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Markham Budget 2018 Press Release

Markham Budget 2018 Press Release

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Keeping Tax Rates Low and Investing in our Future

A Balanced Approach for Markham Residents

MARKHAM, ON – December 13, 2017 – Last night, Markham Council approved the City’s 2018 budget of $456.17 million. Of that, $218.48 million is operating costs and library budget. Council also passed a 2.90 per cent tax rate increase.

 

2018 Budget Summary

 

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Highlights include:

  • Lowest tax rate increase across GTA municipalities over the last ten years
     
  • Cost savings of $1.30 million through continuation of the Excellence Through Efficiency and Effectiveness Program (E3)
     
  • Implementation of measures to offset the increased annual costs related to Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017. 
     

Investments include:

  • Aaniin Community Centre and Library, a world class LEED Gold facility
     
  • Increased service levels with expedited delivery of new parks, and additional multi-use pathways
     
  • Continued infrastructure investment to maintain and replace the City’s assets over the next 25 years
     
  • Continuation of the Flood Control Program in West Thornhill, and the acceleration of work in other areas of Markham to make the City more resilient to climate change
     

“We have managed to strike the right balance,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We are keeping tax rates low, while maintaining the exceptional service levels our residents have come to expect in the City of Markham. From community centres to parks to roads, the calibre of our facilities and amenities is second to none. I am particularly excited about the opening of the Aaniin Community Centre and Library, an impressive state-of-the-art facility. We are also protecting our assets and investing in the future for the benefit of future generations.”

The approved 2018 tax rate increase of 2.90 per cent includes: 1.94 per cent for day-to-day operating costs, and 0.50 per cent infrastructure investment to ensure there are sufficient funds set aside in the life cycle reserve for the next 25 years. The remaining 0.46 per cent was approved to address the new provincial legislation Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017. 
 

“We listened to our community. This budget is realistic, fiscally responsible and delivers good value for taxpayers,” said Budget Chief Councillor Logan Kanapathi. “I am proud of the work that Council and City staff have done to deliver a solid budget that addresses the needs of our growing and diverse community.”

“This budget positions Markham as a leader in delivering outstanding municipal services and amenities, while ensuring a high quality of life for our residents,” said Budget Vice-Chair Councillor Amanda Collucci. “For example, we are providing our new communities with immediate access to new parks, and extending our pathways for walking, running and cycling.”

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.

PHOTO:

image:Left to Right: Budget Chief Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Budget Vice-Chair Councillor Amanda Collucci at Markham's 2018 Budget news conference.

Left to Right: Budget Chief Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Budget Vice-Chair Councillor Amanda Collucci at Markham's 2018 Budget news conference.

Please see media backgrounder and the Power Point presentation for further 2018 budget details.
 

 

 


 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.

About Markham: Markham, a municipality with 350,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto area, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,100 high tech and life science companies. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community, enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage, environmental and communications awards.