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York Regional Council Highlights - Thursday, April 23, 2026

April 28, 2026

Live streaming of the public session of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings is available on the day of the meeting from 9 a.m. until the close of the meeting. Past sessions are available at york.ca/CouncilAndCommittee

 

York Region maintains excellence in drinking water quality with 100% compliance scores  

York Region is reporting its 2025 Drinking Water Systems Performance Report, highlighting continued high compliance scores of 100% in Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks drinking water systems.

2025 highlights also include:

  • All inspections completed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks received 100% compliance scores
  • Drinking water quality test results complied with the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002
  • Three multi-site external audits in 2025 led to successful re-accreditation to the Ministry’s
  • Drinking Water Quality Management Standard and to ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, with zero non-conformities identified
  • Risk mitigation included quarterly operational risk reviews, emergency exercises and a March 2026 annual management review covering system and regulatory performance, audit results, legal changes, customer feedback and operational risks

Additional drinking water information is available at york.ca/DrinkingWater and york.ca/OpenData

York Region Transit investments deliver results with expanded service and smarter schedules

York Regional Council received the 2025 York Region Transit (YRT) System Performance Report, highlighting strong ridership growth, reliable service and continued innovation across the network.

YRT (2025) System Performance highlights include:

  • Ridership reached 23.7 million in 2025
  • Ridership increased 15.4% on York Region Transit On-Request (153,035 riders) and Mobility On-Request services (482,099 riders)
  • On-time performance reached 94%, exceeding targets; continued investments in asset management are required to maintain service reliability while travel patterns change and demand increases
  • Key initiatives delivered included 112 service improvements, expansions to On-Request services and implementing several technology and asset management-related programs to provide customers with safe and reliable transit services

The report also highlights the impact of the Province’s One Fare Program, with 9.51 million cross-boundary trips between YRT and the TTC, representing 40.1% of total ridership. YRT’s 2026 to 2030 Business Plan was also released, outlining strategies to meet evolving transit needs while prioritizing financial responsibility, equity, safety and customer experience.

YRT continues to expand its zero-emission fleet and enhance service based on customer feedback, with more than 1,900 comments informing planned improvements for 2026.

Highway 413 and Bradford Bypass projects moving ahead in collaboration with York Region

Regional Council received an update on two transportation projects: Highway 413 and Bradford Bypass from Malvika Rudra, Assistant Deputy Minister, Major Highway Projects Division with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

Both projects are currently in detail design, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026 in phased delivery strategies.

When complete, the Highway 413 project will connect Highway 400 in The Regional Municipality of York to Highway 401 and Highway 407 Express Toll Route (407 ETR) in Halton and Peel Regions. A construction contract tender is scheduled for Summer 2026, with construction anticipated to start in Fall 2026.

The Bradford Bypass is a priority 16.3-kilometre controlled-access four-lane freeway connecting Highway 400 in Simcoe County and Highway 404 in York Region. Major construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026 and be completed by 2030.

The Province has engaged Regional and local municipal staff throughout planning for the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413. The Bradford Bypass and Highway 413 are included in York Region’s Transportation Master Plan, providing mobility for longer distance travelers and goods movement, reducing traffic on Regional roads. Staff will continue to engage the Province and report to Council at key project milestones.

2025 Public Works research and innovation update

Regional Council received an update on York Region Public Works’ Research and Innovation program, which applies leading-edge research to address municipal challenges such as aging infrastructure, climate change and the need for cost-effective service delivery.

In 2025, Public Works advanced more than 42 projects supporting cost savings, process improvements, safer public spaces and improved service delivery.

Research focus areas included:

  • Sustainable transportation: Leveraging data to understand travel patterns in York Region 
  • Healthy communities: Proactive wastewater sampling to understand key sources of microplastics
  • Circular economy: Testing new materials and exploring incinerator ash waste in road asphalt
  • Reducing emissions: Strategic research to assess cost effective options for greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater
  • Assessing infrastructure: Testing innovative non-invasive water and wastewater pipe inspection technologies, including free‑floating CCTV and vibration/acoustic analysis

Through strong collaborations with academics, government and non-governmental organizations, consultants and tech vendors, York Region leverages funding and expertise to develop innovative solutions.

