Focus: 2004 Annual Report provides an overview of the programs and services staff at the Regional Municipality of York has been involved with, in collaboration with Regional Council, to help implement throughout the past year. Together, these important initiatives benefit the residents of York Region.

Focus is an appropriate theme for this year’s report. As York continues to grow and mature, so does the need to focus on the requirements of our nine area municipalities and community partners to ensure the successful delivery of Regional services. It is these services that continue to maintain York Region as a desirable place to live, establish business, and visit.

Our focus in 2004 included the Region’s on-going commitment to public transit, preserving our natural environment, addressing solid waste concerns and ensuring the continued movement of traffic through a series of efforts to help ease road congestion. Some of these achievements are: leading the Smart Commute initiative in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTAH); distribution of 5,000 backyard compost units to further reduce landfill by 800 tonnes annually; and completion of construction on various roads throughout the Region to provide immediate congestion relief.

Furthermore, consistent with our long-term plans as described in Vision 2026, we continue to focus our energies to ensure an enviable quality of life for all residents through safe and caring communities.

Each year, affordable housing, community supports for seniors and accessibility planning for disabled persons are also constant Regional focal points. During the past year, many goals have been achieved, including: increasing the number of long-term care beds to reduce waiting lists; successful implementation of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA), resulting in with recognition from the Province of Ontario, and a case study development to be shared other provincial organizations as a “best-practice” model; and assisting 284 households to maintain their residences through the Homelessness Prevention Program, and in association with local community groups.

York Region is a growing, diversified community. We continue to face our challenges with commitment and vigor.

Thankfully, we are extremely fortunate to be blessed with an exceptional team of staff; including a strong Senior Management team whose dedication is unwavering to our work before us.

I am truly confident that by working together – co-operatively with our community partners - our efforts and focus will continue to enhance the quality of life for the residents, businesses and visitors of York Region.

Sincerely,

Michael Garrett
Chief Administrative Officer