Minutes

The Council of The Regional Municipality of York

Thursday, June 29, 2023

9:30 A.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Electronic Meeting

Members:

• W. Emmerson, 
• G. Chan, 
• M. Chan, 
• N. Davison, 
• S. Del Duca, 
• J. DiPaola, 
• M. Ferri, 
• V. Hackson, 
• A. Ho, 
• L. Jackson, 
• J. Li, 
• I. Lovatt, 
• T. Mrakas, 
• S. Pellegrini, 
• M. Quirk, 
• M. G. Racco, 
• G. Rosati, 
• J. Taylor, 
• T. Vegh, 
• and D. West 

Staff:

• B. Macgregor, 
• D. Basso, 
• K. Chislett, 
• P. Freeman, 
• S. Love, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• L. Mirabella, 
• and C. Raynor 

---

A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

B.

Land Acknowledgement

Regional Chair Emmerson made the following remarks:

We acknowledge that York Region is located on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples including the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and Métis peoples and the treaty territories of the Haudenosaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Williams Treaties First Nations.

Today this area is home to many diverse Indigenous Peoples, and we recognize their history, spirituality, culture and stewardship of this land.

We also acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our closest First Nation community.

C.

Disclosures of Interest

None

D.

Minutes of Council

D.1

Council Meeting held on May 18, 2023

• Moved by Regional Councillor Davison
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Rosati

  Council confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on May 18, 2023.

  Carried

E.

Presentations

None

F.

Deputations

None

G.

Communications

G.1

Ongoing Provision of Integrity Commissioner Services

• Moved by Regional Councillor Ferri
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Ho

  Council receive the memorandum from Christopher Raynor, Regional Clerk dated June 13, 2023.

  Carried

G.2

Regional Planning Transition Plan

• Moved by Mayor Del Duca
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Racco

  Council receive the memorandum from Paul Freeman, Chief Planner dated June 19, 2023 and forward it to local municipal planning staff for input.

  Carried

G.3

Potential timeline for advancing update of the 2022 Development Charges Bylaw to accommodate unplanned infrastructure

• Moved by Mayor Lovatt
  Seconded by Mayor Taylor

  Council refer the memorandum from the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated June 20, 2023 and Clause 3 of Committee of the Whole Item J.2.1 (2023 Fiscal Sustainability Update) for consideration in fall 2023.

  Carried

H.

Consideration and Adoption of Reports

H.1

Committee of the Whole Meeting - June 15, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on June 15, 2023, except for Items F.2.3 and J.2.1.

  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Lovatt
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  F.2.3 - Right-of-Way Management Bylaw to Protect Regional Infrastructure and Traveller Safety

  Council receive the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works and the Chief Planner.

  Carried
• J.2.1 - 2023 Fiscal Sustainability Update

  Council adopt the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance and the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. Council, through the Regional Chair, renew its request of February 23, 2023, for the Province to keep the Region financially whole as a result of development charge collection reductions due to Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (estimated to total between $710 million and $1.9 billion by 2033).
  2. Staff report back to Council with a potential strategy for funding development charge reductions due to Bill 23 related to residential discounts and exemptions, once Provincial guidance on these matters is known, to be included as part of the 2024 budget process.
  3. Council defer the following recommendation for consideration in fall 2023:
     
     Council direct staff, when reviewing servicing requests to accommodate unplanned or accelerated growth approved by the Province, to apply the following key principles:
     
     1. Prepaid Development Charge Credit Policy, as amended, will be considered to advance infrastructure that is not in Regional Plans where technically and operationally feasible
     2. Unplanned infrastructure must be approved by the Region and shall be 100% funded by developers
     3. Only the in-period growth costs of the infrastructure in the Development Charges Bylaw are eligible for recovery through development charge credits
     4. Water and wastewater servicing capacity will be provided through the local municipality’s existing capacity assignment
     5. Ownership of servicing infrastructure will follow the Water and Wastewater Infrastructure, Regional Jurisdiction Policy  
     6. Delivery of Regional infrastructure will follow the Region’s project delivery process, including route and location selection through an Environmental Assessment consistent with Region’s design guidelines, standards and specifications
  4. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Premier, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Finance, Local Members of Provincial Parliament and local municipalities.
  Carried

  (See Item G.3)

  
  

H.2

Audit Committee Meeting - June 8, 2022

• Moved by Mayor Hackson
  Seconded by Regional Councillor M. Chan

  Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on June 8, 2023.

  Carried

H.3

Expropriation Settlement - Viva Bus Rapid Transit Corridor - 3790 Highway 7 West, City of Vaughan

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jackson
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Ferri

  Council adopt the following recommendations in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

  1. Council authorize the settlement of all claims pursuant to the Expropriations Act with the former fee simple owner and current tenant (related parties) of 3790 Highway 7, related to the construction of the vivaNext bus rapid transit corridor on Highway 7 in the City of Vaughan.
  2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute the Minutes of Settlement for the expropriation and all necessary documentation to complete the transaction.
  Carried

I.

Introduction and Consideration of Bylaws

• Moved by Regional Councillor Vegh
  Seconded by Regional Councillor DiPaola

  Council approve and enact the following bylaws, except for Item I.4 which was not considered.

