York Regional Council Highlights – Thursday, January 25, 2024

February 01, 2024

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 calls on senior governments to support asylum seekers

York Regional Council passed a resolution calling on the federal government to provide funding to support the ongoing needs of asylum claimants. This funding would compensate York Region for expenses to date, as well as ensuring the Region can continue current levels of interim accommodation and support through to the end of 2024.

The resolution speaks to the pressing needs and provincial and federal advocacy for funding in the following critical areas:

Providing funding to York Region to compensate expenses in 2023 ($2.7 million) and offset costs related to the Region’s interim housing and supports to asylum claimants
Providing an additional $14.1 million estimated to offset costs related to the Region’s interim housing and supports to asylum claimants for the balance of 2024
Increasing Canada Ontario Housing Benefit funding to at least match enhanced provincial allocation of $2.4 million; enabling asylum claimants to settle and find more stable housing
Coordinating and streamlining intake and housing supports by senior levels of government address the increase in asylum claimants in Canada
Providing funding directly to community organizations and service providers, such as churches and faith organizations, that are providing interim housing and settlement supports to asylum seekers

On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, the Government of Canada announced an additional $362.4 million in funding for the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) as part of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. York Region is pleased the federal government is acknowledging the work municipalities continue to do on this critical issue and look forward to details on how additional funding will be allocated locally.

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, York Regional Council approved $4.3 million in municipal tax levy funding towards the establishment and operations of a hotel-based interim accommodation and support site in the City of Vaughan for asylum seekers and refugee claimants. In December 2023, York Region expanded its capacity to assist refugee claimants and asylum seekers by opening a second hotel-based interim accommodation and support site in the City of Markham.

York Region will continue to collaborate with local municipalities and partners across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and with the federal and provincial governments to help ensure asylum seekers are supported and welcomed.

Update on Public Heath in York Region

Regional Council received an update from York Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barry Pakes, outlining current COVID-19, respiratory illnesses and other public health activities in the community and impacts on the health care system.

COVID-19, respiratory illness, population increases, access to primary care and an aging population have contributed to congestion in the acute health care system. These capacity challenges have placed pressure on York Region’s emergency departments who have implemented surge models to prioritize patient care.

While COVID-19, RSV and influenza have contributed to high hospital occupancy since late 2023, York Region wastewater surveillance demonstrates cases of RSV, COVID-19 and influenza have peaked and hospitalizations related to these illnesses are beginning to decrease.

Thanks to vaccination efforts of public health and York Region residents, particularly in older individuals and high-risk populations, serious outcomes related to COVID-19, including hospitalization and death, remain low across York Region.

Immunization remains the most effective tool to protect against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Residents in all age groups, including older adults and those with compromised immune systems, are encouraged to get vaccinated annually.

York Region appoints Laura McDowell Commissioner of Public Works

Following a thorough and competitive recruitment process, Regional Council appointed Laura McDowell as the new Commissioner of Public Works for The Regional Municipality of York, effective Monday, February 5, 2024.

With more than three decades of private and public sector experience leading large infrastructure projects and programs, Ms. McDowell will play a pivotal role in leading York Region Public Works.

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Public Works is responsible for providing strategic direction and overall leadership of the Public Works department, which includes Operations and Services and Capital Infrastructure Services. This portfolio has oversight for water and wastewater facilities, waste management, natural heritage and forestry services, York Region Transit, road user safety, transportation systems and traffic operations.

York Region participates in Ontario 2024 Budget consultations

Regional Council is supporting its growing and diverse communities by participating in provincial 2024 budget consultations.

Comments will be submitted addressing five key areas:

Financial impacts of More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
Infrastructure required to meet provincial housing targets
Housing affordability challenges
Transit priorities
Human and health service needs

To continue delivering fiscally sustainable programs and services to more than 1.2 million residents, York Region will investigate and advocate for additional funding from senior levels of government.

Celebrating York Regional Forest 100th anniversary

Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York are recognizing the 100th anniversary of the York Regional Forest with a year-long celebration packed with free activities, events and historical exhibits for everyone to enjoy.

