York Regional Council Highlights - Thursday, October 23, 2025

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

2026 budget tabled at York Regional Council

York Region’s proposed 2026 budget was tabled at the Thursday, October 23, 2025, meeting of York Regional Council. The 2026 budget covers the fourth and final year of the 2023 to 2026 multi-year budget aligning with this term of Council.

The 2026 tabled budget continues to focus on three priority areas outlined in last year’s approved budget: investing in safer communities, enabling growth and keeping people, goods and information moving. It outlines how York Region will deliver core services to residents and businesses, including policing, public health, paramedics, social assistance, community housing, roads, transit and water and wastewater services.

The proposed $5.2 billion budget, the largest in York Region’s history, includes a $3.7 billion operating budget and a $1.5 billion capital budget. Operating costs cover day-to-day expenses and provide funding for rehabilitation and replacement of existing infrastructure, while capital spending covers major infrastructure requirements.

The proposed 2026 capital spending of $1.5 billion is part of a record-high $14 billion 10-year plan, which includes projects to meet growth needs, support new housing supply and renewal of existing assets.

The tabled budget matches the Council approved 2025 outlook of a 3.22% tax levy increase, plus 1% for the Rapid Transit and Infrastructure levy. If approved, it will add approximately $127 to the average household.

York Regional Police and major service area presentations will be presented to Committee of the Whole on Thursday, November 6, 2025, with Council consideration on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Yonge North Subway Extension moving forward, strengthening regional connectivity and growth

Regional Council received an update from Metrolinx on Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) project progress.

The YNSE extends the Yonge Subway from Finch Station into the Cities of Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Markham and remains a top transportation priority. Once complete, the YNSE will connect with local and GO Transit services and feature five new stations: Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge and High Tech.

In September 2024, York Region signed an Agreement in Principle with the Ontario government to advance the YNSE, building on a 2020 preliminary transit partnership. The agreement outlines shared responsibilities for funding, implementation and operations and confirms the Province, through Metrolinx, as the lead on planning, design and construction.

The Region has committed up to $1.12 billion in capital funding for this vital transit project.

In August, Metrolinx announced the Advance Tunnel Contract award to North End Connectors. Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have now released a Request for Qualifications for the stations, rail and systems package. This package includes design, construction and integration of five new subway stations, supporting infrastructure, rail and signalling systems and connections to existing TTC Line 1 infrastructure.

For the latest updates, visit metrolinx.ca/YongeSubwayExt

York Region’s updated SM4RT Living Plan builds a smarter waste future

York Region completed a comprehensive five-year review of its SM4RT Living Waste Management Master Plan, reaffirming Regional Council’s commitment to sustainable waste practices and outlining strategic infrastructure investments to meet future needs.

Key highlights of the updated SM4RT Living Plan include:

• Reconfiguring the Waste Management Centre in East Gwillimbury to include a new leaf and yard waste facility and expanded waste transfer station
• Planning for a second transfer station to serve southern York Region, reducing haulage distances and improving service efficiency
  • Investing in Region-owned infrastructure anticipates savings of more than $13 million over 10 years compared to contracted services, improving long-term resilience and reduce reliance on external providers
• Partnering with organizations like York Region Food Network and NewMakeIt to reduce food waste and promote reuse through programs such as Repair Cafés and Good Food initiatives
• Transitioning to full producer responsibility for the Blue Box program beginning January 2026, advocating for stronger regulations and working directly with Producer Responsibility Organizations to secure funding and services

The SM4RT Living Waste Management Master Plan is reviewed every five years to assess progress and refine future strategies. Residents expressed strong support for mobile collection events, depot enhancements and circular economy programs fostering community connection. Learn more at york.ca/SM4RTLiving

York Region strengthening health care support for Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation

Regional Council received an update on the expansion of York Region’s Community Paramedicine to Georgina Island First Nation, supporting Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations while respecting a shared commitment to First Nation self determination.

The expanded Community Paramedicine Program provides a weekly, community-based clinic that supports residents in managing chronic health conditions and works to establish referral pathways to community health care providers. Community Paramedicine plays a key role in York Region by providing clinical support to patients in their homes, long-term care homes and community-based clinics, transitional housing locations and underserved rural areas.

Over the past year, York Region Paramedic Services and the Georgina Island Band Council have prioritized emergency response and non-urgent community care. In June 2025, services were expanded to better meet local health needs. Access to care is often limited due to ferry operating hours and winter ice conditions on Lake Simcoe.

To further support health and well-being, York Region submitted a funding proposal to Ontario Health to expand on-island services. This proposal includes the purchase of an ambulance, on-island staffing, ice water rescue equipment, satellite technology, training, Indigenous cultural supports and medical supplies.

York Region applies for provincial cost recovery funding following March 2025 ice storm

Regional Council approved submission of an application to the Province under the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program to recover eligible costs from the March 2025 ice storm.

York Region incurred $334,747 in unbudgeted costs as Public Works and Community and Health Services staff supported emergency response and recovery efforts in the Town of Georgina, Georgina Island First Nation and neighbouring municipalities. If approved, the Region could recover up to 75% of these costs, or about $251,000, through the provincial program.

Remembering Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Regional Council observed a moment of silence in honour of Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley, who recently passed away. With more than five decades of public service, Chair Bradley was a respected colleague and dedicated leader whose unwavering commitment to his community and the people of Ontario will be greatly missed. Council extended condolences to Chair Bradley’s family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

York Region water wins ‘Best Tasting Water’ award from the Ontario Water Works Association

York Region is pleased to announce it earned first place in the annual Drinking Water Taste Test Competition at the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) conference and trade show.

The winning sample, sourced from the Georgina Water Treatment Plant, was selected from a record 12 municipal entries by conference attendees. Sample water was sourced from Lake Simcoe and undergoes rigorous cleaning through ultra-filtration membrane technology.

OWWA Executive Director Michele Grenier presented the Taste Test Award to York Region, recognizing the Region’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality drinking water to residents.

Learn more about York Region’s water at york.ca/Water

Regional Budget awarded Distinguished Budget Award for 21st consecutive year

Regional Council received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Region’s 2025 budget. This marks the 21st consecutive year the Region’s budget presentation has been recognized with this award. The 2025 budget also received Special Recognition for Strategic Goals and Strategies.

In June 2025, York Region was once again awarded a special Triple Crown medallion by the GFOA in recognition of receiving all three GFOA awards for the 2023 fiscal year.

Receipt of these financial awards reflects Regional Council’s ongoing commitment to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting and publishing high quality budget documents satisfying national guidelines.

York Region cheers on the Toronto Blue Jays

Regional Council celebrated the Toronto Blue Jays’ return to the World Series for the first time in 32 years, encouraging staff and residents across York Region to show their team spirit and cheer on Canada’s team.

Celebrating local artist Eugene Cheung

Regional Council recognized local artist Eugene Cheung for his remarkable musical achievements, including becoming the first Canadian-based Chinese singer to reach No. 1 on China’s Top 20 chart. From sold-out concerts at the Vaughan City Playhouse Theatre to international performances, Eugene continues to inspire audiences and young artists through his talent and dedication to music.

Observances

Regional Council recognized the following observances in October 2025:

Islamic Heritage Month
National Disability Employment Month
Toastmasters Month
Small Business Week – October 19 to 25, 2025
Local Government Week – October 19 to 25, 2025
Waste Reduction Week – October 21 to 26, 2025
World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2025
World Homeless Day – October 10, 2025
Thanksgiving – October 13, 2025
Diwali – October 20, 2025

Next meeting of York Regional Council

The next Meeting of York Regional Council will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, 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 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with over 629,000 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