Operating Budget Supports City Services and Planning for the Future 

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Council is supporting the community with a 2023 Operating Budget that maintains all service levels while continuing to focus on fiscal responsibility. The budget includes a 3.72% tax rate increase for Richmond Hill residents and businesses, which is lower than initially forecast. On an average home in Richmond Hill valued at $1,146,000, the tax increase on the Richmond Hill portion of property taxes is equal to $72.74 in 2023.

With funding from the 2023 Operating Budget, Richmond Hill will create a new Strategic Plan with input from the community. The City is also expected to produce a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, an Age-Friendly Community Strategy, an online Water Billing customer portal, and updates to both the Emergency Plan and Festival and Events Strategy. These strategies and plans will help guide Richmond Hill in 2023 and beyond.

The Operating Budget also includes $500,000 for the 16 new firefighters approved in the 2022 budget, the second of five years of phased-in funding, ensuring Fire and Emergency Services have the resources necessary to help keep the community safe.

Richmond Hill also continues to invest in community infrastructure by contributing to reserves and directing some tax supported funding towards capital projects. In January 2023, Council approved the Capital Budget for 2023 of $84 million, including growth-related projects such as implementing the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park Master Plan, Bayview Hill Park revitalization, eight pedestrian crosswalks, a new fire truck, 400 metres of multi-use trail and 880 metres of nature trails.

Council further delivered on its commitment to fiscal responsibility by approving the 2023 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater budget. Water and wastewater rates will increase by 3.3%, effective April 1, 2023. Water rates finance the delivery of clean, safe water to households and businesses, including the cost of water, daily testing, watermain maintenance and the staff to perform these functions.

Quotes

“This is a responsible budget given the challenges and pressures the City is facing. Council is committed to keeping tax increases as low as possible while maintaining quality services for the community.”     - Mayor David West

“Our 2023 operating budget is a sensible budget after two years of 0% tax increases. Council has made the tough decision to increase taxes enough to maintain services and ensure Richmond Hill maintains its solid financial footing.”     - Joe DiPaola, Budget Chair and Regional and Local Councillor

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill’s Senior Tax Grant for 2023 is $419. Residents 65 years old or older who own their home should visit RichmondHill.ca/TaxAssistancePrograms to determine if they qualify. The online application form is available at RichmondHill.ca/SeniorTaxGrant.  
• The Capital Asset Sustainability Levy increases by 1% to fund the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure such as roads, parks and buildings. The increase is equal to $19.55 on a property valued at $1,146,000.
• Only 64% of Richmond Hill’s operating budget is funded by property taxes, with 19% of funding from user fees and fines and the remaining portion from grants and donations, investment income and reserve funds.
• In 2023, Richmond Hill will keep only 26% of residential property taxes, with 51% sent to York Region for regional services and 23% sent to school boards for education funding. Richmond Hill Council controls only the local portion of taxes.  
• Residential taxes are calculated by multiplying the tax rate with the assessed value of the home, which is set by MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation). Due to COVID-19, assessed values in 2023 remain at 2020 levels.
• The average property tax increase over the past five years (2019 to 2023) is 1.3%.

Additional Links

• RichmondHill.ca/Budget
• RichmondHill.ca/StormwaterRate
• RichmondHill.ca/TaxAssistancePrograms
• News - Richmond Hill to Invest $84 Million in the Community