Welcome to the York Region Web site. If you would like to navigate this site using screen reading software click here now
Link to York Region e-Services Link to Regional+Government York Region Transit Yorklink Directory Link to Careers Region Calendar York Tourism
YORK REGION>About Us>Annual Reports>2001
 
Menu About Us
Menu Services
Menu Regional Government
Menu News
Business
Menu Public Notices
Menu Publications
Menu Departments
Municipalities
 
 
The Regional Municipality of York was created by the Province of Ontario on January 1, 1971. It is one of six regional municipalities. York Regional Council is composed of 20 members (19 members and the Chair). Mayors of area municipalities and regional councillors sit on both area municipal councils and regional council. The Regional Chair is elected by members of York Regional Council at the inaugural meeting, for a three year term.

Top row: Regional Councillor Tony Wong, markham; Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase, Vaughan; Regional Councillor Frank Scarpitti, Markham; Regional Councillor Diane Humeniuk, Newmarket; Regional Chair and CEO Bill Fisch; Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, Vaughan; Regional Councillor Gordon Landon, Markham; Regional Councillor David Barrow, Richmond Hill; Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg, Richmond Hill; Regional Councillor Bill O’Donnell, Markham

Front row: Mayor Wayne Emmerson, Whitchurch-Stouffville; Mayor James Young, East Gwillimbury; Mayor Jeffrey Holec, Georgina; Mayor Margaret Black, King; Mayor W. Donald Cousens, Markham; Mayor William F. Bell, Richmond Hill; Mayor Lorna Jackson, Vaughan; Mayor Tim Jones, Aurora; Mayor Tom Taylor, Newmarket; Regional Councillor Danny Wheeler, Georgina

The Regional Municipality of York is Canada’s fastest growing municipality. That rapid growth is due in part to an attractive quality of life, economic vibrancy and proximity to the City of Toronto. York Region is one of six upper-tier municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Between 1995 and 2001, York Region grew by approximately 180,000 people.

York Region has assumed increased responsibilities for services since 1999 and its budget has grown to reflect these new responsibilities – from $548 million in 1999 to $ 1.2 billion in 2002.

These major services are delivered by the Region:

• Water Treatment
• Environmental Protection
• Police Services
• Regional Planning and Growth Management
• Emergency Medical Services
• Regional Transit
• Court Administration
• Garbage Disposal
• Sewage Treatment
• Public Health Services
• Long Term Care
• Social Assistance
• Housing Services
• Family and Children’s Services
• Emergency Planning
• Arterial Roads
• Community Development
• Financial Management
• Economic Development and Tourism

Combining an easy mix of modern and historic architecture, leafy parklands and a vibrant main street, Aurora pulls back the curtain on Ontario’s past. Home to St. Andrew’s College and many gracious historic homes, the town offers 500 acres of parkland, a pedestrian trail system, spectacular dining options and some of the best golfing in the area. Boasting over 120 major industries and head offices, Aurora’s thriving economy has welcomed many new businesses to the community through ongoing economic development initiatives. The town offers a refreshing combination of business opportunities and small-town lifestyle.
Continuing north of Newmarket on Yonge Street is the Town of East Gwillimbury. Built on the edge of the Holland Marsh, it is one of the world’s richest vegetable growing areas. The Holland River flows north into Lake Simcoe past several modern marinas. Historic sites include the Sharon Temple and the Holland River. East Gwillimbury is home to a rich history, superb golf courses, world-class equestrian farms and beautiful vistas of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Also known for its thriving manufacturing activities, agricultural and natural resources, East Gwillimbury continues to be an attractive destination for visitors and businesses alike.
The Town of Georgina is York Region’s most northern municipality. It features over 50 kilometres of beautiful Lake Simcoe shoreline and has something for every visitor every month of the year. Sibbald Point Provincial Park, near Sutton, offers camping and a host of outdoor activities. Year-round fishing has earned Georgina the title of “Ice Fishing Capital of Canada”. Scenic side-roads provide access to beaches, natural parks, regional forests and marinas, and make Georgina a favourite destination for both residents and visitors. The Briars, an outstanding Canadian resort, is located here, along with the Stephen Leacock Theatre and the unique Red Barn Theatre. Georgina’s historic communities offer an attractive combination of urban services and rural charm.
The Township of King is a pleasing blend of farmland, rural villages and the natural beauty of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Unrivalled thoroughbred horse farms, dairy farms and the bounty of Holland Marsh attest to its roots. King offers a number of hiking trails, parks, conservation areas and world-class golf courses. The township is just minutes north of Toronto and a short drive from Pearson International Airport. Renowned for its 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 natural world.
Considered by many the high-tech capital of Canada, the Town of Markham is York Region’s largest municipality and the first to reach the 200,000 population mark. Modern shopping centres, first class dining and accommodation and a diversity of languages and cultures give this large community an exciting cosmopolitan aura. Markham accounts for almost one-third of all employment in York Region and has become a preferred centre for many corporate head offices. Summer brings a blaze of colour to the historic main streets of Markham and Unionville. No wonder the town has received the Communities in Bloom award! Supporting its business success are world-class golf courses and cultural facilities, picturesque trails and parks, protected heritage features and well planned, diverse communities.
In the geograhphic centre of York Region lies the Town of Newmarket. Home of the York Region Administrative Centre and Southlake Regional Health Centre, this self-contained community has an abundance of recreational shopping facilities and extensive parklands for its growing population. The Town of Newmarket is a thriving centre of activity that is recognized for its excellent mix of residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Located mid-way between the City of Toronto and northerly ski and cottage country, Newmarket is a vibrant community within a convenient commute.
The Town of Richmond Hill continues to be one of Canada’s fastest growing municipalities. North of Toronto, Richmond Hill, with its historic beginnings on Yonge Street offers more than 100 parks including the original Mill Pond. Accommodation, fine and casual dining and shopping are everywhere, along with golfing, family activities and outdoor camping and recreation. Richmond Hill has carefully managed growth to attract a strong, diversified economy while maintaining a distinctive community with a friendly, down-to-earth nature.
Vaughan, the city above Toronto, comprises five unique towns: Kleinburg, Woodbridge, Maple, Concord and Thornhill. Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, the Kortright Centre for Conservation and the McMichael Canadian Art Gallery are just a few of the many attractions Vaughan offers. 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.
The charming Whitchurch-Stouffville offers a variety of outdoor activities from swimming to horseback riding, championship golf, hiking and camping. This friendly community offers the perfect mix of both urban and rural lifestyle. Discover the charm of country roads or travel in grand style through farmland, forests and hills on the York Durham Heritage Railway’s century-old cars. From Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area to the Stouffville Country Market, enjoy this “Country Close to the City” for all its worth.
 

     

For more 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

 

Chief Administrative Officer Alan P. Wells

Commissioner of Community Services and Housing Services
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 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

Executive Director Police Services Board Connie Mahaffy

Design, illustrations, stock photography and production: Freeman Communications

Principal Photography: David Street

Special thanks to the following for supplying photographs for the 2001 Annual Report: Town of Richmond Hill, Town of Newmarket

 

 

 

 

 

 

space