York Regional Council Highlights - Thursday, October 26, 2023

November 01, 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.

Update on municipal governance review

York Regional Council received a memo outlining updates to the planned provincial review of municipal governance.

In November 2022, the Government of Ontario announced its intention to appoint facilitators to review the governance structure in Ontario’s fastest growing regions to consider the best mix of roles and responsibilities between upper and lower tier municipalities.

On September 13, 2023, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requested the Chair of the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy take on the work of assessing regional governance structures and identify any barriers preventing cities and towns from delivering on provincial housing targets.

On October 19, 2023, the Standing Committee provided Notice of Hearings on the ‘Study of Regional Governance’, which will include a public meeting in the City of Barrie on November 6, 2023. It is anticipated additional public meetings will be planed for jurisdictions within York Region.

Continued investments promote active transportation

Regional Council received an update on the Pedestrian Cycling and Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program. These are two distinctive programs helping York Region, local cities and towns and other partners work together to improve sustainable transportation choices across our communities.

These cost-sharing partnership programs build infrastructure for active living and community enhancements. York Region annually allocates up to $500,000 for the Pedestrian Cycling Program and up to $1 million for the Streetscape Program.

Pedestrian Cycling Program projects funded in 2022/2023 include:

Adding a multi-use path on Woodbine Avenue from Glenwoods Drive to the new Multi-Use Recreational Complex in the Town of Georgina
Improving the multi-use path intersection at Markham Road (16th Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive) in the City of Markham
Building cycle tracks on Major Mackenzie Drive between Jane Street and McNaughton Road in the City of Vaughan
Creating a cycle track on New Westminster Drive between Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue in the City of Vaughan

Streetscape Program projects funded in 2023 include:

Developing parkettes on Bathurst Street at Shaw Road and Weldrick Road in the City of Richmond Hill
Enhancing area around 16th Avenue and Leslie Street in the City of Richmond Hill
Improving Major Mackenzie Drive between McNaughton Road and Keele Street and Major Mackenzie Drive and Station Street in the City of Vaughan

Since the programs launched in 2006 and 2007, York Region has contributed $8.4 million to support 49 Pedestrian Cycling projects and $13.3 million to support 41 Streetscape Program projects.

York Region advances Future Bus Rapid Transit Projects

Regional Council has given the green light to advance preliminary work for prioritized Bus Rapid Transit projects.

York Region has developed a process to prioritize the remaining 130 kilometres of bus rapid transit segments identified in the 2022 Transportation Master Plan’s 2051 Rapid Transit Network.

The Bus Rapid Transit framework identifies priority projects in three phases for implementation, taking a balanced approach in addressing growth across the Region to 2051. It factors in aspects such as transit ridership, rapid transit network connectivity, land use density, project readiness and project cost.

Based on the results of the prioritization process, the next steps involve improving the readiness of Phase 1 projects, including environmental assessments and preliminary engineering work. Phase 1 Projects include:

Jane Street – from Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive in the City of Vaughan
Enterprise Boulevard – from Birchmount Road to Kennedy Road in the City of Markham
Kennedy Road – from YMCA Boulevard to Highway 7 in the City of Markham
Highway 7 – from Kennedy Road to York Durham Line in the City of Markham

The prioritization framework builds on focus area actions identified in the 2022 Transportation Master Plan and aligns with objectives identified in the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan, including:

Reducing car travel, especially during rush hours
Investing in a safe, effective transportation system that connects people, goods and services
Delivering and promoting environmentally sustainable services

A phased approach for building the next generation of bus rapid transit allows for flexibility in considering multiple projects for delivery while pursuing capital construction funding from other levels of government.

Traffic and Pedestrian Signal Policy now includes an additional assessment tool

Regional Council approved an update to the Traffic and Pedestrian Signal Policy. The updated policy now includes a decision-making assessment tool for evaluating signal installations at locations that do not meet provincial criteria.

The new tool is designed to help manage risk and involves a weighted numerical score for traveller safety, demand, lane use and operational concerns. Signal installation requests that do not create safety or operational concerns will be considered at the cost of the requestor.

York Region will continue installing and paying for traffic signals at public intersections meeting provincial criteria.

Protecting and promoting the health of York Region residents

Regional Council received the 2022 Public Health update, which highlights notable achievements in 2022 and looks ahead to future priorities.

In 2022, York Region successfully moved into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and re-started paused public health programs and services in innovative ways, including:

Creating digital tools for mental health and wellness to support pregnant individuals and new parents
Launching a media campaign to raise awareness about health risks of youth vaping
Developing a secure system to report incidents of animal bites for rabies control
Offering virtual care, counselling and medication management for tuberculosis patients

The update also includes details on York Region Public Health’s continue focus over the next couple years, which includes sustaining the delivery of core programs and services, closing the gaps in programs and services and understanding and fulfilling the evolving health care needs of residents.

For more information Public Health programs and services for residents, please visit york.ca/Health

Renewing York Region’s Seniors Strategy

York Region’s seniors’ population is growing faster than any other age group. By 2051, close to one in four York Region residents will be over the age of 65. To best support communities where residents of all ages and stages can thrive, York Region is updating its Seniors Strategy.

