York Regional Council Highlights - Thursday, December 21, 2023
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 also available at york.ca/councilandcommittee
York Region moves ahead with $4.2 billion 2024 budget
York Regional Council approved the $4.2 billion budget for 2024, which includes a tax levy increase of 2.75% and a 1% Rapid Transit / Infrastructure levy. Regional Council also endorsed the outlook for the remaining two years of the current multi-year budget: 2.60% and a continuation of the 1% Rapid Transit / Infrastructure levy in both 2025 and 2026.
The $4.2 billion budget is comprised of $3.2 billion in operating costs and $1 billion in capital expenditures, with 82 cents of every Regional property tax dollar funding program and service delivery.
York Region's multi-year budget aligns with the Region’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing priorities during Council's four-year term. The budget supports these priorities, with each department using it to guide spending.
Fiscal Strategy yields strong credit ratings and financial stability
Regional Council endorsed the updated Fiscal Strategy, which helps ensure the Region’s long-term financial sustainability through prudent management of the capital plan, reserves and debt, as well as balancing the needs of current and future taxpayers.
Council endorsed key principles for the Fiscal Strategy include:
- Keeping growth affordable and maintaining existing infrastructure
- Preserving AAA credit rating
- Maintaining fiscal flexibility to respond to evolving needs and economic changes
- Treating current and future taxpayers fairly by striving for intergenerational equity
To keep growth affordable and create complete communities, York Region must manage growth capital spending, aligning it with anticipated development charge revenue. Simultaneously, funding should be allocated to maintain existing infrastructure in good repair.
York Region $3.2 billion operating budget approved for 2024
Regional Council is committing to $3.2 billion in operating budget in 2024, covering the day-to-day expenses of delivering Regional programs and services.
The 2024 Operating budget aligns with the York Region’s four Strategic Plan priority areas and is divided into three main parts: 39% for direct program costs (including contracted services), 32% for salaries and benefits supporting Regional service delivery and 29% to support the Region's Fiscal Strategy, including contributions to reserves.
York Region approves $1 billion in capital budget for 2024
Regional Council approved $1 billion in capital spending for 2024. As part of a larger $11.6 billion 10-year capital plan addressing long-term infrastructure needs, the 2024 capital budget will support growth-related projects with the remainder designated to keeping the Region’s infrastructure in a state of good repair.
Key capital projects for 2024 include:
- Building an additional 269 new kilometres of fibre and facilitating high-speed internet access in rural and underserved areas
- Supporting community housing with 97 new units under construction and a further 400 units in advanced pre-development stages
- Investing in streetscaping and green infrastructure, including planting 70,000 trees and shrubs to prevent and reduce impacts of climate change and maintain and enhance green spaces
Celebrating the life and legacy of Central York Fire Services Chief Ian Laing
Regional Council extended condolences and held a moment of silence in honour of Central York Fire Services Chief Ian Laing, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
For 48 years, Chief Laing dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. He served with an unwavering commitment and courage, leaving an indelible mark on the fires service and the many lives he touched.
In paying tribute to Chief Laing, who also served as Regional Fire Coordinator for The Regional Municipality of York, Regional Council remembered him as a leader in times of crisis, a mentor, friend and pillar of strength for many. With a warm smile on his face, Chief Laing enlightened the lives of those around him and served as an invaluable partner across York Region’s nine cities and towns.
Flags at the York Region Administrative Centre located in the Town of Newmarket, were lowered to half-mast from Thursday, November 30 to Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in honour of Chief Laing.
York Region paramedics recognized for exemplary service
Regional Council extended congratulations to Primary Care Paramedic Cheryl Balsdon and Advance Care Paramedic Richard McTeer who were recognized with the Governor General Exemplary Service First Bar medal in December 2023.
The Governor General Exemplary Service Medals recognize paramedics who have provided the highest standard of care and conduct. The first bar recognizes 30 years of service, 10 of which have been in the field, on duty and involving potential risk.
Alternate Member for East Gwillimbury
Town of East Gwillimbury Ward 2 Councillor and Acting Mayor Brian Johns completed York Regional Council’s Declaration of Office and was sworn in as the municipality’s alternate member of Regional Council on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
Acting Mayor Johns will continue to represent the Town of East Gwillimbury at Regional Council and Committee of the Whole meetings during Mayor Virginia Hackson’s leave of absence.
World AIDS Day
Regional Council recognized Friday, December 1, 2023, as World AIDS Day and the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week in Canada.
World AIDS Day is an opportunity to amplify awareness, promote education and advocate for accessible health care to ensure everyone has the tools and support needed to prevent and manage HIV and AIDS. It also serves as a call to action to break down barriers and eradicate stigma and discrimination.
York Region Public Health has health clinics offering a wide range of testing and treatment services in a confidential, non-judgmental setting, including HIV testing. Services at the clinics are available at no cost to all York Region residents and a health card is not required.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Regional Council recognized Sunday, December 3, 2023, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This United Nations Day of observance aligns with York Region’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and aims to remind us of our collective responsibility to remove barriers and create a welcoming community that supports the rights and well-being of all residents, including those with disabilities.
International Volunteer Day
Regional Council recognized Tuesday, December 5, 2023, as International Volunteer Day and extended appreciation to the countless community volunteers who give of their time, efforts and resources to help shape a better future for all York Region residents.
International Human Rights Day
Regional Council recognized International Human Rights Day on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
Observed annual, International Human Rights Day commemorates the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims the basic rights everyone is entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political opinion, birth or other status.
Human Rights Day also offered opportunity for Regional Council to reaffirm their commitment to the Inclusion Charter for York Region, which aims to build welcoming and inclusive communities where everyone can live to their full potential.
Winter Holidays
Regional Council extended warmest wishes to all York Region residents celebrating this holiday season.
As one of the most diverse communities in Canada, York Region is home to residents who practice different faiths with a variety of religious and cultural holidays. In the month of December, the Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, Buddhists observed Bodhi Day, Christians celebrate Advent and Christmas, many residents of African descent celebrate Kwanzaa, Pagans and Wiccans observe Yule and the Winter Solstice, Latin Americans recognize Las Posadas and Zoroastrians mark the death of the prophet Zarathushtra.
Regardless of faith or religious observance, this special time of year offers an opportunity to gather with loved ones and family to both celebrate and learn more about the faiths and traditions of those we share our communities with.
Celebrating Warriors football
Regional Council extended congratulations to the Huron Heights Warriors junior and senior football teams, who won their respective championship games to become the top football teams in Ontario for the 2023.
Located in the Town of Newmarket, Huron Heights Secondary School now holds the distinct honour of being the only football program in Ontario to earn junior and senior championship titles in the same year. To further celebrate this tremendous accomplishment, the Town of Newmarket declared Saturday, December 10, 2023, as Warriors Day.
Next meeting of York Regional Council
York Regional Council will meet on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the York Region Administrative Centre Council Chambers, located at 17250 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket. The meeting will be 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 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices
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Media Contact:
Kylie-Anne Doerner, Corporate Communications
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71232, Cell: 905-806-7138
Email: @email