After a century of restoration efforts, and now guided by It’s in Our Nature: Management Plan for the York Regional Forest, today’s Regional Forest adds up to over 2,500 hectares and is made up of 24 forest tracts located in different parts of the Region.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary, a 142-hectare property acquired in 2021 at McCowan Road and Queensville Sideroad in the Town of East Gwillimbury will be named the “Centennial Tract”. As part of celebrations, a community tree planting event will be held at this tract in 2024.

Learn more about the York Regional Forest’s 100-year anniversary, its history and activities and events at york.ca/Forest100

York Region assumes jurisdiction of two Township of King Roads

At the Township of King’s request, Regional Council has approved transferring ownership of the following road sections to York Region effective June 1, 2024:

Keele Street from Lloydtown/Aurora Road to Davis Drive
17th Sideroad from Jane Street to Dufferin Street

These sections are a logical extension of existing Regional road corridors and provide increased efficiency for ongoing maintenance and operations.

Road transfers from a local city or town to York Region, or from York Region to a local city or town, are subject to the Regional Road Assumption Policy.

In June 2023, the Township of King requested York Region assume jurisdiction of these road sections and complete intersection improvements, including a pedestrian crosswalk and revising the Parking and Stopping on Regional Roads Bylaw.

The transfer also includes road reconstruction and rehabilitation, ongoing asset management, winter maintenance and landscaping costs. It’s estimated to cost $216,000 from June to December 2024. For the 10-year budget period from 2025 to 2034, the financial impact is estimated to be $15.3 million, with pavement reconstruction on Keele Street.

Regional roads are typically main arterial roadways connecting our nine local cities and towns. Learn more about Regional roads at york.ca/roads

Long-term care transformation better supports mental health and well-being of residents

York Region supports Canadian Standards Association group’s new draft national standard on mental health and well-being of residents in long-term care and assisted living settings to ensure high quality care nationwide. York Region provided recommendations building on the Region’s previous advocacy and identifying the need for funding and Provincial support ahead of implementation.

The Canadian Standards Association Group developed the draft national standard to provide guidance and improve care in long-term care and assisted living. This standard is in addition to two national standards Health Canada is considering through the development of the Safe Long-Term Care Act.

York Region operates two long-term care homes, the Newmarket Health Centre and Maple Health Centre, and is committed to support the mental health and well-being of long-term care residents.

York Region provides over $1 million to strengthen business community

The Regional Municipality of York has committed $1,080,600 funding to continue strengthening York Region’s business economy through fostering innovation with a focus on international and women-led tech entrepreneurs.

In partnership with York University and Treefrog Inc., funding for Project JumpSTART will help increase local employment and economic growth, promote equity and diversity and expand business and entrepreneurship guidance and resources for York Region’s northern six municipalities.

Project JumpSTART leverages financial support from several levels of government and builds on existing entrepreneurial-focused programs and accomplishments in York Region innovation. The Economic Development Action Plan is founded on pillars of business, innovation and talent.

Business incubators and accelerators play an important role in supporting business innovation in York Region, contributing to economic prosperity.

For more information on economic development and available resources to grow a business, visit YorkLink.ca

York Region prepared for emergency or disaster

Regional Council received the Emergency Management Program Annual Compliance review report, outlining activities undertaken to ensure annual regulations are met and Regional staff are prepared to respond in times of emergency.

Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Ontario Regulation 380/04, York Region is required to create and maintain an emergency management program and emergency response plan, identify critical infrastructure, conduct training and exercises and promote public awareness.

York Region also partnered with York Regional Police and the nine local cities and towns to complete an annual Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA). Top hazards identified through this exercise and most likely to impact York Region include:

Infectious Diseases
Winter/Weather/Ice Storm
Electrical Energy Outage
Cyber Attack

Residents can do their part by preparing a personal emergency plan and 72-hour emergency kit.

York Region appoints KPMG as municipal auditor

Regional Council has appointed KPMG as its municipal auditor for a term of five years, covering fiscal years 2024 to 2028.