The proposed 2023 to 2027 York Region Plan to Support Seniors will build on the success of the previous strategy and introduce new actions to enhance the health and well-being of our aging population.

Input from residents and other key stakeholders has been crucial in shaping this plan. At a Special Meeting of Regional Council on Thursday, October 5, 2023, community partners and sector experts shared insights into the changing needs of the senior population in York Region.

The proposed plan, which will be presented to Regional Council in early 2024, focuses on where the Region can make a difference, advocate for change and bring together various stakeholders to address senior-related issues.

For more information on the plan, visit york.ca/PlanForSeniors

Safe Long-Term Care Act consultations

Regional Council received an update on York Region’s submission and feedback on the federal government's proposed Safe Long-Term Care Act.

The long-term care sector is currently outside the scope of the Canada Health Act, with provinces and territories primarily responsible for delivering health care. The proposed act would seek to create a national vision and set of principles for long-term care, promoting improvements in the quality, safety and accessibility of long-term care for all Canadians.

Health Canada provided municipalities and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide input to inform the development of the act. The Region’s submission was supportive of the proposed Safe Long-Term Care Act and made recommendations that build upon the Region’s previous advocacy to improve policy planning and decision-making for long-term care.

Key recommendations of York Region’s submission include:

Create a national framework and action plan for long-term care based on standardized data on those who live and work in the homes
Establish a fair and standardized funding formula for long-term care services
Develop staffing solutions on competitive pay, professional development and national sick pay

Adhering to the proposed federal legislation and national standards would require funding and provincial support ahead of implementation. Staff will continue to monitor the development of a Safe Long-Term Care Act and implementation of national standards.

Greater Toronto Airports Authority annual update

Regional Council received a presentation and annual update from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) which outlined how the aviation sector is progressing following the global pandemic and Toronto Pearson Airport’s vision for the future.

The GTAA plays a key role in the economic vitality of York Region. Close to 3,000 York Region residents hold jobs at Toronto Pearson and local business carry out more than $39 million in contracted business with the GTAA. With connectivity to more than 175 global destinations, Toronto Pearson supports the national and international movement of goods and services out of York Region and facilitates inbound visitor spending.

Throughout 2023, the GTAA has worked with the aviation industry and partners to improve operations and performance to ensure a smoother traveller experience throughout Toronto Pearson. Operational improvements included reduction of air traffic to support more on-time departures, reduction of processing wait times from across all border and security agencies and greater transparency on baggage handler performance, resulting in an 82% reduction in passenger complaints.

Looking ahead, the GTAA continues to work with partner airlines, all levels of government and business partners to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency and innovation to deliver a first-class airport experience for passengers, employees and partners.

Conflict in the Middle East

Regional Council held a moment of silence in honour of lives lost and in respect to those who have been injured or displaced as a result of escalating violence in the Middle East. Regional Council also extended its thoughts to York Region residents of all backgrounds who have been impacted by the events in Israel, Palestine and the surrounding Regions.

York Region is committed to building welcoming and inclusive communities, where diversity is celebrated and everyone can participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Regional Council encouraged all residents to respect each other’s differences and to demonstrate empathy and kindness during these difficult times.

Women’s History Month

Regional Council recognizes October 2023 as Women’s History Month in Canada, which celebrates the women and girls who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

This year’s theme, Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements and contributions of women from diverse backgrounds and aligns with York Region’s commitment to building welcoming and inclusive communities.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Regional Council recognized October 2023 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of hiring workers of all abilities and creating inclusive workplaces for all.

To further recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month and shine a light on the many ways people living with a disability contribute to our communities and workplaces, the clock tower at the York Region Administrative Centre in the Town of Newmarket was illuminated purple and blue on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

World Mental Health Day

Regional Council recognized Tuesday, October 10, 2023, as World Mental Health Day and acknowledged mental health as a universal human right.

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive action that promotes every individual’s right to the highest attainable standard of mental health care.

Mental Health promotion and mental illness prevention is integral to the work of York Region Public Health from service delivery through to early identification and referral. Through partnership and collaboration with community service provides, York Region and York Regional Council remain committed to the mental health and well-being of our residents and our communities.

Small Business Week

Regional Council celebrated Small Business Week from October 15 to 21, 2023, recognizing the contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Region.

Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy and make up more than 80% of all businesses in York Region. These businesses provide good quality jobs and contribute to prosperous and economically sustainable communities.

To learn more about the programs and supports available for small businesses in York Region, visit yorklink.ca/smallbusiness

United Nations Day

Regional Council recognized United Nations Day on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, and acknowledged the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In recognizing United Nations Day, York Region also celebrated its continued partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, York Regional Police and York University to promote and build inclusive communities throughout York Region and around the world.

Next meeting of York Regional Council

York Regional Council will meet on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the York Region Administrative Centre Council Chambers, located at 17250 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket. A Special Meeting of Regional Council focused on housing and homelessness will be held immediately following the regular meeting of Regional Council. Both meetings 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 protected]