York Regional Council Highlights - Thursday, September 24, 2026

September 29, 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 and partners call for more sustainable provincial funding to support health and human services

Community-led research has identified a significant gap in provincial funding for health and human services in The Regional Municipality of York compared to other large Ontario jurisdictions.

Together with the York Region Nonprofit Network, York Regional Council is calling on the Government of Ontario to work with the Region, municipal elected officials and community partners to develop sustainable, long-term funding solutions.

This research found that over the past decade, York Region residents received approximately $369 less per person annually in provincial funding for these services than residents in similar municipalities, representing an estimated $450-million annual shortfall.

The research also found that investing in health and human services can reduce pressure on higher-cost emergency services, policing, housing and income supports.

York Region continues to be a healthy, safe and desirable place to live, but rapid population growth, increasing diversity, economic volatility and affordability challenges are reshaping community needs and increasing demands for services. Understanding these changes enables the Region and its partners to respond proactively and build on community strengths.

York Region advancing progress on housing supply and homelessness response

Since its establishment by Regional Council in April 2025, the Housing and Homelessness Committee has provided oversight and strategic direction on initiatives to increase housing supply, strengthen community partnerships and enhance supports for residents at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The committee is strengthening governance and coordination across York Region’s housing and homelessness system by guiding development of the 2026 to 2035 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, overseeing implementation of the 2024 to 2027 Homelessness Service System Plan, increasing non-market housing supply and advocating for additional senior government investments.

Committee decisions enabled several significant initiatives to be implemented in 2025, as well as supporting thousands of residents through housing stability, homelessness prevention, outreach and encampment response, emergency and community housing and health supports.

For more information, visit york.ca/Housing

Mid-year results in 2026 show steady progress in Housing York Inc 2026 Business Plan

At The Housing York Inc. (HYI) board meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026, board directors received an update on the steady progress made in the 2026 mid-year business plan and financial update. Capital renewal investments, resident support initiatives, community partnership and sustainability projects are advancing as planned with several initiatives already complete or forecasted for year-end completion.

As of June 30, 2026, HYI made significant strides in advancing its 2026 Business Plan. Of the 38 action items in the plan, five are complete, 32 are progressing on track and just one is at-risk.

Resident engagement remains strong, with more than 680 activities related to resident physical and mental health, food security and financial empowerment by mid-year. Key operational measures, such as unit turnover and maintenance response times, remain areas of focus.

Regular performance monitoring helps ensure HYI’s 2026 operating and capital budget is delivered in a cost efficient and effective manner, supporting HYI’s vision of building inclusive communities that everyone would be proud to call home.

For more information on Housing York Inc., visit york.ca/HYI

Research highlights investment in a combination of maintaining existing community housing and new housing to benefit communities long-term

At its September 17, 2026, meeting, The Housing York Inc. (HYI) Board of Directors received a presentation of The Public Housing Dividend, a research study commissioned by the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Community Housing Collaborative and conducted by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA). The study examines the long-term social and economic impacts of different public housing investment approaches across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

This study found that balancing investment in renewing existing housing with building new homes generates $3 in social and economic value for every $1 invested. This approach could result in more than 102,000 affordable, publicly owned homes, 86,000 additional residents housed and no community housing buildings in critical condition by 2050.

Findings align with HYI’s focus on maintaining existing housing while expanding supply and demonstrate the value of collaboration across the GTHA. This research provides the HYI Board and Regional Council with evidence-based messaging to support advocacy for senior government funding.

York Region to examine infrastructure readiness for data centres

Regional Council received a deputation from City of Richmond Hill Councillor Carol Davidson regarding York Region’s readiness to accommodate data centres. The motion passed on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, by the City of Richmond Hill and requests York Region to undertake an Infrastructure Capacity and Growth Readiness Assessment for Data Centre Infrastructure impacts.

Data centres play a critical role in supporting digital services, data storage and computing capabilities, including AI. York Region’s priority is to maintain the long-term sustainability of water and wastewater infrastructure for current residents and businesses, while continuing to support housing growth and economic development, including the growth of new sectors.

Regional Council directed staff to report back on current and future infrastructure considerations relating to data centres in 2027.

Regional Council endorses Source Water Protection updates for Nobleton drinking water system

Regional Council approved updates to the Toronto and Region Source Protection Assessment Report and the Credit Valley, Toronto and Region, Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Plan after adding the Nobleton Well 6 drinking water system in the Township of King. The new Nobleton Well 6 will help ensure there is enough water for future growth while protecting the community's drinking water supply.

The amended Assessment Report and Source Protection Plan will support ongoing efforts to protect municipal drinking water sources by identifying and managing potential threats within the updated Wellhead Protection Area. York Region will continue working with local municipal partners to safeguard drinking water quality and quantity, ensuring a sustainable, clean and reliable water supply as the area continues to see growth.

Annual reports on York Region’s drinking water systems and water quality test results are shared at york.ca/DrinkingWater

To learn more about design and construction of the Nobleton Water Treatment Plant, visit york.ca/WaterConstruction

York Region revising speed limits to improve traffic safety

Regional Council approved an update to implement revised speed limits on various Regional roads, including the following:

  • Metro Road North in the Town of Georgina
    • 250 metres east of Deer Park Road to 100 metres west of Lennox Avenue – 80 km/h to 70 km/h
    • 300 metres east of Warden Avenue to 400 metres west of Kennedy Road – 80 km/h to 60 km/h
  • Bloomington Road in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
    • 300 metres east of Warden Avenue to 400 metres west of Kennedy Road – 80 km/h to 60 km/h
  • Ninth Line in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
    • Aurora Road to 130 metres north of Cedarvale Boulevard – 60 km/h to 50 km/h
    • 130 metres north of Cedarvale Boulevard to 280 metres south of Hillsdale Drive – 40 km/h to 30 km/h
    • 280 metres south of Hillsdale Drive to Bloomington Road – 60 km/h to 50 km/h

Adjusted speed limits reflect ever evolving communities with changing land use, increased population, adapting to other area speed limits for consistency or for more seamless speed transitions and traffic operations.

