Committed Leadership

PREFERRED LOCATION... DYNAMIC AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES... OUTSTANDING SERVICES AND PROGRAMS... STRONG ECONOMY... ABUNDANT GREENLANDS

 The Regional Municipality of York is Canada's fastest growing municipality for people seeking healthy and prosperous lifestyles and for businesses striving to compete in the global marketplace.

York Region continues to be the preferred destination for new residents and businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). By the end of 2000, York Region attracted 41,130 new residents, leading the GTA, once again, in population growth.

Strong population growth is just one indicator of York Region's buoyant economy. The Region's employment has clearly kept pace with population growth, increasing by approximately 20,000 jobs per year since 1998, and reflecting an unemployment rate of 4.3% at the end of 2000. This strong employment action, joined with positive residential, industrial, commercial and institutional activity, are clear indicators of York Region's continued strong economy.

 

GTA POPULATION CHANGE 2000 York Region continues to lead the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in population growth, increasing by 41,130 persons (5.8%) to an estimated total of 753,880 residents by December 31, 2000. Source: York Region Planning and Development Services

BUILDING ON THE PAST...
EMBRACING THE FUTURE... TOGETHER

From rural greenlands to urban cityscapes, each of York Region's nine dynamic municipal partners offer a sense of history, natural splendour and unique community features that enrich the quality of life in York Region.

TOWN OF AURORA
Located conveniently in the heart of York Region, Aurora offers a distinctive combination of business opportunity and small-town lifestyle. Boasting over 120 major industries and head offices, Aurora's thriving business economy has welcomed many major new businesses to the community through continued economic development initiatives. With the added asset of diverse, residential neighbourhoods, 500 acres of parkland, pedestrian trail systems, first-rate golf courses, shopping, restaurants and community events, Aurora is well positioned for continued future growth. It truly is "a place that people are proud to call home."

TOWN OF EAST GWILLIMBURY
The rich history of the Town of East Gwillimbury, its ideal geographic location and excellent balance of both rural and urban communities make East Gwillimbury an ideal location for business and a wonderful place to live. From the fertile farmlands of the Holland Marsh to its countryside of rolling hills, East Gwillimbury is home to rich history, superb golf courses, world-class equestrian facilities, excellent walking trails and welcoming communities. Also known for its thriving manufacturing activities, agricultural and natural resources, East Gwillimbury continues to be an attractive destination for visitors, residents and businesses alike.

TOWN OF GEORGINA
York Region's most northerly area municipality is the Town of Georgina, featuring over 52 kilometres of beautiful Lake Simcoe shoreline. Great boating and year-round fishing opportunities have earned Georgina its title of "Ice Fishing Capital of Canada." Scenic side roads provide access to beaches, natural parks, Regional forests and marinas, making it a favourite destination for both residents and visitors. Georgina's historic communities offer an attractive combination of urban services and rural charm, attracting new residents and businesses to enjoy Georgina's lakeside living, wide open spaces and rich community life.

TOWNSHIP OF KING
Settled on the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Township of King features some of the most picturesque countryside in Ontario. Proud of its rural traditions and committed to protecting its natural environment, King offers a number of hiking trails, parks, conservation areas and world-class golf courses in balance with carefully-planned residential communities. Renowned for its significant equestrian activities and agricultural industry, King's abundant green spaces offer a unique environment that is both close to urban activity, yet surrounded by the spectacular natural world.

TOWN OF MARKHAM
The high-tech capital of Canada, the Town of Markham is York Region's largest municipality and the first one to reach the 200,000 population mark. Accounting for almost one-third of all employment in York Region, Markham has a vibrant business services, manufacturing and computer industry community, and has become a preferred centre for corporate head offices. Supporting its business success are world-class golf courses and cultural facilities, picturesque trails and parks, protected heritage and well-planned, diverse communities.

TOWN OF NEWMARKET
The Town of Newmarket is a thriving centre of activity that is recognized for its excellent mix of residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Located conveniently mid-way between the City of Toronto and northerly ski and cottage country, Newmarket is a vibrant community within a convenient commute. Home of the York Region Administrative Centre and Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket features major shopping and entertainment facilities, recreation complexes, walking trails and extensive parkland for its growing population.

TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL
The Town of Richmond Hill continues to be one of Canada's fastest growing municipalities. During this time of expansion, Richmond Hill has carefully managed growth to attract a strong, diversified economy while maintaining a distinctive community with a friendly, down-to-earth nature. The town boasts over 100 parks and pedestrian trails, the David Dunlap Observatory, an aquatic centre and wave pool, championship tournament golf courses, and the significant green space of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

CITY OF VAUGHAN
The City of Vaughan, "The City Above Toronto," is situated on the northern boundary of Canada's largest city. As the manufacturing centre of York Region, Vaughan is a hub of industrial and commercial activity, with over 7,000 businesses and one-third of all jobs in York Region. Vaughan is an exciting modern city that boasts well-serviced family-oriented communities and world-class attractions, including the 800-acre Kortright Centre for Conservation, Paramount Canada's Wonderland and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

TOWN OF WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE
The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville offers the perfect mix of both urban and rural lifestyles. Proud of its small town atmosphere and hospitality, Whitchurch-Stouffville is located in a beautiful natural setting of rolling hills, and home to prestigious golf courses, equestrian centres and 690 acres of the 5,000 acre York Regional Forest. Historic rural communities, cultural events, year-round recreation opportunities and convenient access to major transportation routes have earned the town its name of "Country Close to the City."

 

GROWING COMMUNITIES... YORK REGION POPULATION (DECEMBER 2000) Town of Aurora 42,200 Town of East Gwillimbury 21,920 Town of Georgina 39,570 Township of King 19,700 Town of Markham 213,180 Town of Newmarket 68,540 Town of Richmond Hill 136,000 City of Vaughan 190,170 Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville 22,600 York Region Total 753,880 Source: York Region Planning and Development Services

YORK REGION POPULATION GROWTH 1991 ­ 2000   Source: June 1991 and May 1996 Census, Statistics Canada, York Region Planning and Development Services

Essential Services

The Regional Municipality of York is recognized as a leader in municipal program delivery and innovation. This has been made possible through clear policy directions from Regional Council, a dedicated staff, sound fiscal management and a close working relationship with its nine municipal partners.

York Region is home to more than 754,000 residents and 25,000 businesses, all of whom turn to the Region for essential services, including:

WATER TREATMENT - York Region provides a high quality and cost-effective water supply to its residents.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - York Region is active in the protection of the Region's natural features and ecosystem.

POLICE SERVICES - The York Regional Police provides law enforcement and crime prevention services to meet the needs of York Region's growing communities.

REGIONAL PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT - Urban growth is carefully managed to protect the Region's natural resources, while creating functional and healthy communities.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES - Paramedics provide pre-hospital emergency care through both emergency and non-emergency ambulance services.

REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM - The new Regional transit system provides both conventional transit and specialized transit for people with disabilities on a Region-wide basis.

COURT ADMINISTRATION - York Region manages the court system for the prosecution of offences under the Provincial Offences Act.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL - The Region plans and manages the reduction, reuse, recycling and disposal of solid waste in an environmentally acceptable manner.

SEWAGE TREATMENT - Wastewater disposal services are provided through the operation of sewage treatment plants, major trunk sewers and pumping stations.

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES - Health professionals keep York Region healthy through health promotion, health protection and disease prevention programs and services.

LONG TERM CARE - Services are provided to promote the health, well-being and independence of York Region residents who can no longer live independently.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE - Employment and financial assistance is provided to people in need, through the Ontario Works program.

HOUSING SERVICES - York Region administers subsidized housing and emergency shelters for residents in need.

FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES - A wide range of support programs and services are offered to meet the needs of children and families.

EMERGENCY PLANNING - In the event of a large-scale emergency, York Region's Emergency Plan is ready to be implemented to best protect life and property.

ARTERIAL ROADS - York Region designs, builds and maintains the network of over 998 kilometres of Regional roads.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - The Human Services Strategy supports and co-ordinates careful community services planning.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - York Region's prudent fiscal management and low debt ratios have earned it the highest possible credit rating.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM - York Region is Ontario's Rising Star. It is proudly promoted to the business and tourism industry as the place to invest in business, to live and to visit.

 

YORK REGION SENIOR MANAGEMENT Chief Administrative Officer - Alan P. Wells Commissioner of Community Services and Housing Department - Joann Simmons Commissioner of Corporate and Legal Services Department, Regional Solicitor - Phyllis Carlyle Commissioner of Finance Department, Regional Treasurer - Sandra Cartwright Commissioner of Health Services Department, Medical Officer of Health -Dr. Helena Jaczek Commissioner of Human Resource Services Department - Jim Davidson Commissioner of Planning and Development Services Department - Bryan Tuckey Commissioner of Transportation and Works Department - Kees Schipper Regional Clerk - Denis Kelly Chief of York Regional Police - Robert Middaugh

HOW TO REACH US For information on York Region services and programs, please call: (905) 895-1231 (operator assisted) (905) 830-4444 (automated service) 1-877-GO4-YORK (1-877-464-9675 toll free within Ontario only) Mailing Address: The Regional Municipality of York 17250 Yonge Street Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 Email Address: Info@region.york.on.ca York Region Website: www.region.york.on.ca

Special thanks to the following for supplying photographs for the 2000 Annual Report: Town of Markham Town of Richmond Hill City of Vaughan Published June 2001