Our Regional Government has done tremendous work in 2003. We have achieved results through committed planning, sound fiscal management, strategies which support innovation, and strong program and service delivery.

Government is always a challenge, and municipal government is becoming more so. In that context, it is refreshing to look at 2003 and realize what the Regional Municipality of York has been able to achieve — achieve through the cooperation of Regional Council, with our communities, staff and other partners.

Transportation continued as our number one priority in 2003. Our other priorities included controlled development, the environment and social services.

Council approved the development of the York Region Rapid Transit Plan to reduce gridlock. We have pushed our transportation, public transit and rapid transit agendas forward through a Transportation Master Plan.

The protection of the environment is of up-most importance. To this, the Tri-Regional Strategy on the Oak Ridges Moraine with Peel and Durham became the model for provincial legislation protecting the Moraine.

The Region developed growth management strategies to increase density; and completed the York-Peel Water Supply Agreement to meet the Region’s current and future water needs.

The Housing Supply Strategy focused on increased rental housing and prevention of homelessness. The Region approved a new by-law to encourage new affordable rental housing.

We established an interim Accessibility Advisory Committee to assist the Region in implementing the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and approved terms of reference. York Region also became the first Regional municipality in Canada to declare itself a character community.

York Region has a vision entitled Vision 2026. We are focused on creating strong, safe, caring communities. In 2003, the Vision moved forward with the development of an Annual Report to chart our progress.

In 2003 the Region also faced SARS and the single largest blackout in North American history. While battling SARS, the Region continued to protect the health of its residents. The Province of Ontario, York Region Health Services and Markham Stouffville Hospital co-operatively opened a dedicated SARS Assessment Clinic.

The resources of the Corporation are clearly working together to resolve the major issues facing the residents of this Region.

It is a privilege to work with such a talented team of Councillors and staff. We look forward to the challenges of 2004.

Yours truly

Bill Fisch
Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

	The Region secured $100 million from senior levels of government ($50 million each from the Federal and Provincial government) for the Quick Start project.			York Council approved amendments to the Regional Official Plan to adopt the requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and further protect greenlands through the ROP natural environment policies.