BALANCED GROWTH
Responsible growth management ensures a balance of healthy communities, a strong economy and a sustainable natural environment, and it is these qualities that have made York Region one of Canada's most prosperous areas. In 2000, the Planning Committee and the Economic Development Committee (now the Planning and Economic Development Committee) achieved significant results in terms of growth management initiatives, human services planning, economic development and tourism promotion.
SUSTAINABLE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Future growth across York Region must be comprehensive and well co-ordinated to ensure the protection of the Region's rich natural heritage. The Greening of York Region Strategy was developed to ensure that Regional decision-making related to land use approvals, acquisitions of greenland areas, and actions involving forest cover and streetscape policies supports the intent of the Regional Official Plan. Complementary to this, the Greening of York Region Symposium brought together key environmental stakeholders to explore natural heritage issues for input into the final Strategy.
The development of a strategy for the protection and management of the Oak Ridges Moraine was of central focus in 2000. York Region actively participated at the Ontario Municipal Board hearing to resolve conflicts dealing with development applications for the area, and has committed significant resources to continued involvement in this important issue.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
York Region's rapid growth impacts communities. The York Region 2000 Housing Directions Study identified the key issues, trends and challenges associated with the changing needs of residents and the subsequent impact on housing, providing a policy context for future housing decisions. Another initiative was the establishment of the Development Tracking Database, created to enable development planners to keep track of subdivision and condominium development applications in a more effective and efficient manner. Additionally, the Region produced the Planning Data Standards Recommended Guidelines on Employment Data Report. Presented to the Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario, the report detailed data standards for collecting employment and business data.
Of particular note was the completion of the Human Services Strategy, developed to enhance communication and long term, integrated planning between health, education, safety and social services and the community. York Region was the first municipality in Ontario to have a comprehensive and inclusive human services plan in place, and was profiled as a best practice at both the Greater Toronto Services Board Innovations Fair and the Public Sector Quality Fair.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
York Region undertakes a proactive economic development and tourism promotion program. The Export Development Initiative was developed to bring together small and medium-sized firms in an effort to assist them to become export ready. Last year, over 7,000 companies were contacted to participate in a series of export-focussed events, trade shows and seminars, in partnership with Human Resources Development Canada and local municipalities.
In 2000, the Region also produced a wide variety of quality promotional publications, including an Events 2000 Listing Guide and a Family Fun Guide, the latter distributed free to 120,000 York Region households. And, in an effort to develop and attract new businesses to the Region, the brochure York Region - Business Location of Choice was distributed, receiving the Marketing Award of Distinction from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
Developing and maintaining partnerships that reduce duplication of effort and enhance the provision of services is vital to successful program delivery. In 2000, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Towns of Aurora and Georgina were welcomed into the existing YorkInfo partnership with respect to the use of geographic information and technology.
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