York Regional Council - Thursday, June 26, 2025

June 30, 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 also available at york.ca/councilandcommittee

York Region approves policies to help address housing challenges

York Regional Council approved several changes to development charges deferral policies aimed at addressing housing challenges across York Region communities.

Key changes include:

  1. Deferral of development charges, including:
  • Non-luxury rental until their use changes, provided they operate as non-luxury rentals for at least 40 years and have a minimum of four units; this policy is retroactive to April 3, 2025, and is available for developments achieving building permits up to December 31, 2029
  • Ground-related development, deferring payment of hard services development charges (water, wastewater and roads) until first building permit issuance, interest-free, originally approved at the April 3, 2025, Special Meeting of Council and in effect since then
  • High-rise buildings until the earlier of 48 months, or registration of condominium, with the first 2 years being interest free, originally approved at the Special Meeting of Council on April 3, 2025, and in effect since then
  • Changes to other existing deferral policies to incentivize development of large and small office buildings
  1. A first-time homebuyers’ development charges equivalent rebate up to and including $1 million, before taxes and a declining scale development charges equivalent rebate up to $1.5 million before taxes. This passes savings to homebuyers and will take effect pending receipt of new dedicated funding from provincial and federal governments to fully offset costs. This was brought forward at the meeting on April 3, 2025.
  2. Other policies include:
  • Increasing flexibility for developers providing upfront financing for infrastructure
  • Modernizing security requirements, to accept Pay on Demand Surety Bonds for Development Charge Deferral Agreements and Prepaid Development Charge Credit Agreements
  • Supporting farming with a new deferral or exemption contingent on local municipal matching for a new residential dwelling unit for farm workers on agricultural lands
  • Revised redevelopment credits treatment to encourage prompt demolition of derelict buildings

Find out more about how York Region is working towards improving housing affordability at york.ca/DevelopmentChargeImpacts

New framework to select sites for Regional housing development

Regional Council approved a new framework in order to effectively evaluate sites of interest for Regional housing development. The framework will provide an updated, objective and transparent process for siting new housing investment.

The proposed Site Selection Framework for Regional Housing Development includes three steps:

  • Confirm site alignment with Priority Areas for Housing Investment
  • Assess alignment with prerequisite criteria for lands not owned by York Region or Housing York Inc.
  • Conduct locational analysis 

Based on these results, sites will be classified as high, medium or low development potential.

York Region staff will use the framework to evaluate lands and engage with local municipalities to ensure municipal Council agreement. To advance sites for emergency and transitional housing with greater certainty, Regional Council is requesting each local municipality pass a resolution confirming sites for advancement by October 2025.

York Region staff will report back on the sites that will be advanced for development by the end of 2025.

More information about housing in York Region is available at york.ca/Housing

More than 52,000 residents benefited from Community Investment Fund projects and initiatives in 2024

Regional Council received an update on the 2024 activities of the York Region Community Investment Fund, which invests in local initiatives delivered by not-for-profit community agencies and partners.

In 2024, approximately $8.5 million was invested in 131 projects and initiatives delivered by 86 community agencies. This supported more than 52,000 York Region residents.

Key areas of the work included:

  • Housing Stability: $3.4 million for projects to help residents find or keep stable housing
  • Mental Well-being: $2.9 million for projects to help residents have positive mental health
  • Organizational Development: $456,993 for initiatives supporting organizations with operational, small capital and resident needs
  • Food Security: $351,567 for projects and initiatives to improve food system access and strengthen the food security system
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: $30,000 for a project to promote revitalization and foster community connections with Indigenous culture

An additional $1.4 million was allocated to support various critical community needs, including initiatives to help residents access York Region Transit.

Learn more at york.ca/CommunityInvestment

Sleeves Up: York Regional Council receives an update on measles and public health response

Regional Council, in its role as Board of Health, received an update on the current measles situation and public health response activities in York Region.

As of June 24, 2025, Ontario has reported a total of 2,212 measles cases related to the outbreak affecting many areas in the province. There are 75 additional measles cases associated with travel or an unknown source since 2024. Most cases are in southwestern Ontario and involve individuals who are unvaccinated.

So far this year in York Region, there have been three confirmed measles cases, including one linked to the Ontario outbreak. In addition, York Region identified 25 sites where people may have been exposed to measles, followed up with more than 2,000 individuals and investigated 79 possible cases, connecting them to testing and care.

Vaccination remains the best protection against measles. For more information, visit york.ca/Measles and for information on immunization clinics, visit york.ca/SleevesUp

York Region commits to leveraging $2 million to boost auto-tech innovation

Regional Council approved leveraging $2 million of the Innovation Investment Fund for an Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) application. If accepted by OVIN, York Region will establish and lead a Regional Technology Development Site.

Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) has engaged York Region to explore the opportunity to establish a new Regional Technology Development Site. This program helps small and medium-sized businesses develop, test and prototype new automotive and smart mobility technologies. With a focus on the auto-tech sector, the York Region site will provide businesses with access to physical locations to build and test technologies, use specialized tools and equipment, try out their technologies in real-world settings and receive expert advice and industry knowledge.