York Region, with Regional Council endorsement and in partnership with the Canadian Water Network, is seeking Federation of Canadian Municipalities funding to deliver a Water and Wastewater Scenario Planning pilot. The initiative would support risk‑informed climate adaptation by assessing future impacts on Regional systems, strengthening planning capacity and advancing long‑term infrastructure resilience.

A list of projects and highlights is available through the 2025 Public Works Research and Innovation Update.

York Region ensures safety and reliability of infrastructure assets, enhancing quality of life 

Regional Council received the 2026 Corporate Asset Management Progress Report, providing an update on the condition of York Region’s infrastructure assets, including buildings, facilities, roads, fleet vehicles, information technology and living assets like street trees.

Key highlights in the report include:

  • Replacement cost of the portfolio increased from $28.8 billion to $31.1 billion, an increase of $2.3 billion or 8% from 2023, mostly due to inflation
  • Overall asset conditions remain positive, with 89% of the portfolio in fair or better condition
  • Approximately 95% of full lifecycle infrastructure needs are funded over the 10‑year period, leaving an unfunded gap of $955 million, reduced from $1.1 billion previously reported; the variance reflects what is needed to maintain service levels and funding currently available or expected
  • In 2024, 87% of the capital plan was delivered across the corporation to build new infrastructure and maintain existing assets in a state of good repair

The Region continues to be a leader in asset management by reducing overall asset lifecycle cost while balancing intergenerational equity.

The full report and 2024 Corporate Asset Management Plan is available on the Region's Corporate Asset Management webpage.

York Region revising speed limits to improve safety

York Region is revising posted speed limits in several municipalities across York Region, including:

  • King-Vaughan Road in the City of Vaughan:
    • One kilometre west of Keele Street to one kilometre east of Keele Street - 70 km/h to 60 km/h
  • Leslie Street in the Town of East Gwillimbury:
    • 230 metres north of Mount Albert Road/Farr Avenue to Doane Road - 80 km/h to 70 km/h
    • 320 metres south of Queensville Sideroad to 675 metres south of Queensville Sideroad - 40 km/h to 50 km/h as Queensville Public School was relocated
  • Queensville Sideroad in the Town of East Gwillimbury
    • 800 metres east of Yonge Street to 2nd Concession Road - 70 km/h to 60 km/h
  • King Road in the Township of King:
    • 135 metres west of 10th Concession to 200 metres east of 10th Concession - 80 km/h to 50 km/h
    • 190 metres east of 11th Concession to 135 metres west of 10th Concession - 80 km/h to 70 km/h
  • 17th Sideroad in the Township of King:
    • Jane Street to Dufferin Street - 60 km/h to 50 km/
  • Woodbine Avenue in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville:
    • 200 metres north of Marjorie Drive to 800 metres north of Aurora Road - 80 km/h to 70 km/h 
    • 180 metres south of Bloomington Road to 259 metres south of Vandorf Sideroad - 80 km/h to 70 km/h

The York Region Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan identifies aggressive driving that includes speeding represents 45% of severe collisions on Regional roads.

Speed limit revisions are recommended and approved based on defined principles, including industry standards and criteria in the Region’s Establishing Speed Limits on Regional Roads Policy.

The Highway Traffic Act gives Regional Council authority to revise speed limits under 100 km/hr. To notify travellers of speed limit changes, signs are placed at the beginning of each changed speed zone, and for the first 60 to 90 days includes a sign on top with the word "NEW."

Learn more about traffic safety measures to protect the most vulnerable road users at york.ca/TrafficSafety

York Region supports efforts to improve consistency in municipal road construction standards

Regional Council received an update on The Regional Municipality of York's submission to the Province of Ontario proposal on the Proposed Harmonization of Municipal Road Construction Standards (26-MTO003).

The Ministry of Transportation requested public input for consideration when developing a proposed regulation for municipalities.

York Region supports the Province’s objective of improving consistency in municipal road construction standards while ensuring flexibility to accommodate local contexts and meet shared provincial and municipal infrastructure goals.

The Region’s current approach uses Ontario Provincial Standards for Roads and Public Works as a baseline with targeted refinements to ensure infrastructure meets intended service life, performs reliably under local conditions and results in long-terms cost savings.

