2023 capital budget includes new and updated parks, trails, pickleball courts and a rain garden

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill’s 2022-2026 Council is focused on fiscal responsibility with a draft capital budget that will provide new and expanded amenities to serve the community along with well-timed maintenance of core City assets.

Richmond Hill’s $84 million capital investments include projects valued at $10.1 million that were pre-approved by Council on December 7, 2022.  Preliminary work on these projects has already begun, including roof replacements for the Lois Hancey Wave Pool, Bond Lake and Tom Graham Arenas.  

The Budget Committee of the Whole approved the remainder of the draft 2023 capital budget of $74.3M at its meeting January 24, 2023. The capital budget will go to the February 8 Council meeting for final approval.

Richmond Hill’s capital planning process is integrated with the City’s enterprise asset management system to ensure the City prioritizes the right projects at the right time for optimal use of available funding and maximum value to taxpayers. The result is a fiscally responsible budget that is balanced with the delivery of the City’s key plans and strategies.

Capital planning includes both growth-related and state-of-good-repair projects. Growth-related projects are investments in new or existing infrastructure that will benefit current and future residents, such as expanding a park. State-of-good-repair projects are investments in existing capital assets to maintain their current function or life span, such as repairs to a pool.

 The growth-related budget will result in the addition of new amenities for the community, including a tennis court, splash pad, winter skating area, multiuse court, rain garden and four pickleball courts. The City will also add eight pedestrian crosswalks, a new fire truck, 400 metres of multi-use trail and 880 metres of nature trails.

Completion of the state-of-good-repair projects will result in the update of 2,381 metres of roads and 2,594 metres of watermain. The City will also rehabilitate two stormwater ponds and update the roofs and mechanical systems at various facilities.

Quotes

“Our 2023 capital budget is focused on the right projects and is a good balance of maintenance and exciting new amenities. City staff do a great job of ensuring we maintain our current assets to prolong their useful life, which saves us money in the long run. And I’m excited for the Bayview Hill Park revitalization project and the continued building of the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park, one of the city’s gems.”      - Mayor David West

“Richmond Hill remains in a good financial position. Through our $84 million capital budget for 2023 we are investing in key infrastructure, such as roads, facilities, a firetruck and parks to ensure Richmond Hill continues to be a great place to live.”       - Joe DiPaola, Regional and Local Councillor and Budget Chair

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.
• Capital project work plans typically span two to four years as they often include multiple stages such as feasibility studies, environment assessments, functional and detailed design and construction.
• The 2023 operating budget will be discussed at the February 7 and February 14 Budget Committee of the Whole meetings.

Additional Links

• RichmondHill.ca/Budget
• Draft 2023 Capital Budget