Benefits to establishing this site in York Region include:

  • Driving economic stability and fueling innovation in alignment with the 2024-2027 Economic Development Action Plan
  • Supporting a strong range of technology development activities such as connected vehicles, auto technology, cyber security and drone technologies
  • Providing access to an ecosystem and assets to accelerate technology commercialization
  • Leveraging the breadth of businesses, resources, talent and potential partners to support the development site

If accepted, York Region’s $2 million contribution will be leveraged with $2.5 million over four years from OVIN plus collaborate work to secure additional funding for the project through private sector contributions. Investments will total $7 million for the development site, which York Region will establish and manage.

Visit yorklink.ca to find out more about York Region’s business sectors and innovation.

York Region continues to build partnerships and celebrate inclusive communities

Regional Council received an update on the implementation of A Place to Thrive: York Region’s 2024 to 2027 Plan for Newcomer Inclusion.

In March 2024, Council approved A Place to Thrive: York Region’s 2024 to 2027 Plan for Newcomer Inclusion to support the success of newcomers settling in York Region with three objectives:

  • Expanding newcomers’ awareness of and access to health and well-being services and resources
  • Celebrating newcomers’ contributions to the Region’s diversity and economy
  • Promoting a regional economy in which newcomers have jobs that align with their education, skills and work experience

Progress is being made across all collective action areas under the plan, with 24 of 28 implementation activities in progress and on track for completion by 2027.

York Region officially recognizes September 12 to 21, 2025 as Welcoming Week in York Region to celebrate welcoming communities inclusive of newcomers. The Region-wide annual Welcoming week will include events hosted by community partners, local municipalities and the Region.

More information is available at york.ca/NewcomerPlan

York Region achieves top marks with 92% of waste diverted from landfill

York Region successfully diverted 92% of waste from landfill in 2024, surpassing Regional Council’s 90% target for the 8th consecutive year. York Region’s diversion rate includes all waste collected through local municipal curbside programs, waste depots and energy from waste.

The 2024 Annual Waste Management Report summarizes York Region’s waste diversion and reduction initiatives and progress made to advance the Integrated Waste Management Master Plan (SM4RT Living Plan). Highlights from 2024 include: 

  • Managing 365,302 tonnes of waste, including local municipal curbside waste, organics, recycling, yard waste, waste depot diversion programs and energy-from-waste
  • Launching the SM4RT Living Plan five-year review to improve customer experience, ensure infrastructure resilience and strengthen community partnerships
  • Expanding reuse and repair efforts
  • Advancing permits and construction on the Convertus Biofuel Facility
  • Continuing advocacy and planning for the transition of the Blue Box program to full producer responsibility

Learn more about York Region’s programs to help reduce waste at york.ca/Waste

York Region cuts emissions and diesel use with electric fleet

Regional Council received an update on The Regional Municipality of York’s 2024 corporate greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.

Highlights of the Region’s 2024 Corporate Energy Update include:

  • Implementing the Corporate Fleet Electrification Plan, saving 115,000 litres of gasoline and lowering net emissions by 229 tonnes
  • Reporting record high York Region Transit ridership, up by 12% to 23.7 million riders, offsetting single vehicle use and reducing traffic congestion; while this led to a 3% increase in transit bus emissions, overall environmental impacts from increased ridership are more sustainable
  • Electrifying 14 transit buses and conserving 53,600 litres of diesel fuel in 2024; adding another 50 electric buses in 2025 and another 50 in 2026 to further reduce diesel fuel consumption
  • Innovations to electrify vehicles and buildings are one of the fastest growing areas of climate mitigation technology and proving to be a dominant path toward York Region’s net-zero emissions commitment.

Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan initiatives deliver annual decreases in corporate greenhouse gas emissions toward an 81% reduction by 2050 and support climate change mitigation in the 2022 Climate Change Action Plan.

Learn more at york.ca/Energy

York Region maintains strong investment performance

Regional Council received an overview of 2024 Investment Activities and Performance, highlighting the 2024 investments meeting the requirements of investment policies approved by Council and the Sinking Fund Committee.

In 2024, York Region General Fund and Sinking Fund investment portfolios had a combined total value of approximately $7.57 billion. Investment highlights include:

  • General Fund, consisting of investments held for reserves and reserve funds, working capital and other funds of the corporation, earned $219 million on average investments of $5 billion, representing a realized rate of return of 4.38%
  • Total return of 5.98% exceeded Financial Times Stock Exchange / Standard and Poor’s (FTSE/S&P) Index by 1.83%
  • Sinking Fund, used to repay the principal amount of a debenture upon its maturity, earned $46 million on average investments of $1.4 billion, representing a realized rate of return of 3.25%

To learn more about York Region’s financial information, visit york.ca/Finance

York Region Court and Tribunal Services 2024 Progress Report highlights significant achievements and future plans

Regional Council received the 2024 Progress Report for Court and Tribunal Services, highlighting 2024 accomplishments and outlining strategic actions for 2025. This report is part of the 2023-2026 Action Plan, advancing Court and Tribunal Services’ priorities through innovative initiatives, efficiency reviews and strategic collaboration.

