Accessible, quality Regional services. That’s the bottom line when managing the financial and human resources of York Region. In 2001 the Finance and Administration Committee provided the strategic direction necessary to address the increasing public demand for services. It acted as an advisory body to Regional Council through its management of the $963.7 million annual budget and 2,899 employees.

A key challenge facing the Region is the management of rapid growth, with over 40,000 new residents added annually – the equivalent of a medium sized community. Committee ensures that Council’s growth-pays-for-growth policy is adhered to. Through its approval and management of regional capital programs and financial management for major new developments, Committee ensures that growth is not a tax burden on existing taxpayers or future residents.

In 2001, the Committee made several recommendations to Council on progressive tax policies, which hopefully will assist the development of affordable housing and, through tax deferrals, benefit low income and disabled persons.

In 2001, the Finance and Administration Committee was responsible for leading a successful partnership with Southlake, York Central and Markham/Stouffville Hospitals and the Province of Ontario. A proactive hospital capital funding program was developed whereby York Region will contribute $62.5 million over the next five to ten years to its three community-based hospitals for new construction projects. The Province and local funding efforts will share the balance of the funding.

The Finance and Administration Committee continued to make York Region’s environment a priority with over $3 million provided to the Conservation Authorities for water improvements, land conservation, and education. Committee also provided the necessary $4.6 million for Greenland Securement strategies and Streetscaping initiatives. By partnering with its ecological partners the Region wants to ensure that a healthy natural environment continues to exist for all residents.

York Region’s corporate mission states that by “recognizing staff as our most important resource” we will provide “cost-effective, quality services”. The Region’s commitment to its employees has been reinforced with an additional $1 million expenditure for Human Resource Services in 2001. York Region believes a motivated workforce with a clear strategic direction will provide timely, accessible and quality services to our community.

Good customer service is an inside-out commitment – it’s not always seen with the natural eye, but shown and felt from the inside out.

In 2001 Corporate and Legal Services rolled-out the corporate Customer Service Strategy at locations throughout the Region. The motto “Here to Serve You” emerged from an internal Customer Service Survey. Good customer service is based on providing cost-effective, customer-centred, accessible, timely service. This new strategy goes hand-in-hand with the Region’s commitment to its Multi-Year Corporate Plan. In 2001 York Region demonstrated its customer service strategies through many of its services, both administrative and community based. Far from a one-time event, this strategy depicts the new corporate culture of York Region.

Corporate and Legal Services rolled up its sleeves and served more than 32,000 guests at its Customer Service Kiosk. Inquiries that ranged from “Where do I find…” to “How do I get to...” were all answered, and answered with a smile. The kiosk also has free Internet access that connects citizens to Council, Committee Agendas, Minutes, Reports and By-laws from the Regional Web site.

The Region’s second court facility officially opened in Richmond Hill in November of 2001. The five-storey building houses many Regional services, including two additional courtrooms to serve residents in the southern part of York Region.
The Region’s customers also include our local municipalities. In 2001, $2.9 million in court fine revenue was distributed to our municipal partners, representing an increase of 11.5%
over 2000.

Customer service is not a department. It’s an attitude.

The Human Resource Services department provides insight and strategies that attract and retain the best employees. In 2001 the Region ran over 1,000 job competitions and launched an innovative health and safety program. for managers.

A corporate learning centre was opened at the new South Service Centre. This facility will assist in sustaining a progressive and competitive workforce. One that is prepared to meet the Region’s future employment needs. The enhanced Employee Assistance Program provided employees with an array of lifestyle information services that range from career to personal and family counselling.

Human Resource Services continues to focus its attention on programs and services that help Regional employees, Regional Council and people looking for employment opportunities.

Maintained its AAA credit rating from Standard and Poors’ Credit Rating Service

Opened the York Region South Services Centre in Richmond Hill

Responded to more than 30 formal requests for information under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOI)

Established training partnerships with local municipalities to share costs and training

MPMP results showed that York Region’s services and administration costs are amongst the lowest in Ontario

Collected $90 million in Development charges ensuring charges growth-pays-for-growth.

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