MARKHAM - After extensive reviews by staff and the Budget Sub-Committee of Council, and public consultation, Markham has kept the 2012 tax rate to an increase for residents at 1.5%, well below the cost of inflation (2.3%) and currently the lowest 2012 tax rate increase in the GTA.

This would be the first increase in three years. Markham achieved a zero tax rate increase in 2009, 2010 and 2011, the only GTA municipality to do so. Markham's Operational Excellence program in 2011 captured additional savings that would otherwise have impacted the 2012 tax rate increase, and will ensure adequate funding to manage new infrastructure growth and increased services.

“It was a pleasure to work with Budget Chief Regional Councillor Gordon Landon and Budget Sub-Committee Vice Chair Councillor Logan Kanapathi on the 2012 budget. While my strong desire was to hold the line on taxes again this year, a modest increase of 1.5% ensures we maintain fiscal responsibility in our budget, achieve a tax rate increase that is well below the rate of inflation, and implement increased services through expanded infrastructure to meet the needs of our community. Our Council and staff continue to demonstrate municipal leadership on taxes while we expand services and demonstrate operational excellence. This budget helps us in our financial planning for significant new infrastructure on the horizon such as new community centres in east Markham and southeast Markham, new roads and bridges, additional fire and emergency services and our proposed Pan Am facility,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

Markham’s 2012 budget – totalling $381.0-million – includes $171.55-million Operating Budget, $106.84-million Capital Budget, $81.64-million Waterworks Budget, $7.97-million Building Services Budget, $6.69-million for Planning and Design, and $6.31-million Engineering Budget. Overall, Markham receives about 25 cents of every dollar of residential property taxes collected, with the remainder divided between education (25 cents) and the Region of York (50 cents).

Budget Chief and Regional Councillor Gordon Landon said, “The combination of a three year tax rate freeze and a modest increase of 1.5% for 2012 is unprecedented in the GTA. It also places Markham’s residential, commercial and industrial taxes among the lowest in the GTA. We continue to run an extremely efficient business in combination with exceptional services and value to our taxpayers. As we plan for 2013 and beyond, we will continue this fiscally responsible approach to business and services on behalf of taxpayers.”

Budget Sub-Committee Vice Chair Councillor Logan Kanapathi said, “This is another good news budget for the residents of Markham. Markham’s business, commercial and residential economy continues to grow, creating new jobs and opportunities. Markham’s low taxes continue to serve as a major stimulus for this growth and a more sustainable community. We continue to operate efficiently with one of the lowest staff-to-resident ratios among comparable municipalities in the GTA.”

Mayor Scarpitti remarked that, “Markham’s zero tax rate increase for three years was a responsible measure during tough economic times that did not jeopardize Markham’s financial stability. At the same time as we kept tax rates at zero, we also increased our reserves to the point where we now have enough to manage the replacement and repair of our infrastructure for the next 25 years. The 2012 tax increase represents about a $16 increase in annual taxes for the average homeowner in Markham, or about $1.35 a month.”

Selected projects and priorities funded in the 2012 budget:

Environment

• Roofing Replacements with Solar Panel installations                                   
• Stormwater Management & Environmental Asset Program                           
• Continuation of the Trees for Tomorrow Initiative & Replacement of Trees    
• Waste Management Initiatives                                                                                  
• Permeable Paving Program at Huntington Park - Thornhill                                        

Transportation and Transit

• Hwy 404 Mid Block Crossing – North of Hwy 7 - Construction                                  
• Birchmount Road Crossing at Rouge River – Construction                           
• Hwy 404 Ramp Extension – Hwy 7 - Construction                                     
• Sidewalk & Illumination Improvement Programs                                                      
• Centurian Drive – Allstate Pkwy to Woodbine Ave. - Construction                            
• Streetlight Replacement & Inspection Program                                                        
• Main Street, Markham – Hwy 7 to Bullock Dr. - Construction                        
• Traffic Control Signals & Traffic Operational Improvements                         
• Transportation Demand Management Program                                                       

New Parks Design and Construction & Growth Management                                                                       

• Boxgrove Southeast Heritage House Parkette – Design
• Victoria Square Playground & Waterplay - Construction
• South Unionville Ray St. Parkette - Construction
• Grand Cornell Park – New Union – Construction
• Cornell Rouge East Woodlot Park – Construction
• Growth Management Strategies                                                                                                                  

Service Levels

• Watermain & Sanitary Sewer construction and replacement program                        
• Roads rehabilitation program                                                                                 
• Facility improvement program at Community Centres, Libraries, Fire Stations, Cultural Venues and Civic Centre        
• Library Collections                                                                                     
• Water System & Water Meter replacement & upgrade program                                
• Sportsfield Maintenance & Bleacher Replacements                                     
• Storm Sewer Rehabilitation and Inspection Program                                    
• Tennis Courts Resurfacing                                                                         
• Roof Downspout  Disconnection Program                                                  
• Pool Sanitization – Angus Glen                                                                              

Integrated Leisure Master Plan

• Pan Am Facility                                                                                                     
• Fire & Emergency Services Capital Program                                               
• Traffic Control Signals & Traffic Operational Improvements                                
• Play Structure & Safety Resurfacing                                                           

Diversity

• Pedestrian Accessibility Improvements                                                                   
• Facility Accessibility Program                                                                                
• Language Line Service
• Career Bridge/Ability Edge Program

Major Completed and Ongoing Capital Projects

• Thornhill Community Centre and Library
• Emergency Operations Centre          
• Energy Retrofits
• St. Robert Artificial Turf & Bubble
• Angus Glen Indoor Tennis Centre
• Museum Collections Building
• Artificial Outdoor Ice Rink
• Accessibility Improvements
• Varley Art Gallery Expansion
• East Markham Community Centre & Library
• Cornell Fire Station

TOP PHOTO: (l-r) Budget Sub-Committee Vice Chair Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Budget Chief and Regional Councillor Gordon Landon and Mayor Frank Scarpitti deliver the good news story of a 1.5% tax increase for Markham residents. (photographer, Alex Urosevic)