Demonstrated benefits include extended pavement life (20 to 25 years), lower lifecycle costs and improved value for taxpayers. This approach ensures effective delivery of housing-enabling road infrastructure and supports continued municipal investment in congestion-relief projects.

A collaborative and flexible regulatory framework supported by a formal provincial–municipal governance model with municipalities involved in the development and ongoing oversight of standards is recommended to support informed decision-making and successful implementation.

York Region remains committed to ongoing collaboration with the Province, local municipal partners and road builders to strengthen consistency in standards.

2025 Health and Well-being Review highlights community strengths, pressures and need for additional senior government support

Regional Council received the annual Health and Well-being Review, an analysis of local current trends and how York Region is responding to the evolving needs of residents.

The review identifies strengths, challenges and opportunities within the community and supports shared understanding with the Region, municipal and community partners and other levels of government. The annual review is intended to inform community engagement, system planning and advocacy to help residents thrive.

York Region remains committed to supporting resident well‑being through innovative programming, partnerships and effective service delivery. However, additional and sustainable investments from senior levels of government are needed for the Region to deliver programs and services to those who need them and ensure human services continue to support healthy communities.

Community Investment Fund Served more than 40,000 residents in 2025

Regional Council received an update on the Community Investment Fund, an investment in initiatives delivered by community agencies targeting gaps in human services, complement or enhance Regional programs and deliver on Council priorities.

With a $7.7 million total budget in 2025, the fund invested in 114 projects and initiatives delivered by 59 community agencies and served more than 40,000 residents. The projects support priority areas including housing stability, mental well-being, diversity, equity and inclusion, food security system development and other critical services and emergency needs.

The Community Investment Fund is undergoing a comprehensive review to ensure it remains aligned with changing community needs and budget pressures. The review, expected to be shared with Regional Council for approval in 2027, will help determine how to prioritize limited resources, assess which investments deliver the greatest impact and identify opportunities to align with other Regional programs.

Supporting affordable child care through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program

Regional Council received an update on The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, which provides benefits to children and families in York Region by improving child care affordability, expanding access to licensed child care and strengthening the child care and early years workforce.

York Region has successfully allocated 5,197 new CWELCC-funded spaces between 2023 and 2026 and is expected to meet the province’s target of 39,000 spaces by the end of 2026. To ensure consistent access to affordable, high quality child care across the Region, 2,175 additional CWELCC-funded spaces are needed.

Regional Council is requesting the provincial and federal government explore an income-tested approach that aligns with the existing child care fee subsidy program, with a focus of better supporting families with lower household incomes, rather than priority graphical areas, while maintaining affordability.

Housing York Inc. marks 2025 as a year of action, partnership and progress

At the April 16, 2026 meeting of Housing York Inc., Board of Director Members received Housing York Inc.’s (HYI) 2025 Annual Report, outlining a transformational year, advancing housing projects from planning to welcoming residents into new affordable housing units.

The year marked the first phase of implementing From Vision to Vibrant Communities: Housing York Inc.’s 2025 to 2028 Strategic Plan, a four-year framework designed to guide HYI through rising housing demand, aging infrastructure and service modernization. HYI focused on sustaining and increasing housing supply, supporting resilient communities and driving innovation and continuous improvement.

A significant milestone in 2025 was the opening of Mosaic House in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. The 97 unit mixed-income development provides homes for 140 residents, including seniors, families and individuals. Mosaic House reached full occupancy within four months of opening, demonstrating strong demand for high-quality, affordable housing.

Throughout 2025, work continued to create approximately 400 new housing units, including 150 units at Box Grove in the City of Markham and 250 units at 62 Bayview Parkway in the Town of Newmarket. Both projects are positioned to move toward construction. Once built, these facilities will be operated by HYI.

Learn more about Housing York’s 2025 achievements.
Learn more about Housing York.

York Region continues funding commitment to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital with $7.4 million contribution in 2026

Regional Council received an update on the 2026 Capital Contribution for the Mackenzie Health – Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, outlining details of a funding commitment to support hospitals in York Region with capital projects until 2031, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding approved by Regional Council in 2009.

Contributions to the Hospital Financing Reserve Fund are adjusted annually by the rate of change in the Region’s prior year’s assessment growth. Through the Regional Council-approved 2026 Operating Budget, the Region’s contribution for 2026 is approximately $7.4 million.

