Richmond Hill Provides Tax and Other Relief to Residents and Businesses

RICHMOND HILL – At an emergency meeting on March 25, Richmond Hill Council approved relief measures to help the community manage the impacts of COVID-19. These measures focus on economic relief for residents and businesses, including:

• moving the May 1, 2020 property tax instalment due date to June 1, 2020
• offering account holders the option to delay their May and June monthly pre-authorized property tax withdrawals
  • requests to delay payments must be made at least two weeks in advance through Access Richmond Hill by email access@richmondhill.ca or by phone at 905-771-8800 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • residents who wish to withdraw from pre-authorized payment program can also contact Access Richmond Hill
• continuing to waive penalties and interest on late property tax payments through May 31, 2020

Council also directed City staff to report back on additional measures that can be taken to provide further tax relief to residents and businesses.

The City will continue to distribute water bills but there will be no penalty for late payments accrued until after May 31, 2020.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to make payments on their original due dates, however the City recognizes under the current unique circumstances some residents and businesses may require additional time.

Council also approved changes to by-law enforcement practices to meet the needs of residents during this difficult time. Effective immediately, residents can now:  

• park overnight on local streets without needing to purchase a permit, as long as other parking rules are followed – visit RichmondHill.ca/Parking for information
• park on local streets, where permitted, beyond the 3 hour maximum time limit between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• park in identified school zones while schools are closed

Richmond Hill is continuing to work closely with local business associations such as the Richmond Hill Board of Trade to support our business community. Last week, the City suspended enforcement of Noise By-law prohibitions to allow after-hour delivery of supplies to retailers so shelves can be re-stocked. A list of business resources is available online at RichmondHill.ca/BusinessHelp to help local businesses navigate the challenges during and after the pandemic. These include:

• a program for local restaurants to support their transition from dine-in to takeout and delivery only
• online seminars including new topics which are relevant now
• a team helping local businesses to access resources to sustain themselves and ultimately recover

For more information on the actions the City of Richmond Hill is taking to address COVID-19, please visit RichmondHill.ca/COVID19 or follow us on Twitter @myRichmondHill.

Quotes

“This is a challenging time for everyone and we know residents and businesses need help and relief. The City is working hard to make changes that will address some of the biggest concerns facing our community right now. I am proud and thankful for the many Richmond Hill residents and businesses who are joining the fight against this virus by following directions from health officials and by helping the province with supplies, goods and services needed to protect our communities and essential workers across the province. Together, we will get through this.” – Dave Barrow, Mayor

Contact: Kathleen Graver, Manager, Communication Services, kathleen.graver@richmondhill.ca, 905-771-2418