Richmond Hill making progress in delivering on strategic priorities

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 30, 2021

Richmond Hill celebrated the city's many accomplishments over the past year, including efforts to deliver a second consecutive tax freeze in 2022 for Richmond Hill residents.

At the Nov. 24 council meeting, council received an Interim Report on its strategic priorities for 2020-2022, outlining the city's progress toward each of the four priorities: balancing growth and green, fiscal responsibility, strong sense of belonging and getting around the city.

Established in 2020, the priorities provide the city with a road map to navigate and recover from the global pandemic while minimizing the financial impact on residents.

Examples of the city's many accomplishments include:

Delivering a zero per cent tax increase in 2021 without cutting services or using the city's reserve funds. The city is also on track for a zero per cent tax increase in the 2022 operating budget, which goes to council for approval on Dec. 8.

Completing Richmond Hill's Asset Management Plan, which will maximize the value of the city's more than 300,000 assets over time through evidence-based capital planning.

Becoming one of only 15 cities in Canada to be globally recognized as a Tree City of the World.

Releasing the city's first Community Energy and Emissions Plan, to guide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy and explore related economic opportunities.

Earning a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for Richmond Hill Public Library's Oak Ridges branch, recognizing the sustainable, environmentally responsible design.

Modernizing city services by developing convenient, online options for more than 50 services.

Supporting local businesses through the pandemic with the Recover Richmond Hill initiative, including business recovery grants, #ShopLocal campaigns and contests and more.

Continuing to advocate for the Yonge North Subway Extension and develop the Richmond Hill Centre Secondary Plan to shape the vision for the city's new downtown area at Yonge and Highway 7, which will become a magnet for business, arts and culture.

Conducting public consultation for City Plan 2041, Richmond Hill's Official Plan Update, to shape the future of the city's communities and support economic development opportunities.

Announcing the development of a 20,800-square-metre Amazon delivery station in Richmond Hill, which will bring 400 new jobs to the city.

Work will continue through the final year of the Council Strategic Priorities to ensure Richmond Hill continues to deliver exceptional service for the community now and in the future.

For more information about Richmond Hill's Council Strategic Priorities, balancing growth and green, fiscal responsibility, strong sense of belonging and getting around the city, or to view the Council Strategic Priorities Interim Report, visit RichmondHill.ca/StrategicPriorities.