RICHMOND HILL — December 10, 2025 — Richmond Hill Council moved the City’s 2026 budget process decisively forward on Wednesday morning, making it the central outcome of the final regular council meeting of the year.
Council formally received Mayoral Decision 22-25, which sets out the proposed Operating Budget, Rate-Supported Budget, and Capital Budget for 2026. In an unusual procedural step, councillors voted to shorten the standard 30-day amendment period, requiring any proposed changes to be submitted by the close of the same meeting. The move accelerates the timeline for final budget approval ahead of the new year.
Alongside the main budget package, Council adopted several related financial items. These included approval of the Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area (BIA) budget for 2026, totaling $168,275, with $100,000 to be raised through local levies. Council also received updated long-term financial forecasts, projecting approximately $1.74 billion in capital needs through 2035, underscoring the scale of future infrastructure investment facing the municipality.
Financial oversight was further addressed through the adoption of Audit Committee recommendations, including KPMG’s audit strategy for 2025. A capital status report resulted in the formal closure of completed projects, returning more than $3 million to funding sources and reallocating an additional $770,000 back into City reserves.
While budget matters dominated the agenda, Council also approved a range of infrastructure, planning, and community initiatives, including emergency road repairs, an Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, and several major development applications. Notably, Council authorized funding for Richmond Hill’s first veterans commemorative crosswalk, scheduled for installation in time for the 2026 Remembrance Day Parade, and approved licensing for community use of the Lake Wilcox Boathouse.
The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement, the national anthem, and holiday messages from members of Council. Mayor David West also offered seasonal greetings and acknowledged leadership changes at the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Council passed multiple by-laws related to planning, parking, and administrative matters before adjourning at 10:27 a.m., closing out the City’s final regular council session of 2025 with the 2026 budget firmly underway.