One of the keys to a vital economy is the ability for businesses and citizens to access essential services, such as clean water, proper wastewater treatment and a reliable road network.

The Transportation and Works Committee delivered these essential services through a $99 million operating budget and an aggressive $186 million capital program of major road, water and wastewater construction projects. 

Water & Wastewater Management

The delivery of water to area municipalities and the treatment of wastewater is one of the most important services provided to the citizens and businesses of York Region. The Committee managed a large and diverse water delivery system and extended services to over 30,000 new homes and 20,000 existing businesses. 

Roadway Improvements

To meet growing demands, the Roads Capital Budget increased to $79 million in 1999, a 68 per cent increase from the previous year. Many important road infrastructure projects were either completed or started in 1999, including the reconstruction of Woodbine Avenue between 16th Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive. 

A significant accomplishment was the completion of the Region's first design/build project – Green Lane (Yonge to Leslie) for $7.2 million. This is part of a multi-year, provincial-regional partnership to offer motorists a by-pass north of Newmarket between Highways 400 and 404.

Road Safety

A traffic safety program was established in 1999 to provide a pro-active approach to safety on regional roads. A safety audit was conducted on all regional roads and collision rates were tabulated for future comparative purposes. 

In order to gauge the condition of road surfaces in inclement winter weather, two new remote sensor stations were installed in 1999. Placed in the asphalt, these sensors tell Works employees about pavement conditions, leading to a more efficient use of vehicles and personnel.

One area of public safety that garnered the Committee an award from the CNIB was the installation of audible pedestrian traffic signals at several key intersections. 

Wise Use of Resources

Due to efficient management practices and excellent tendered prices for winter maintenance contracts, the Region actually decreased its per kilometre maintenance costs for Regional roads while the number of lane kilometres increased. The Region now maintains 2,924 lane kilometres 
of roads, enough to pave a two-lane road from Newmarket to Florida.

Amalgamation of Transit

In late 1999, Regional Council adopted, in principle, a plan to amalgamate municipal transit services under a proposed York Transit Commission, effective January 1, 2001. Work continues on this important initiative and a new Committee was created by Council to lead the project. 

Protection of the Environment

Many successes were achieved by the Committee in 1999, most notably a major water conservation initiative called "Water for Tomorrow" that saves 4 million litres of water every day through the use of energy-efficient showerheads and toilet flaps.

A new Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Depot was opened in East Gwillimbury at 95 Bales Drive. The facility was an instant success, providing easier access to citizens in the central part of York Region to safely dispose of old paint, motor oil and other hazardous household waste.