Under the Municipal Act, Ontario municipalities are required to retain a municipal auditor licensed under the Public Accounting Act to annually audit accounts and transactions of the region and its boards. The municipal auditor is also responsible for expressing an opinion of the annual financial statements for these bodies.

As Shareholder of the Region’s three corporations, Housing York Inc., YTN Telecom Network Inc. and York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, Regional Council appointed KMPG as auditors for these entities.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Regional Council recognized January as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and encouraged residents to learn more about dementia and its impacts on individuals and families.

Through York Region’s Adult Day programs, vulnerable residents suffering from dementia and other cognitive health issues are provided a safe and secure environment to participate in meaningful daily activities and exercises. These programs offer critical support to residents living with dementia and their families and caregivers.

Tamil Heritage Month

Regional Council recognized January as Tamil Heritage Month and acknowledged the many contributions of Tamil Canadians.

As one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada, York Region is home to a large Tamil population who add to the social, economic, political and cultural fabric of our communities.

Crime Stoppers Awareness Month

Regional Council recognized January as Crime Stoppers Awareness Month and acknowledged the important role residents, law enforcement and the media play in keeping our communities safe.

As a non-profit community organization, Crime Stoppers of York Region is a collaborative and proactive effort to provide residents with a program to anonymously assist with solving crime.

National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters

On Monday, January 8, 2024, Regional Council recognized National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters and honoured the many lives lost in these tragedies, including the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, Air India Flight 280, Air Ontario Flight 1362 and other smaller incidents.

York Region also marked the fourth anniversary of the tragic and unnecessary downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which claimed 176 innocent lives, including 57 Canadians, 26 York Region residents and a York Region staff member, Bahareh Karami.

National Non-Smoking Week

Regional Council recognized January 21 to 27, 2024, as National Non-Smoking Week, which aims to educate on the dangers of smoking, help people quit and assist in the goal of a smoke-free Canada

York Region Public Health provides several cost-free smoking cessation programs and resources for residents looking to quit at york.ca/substanceabuse

Bell Let’s Talk Day

Regional Council recognized Wednesday, January 25, 2024, as Bell Let’s Talk Day and acknowledged the importance of having real and meaningful conversations to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Since 2010, the Bell Let’s Talk initiative has helped more than 1,500 organizations support 6.9 million Canadians with access to mental health services and created a national conversation about mental health that continues to create meaningful and positive change.

International Day of Clean Energy

Regional Council recognized Friday, January 26, 2024, as International Day of Clean Energy, which calls for meaningful steps towards achieving more reliable and sustainable modern energy systems.

As part of Regional Council’s efforts to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, York Region continues to take steps to reduce energy consumption across the organization and support electrification of the Regional fleet and transit vehicles.

Standing up to hate and intolerance

Regional Council recognized Saturday, January 27, 2024, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day and Monday, January 29, 2024, as National Day of Remembrance for the Quebec City Mosque Attack, honouring the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the victims of the Quebec City act of terror.

In the wake of conflicts and events taking place around the world, these two days serve as a sobering reminder that hate has no place in our communities and that more must be done to build an inclusive and welcoming York Region.

Regional Council also supported the launch of the #EndHateYR campaign aimed at reducing hate crime and hate incidents in the community.

Developed in collaboration with York Regional Police’s Hate Crimes Unit, the #EndHateYR campaign provides education and awareness about hate motivated crimes and incidents, impact on individuals and how community members can work together to eliminate hate and support those impacted.

Residents are encouraged to help end the cycle of hate and support welcoming communities by visiting york.ca/EndHate

Celebrating Black History

Regional Council recognized February as Black History Month and acknowledged the many achievements and contributions of all Black Canadians that have helped make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation.

As one of Canada’s most diverse communities and home to a fast-growing number of people who self-identify as Black or of African Heritage, York Region values its diverse and ethnically rich population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity.

Black History Month is an opportunity to learn about the diversity of Black communities in York Region and to celebrate the important contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and prosperity of the country.

Next meeting of York Regional Council

York Regional Council will meet on Thursday, February 22, 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