In 2026, York Region residents will live, work, play and learn in healthy, accessible and safe neighbourhoods that are vibrant, exciting and people-friendly. Residents will continue to enjoy the high quality of life that attracted them to York and will have a strong sense of belonging and commitment to their communities.

To support this goal, York Region, working with area municipalities and other partners, will focus on these action areas:

• Recognizing our multicultural population
• Responding to our diversity with innovative service delivery options
• Being responsive to the needs of vulnerable residents
• Planning for the current and future needs of seniors, including their accessibility needs
• Benefiting from the knowledge and experience of seniors
• Responding to children in need
• Involving and investing in our youth

• Fostering a strong sense of community, identity and place
• Encouraging the development of a range of activities, recreational opportunities and exciting community places
• Promoting livable, sustainable and safe communities
• Revitalizing and promoting compact community cores
• Promoting high-quality urban design
• Encouraging pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented neighbourhoods
• Valuing our countryside and rural lifestyle as well as the distinctiveness of our towns and villages
• Addressing the challenge of demands for urban service levels in rural communities