Achievements in 2024 include:

  • Administrative Penalty Tribunal: Launched for camera-based offences, the Administrative Penalty Tribunal streamlines the adjudication process
  • Consolidation of courthouses: York Region successfully combined two Provincial Offences Courthouses into a single location at 17150 Yonge Street, Newmarket
  • Operational metrics: 71,549 court appearances and collected $29.9 million in payments

Priority areas for 2025 include:

  • Optimize collections: Enhance approach to collecting unpaid fines/collections by using modern tools and working with the Province to explore more flexible and effective solutions.
  • Service Delivery Review: Collaborate with staff and customers to improve the court experience
  • French Language Services Subcommittee: Enhance the availability and quality of French language services

To learn more about York Region’s Court and Tribunal Services, visit york.ca/Courts

York Region taking ownership and responsibility for cycling paths along Regional roads

Regional Council approved a new policy for York Region to take ownership and responsibility for building and maintaining off-street cycling paths built along Regional roads. This policy reflects residents’ growing interest in sustainable transportation options and aligns with Regional strategies promoting safety, mobility and environmental sustainability.

The Regional Ownership and Maintenance of Cycling Paths Policy applies a framework for York Region to implement, own and maintain new off-street cycling paths built from 2026 onward in municipalities that opt in through their respective Councils. The companion Ownership and Maintenance of Cycling Paths Transfer Policy outlines criteria for transferring existing paths to Regional ownership and provides clarity around responsibility.

Operating costs will be phased in and reviewed annually through the budget process. Over time, Regional ownership is expected to reduce operating costs for local cities and towns by eliminating duplication of maintenance responsibilities.

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

Cedar Avenue construction advancing to support Yonge North Subway Extension

Regional Council approved advance capital spending and direct purchase for construction of Cedar Avenue from High Tech Road to Langstaff Road in the City of Markham and City of Richmond Hill to begin construction three years earlier than initially planned. 

Construction is required to meet Metrolinx’s Yonge North Subway Extension project schedule and development of adjacent Transit-Oriented Community lands.  

Cedar Avenue will connect Richmond Hill Centre and Langstaff Gateway, creating a vital north-south mid-block route that offers alternative access to Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue. 

Construction start was identified for 2029 as part of the 2025 10-year Capital Plan for $10.7 million. Once complete, Cedar Avenue will be a local road, owned and maintained by the Cities of Richmond Hill and Markham.  

Learn more about the Yonge North Subway Extension at yongesubwayext.com

York Region 2024 Community Report now available

Regional Council received the 2024 Community Report, showcasing success through fostering economic prosperity, supporting community well-being, driving environmental stewardship and efficiently delivering trusted services.

Each year, the Community Report demonstrates progress of the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan and financial statements related to the Region’s budget.

Key accomplishments in the 2024 Community Report include:

  • Delivered 125 billion litres of clean and safe drinking water
  • Received 100% compliance rate on all water quality samples
  • Processed more than 365,000 tonnes of waste, helping to reduce our environmental impacts and supporting a cleaner community
  • Hired 46 York Regional Police officers and 34 paramedic staff to support community health, safety and well-being
  • Launched the provincial One Fare Program with approximately 7.64 million cross boundary trips between York Region Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission
  • Added 48 new YorkNet connections for a total of 910 active network connections
  • Housed 436 families in need of subsidized housing
  • Planted 123,823 trees and shrubs, surpassing the total planted in 2023
  • Administered 103,524 vaccine doses through 1,292 Public Health immunization clinics

Visit york.ca/AnnualReports to learn more.

Council also received annual reports from YorkNet, a York Region-owned corporation delivering government-funded infrastructure to connect communities with reliable, high-speed internet, Housing York Inc., providing quality community housing, fostering vibrant and inclusive neighbourhoods across York Region and York Regional Police.

York Region extends condolences on the passing of John McCallum

Regional Council extended its condolences on the passing of former federal cabinet minister, The Honourable John McCallum.

Mr. McCallum’s political career spanned nearly two decades. He was first elected in 2000 as Member of Parliament for Markham – later representing Markham-Unionville – and served in the House of Commons until 2017.

During his political career, he held several cabinet positions under three separate Prime Ministers. His roles included Minister of National Defence, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, where he was instrumental in resettling 50,000 Syrian refugees in Canada – one of his most significant political achievements. He resigned from politics in 2019 while serving as Canada's Ambassador to China.

Mr. McCallum was well respected – known as a kind person with a great sense of humour, a family man and an inspiration and friend to many.

NHL and NBA Championships

Regional Council offered congratulations to hometown NHL and NBA players, including Town of East Gwillimbury’s Sam Bennett, Town of Newmarket’s Connor McDavid and Town of Aurora’s Andrew Nembhard for their outstanding performances in their respective finals.

Observances

Regional Council recognized the following observances:

Next meeting of York Regional Council

York Regional Council will meet on Thursday, September 25, 2025, 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 over 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 629,000 employees. More information about York 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
Cell: 289-763-2598
@email