Funding eligibility is related to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital reducing transfer of care times for emergency patients. In 2025, Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital met its transfer of care target of 30 minutes, with an average transfer of care time of 21 minutes, across nearly 18,000 patient transports.

To date, York Region has paid $116.8 million to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital for the approved project. The remaining commitment to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital is estimated to be $37.2 million.

Regional Council maintains current Police Service Board composition

Regional Council approved maintaining a seven-member composition for the York Regional Police Service Board and maintain the membership structure in place since 1995. The Board includes the Regional Chair or Council appointee, two addition Members of Council, one community member and three provincial appointees.

Under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, municipalities must pass a resolution to confirm the size of their police service boards.

Maintaining the current seven-member structure ensures continuity in governance and reflects the absence of any need to change the Board’s size.

Celebrating Public Works ‘Rooted in Service, Powered by Community'

York Region will mark May 17 to 23, 2026, as National Public Works Week, recognizing this year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” and the essential role public works plays in building and maintaining strong communities. From roads and bridges to water, wastewater and waste management, these services form the backbone of daily life for residents and businesses across York Region.

Throughout the week, York Region will celebrate the teams behind this work, with activities including a Paint-a-Plow contest for Grade 5 students, school tours of Regional facilities and forests and the annual Family Fun Day.

Public Works will co-host a Family Fun Day in partnership with York Region Paramedic Services on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are invited to attend this free event at York Region Public Works Operation Centre and Paramedic Services Headquarters at 80 and 90 Bales Drive East in the Town of East Gwillimbury.

Celebrating Paramedic Services ‘Improving Outcomes, Together’

Paramedic Services Week, May 17 to 24, 2026 recognizes the dedication and critical role paramedics play across Canada for people in their communities. This year’s theme is “Improving Outcomes, Together.

Paramedic Services Week recognizes the skill, compassion and dedication of York Region Paramedics and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about safety issues, including injury prevention and how to respond to medical emergencies.

Responding to evolving community needs and a growing population, Paramedic Services continue to make key advancements in clinical care and service delivery, including:

  • Improving cardiac care with upgraded CPR and defibrillator protocols
  • Strengthening community readiness with tracked public automated external defibrillator locations and coordination with 911 dispatchers
  • Enhancing emergency response times by breaking ground on a new joint fire and paramedic response station in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
  • Reducing emergency department visits with the Accredited Advanced Care Paramedic

Program, enhancing paramedic assessment, treatment and referral skills

Paramedics are committed to exceptional patient care, and their community service continues to strengthen the health and safety of residents across the Region.

York Region Paramedic Services will co-host a Family Fun Day in partnership with Public Works on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are invited to attend this free event at York Region Public Works Operation Centre and Paramedic Services Headquarters at 80 and 90 Bales Drive East in the Town of East Gwillimbury.

Regional Council endorses call for National Chinese Heritage Month

Regional Council endorsed a motion from City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Mario G. Racco, recognizing the significant contributions of Chinese Canadians to the social, economic and cultural fabric of York Region, Ontario and Canada. The motion also acknowledges the historical experiences of the Chinese community and the importance of continued efforts to foster inclusion and understanding.

Building on York Region’s 2024 proclamation to recognize February as Chinese Heritage Month, Council also urges the Government of Canada to formally establish a Canadian Chinese Heritage Month.

TAA requests re-nomination of Jennifer Tracy Li to Board of Directors

Regional Council received communication from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and nominated Jennifer Tracy Li to its Board of Directors for a second three-year term, beginning May 13, 2026.

Ms. Li has served on the Board since 2023 and is recognized for her strong contributions, strategic insight and leadership, including her work on the Audit and Human Resources and Compensation Committees. Her continued appointment supports stability and continuity as the GTAA advances its multi-year Pearson LIFT program to modernize and enhance Toronto Pearson International Airport.

April Observances

Regional Council recognized the following observances in April 2026:

Next meeting of York Regional Council

The next Meeting of York Regional Council will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the York Region Administrative Centre Council Chambers, located at 17250 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket. Meetings are streamed on york.ca/Live

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.3 million residents and 58,000 businesses with over 624,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

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Compiled by:

Kylie-Anne Doerner, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 905-806-7138
Email: @email