For more information on York Region’s commitment to improving road safety for all users, visit york.ca/VisionZero

York Region assuming ownership of McCowan Road in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Regional Council approved a change of ownership for portions of McCowan Road and Ninth Line in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Changes to McCowan Road:

  • Four kilometres of McCowan Road from Bloomington Road at the north end to Aurora Road at the south end is added to the Regional Road system

Changes to Ninth Line:

  • A two-kilometre section of Ninth Line between Hillsdale Drive and Aurora Road is transferred to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, as the road primarily serves a local municipal function

The assumption and ownership transfer will occur following completion of York Region’s road rehabilitation work on Ninth Line. These changes align with the Region Road Assumption Policy and provide a more seamless connection in the Regional road network.

For more information, please visit york.ca/Roads

York Region 2026 Budget recognized for strong financial management and policies

York Region has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Region’s 2026 budget, marking 22 consecutive years of receiving this international award. This award recognizes York Region's commitment to government budgeting excellence and producing high-quality budget documents that are comprehensive, transparent and demonstrate best practices.

The Region’s 2026 Budget also received Special Recognition for Financial Policies. This special recognition is awarded when all three independent reviewers rate the budget document as “outstanding” in a specific area.

Earlier this year, York Region was awarded the Triple Crown medallion by the GFOA in recognition of receiving all three GFOA awards for the 2024 fiscal year, including the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

The GFOA is an association serving more than 25,000 government finance professionals across North America.

York Region recognized for defence sector supply chain initiative

Regional Council extended its congratulations and appreciation to its Economic Strategy team on receiving the 2026 Economic Developers Association of Canada Award for its work assisting local businesses pursue opportunities in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Through the Council-approved Tariff Response Plan, Economic Strategy has engaged nearly 300 businesses and industry stakeholders through outreach, site visits, workshops, industry events and business development activities.

Throughout 2026, the initiative has:

  • Identified 80 defence-ready companies and more than 60 high-potential manufacturers
  • Connected local manufacturers with defence contractors, resulting in new supplier development opportunities
  • Launched the Canadian Defence Market Roadmap, with more than 5,000 downloads since April 2026
  • Created a York Region defence supplier directory to connect local business with opportunities in the sector

This award recognizes York Region’s collaborative approach to helping businesses diversify supply chain, navigate tariff pressures and access new opportunities in Canda’s growing aerospace and defence sectors.

York Region recognized for cycling path ownership and maintenance policy

York Region received an award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for the Cycling Path Ownership and Maintenance Policy.

Regional Council approved the Cycling Path Ownership and Maintenance Policy in June 2025, establishing a framework for York Region to take ownership and responsibility to build and maintain cycling paths on Regional roads. This policy reflects residents’ growing interest in sustainable transportation options and aligns with Regional strategies promoting safety, mobility and environmental sustainability.

This prestigious recognition reinforces York Region's commitment to a more connected and seamless community, made possible through strong partnerships and continued collaboration with other levels of government and external organizations.

This distinguished achievement can be seen in a video summary, created by CAMA.

Learn more about cycling in York Region, including education and routes, at york.ca/Cycling

York Region to appoint new Integrity Commissioner

Regional Council has delegated authority to the Regional Clerk to appoint a new Integrity Commissioner for a five-year term, with the option to renew for an additional five-year term. The Region’s current Integrity Commissioner, Principles Integrity, has provided notice that its services will end effective January 1, 2027.

This delegation allows the Regional Clerk to conduct a competitive process and appoint an Integrity Commissioner based on established criteria, supporting a fair, transparent and arms-length appointment process.

The Integrity Commissioner is a legislated role under the Municipal Act, 2001, responsible for matters related to Council and local board codes of conduct, ethical behaviour and conflict of interest requirements.

The Regional Clerk will report back to Council in December 2026 on the outcome of the appointment.

Change of Regional Fire Coordinator

Effective June 17, 2026, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire Chief Mike Doyle assumed the role of Primary Regional Fire Coordinator following the retirement of Chief Bill Snowball of Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire and Emergency Services.

Deputy Fire Chief James Arnold of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Services continues his role as Alternate Regional Fire Coordinator.

The positions of Regional Fire Coordinator and Alternate Regional Fire Coordinator have been in place since 1971 to coordinate fire aid within York Region. The roles are appointed following the process prescribed by the Provincial Office of the Fire Marshal.

2027 Council and Committee Calendar

Regional Council has approved the 2027 Council and Committee Calendar, establishing meeting dates for the first full year of 2026 to 2030 term of Regional Council.

The calendar takes effect January 1, 2027, and outlines the scheduled dates for Regional Council, Committee, Board and Advisory Committee meetings throughout the year.

September Observances

Regional Council recognized the following observances in September2026:

Next meeting of York Regional Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting of York Regional Council will be held on Thursday, November 5, 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