MARKHAM, ON – March 20, 2019 – On March 19, Markham Council approved the City’s 2019 Budget of $519.78 million, which maintains current high quality services and continues investment in Council-approved priorities.

The 2019 tax rate increase of 1.97 per cent is below the rate of inflation and will mean an increase of $24 in property taxes for the average residential household in Markham.

The tax rate increase includes 1.47 per cent for day-to-day operating costs and a 0.5 per cent infrastructure investment to ensure there are sufficient funds in the lifecycle reserve to repair and replace assets for the next 25 years.

“We are proud of our track record of prudent fiscal management and for maintaining the lowest average tax rate increase in the GTA since 2006 when I was elected Mayor,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I called on city staff to get the tax rate down to approximately 2 per cent; it is important to find efficiencies in order to reduce the tax rate increase even further, without a reduction in service levels. Our city is growing, the caliber of our facilities is second-to-none and we are equipped with the right plan to meet the expanding needs of our community. It is our job to deliver exceptional services while maintaining affordability for the taxpayer.”

Investments include:

  • Flood Control Program – Continuation of the City’s 30-year program to protect public and private properties and make critical infrastructure more resilient to climate change. The 2019 Budget includes $8 million for continued construction in West Thornhill. Preliminary work is underway in Markham Village and Unionville areas.
  • Markham Centre Trails – A new fully integrated pathway system that will stretch more than 13 kilometres from Apple Creek Boulevard to Main Street Unionville, providing bicycle and pedestrian access to the Rouge River valley system.
  • Morgan Pool Complex – Revitalization of the facilities, including new changerooms, a new parking lot, expansion of the pool deck and a new splash pad, all of which meet accessibility requirements and improve access.

“Markham prides itself on its demonstrated track record of strong fiscal management. Each year, budget requirements are scrutinized by both senior staff and Council during the budget process and ongoing financial performance is monitored closely,” says Councillor Amanda Collucci, Budget Chief. “Our Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness initiative (E3) has yielded more that $27 million in operational savings and revenue enhancements since 2009. We also managed to save $2 million through E3 measures in 2019 which was a key factor contributing to our low tax rate increase.”

“I am proud of City staff for finding ways to keep the property tax rate increase below inflation, while addressing Markham’s growth requirements and continuing to deliver excellent services,” says Councillor Andrew Keyes, Budget Vice-Chair. “We are providing a responsible budget that addresses the needs of our diverse and growing community.”

Markham collects property taxes on behalf of York Region and the Province of Ontario, with 51 per cent of all Markham taxes going to York Region. The City of Markham retains approximately 25 per cent of the taxes collected with the remaining 24 per cent going to the Province for education.

“Maintaining the lowest average tax rate increase is an incredible achievement over the last 13 years,” says Mayor Scarpitti. “We continue to build strong, resilient and connected communities. We are building new parks, new roads and creating a greener, healthier Markham with spaces that are accessible to all.  Infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy and we are a 21st century city, leveraging emerging technologies to address challenges and improve the customer experience. We are making sound decisions and securing a bright future for generations to come.”

More here: https://www.markham.ca