York Region population steadily increases as development continues to drive growth
Newmarket – York Regional Council received an update on York Region’s growth and development trends through the annual Growth and Development Review. The report provides an update on population, building activity, construction value and other important indicators of economic vitality and community building.
"Strategically planning for York Region’s growth is a priority and focus for York Regional Council,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “With our population and development activity continuing to increase, it reinforces York Region remains a destination of choice to live and invest.”
Highlights from the Growth and Development Review 2022:
- A total population growth of 11,300 people in 2022 to 1,239,500 residents, a 0.9% increase over 2021 and comparable to pre-pandemic growth
- Estimated construction value for all sectors of $4.3 billion, a decrease since 2021 but demonstrating a strong increase in the industrial sector
- Non-residential building permit construction value increased by 4.9% since 2021, reaching a 20-year high of $1.7 billion; these permits include industrial, commercial and institutional developments, giving an important balance to overall development
- Residential building permits in York Region remained aligned with the 10-year average, though decreased since 2021 with 7,120 units and a total construction value of $2.6 billion in 2022
- 5,264 homes completed in 2022, comprising of 39% apartments, 38% single detached and 23% semi-detached and townhomes
- Resale home prices continue to rise in York Region, though at a slower pace; by contrast, the total number of resales for all unit types decreased by 42% in 2022, showing a shift in the housing market likely due to the mid-year 2022 rise in interest rates
Development charges are collected when a building permit is issued or when a subdivision plan is registered. This major source of funding for York Region helps deliver critical services and infrastructure such as water and wastewater, roads and transit. Development charges collected in 2022 are the highest in the last five years, increasing by 24% since 2021. Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 proposes several exemptions and discounts for attainable, affordable, non-profit and rental housing. These exemptions will impact the amount of development charges collected, which may begin to decrease over the next several years once Bill 23 is fully implemented.
“Many of York Region’s employment sectors are recovering well after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said City of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, Chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development. “Continued development in all areas strengthens the Region’s economic vitality by retaining and growing businesses and top talent showcasing our diverse and vibrant economy.”
York Region continues to recover from employment losses through the COVID-19 pandemic and shows resiliency for future job creation, with an estimate of 615,760 jobs delivered through over 33,000 businesses surveyed through the Region’s Employment Survey in 2022. Unemployment rates have also improved at 4.2% as of December 2022, down from 6.4% at mid-year 2022. These numbers support the York Region Official Plan goal of one job for every two residents is being met.
The annual Growth and Development Review helps inform how York Region plans for provided services and infrastructure to ensure all residents are accommodated. The review also supports policy development, research, population targets and housing initiatives.
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:
Stephanie Crowley, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 289-763-2598
Email: @email
