Richmond Hill’s 0.73% Tax Increase Lowest in GTA

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Council approved a 0.73 per cent tax increase – the lowest in the GTA – at the February 12 meeting. The City’s total 2020 operating budget is $184.5 million, which is an increase of $845,700.

Richmond Hill achieved the low increase while also adding new services such as citywide windrow clearing and Sunday service at the new Oak Ridges library. The City found efficiencies through process improvements, reorganization, technology updates and increased revenue through user fees.

Council also approved an increase in the Capital Asset Sustainability levy, which funds the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure such as roads, parks and buildings. An average Richmond Hill home valued at $1.15 million will pay $92.97 for the Capital Asset Sustainability levy in 2020, an increase of $21.53.

Council also approved the 2020 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater budgets. The 7.5 per cent increase on water and wastewater takes effect April 1, 2020 and is largely driven by the nine per cent wholesale rate increase York Region charges for these services. The Stormwater rate will also increase by 7.5 per cent, effective April 1, 2020.

Quotes

“Council and staff together delivered a responsible budget with a low tax increase, while maintaining the services residents want and need. This budget also brings us closer to achieving fully sustainable funding sources, which is a top priority for the City.”

            ~ Mayor Dave Barrow

“Not only is our 0.73 per cent tax increase the lowest Richmond Hill has experienced in years, and the lowest in the GTA, it’s even lower than our goal. We made a commitment to the residents of Richmond Hill to be careful with tax dollars, and this budget meets that commitment.”   

            ~ Joe DiPaola, Deputy Mayor and Budget Chair

“After a decade of more than double the rate of inflation increases, this new Council has approved a tax increase of 0.73 per cent which will help to minimize the burden on residents’ hard earned money.”

            ~ Greg Beros, Ward 1 Councillor and Budget Vice-Chair

Quick Facts

• Council increased the Senior’s Tax Assistance Grant to $404 per eligible applicant. Seniors can learn more at RichmondHill.ca/TaxAssistancePrograms.
• The draft 2020 Operating Budget documents are available at RichmondHill.ca/Budget.
• Richmond Hill's Operating Budget covers the costs of everyday operations and activities, including utilities, rent, insurance, staff wages and benefits, program supplies, transportation and repairs. Funds for the Operating Budget come from taxes, fees and other sources, such as program registrations.
• Richmond Hill collects taxes on behalf of York Region and the Province of Ontario for education. Approximately 28 per cent of taxes remain in Richmond Hill; 49 per cent goes to York Region and 23 per cent to education.

Associated Links

• RichmondHill.ca/Budget

Contact

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