York Regional Council Highlights - May 18, 2023

May 24, 2023

Live streaming of the public session of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings is available on the day of the meeting from 9 a.m. until the close of the meeting. Past sessions are also available at york.ca/councilandcommittee

Regional Council endorses 2024 budget timeline

York Regional Council endorsed the timeline for development of the second year of the 2023-2026 multi-year budget, aligning with this term of York Regional Council and the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan.

Since 2015, York Region has developed a multi-year budget comprised of an annual budget and a three-year outlook aligned with the current term of Council. This process allows for better coordination of budgeting and supports long-term financial sustainability through the implementation of the Region’s fiscal strategy.

The first year of the multi-year budget was approved in February 2023 and included an outlook for the following three years. The 2023 budget was approved at 2.9% with an additional 1% Rapid Transit/Infrastructure Levy. The remaining three-year outlook includes increases of 2.75%, 2.60% and 2.60%, respectively, and a Rapid Transit/Infrastructure Levy equivalent to a 1% annual tax levy increase.

The 2024 budget will be developed in an environment of legislative changes, such as the implementation of Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, which could require additional tax levy and water and wastewater user rate increases.

The 2024 budget will be tabled with Regional Council in November 2023 with consideration of approval in December 2023.

Yonge North Subway Extension Update

Metrolinx provided an update on York Regional Council’s number one transit priority, the Yonge North Subway Extension.

The eight-kilometre extension will add five new stations and expects 94,000 daily riders, reducing greenhouse gases and saving travellers up to 22 minutes when going to and from York Region to downtown Toronto.

The Province of Ontario recently announced the Request for Qualifications for the Advance Tunnel Contract, a significant step towards extending the subway to the City of Markham, City of Richmond Hill and City of Vaughan.

Construction activities to advance the project have begun, setting the foundation for major construction to begin at Finch Station in the City of Toronto.

York Region makes progress in Year 4 of Strategic Plan

Regional Council received the Year 4 (2022) Progress Report on the 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan, which illustrates the Region has made progress on its four-year plan during unprecedented times. In 2022, 21 of 31 (68%) performance measures were trending in the desired direction.

Highlights from the Year 4 Progress report include:

Top scores in the Ontario Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s report to support safe communities
110,391 trees and shrubs planted to enhance and preserve green space
Continued implementation of the Regional Fiscal Strategy to help build reserves and reduce debt levels – efforts that resulted in restoring a AAA credit rating
Finalized a Municipal Comprehensive Review and updated the Transportation, Water and Wastewater master plans for Council approval with the Regional Official Plan

Results in the Strategic Plan’s four priority areas are tracked, measured and reported annual to ensure progress is made on Council’s priorities.

A copy of the progress report and other documents related to York Region’s strategic planning are available at york.ca/stratplan

Strong development continues in York Region’s growth centres

York Region continues to focus on growth of the Regional Centres and Corridors with strong development activity and major investments in 2022.

The 2022 Regional Centres and Corridors Update report provides a year in review of development activity, areas of progress and new investments. Highlights from 2022 include:

Approximately 2,700 apartment unit building permits issued across the four Regional Centres and Corridors
Over 40 apartment building applications are under review for purpose-built rental housing, a 40% increase in units over 2021
Over 1,100 building permits for apartment units issued in Regional Centres
New building permits totalled more than 347,000 square feet of office and retail space
Record high volume of development interest along the Yonge North Subway Extension with over 71,000 residential units proposed and over 451,000 square metres of retail and office space

Regional Centres and Corridors promote diverse land uses, including an appropriate mix and range of housing options to meet the needs of residents and workers of all income levels, ages, abilities and stages of life. With over 50 Major Transit Station Areas, Regional Centres and Corridors create a destination for businesses and residents, supporting economic growth.

Explore York Region’s Centres and Corridors.

2022 Annual Investment Report shows strong Regional position

Regional Council received the 2022 Annual Investment Report, providing an update on the General Fund and Sinking Fund investment portfolios held by York Region.

The General Fund portfolio, which consists mostly of the Region’s reserves and reserve funds, earned $110 million during 2022 on an average balance of $4.32 billion. This represents a rate of return of 2.55%, which exceeded the two performance benchmarks used by the Region – the Financial Times Stock Exchange and Standard and Poor’s Index and ONE Investment program returns – by 3.41% and 0.60%, respectively.

The Sinking Fund portfolio, which is used to repay the Region’s outstanding debentures as they mature, earned $26 million during 2022 on an average balance of $1.02 billion. This represents a rate of return of 2.54%, which exceeded the requirement needed. As of December 31, 2022, the Sinking Fund portfolio held investments with a maturity value of $1.39 billion.

York Region’s investment program is governed by a sound Council-approved investment policy that consistently provides positive returns while maintaining conservative risk exposures.

Paramedic Response Time Performance

Regional Council received an update on the 2021 and 2022 Paramedic Response Time Performance Plan results.

In 2021 and 2022, York Region Paramedic Services met or exceeded response time targets in most categories.

Call volumes surpassed their pre-pandemic levels, and 911 call demand is projected to continue to increase each year. While increased call demand and more complex medical and psychosocial needs continue to impact system capacity, delays offloading patients from the care of paramedics to hospitals are an additional pressure, impacting system capacity and response times across Ontario.

The province is working to implement the Medical Priority Dispatch System. Once in place, the system will help paramedics respond more efficiently by triaging calls to determine the appropriate level and speed of response required. Rollout of the new system at the Georgian Central Ambulance Communication Centre is targeted for late winter 2024.

Once implementation is complete, response times and performance targets may be revisited and potential improvements to the response time framework brought to Council for consideration and approval.

Community Investment Fund

Regional Council approved six investment priorities to guide York Region’s Community Investment Fund program over this term of Council.

The Community Investment Fund program is an important part of York Region’s human services system, addressing gaps in community needs through targeted, time-limited funding to local initiatives delivered by community agencies.

The investment priorities from 2023 to 2026 include housing stability, mental well-being, diversity, equity and inclusion, food security system development plus organizational development and capacity building for community agencies.

For more information, please visit york.ca/CommunityInvestment

Proposed Vacant Homes Tax update

In September 2022, Regional Council received the results of a feasibility study and public benefits review of implementing a Vacant Home Tax on vacant, non-principal/investment residential properties. Further consideration of this tax was deferred following the December 2022 launch of a provincial/municipal working group to facilitate the development of a provincial Vacant Homes Tax framework.

York Region continues to work with other Ontario municipalities who are considering, or who have implemented, a Vacant Homes Tax to better understand opportunities for cost reductions and best practices. The outcome of this work, along with an update on the Provincial framework, will be presented to Council this fall.

Update to Parking and Stopping on Regional Roads Bylaw

Regional Council approved an amendment to the Parking and Stopping on Regional Roads Bylaw, which includes updated locations where parking restrictions are no longer required, should be revised or added.

Regional roads play an important role in moving travellers safely through the transportation network. Amendments to the bylaw are necessary to allow for greater control of parking and stopping on the Regional road network. Updates will simplify the rules for road users and create consistency with local municipal bylaws.

Examples of updated and added general provisions to the bylaw include:

Reserved lanes – prohibiting stopping in reserved lanes such as bus rapidways, high occupancy vehicle and bicycle lanes
Schools – prohibiting stopping adjacent to schools, where necessary
Transit stops – prohibiting parking or stopping near transit stops

YRT Enforcement and Security supporting safety to travellers

In 2022, York Region Transit (YRT) continued to support public safety across the YRT system by working to ensure a safe, secure and comfortable experience for travellers.

Transit Enforcement and Security provides a range of services, including traveller assistance, fare inspections and closed-circuit television video requests. YRT works closely with York Regional Police to promote officer presence and deliver onboard outreach and education programming.

Traveller Safety Plan aims to reduce serious injury collisions on roads

Regional Council received an update on the development of the multi-year Traveller Safety Plan. The plan will help to identify short-term and long-term solutions for the next five years and beyond to ensure the Region and local cities and towns are doing their part in preventing injury and fatalities on our roads.

Feedback from the public on development of the Traveller Safety Plan, held between December 2022 and April 2023, shows pedestrian and cyclist safety and intersection concerns were the primary focus for residents.

Presentation of the Traveller Safety Plan to Council is planned for late 2023.

Coordinated prioritization of York Region Rapid Transit Network

Regional Council was provided an update on the Region’s rapid transit priority-setting process, now under development. This new process will focus on York Region’s transit needs and inform Metrolinx’s provincial priority setting. Identifying York Region priorities will focus efforts in preparing projects to be ready for implementation as funding from senior levels of government becomes available.

Results of the priority-setting process are expected in late 2023.

Traffic signals to be installed on Keele Street in the City of Vaughan

Regional Council approved the installation of traffic signals on Keele Street at the entrance of North Maple Regional Park in the City of Vaughan.

At the request of the City of Vaughan, the traffic signal will improve safety and connectivity. The light at the intersection will remain green and only change to red when a vehicle or pedestrian is detected.

Although the requested traffic signals do not meet the Region’s Traffic and Pedestrian Signal Policy criteria, installation at this intersection supports connectivity and forecasted demand. Signals will be fully funded by the City of Vaughan.

York Region Greening Strategy makes significant environmental gains

The Regional Municipality of York’s 2202 Greening Strategy achievements showcases on-the-ground actions York Region, its partners and local cities and towns have taken to protect and enhance the natural environment.

The 2022 Greening Strategy achievements exceeded targets in several areas, contributing to a greener York Region with:

110,391 trees and shrubs planted in schoolyards, backyards, municipal parks, private forests, conservation areas, along streets and in the York Regional Forest; this represents the largest number of plantings in a single year since 2011
6,000 pollinator-friendly plants and 900 pollinator seed mixes planted or distributed to create habitat for butterflies, bees and other pollinators
13.7 hectares (34 acres) of land secured to protect and enhance natural areas
123 outreach events (21 virtual) to inspire stewardship and action were held with 8,621 participants

York Region collaborates with partners and local cities and towns to manage impacts of invasive species on trees and natural areas, increase canopy and woodland cover under the Forest Management Plan and implementation of the Rouge National Urban Park Management Plan.

Since its adoption in 2001, the Greening Strategy has helped to realize York Region’s Sustainable Environment priorities. Nearly two million trees and shrubs have been planted and over 1,500 hectares of conservation lands protected. Green infrastructure, including trees, forests and other natural features, provide an array of environmental and health benefits to residents.

Refined in 2022, the strategy continues to adapt to the needs of York Region’s residents and Regional Official Plan objectives to maximize ecological gains across the Region.

Learn more about York Region’s Greening Strategy at york.ca/greening

Source Water Protection Plan amendments protect drinking water

York Region provides clean, safe, reliable drinking water to more than 1.2 million residents. Source Water Protection is important to ensure clean and safe drinking water through protection of water supplies from threats in vulnerable areas now and into the future.

The Source Water Protection Plan has been amended to include a new well in the Township of King. This well supplies water to the Nobleton Well 3 drinking water facility. Addition of this new well required an update to the Wellhead Protection Area to ensure groundwater in this area is protected from risks to water quality.

Toronto and Region Source Protection Authority will manage all public consultation required as part of their role under the Clean Water Act, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Learn more about Drinking Water Source Protection at york.ca/protectingwater

York Region Administrative Centre receives heritage designation

On Thursday, January 23, 2023, Town of Newmarket Council enacted By-laws 2023-03 designating the York Region Administrative Centre a heritage building under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

To be considered a heritage property, a building must fulfil the criteria of design or physical value, historical or associative value and contextual value, as outlined in O. Reg. 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Among reasons why the Administrative Centre fulfils the criteria areas include:

Displays a high degree of artistic value with its striking scale and curvilinear massing, including the nature of the horizontal waving bands of stone and glass
Demonstrates and reflects the work and ideas of prominent post-modern Indigenous Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal
Physically and visually linked to the topography of the land on which it is built; structure specifically designed to harmonize with the natural features of the landscape

Regional Council supports Bill 5

Regional Council received and endorsed a motion from the Town of Georgina to support Bill 5, the Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022.

If passed, Bill 5 will establish a judicial process to remove municipally elected officials from office if they fail to comply with their municipality’s workplace violence and harassment policies.

Honouring the life of OPP Sgt. Eric Mueller

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, flags at all York Region facilities were lowered in honour of OPP Sgt. Eric Muller, who was killed in the line of duty in the village of Bourget, Ontario.

Regional Council paid tribute to Sgt. Mueller with a moment of silence on Thursday, May 18, 2023, and extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen officer. Regional Council also extended best wishes to the two other offers injured as they recover from this senseless act of violence.

Heritage Celebrations

Regional Council recognized the month of May as Jewish Heritage Month, Dutch Heritage Month and Asian Heritage Month in York Region.

In celebrating these cultural observances, Regional Council acknowledged the immense contributions of our Jewish, Dutch and Asian residents and offered their thanks for adding to the rich culture of our communities.

Celebrating Physicians and First Responders

Regional Council recognized Monday, May 1, 2023, as National Physicians and First Responders Day, celebrating those who dedicate their lives to protect the health and safety of our residents. In acknowledging the selfless work of physicians and first responders, Regional Council also honoured the memory of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

During National Physicians and First Responders Day, York Region extended thanks to the community heroes who are always prepared to help residents in need.

Red Dress Day

Regional Council recognized Friday, May 5, 2023, as Red Dress Day, honouring the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples and raising awareness of the 231 Calls for Justice outlined in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Coronation of King Charles III

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Regional Council joined communities across the world in celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

York Region marked this significant moment in history to acknowledge the close ties between His Majesty and Canada, and celebrate our shared values of peace, unity and freedom.

Emergency Preparedness Week

Regional Council recognized Emergency Preparedness Week from May 7 to 13, 2023.

This year’s Emergency Preparedness Week theme, Get Prepared, serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to take action and become better prepared to support our families and communities during an emergency. York Region residents can visit york.ca/beprepared to learn more about the top risks and hazards in York Region and what they can do to Get Prepared.

National Nursing Week

Regional Council recognized May 8 to 14, 2023, as National Nursing Week and extended appreciation to the thousands of men and women in York Region who dedicate their lives to protecting and promoting the health and safety of residents across our communities.

International Day of Families

Regional Council recognized Monday, May 15, 2023, as International Day of Families.

Declared a day of observance by the United Nations in 1993, International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase awareness on the vital role families and family-oriented policies and programs play in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

International Day against Homophobia

Regional Council recognized Wednesday, May 17, 2023, as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This worldwide celebration was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by people with diverse sexual orientations, general identities or expressions and sex characteristics.

Through the Inclusion Charter for York Region, Council remains committed to building welcoming and diverse communities where all dimensions of diversity are celebrated and where everyone can live free of hate and discrimination.

Personal Support Workers Day

Regional Council recognized Friday, May 19, 2023, as Personal Support Workers Day, acknowledging the essential role personal support workers play in the broader health care system. Council also extended their appreciation to the numerous PSWs who provide high-quality community and home-based care to York Region’s most vulnerable residents.

Celebrating Public Works

Regional Council recognized May 20 to 27, 2023, as National Public Works Week and celebrated the dedicated and committed professionals who work to provide high-quality public services to the residents and businesses of York Region.

As part of the National Public Works Week celebrations, York Region will host a number of in-person and virtual engagements, including a Paint-a-Plow contest for Grade 5 students, school tours at Regional facilities and forests and the annual Family Fun Day event on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the York Region Public Works Operations Centre, located at 90 Bales Drive East in the Town of East Gwillimbury.

Paramedic Services Week

Regional Council recognized May 21 to May 27, 2023, as Paramedic Services Week, and thanked the dedicated individuals who work around the clock to keep York Region residents healthy and safe.

During Paramedic Services Week and all year long, York Region recognizes the passion, expertise and dedication of paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers and the network of paramedic support staff who care for our residents in their greatest time of need.

World Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development

Regional Council recognized Sunday, May 21, 2023, as International Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development, supporting the United Nations call to encourage peace, stability and development around the world.

As one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada, York Region views our diversity as a source of strength and economic vitality and joins the United Nations in efforts to deepen our understanding of cultural diversity and inclusive communities.

National Accessibility Week

Regional Council recognized National AccessAbility Week from May 28 to June 3, 2023, and celebrate the people, communities and organizations that are actively increasing opportunities and removing barriers so people of all abilities can live to their full potential.

Through the work of the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee, York Region remains committed to making our communities more welcoming and inclusive for all.

World No Tobacco Day

Regional Council recognized Wednesday, May 31, 2023, as World No Tobacco Day, supporting global efforts to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use.

Through Public Health, York Region provides several free resources to help residents across the community quit smoking and stay smoke-free. More information on tobacco cessation programs and resources is available at york.ca/substanceuse

World Sickle Cell Day

Regional Council recognizes Monday, June 19, 2023, as World Sickle Cell Day in York Region.

World Sickle Cell Day encourages global awareness and action to support those living with Sickle Cell disease to improved treatment, educate the community and reduce the number of children born with the disease.

World Sickle Cell Day is supported and organized by the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario.

Next meeting of York Regional Council

York Regional Council will meet on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the York Region Administrative Centre Council Chambers, located at 17250 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket. The meeting will be streamed on york.ca/live

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact:

Kylie-Anne Doerner, Corporate Communications
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71232, Cell: 905-806-7138
Email: @email