Michael Garrett Chief Admiistrative Officer

Significant success achieved during the past year has been affirmed in the 2005 Annual Report: Vision. Service. Growth. I am confident that the residents, business owners and visitors of York Region will be pleased with our continued progress as we build healthy and sustainable communities.

Over the course of the past year, York Region staff have displayed their dedication, commitment and the ability to achieve results in all areas of this organization. This is evident in the quality customer service we provide each and every day.

In 2005, our Transportation and Works team improved 29 intersections, constructed 20 new kilometers of additional sewers and forcemains and opened a state-of-the-art Waste Management Centre in the Town of East Gwillimbury.

The Finance and Administration Committee presented Regional Council with the 2006 Business Plan and Budget that was approved in December 2005, the earliest budget approval in York Region history.

Throughout the past year, $13 million has been allotted to Health Services for education programs and flu vaccinations, as well as $22 million for Emergency Medical Services towards six additional paramedics, the purchase of a new ambulance, five replacement ambulances and the construction of two new paramedic response stations.

Much was accomplished in 2005 thanks to the commitment and unwavering support of our York Region team of employees, including the leadership and expertise provided by our Senior Management team.

I look forward to continuing work with our York Region employees, and our community partners to strengthen York Region in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Michael Garrett
Chief Administrative Officer