Vision

At York Region, we envision strong, caring, safe communities through our mission of strengthening our communities today and creating a better tomorrow together by relying on our values of integrity, commitment, accountability, respect and excellence.

What is Vision?

York Regional Council’s Vision is for strong, caring, safe communities. This Vision is the guiding star for the Region’s activities and is informed by outreach and engagement with residents, partners and staff to ensure it truly captures what residents want and need – today and tomorrow.

Achieving results for York Region communities

To maintain organizational focus on Vision, the Region sets priorities over each four year term of Council through the Strategic Plan, in alignment with the four areas of focus: Economic Vitality, Healthy Communities, Sustainable Environment and Good Government. The Strategic Plan is integrated with the Region’s Multi-Year Budget.

Vision also serves as the guiding document for the Region’s provincially mandated plans such as the Community Safety and Well-being Plan.

Community indicators are reported to show how we are doing in achieving strong, caring, safe communities.

The Core Components of Vision

VISION STATEMENT: Strong, Caring, Safe Communities

When we say this, we mean:

Communities are strong - they are resilient and future-ready

Communities are caring - they are collaborative and inclusive

Communities are safe - they are accessible and thriving

Area of FocusCommunity Indicators

For the well-being of our communities

 

Show how we are doing in achieving our Vision. Community indicators represent the entire York Region population. Multiple partners are involved in improving results of community indicators towards realizing Vision.

 

OVERALL

 

  • % of residents who feel York Region is living up to its Vision

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Is achieved through strong employment, thriving businesses, innovation and affordability.

  • Labour Force Participation Rate
  • # of businesses per 100,000 population
  • # of businesses in innovation intensive sectors
  • % of households spending 30 per cent or more of income on housing cost

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Is achieved through the physical and mental well-being of our population, equitable access to community services, and community safety.

  • % of population aged 18 and older that rates their overall health as “good,” “very good” or “excellent”
  • % of population aged 18 and older that rates their mental health as “good,” “very good” or “excellent”
  • % of population living in areas with high material and social deprivation
  • Total crime rate per 100,000 population

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Is achieved through integrated mobility options, access to green spaces, and environmental and water stewardship.

  • % of commuters using a travel mode to work other than a personal vehicle
  • Community greenhouse gas emissions measured in tonnes per capital
  • Hectares of green space per 100,000 population
  • Megalitres of treated water consumed per 100,000 population

GOOD GOVERNMENT

Is achieved through responsible and financially sustainable government, engaged communities, a strong sense of belonging, and community pride.

  • % of residents stating they receive good value for their tax dollars
  • York Region residents’ level of community engagement
  • % of population aged 18 and older who reported “very strong” or “somewhat strong” sense of community belonging
  • % of York Region residents who would recommend York Region as a place to live

Related Resources