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The Planning and Economic Development 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,
land use, economy, housing choices and improving
transportation and infrastructure systems.
york region sustainability initiative
Goal: Develop and produce a consolidated sustainable development
strategy that provides a long-term framework for decision making that
integrates the principles of economic vitality, natural environment and
healthy communities
Achievements:
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Prepared and developed a draft sustainability strategy for Regional Council endorsement in 2007 |
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Led the development of Smart Commute, a GTA travel demand management program consisting of a network of local, employer-based Transportation Management Associations |
growth management
Goal: Examine York Region’s approach to growth management through major Regional Official Plan Amendments to create an updated Urban Structure Plan for the next 25 years. This update supports provincial initiatives such as Places to Grow and the Greenbelt Protection Act
Achievements:
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Held a series of public consultation sessions to discuss growth issues and present a variety of Growth Management options |
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Infrastructure Master Plan Updates were initiated to develop required infrastructure strategies for York Region |
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Regional Council adopted Transit-Orientated Development Guidelines that support the Region’s long-term investment in rapid transit infrastructure and services |
economic development & Tourism
Goal: Sustain the economic vitality of York Region by promoting business investments, encouraging technology transfer and innovation, supporting small enterprise formation and promoting tourism
Achievements:
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Organized an Investment Bus Tour showcasing vacant land sites available for commercial and industrial use in the northern six municipalities |
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The York Region Export Alliance organized four export events, attracting over 320 participants and visited 155 client companies in York Region |
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The Small Business Enterprise Centre received 6,373 enquiries, provided 261 consultations and organized 17 events |
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The economic impact resulted in 96 business starts, 67 new businesses registered, 11 business expansions and over 102 jobs (not including owners) |
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The 2006 York Region Visitors Guide expanded to 60 pages, highlighting activities from events and attractions to accommodations and dining |
human services
Goal: Promote adequate timely planning of and investment in human services through partnerships that share resources, knowledge and best practices to proactively respond to rapid growth and diversity so that the quality of life in York Region is sustained and enhanced
Achievements:
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Launched the Human Services Planning Coalition’s (HSPC) Stakeholder Resolution of Support campaign, in response to the current challenges of under-funding of human services |
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The HSPC’s Inclusivity Action Plan was awarded $1.3 million in federal funding through the Canada Ontario Immigration Agreement to develop a Welcome Centre which will assist newcomers to integrate |
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The HSPC partnered with York University’s Knowledge Mobilization Unit to facilitate the flow of information between faculty researchers, policy professionals and decision-makers in the public, private and non-government sectors |
geomatics
Goal: Develop and manage geographic information, technology, analytical products and services to ensure that the Region’s strategic growth and monitoring initiatives are efficient and effective
Achievements:
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Launched a YorkInfo Partnership website for focused access of information and an efficient forum for sharing spatial data and applications |
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Enhanced the YorkExplorer internet mapping site to provide residents and businesses with access to over 150 high quality thematic maps, interactive views of current data and the capability to bring spatial data into their own applications |
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Planning and monitoring growth was made more effective through acquisition and analysis of 2006 Orthophotography |
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Developed 3D modeling to analyze current and future growth potential for the proposed subway corridor |
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| Initiated a Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan to link together pedestrian and cycling networks |
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Developed Smart Commute, a travel demand management program consisting of a network of local, employer-based Transportation Management Associations
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The Small Business Enterprise Centre received 6,373 enquiries, provided 261 consultations and organized 17 seminars |
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