Richmond Hill poised to invest $84M in various capital projects in 2023

Budget earmarks funds for new and updated parks, trails, pickleball courts, a new fire truck and water main replacement among other projects

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 27, 2023
Sheila Wang

The community of Richmond Hill is expected to see a host of new projects in the new year as the city council gave a nod to a draft $84 million capital budget Jan. 24.

The decision makers voted for the 2023 capital budget at an hour-and-half budget committee of the whole meeting Wednesday afternoon.

The budget includes new and updated parks, trails, pickleball courts and a new fire truck.

The capital budget is scheduled to go to the Feb. 8 council meeting for final approval.

“Richmond Hill remains in a good financial position,” said regional Coun. Joe DiPaola, the budget chair.

The 2023 draft capital investments include $10.1-million projects pre-approved by council last December, such as roof replacements for the Lois Hancey Wave Pool, and Bond Lake and Tom Graham arenas.

The rest of the budget, valued at $74.3 million, is expected to go to yet-to-begin investments that are either for growth-related projects or state-of-good-repair (SOGR) projects.

The growth-related projects are investments in new or existing infrastructure that will benefit current and future residents.

The $4.7-million Bayview Hill Park revitalization project and the $4.3-million project of the David Dunlap Observatory park construction are among the major projects in this category.

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

The SOGR projects mean investments in existing capital assets to maintain their current function or lifespan.

The big-ticket items in this category include the $4.2-million Bethesda Sideroad reconstruction project and the $3.2-million water main replacement project on Industrial Road.

“We're very well positioned for the 2023 capital budget. When we look at the $84 million, it's funding that has already been secured,” said treasurer Gigi Li, who presented the draft budget to council members.

However, there's potential impact of Bill 23, the province's new housing legislation, which requires further discussion in the upcoming meetings on the city's operating budget, she said.

Li noted the city has looked into alternative funding to offset the reductions on development charges and parkland dedication revenues as a result of the legislation.

There's likely potential tax impact on the residents, she noted.

The 2023 operating budget will be discussed at the Feb. 7 and Feb. 14 budget meetings.

“Our 2023 capital budget is focused on the right projects and is a good balance of maintenance and exciting new amenities,” Mayor David West said.

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.