Transportation and Works Department

Environmental Scan

York Region's population is projected to be 1.1 million by 2021 with a corresponding increase in employment to 700,000 jobs. This is causing significant pressure on the transportation system.

Currently, 25% of the Region's road network is operating at or near capacity and average congestion levels are projected to increase. This growth requires significant investment in the roads system, water supply and wastewater collection system, solid waste management, and public transit.

The public is demanding higher service standards in road maintenance and transit coverage. At the same time, the cost of delivering these services is increasing. The introduction of Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards for roads may further increase costs.

Investment in public transit has been strong and has received provincial support. This strong support is demonstrated in the implementation of new bus rapid transit services, which began in the fall of 2005.

The Region is working to minimize the impact of construction on the environment. Natural environments are returned to near pre-construction conditions where water and sewer facilities are constructed. In the case of road construction, wetlands and wildlife routes are maintained where feasible.

The Department has implemented an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Program in some areas that gives emphasis to and improves the management of environmental aspects of its services.

Issues related to the quality of drinking water and disposal of wastewater are receiving greater public attention and concern. Meeting provincial regulations, which require increased testing, monitoring and reporting, along with capital and operating modifications, will improve the water supply but increase its cost as well.

Major changes to the Occupation Health and Safety Act, such as requiring enhanced vehicle control and protection at work sites, have increased the costs of maintenance and construction.

The economic conditions and growth pressures within York Region are still robust. The Department will continue to experience significant increases in fuel prices, road maintenance and transit operating contracts and the cost of construction. These costs are reflected in an upward pressure on property taxes.

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Our Customers

The Department's customers include a broad cross-section of regional residents, businesses, area municipalities and visitors as related to transportation, water and wastewater, solid waste and forestry services.

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Accessibility Statement

To plan and provide accessible, safe, cost-effective, quality driven and integrated public transit, roads, water and wastewater, solid waste diversion and disposal, forestry and other related services that support environmental sustainability, public safety and economic vitality, while meeting regional growth and the expectations of regional residents and businesses.

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Progress Report on Accessibility Achievements - 2006

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Barrier Identification for 2007

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Barriers That Will Be Addressed for 2007

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Barriers That Will Be Addressed for 2007

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Barriers That Will Be Addressed for 2007

(1) Gives a description of the barrier and indicates where the barrier was found. For example was the barrier in a program, service, by-law, policy, practice and facility.
(2) Indicates the type(s) of barrier (physical, architectural, informational, communicational, attitudinal, technological, policy/practice).
(3) Indicates the type(s) of disability affected by the barrier (physical, sensory, cognitive or other)
(4) Describes the action taken to identify, remove or prevent the barrier.
(5) The timing for addressing a barrier does not necessarily have to be set within 2007. The nature of the action may be phased in over a number of months or years depending on the resources and priorities of the Department.
(8) Indicate where the barrier was found. For example: was it in a program, service, by-law, policy or facility?
(9) Indicate where the barrier type (physical, architectural, informational, communicational, attitudinal,
technological, policy/practice).
(10) Indicates the type of disability affected by the barrier (physical, sensory, cognitive or other).
(11) Indicate how accessibility will be enhanced by removing or preventing this barrier.
(12) Describe what action will be taken to remove and/or prevent the barrier.
(13) Indicate how customer service will be improved by removing or preventing this barrier. Also indicate any other measure(s) that will be used to determine whether or not the Department was successful in removing/preventing this barrier.
(14) The timing for addressing a barrier does not necessarily have to be set within 2007; the nature of the action may be phased in over a number of months or years depending on the resources and priorities of the department.