MARKHAM, ON – April 6, 2023 – Markham Council approved the City’s 2023 Budget of $669M on April 5, 2023, including a 3 per cent property tax rate increase.
This responsible budget aims to keep providing high-quality City services that residents have come to expect. It also ensures investment in vital facilities, infrastructure, and amenities that align with Markham’s strategic goals.
The 3 per cent property tax rate increase is lower than the inflation rate and will result in an estimated rise of about $39 in property taxes for the average household in Markham.
This tax increase includes 2.4 per cent for everyday operating expenses and an additional 0.6 per cent dedicated to infrastructure investments to maintain sufficient funds in City life cycle reserves for repairing and replacing assets over the next 25 years.
“The 2023 Markham Budget strikes the right balance between investing in important programs and services while keeping property taxes as low as possible to provide relief during uncertain times,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Markham is a great example of how to create a vibrant community where growth pays for growth. While I support the province’s ambitious target to build 1.5M homes over ten years, with 44,000 set for Markham, this increased growth needs a practical framework to ensure complete communities are delivered. If we want to double home construction, then funding from senior levels of government must also speed up for more rapid transit, schools, and hospitals. Budget 2023 makes essential investments in areas like advancing our flood protection program and expanding the Markham Centre Trail.”
The City shares a commitment with other levels of government towards developing new housing; however, it’s crucial that a new long-term permanent municipal funding strategy be established to maintain service levels and finance critical infrastructure projects that support this new growth.
Markham has received awards as a municipality recognized for its fiscal management and ability to build community amenities that enhance residents’ quality of life. In CD Howe Institute’s latest annual report card on municipal budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal transparency, Markham earned an A- rating-one of the highest among large municipalities in Ontario. The city continues striving to streamline processes while exploring innovative ways to cut operating costs and boost efficiencies.
Major capital investments planned for 2023 include funding aimed at:
Improve road infrastructure and enhance traffic and pedestrian safety
$100.4M earmarked for new road construction along with repairs and rehabilitation efforts such as developing a comprehensive road safety plan along with pedestrian crossings and traffic signal installations.
Build strong and resilient communities
$25.7M allocated toward Flood Control Program initiatives which consist of $14.5M directed towards ongoing construction efforts in West Thornhill (Phase 4B) plus $7.4M designated for stormwater infrastructure maintenance aimed at enhancing resilience.
Make our facilities more sustainable and energy efficient
$20.4M targeted for net-zero emissions retrofits at Centennial, Thornhill, and Clatworthy community centers supporting both our Corporate Energy Management Plan as well as our Municipal Energy Plan designed under the Greenprint Sustainability Plan aiming at transitioning towards Net-Zero Energy Emissions (NZEE) by 2050 while reducing carbon footprints across our City.
$17.8M assigned specifically for parks design along with construction plus maintenance tasks including replacing Mount Joy’s artificial turf field intensifying tree canopy coverage across parks while making playgrounds more accessible too!
Enhance community services
$2.9M reserved specifically focused on expanding collections available within Markham Public Library alongside e-resources catering directly toward interests reflected through membership diversity present throughout town!
For further details regarding these investments among others visit markham. ca/Budget
“Markham continues delivering effective fiscal management considering both current & future service needs alongside resources necessary ensuring availability,” said Budget Chief Councillor Andrew Keyes adding “Council members along senior staff understood importance behind minimizing property tax increases supporting community values without sacrificing service quality!”
“Through our Excellence through Efficiency & Effectiveness initiative (E3), we’ve managed yet again successfully mitigate substantial taxation hikes,” noted Budget Vice-Chair Councillor Isa Lee emphasizing “This year’s budget guarantees continuity concerning city operations allowing us consistently deliver quality programs/services/amenities benefiting all residents!”
The cumulative savings attributed toward E3 thus far total $23.6 million accompanied by revenue enhancements reaching $11.7 million leading overall savings totaling approximately around $35.3 million resulting equating roughly avoiding roughly near whopping totality encompassing tax rate increases approaching upwards almost around nearly nearing twenty-eight percent further solidifying actions taken managing finances responsibly always seeking efficiency improvements actively!
Markham collects property taxes not only on behalf York Region but also Province Ontario where residential tax revenues contribute significantly thus seventy-three percent overall collected directly shared amongst both governing entities – fifty-two percent going exclusively York region whilst remaining twenty-four percentage split equally between provincial education sector correlatively!
From left to right: Budget Vice-Chair & Councillor Isa Lee , Mayor Frank Scarpitti , along Budget Chair & Councillor Andrew Keyes presenting city’s proposed plans upon completing gathering event taking place at Civic Center marking special occasion occurring date fourth month sixth day year two thousand twenty-three!
– 30 – Contact info regarding mayoral office:
email me via mayorscarpett i@markha m. ca All other media inquiries or interview requests pertaining city affairs should reach out Kisha Powell serving role Media Relations Communications Specialist kpowell@markh am. ca. About Ma rkha m : Award-winning municipality comprised now exceeding three hundred fifty-thousand individuals largest residing one nine communities situated within York Region hosting over six hundred fifty headquarter establishments alongside fifteen hundred high-tech life science companies thriving within boundaries established early nineteen seventies exists distinctive leader attracting foreign direct investment currently involving two hundred thirty-four international enterprises located vicinity today ! Established back circa seventeen nineties time period contemporary Ma rkha m represents Canada ’s most diverse locality boasting rich heritage exceptional planning/community service offerings highly regarded locally driven economy !
Stay Connected : Check out newsroom find latest updates sharing information through social media platforms utilize hashtags #Ma rkha m News #Ma rkha m Events participating discussions related local events/programs offerings..
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From left to right: Budget Vice-Chair & Councillor Isa Lee , Mayor Frank Scarpitti , along Budget Chair & Councillor Andrew Keyes presenting city’s proposed plans upon completing gathering event taking place at Civic Center marking special occasion occurring date fourth month sixth day year two thousand twenty-three!
– 30 – Contact info regarding mayoral office:
email me via mayorscarpett i@markha m. ca All other media inquiries or interview requests pertaining city affairs should reach out Kisha Powell serving role Media Relations Communications Specialist kpowell@markh am. ca. About Ma rkha m : Award-winning municipality comprised now exceeding three hundred fifty-thousand individuals largest residing one nine communities situated within York Region hosting over six hundred fifty headquarter establishments alongside fifteen hundred high-tech life science companies thriving within boundaries established early nineteen seventies exists distinctive leader attracting foreign direct investment currently involving two hundred thirty-four international enterprises located vicinity today ! Established back circa seventeen nineties time period contemporary Ma rkha m represents Canada ’s most diverse locality boasting rich heritage exceptional planning/community service offerings highly regarded locally driven economy !
Stay Connected : Check out newsroom find latest updates sharing information through social media platforms utilize hashtags #Ma rkha m News #Ma rkha m Events participating discussions related local events/programs offerings..
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