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The Planning and Economic Development Services Committee is committed
to a collaborative approach in the co-ordination, integration and
implementation of planning policies for rapidly growing and diverse
communities. The Committee balances the competing demands of environmental
protection, effective land use, economy, housing choices and improving
transportation and infrastructure systems.
York Region is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts:
a year-round destination for hiking, biking, ice fishing, snowmobiling,
camping and much more.
york
region sustainability initiative
GOAL:
Expand
Regional initiatives to produce a consolidated sustainable development
strategy for York Region that integrates the values of healthy communities;
a sustainable, natural environment; and economic vitality.
achievements:
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Regional Council endorsed the formation of the
Towards Sustainability in York Region Advisory Group (TSYRAG)
and began a community and corporate wide-awareness initiative |
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Launched the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Agricultural
Action Plan in partnership with the Regions of Halton, Peel,
Durham, the City of Toronto, GTA Federation of Agriculture and
the Province of Ontario, to ensure the GTA agricultural industry
remains competitive given the economic and land use pressures
faced by farmers |
growth
management
GOAL:
Examine
York Region’s approach to growth management and make amendments
to the Regional Official Plan to create an updated York Region Urban
Structure Plan for the next 25 years. This update will support new
provincial initiatives such as Places to Grow and the Greenbelt Protection
Act.
achievements:
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Regional Council endorsed a work plan for the
Growth Management Strategy that includes extensive public consultation
on growth issues in 2006 and 2007 |
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Completed environmental assessments for both the
Yonge Street and Highway 7 transit ways |
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Regional Council approved a number of significant
planning approvals in 2005 to create opportunities for industrial
and commercial uses, a higher quality of urban design and a
greater range of land uses |
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Consolidated Infrastructure Planning within the
Planning and Development Services Department to better coordinate
infrastructure and growth management decisions |
economic
development and tourism
GOAL:
Sustain
the economic vitality of York Region by promoting business investments,
encouraging technology transfer and innovation, supporting small enterprise
formation and enhancing tourism.
achievements:
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The Small Business Enterprise Centre received
5,317 inquiries, provided 244 consultations, organized 15 seminars
and events and delivered 65 presentations to various groups,
associations and agencies |
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201 businesses were started, 8 businesses expanded
and over 91 jobs created through the support of The Small Business
Enterprise Centre |
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The Region's 2005 Visitors Guide – a one-of-a-kind
York Region publication listing events, accommodations and things
to see and do in York Region - continued to be a successful
component of the Region’s tourism program |
human
services
GOAL:
Promote
adequate and timely investment in human services by creating partnerships,
proactively responding to rapid growth and diversity and ensuring
the quality of life in York Region is sustained and enhanced.
achievements:
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The Human Services Planning Coalition launched
the Inclusivity Action Plan aimed at increasing York Region’s
capacity to welcome and integrate immigrants into the community
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Launched the Stakeholder Resolution of Support
campaign in response to the current challenge of under-funding
of human services |
geographic
information systems (gis)
GOAL:
Improve
accessibility to geographic information, technology, products, and
services to enhance York Region’s overall effectiveness in strategic
growth initiatives and long term monitoring.
achievements:
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Provided continued leadership through the YorkInfo
Partnership, sharing spatial data and applications |
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Cost sharing of high-quality orthophotography
during the next four years through YorkInfo Partnerships |
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Updated YorkExplorer internet mapping service
to provide residents and businesses with easy access to high
quality maps, the ability to add information to maps and bring
York region spatial data into their own applications |
vision
2026:
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Quality Communities for a Diverse Population |
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Enhanced Environment, Heritage and Culture |
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A Vibrant Economy |
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Responding to the Needs of Our Residents |
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Housing Choices for Our Residents |
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Managed and Balanced Growth |
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Infrastructure for a Growing Regional Municipality
of York Engaged Communities and a Responsive Region |
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