with other municipalities and the business community/public, it was recommended that the program be eliminated for several reasons including that the program is an exclusive benefit to the commercial and industrial property class and is significantly funded by the residential property class. Several other options were considered including phasing out of the program over several years, a reduction of the rebate amount, as well as funding realignment, increasing evidentiary requirements and retaining the status quo. It is expected that the savings for the Town due to the elimination of the program will be about $107,000 in 2018. The final decision falls to the authority of Regional Council. Their decision applies to the nine local municipalities and is expected in November. If approved, elimination of the program is expected to take effect January 1, 2018. Applications for 2017 vacancies would be considered until the end of February 2018. For more information contact Cedric Stone, Manager of Revenue Services at 905-771-9996, ext. 3627.

Plans for Programming at the David Dunlap Observatory Underway

Plans are in the works for the delivery of educational and public outreach programming at the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO). After a thorough review of the submissions received in response to an invitation for Expression of Interest and as approved by Council, Richmond Hill staff will proceed with negotiations with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and David Dunlap Observatory Defenders for astronomical programming at the property, Western University for summer science camp programming and the Ylab Group for the implementation of an adult Maker Space and Educational program. The Town will manage and maintain the property. This fits in with the DDO Park Master Plan that will soon transform the area into a 110-acre destination park in the GTA. The building and surrounding property have heritage significance and it has always been the Town’s intention to protect it, as well as keep it available for public use. This is a much anticipated and popular destination for star gazers in Richmond Hill and beyond. It is envisioned that the Observatory will become a regional centre for education and public outreach related to astronomical research. For more information, contact Shane Baker, Commissioner of Community Services at 905-771-2422.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 6 at 4:30 p.m. and the next Council Meeting is Monday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers.