Bill Fisch   Regional Chair

Our Strength Really is our Communities

The title of this year's Annual Report is aptly named: Our Communities, Our Strengths.

It's appropriate because the many successes York Region achieved in 1999 were made possible through the strength of our member municipalities. It is through their leadership and willingness to work together that we have formed efficient and productive service delivery partnerships. 

More than anything, 1999 was a year of dramatic growth and prosperity. More people are moving into York Region than ever before to experience our unique blend of big city conveniences and small-town charm. From the quaint shops in Schomberg and the peaceful cottages on Lake Simcoe to the hi-tech employment centres in Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, York Region has become Ontario's premier place to visit, live and work. 

A Success by any Measure

The successful delivery of programs and services and the attractiveness of any community can be measured several ways. 

Perhaps the most obvious measurement is population growth. Do people want to live and work in your community? With over 40,000 new residents in York Region in 1999, we certainly pass this test with flying colours. The world is coming to York Region and we continue to be the fastest growing part of the entire Greater Toronto Area. 

Another important measure of success is growth in assessment. Once again, York Region made impressive gains, experiencing a 4.4 per cent increase in assessment growth. The value of our residential construction - $1.8 billion – was the highest in Canada in 1999.

A Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility

We can also measure our success by how we managed the public purse. Council has given clear direction that growth must pay for growth. As a result, through our aggressive Development Charges By-law, we were able to take on $115 million in road improvements and still hold the line on taxes in 1999. We also enhanced critical reserves by an additional $6 million.

A Human Services Strategy

But there are other measurements of success equally important. What about the "human" costs of such growth? Are the most vulnerable in our society being looked after properly? 

We made great strides in answering these questions with the launch of the first-ever Human Services Strategy in York Region and the development of new initiatives to address the issue of homelessness. 

Team Work is the Key

By any measure, York Region enjoyed a banner year in 1999. And as I have said, much of the credit goes to an outstanding Regional Council for setting clear policies and keeping a close eye on the books. 

A special thanks must also go to our Chief Administrative Officer Alan Wells, members of the Senior Management Team and to all Regional staff for keeping York Region on the leading edge of responsible public policy and sound fiscal management.

It is a privilege and a delight to work with such a fine team and I look forward to even further successes in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Bill Fisch
Regional Chair & C.E.O.