Contact: Mayor Dave Barrow, 905-771-2493, dave.barrow@richmondhill.ca

Mayor Dave Barrow highlights business programs in annual speech to Chamber of Commerce

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow delivered his annual “State of the Town” address to the members of the Chamber of Commerce on September 12 at the Richmond Hill Country Club. In his speech, the Mayor highlighted some of the programs that Richmond Hill offers to support business along with ways that local business people can get involved and make a difference.

“Entrepreneurship and small business are an integral piece of our economy within Richmond Hill,” said Mayor Barrow. “I’m certain that some of the young entrepreneurs who receive support through our Summer Company Program will be our small business owners of tomorrow, leading our Town to success.”

Mayor Barrow also emphasized transit as a key part of future growth and prosperity in Richmond Hill for both residents and businesses. After a year of Highway 7 rapidway service, VIVA statistics indicate that riders are enjoying 30 per cent faster travel times during peak periods. Construction of the Yonge Street rapidway will take up to three years and it is expected to be just as effective as the one on Highway 7.

Included in the transit discussion was a call for the community to continue to advocate for the Yonge Street subway extension. Richmond Hill Council has been a vocal proponent for the province to allocate the necessary funding for the Yonge subway project to begin.

Along with excellent transit options, the Mayor outlined reasons Richmond Hill continues to be a desirable location for both businesses and residents. Richmond Hill’s residential, commercial and industrial tax rates are among the lowest in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. The Town focuses on wise management of resources and obtained almost $29 million in grant funding since 2007, along with more than $30 million in gas tax since 2009. Richmond Hill also invested $225 million in the community over the past five years and remains debt free.

Some examples of recent investment in the community include the Rumble Pond Park stormwater facility, the Lake Wilcox Promenade and the David Dunlap Observatory Master Plan, which is currently being developed with public input.

Mayor Barrow concluded with a call for continued community participation, on committees, at public consultations and at events. “The residents and businesses of Richmond Hill are the reason this is such a great place.”

Mayor Dave Barrow's 'State of the Town' Address - September 12, 2014