Richmond Hill Committed to Investing in the Future of the Community
$43.9 million Capital Budget will fund key infrastructure projects                                               

RICHMOND HILL – At a Council Meeting on February 11, Richmond Hill Council approved a $43.9 million Capital Budget for 2019 that will focus on managing and renewing Town assets and infrastructure to support a vibrant, sustainable municipality. Council also approved a Capital Forecast which includes placeholders for capital infrastructure projects over the next nine years.

“With the 2019 Capital Budget, we are maintaining and improving our infrastructure,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “All this while keeping in mind how projects today will impact operating budgets in the future.”

Some of the significant projects in the 2019 Capital Budget are: 

• Highway 404 Flyover - North of 16th Avenue Land Acquisition                    $7,835,500
• Water Meter Replacements                                                                                 $4,225,100
• Elgin West Community Centre – HVAC and Pool Mechanical Systems      $1,460,000
• King’s College Park Revitalization                                                                      $1,437,200
• Sidewalks and Trails - Lake to Lake Multi-Use Path (MUP) Phase 3            $1,434,100
• Fleet Replacement                                                                                                $1,385,000
• IT Foundational Projects (repair and replacement)                                         $1,200,000
• Harris Beech Park                                                                                                  $1,099,800
• Facilities - Energy Conservation Projects                                                          $1,096,500

In addition, the Capital Budget will fund smaller projects and requirements that allow Richmond Hill to continue to provide exceptional service to residents. Two additional sidewalk tractors with sander and plow attachments will help ensure staff have the equipment they need to maintain Richmond Hill’s more than 700 km of sidewalks for residents’ use.

The Budget funds a Parking Study for Lake Wilcox Park to make recommendations on options to manage parking at this busy lakefront park in Oak Ridges. Richmond Hill’s Information Technology (IT) division will also engage an external consultant, funded by the Capital Budget, to conduct an IT security assessment.  Through the assessment, the Town will ensure our existing systems are as secure as possible.  

“The annual Capital Budget for the Town is about delivering needed infrastructure and maximizing value to limit the impact on our residents,” said Budget Chair, Deputy Mayor Joe DiPaola. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done on this Capital Budget. We are putting dollars toward the right projects at the right time.”

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. 
• The Capital Budget is funded through the Town’s reserve funds, development charges and grants.
• From 2008 to 2017, Richmond Hill received $33.8 million in grant funding, which contributed to over $70 million in total project value.
• Richmond Hill Council will discuss the Operating Budget at Budget Committee of the Whole meetings on February 12, 19 and 26.
• The Operating Budget is expected to be approved on February 26.

Associated Links

RichmondHill.ca/Budget

For more information, please contact:

Italo Brutto, Commissioner, Environment and Infrastructure Services, 905-771-2527, italo.brutto@richmondhill.ca

David Dexter, Treasurer and Director, Corporate and Financial Services, 905-771-2484, david.dexter@richmondhill.ca