Yesterday (March 20), the Markham city government announced that the Markham city council had approved the city’s c $5197.8 million budget for 2019, which will maintain the current high quality of services and continue to invest in the priorities approved by the city council.
In 2019, the tax rate increased by 1.97 percent, below the rate of inflation, which means the average residential property tax in Markham city increased by $24 Canadian dollars. The tax rate increase includes 1.47 percent of daily operating costs and 0.5 percent of infrastructure investments to ensure there is enough money in the life cycle reserves to cover asset repairs and replacements over the next 25 years.
“Since I was elected mayor in 2006, we are proud of our prudent fiscal management and our record of maintaining the lowest average tax rate growth in the greater Toronto area,” said Frank Scarpitti (Xue Jia Ping 薛家平)
“I call on city workers to reduce the tax rate to about 2 per cent; It is important to find effective ways to further reduce tax rates without lowering service levels. Our city is growing, our facilities are second to none, and we are equipped with the right programs to meet the growing needs of our communities. Our responsibility is to deliver outstanding service while maintaining taxpayer affordability.
Investment projects include:
Flood prevention plan – continue the 30-year plan for Markham city to protect public and private property and make critical infrastructure more resilient to climate change. The 2019 budget includes c $8 million for the continued construction of Thornhill West. Preliminary work is underway in Markham Village and Unionville area.
Markham central walkway – a new fully integrated walkway system that will extend more than 13 km from Apple Creek Blvd to Main Street Unionville, provides bike and pedestrian access to the Rouge River Valley system.
Morgan pool – construction of new facilities including changing rooms, car park, expanded pool deck and new sprinkler pool, improving access to the facility to meet the needs of the disabled.
“Markham city prides itself on its strong record of financial management. “Every year, senior city officials and city councils scrutinize the budget request process and closely monitor ongoing financial performance,”
Budget chairman and city councilor cheer Yeung said. “Since 2009, we have saved more than c $27 million in operating costs and increased taxes through the effective management and efficiency excellence initiative (E3). “” we are also saving c $2 million through E3 in 2019, which is a key factor leading to our low tax rate increase.” ”
“I am proud of the city staff who have used different methods to keep the growth rate of property tax below the rate of inflation, while addressing the growth requirements and continuing to provide quality services.”
Andrew Keyes, vice chairman of the budget and city councilman.
“We are delivering a responsible budget to meet the needs of our diverse and growing community.”
Markham collects property taxes on behalf of North york and Ontario, with 51% of Markham’s revenue going to North york. The city of Markham retains about 25 percent of its tax revenue, with the remaining 24 percent going to the Ontario government for education.
“Maintaining the lowest average tax rate increase is an incredible achievement over the past 13 years,” said Frank Scarpitti, the mayor of the city of Markham. “We will continue to build strong, resilient and connected communities. We are building new parks, new roads, and creating a greener, healthier city for all to use. Infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy, and we are a 21st-century city that USES emerging technologies to meet challenges and improve customer experiences. We are making wise decisions to provide a bright future for future generations.