  Carried

I.1

2023-35 Amendment to Community Safety Zones Bylaw

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2022-14 being a bylaw to designate parts of Regional roads as Community Safety Zones

I.2

2023-36 St. John's Sideroad (Y.R. 26) Speed Limit

A bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on St. John's Sideroad (Y.R. 26)

I.3

2023- 37 Ninth Line (Y.R. 69) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2021-61 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Ninth Line (Y.R. 69) 

I.4

2023-38 Right-of-Way Management Bylaw

A bylaw to regulate activity on municipal right-of-ways

(Council did not consider this item. See Item H.1 - Committee of the Whole Item F.2.3)

I.5

2023-39 Records Retention Bylaw

A bylaw to establish retention periods for records of The Regional Municipality of York

I.6

2023-40 Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement Bylaw

A bylaw to authorize a Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement among The Regional Municipality of York, YTN Telecom Network Inc. and Community Network Partners Inc.

I.7

2023-41 Northeast Vaughan Wastewater Servicing Project

A bylaw to acquire certain lands for or in connection with the Northeast Vaughan Wastewater Servicing Project, in the City of Vaughan

J.

Motions

None

K.

Notices of Motion to Reconsider

None

L.

Other Business

L.1

June and July Observances

Regional Chair Emmerson noted special awareness days and observances throughout the months of June and July:

• June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada - celebrates the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations Peoples and helps to deepen people's understanding of the outstanding contributions of Indigenous Peoples. 
• June 27 - Canadian Multiculturalism Day - honours the many cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant Canadian society. 
• July 1 - Canada Day - marks Canada’s 156th birthday and honours the diversity and tremendous achievements of our country.
• Month of July - Plastics-Free July - an international effort to raise awareness and drive action to reduce the negative impacts of single-use plastics. 

L.2

Ontario Medal for Police Bravery

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that on June 22, 2023 Staff Sergeant David Mitchell and Constable Mark Burnett of the York Regional Police Service were honoured with the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery. 

In February 2021, Staff Sergeant Mitchell and Constable Burnett responded to the scene of a domestic disturbance involving multiple members of a family, including two children. With little regard for their own safety, the officers took swift action to save three lives that day.

On behalf of Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended congratulations and appreciation to Staff Sergeant Mitchell and Constable Burnett.

L.3

City of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow

On behalf of Council and The Regional Municipality of York, Regional Chair Emmerson extended congratulations to City of Toronto Mayor-elect Olivia Chow. 

York Region and the City of Toronto have a long-standing history of collaboration, and York Region looks forward to working with Toronto's City Council to build upon this long-standing partnership to the benefit of residents and businesses.

L.4

2022 Community Report and Regional Innovations

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that York Region's 2022 Community Report is now available. The annual report highlights collective efforts to support York Region communities and advance the priorities of residents throughout 2022.

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that Rising to the Challenge: Innovation at York Region is also now available. This document offers a collection of new processes, solutions and operational improvements from across the organization and reflects the Region’s commitment to continuous improvement.

L.5

Special Council Meeting on Homelessness in York Region - November 23, 2023

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that a Special Council meeting on homelessness will be held following the regular Council meeting scheduled on November 23, 2023. 

The purpose of the special meeting is to provide Council with a deeper understanding of homelessness and poverty in York Region and to help inform the 10-year housing and homelessness plan that is under development. 

L.6

Accomplishments in First Half of 2023

Regional Chair Emmerson thanked Members of Council for their ongoing contribution to York Region communities throughout the first six months of the term. Council input and contributions led to the successful approval of:

• 2023 York Region Budget
• 2023 to 2026 Multi-year Budget
• Updated Vision
• 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan

Beyond these key documents that guide the important work York Region does for its communities, Council has worked to make York Region communities stronger and safer through:

• Improved transportation options
• Updated bylaws
• Historic investment in housing, homeless and mental health services

Regional Chair Emmerson thanked Members of Council for moving these priorities forward and for their continued support in building a strong, caring and safe York Region.

L.7

Summer Recess

On behalf of Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended best wishes for an enjoyable and safe summer to all staff and residents of York Region.

M.

Private Session

• Moved by Regional Councillor Li
  Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Chan

  Council resolve into private session at 10:45 a.m. to consider the following:

  M.1    Private Minutes - Council Meeting - May 18, 2023
  M.2    Private Minutes - Committee of the Whole Meeting - June 15, 2023
  M.3    Private Minutes - Audit Committee Meeting - June 8, 2023
  M.4    Private Attachment to Item H.3 - Expropriation Settlement - Viva Bus Rapid Transit Corridor - 3790 Highway 7 West, City of Vaughan - Land Acquisition
  M.5    Community Housing Land Acquisition Opportunities - Land Acquisition
  M.6    Development Charge Complaint Update - Solicitor-Client and Potential Litigation
  M.7    Capital Funding to Enable York Region’s First Mental Health Community Care Hub - Negotiations
  M.8    Verbal Update - Personal information about an identifiable individual

  Carried

  Council resumed in public session at 10:59 a.m.

  
  

M.1

Private Minutes - Council Meeting - May 18, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council confirm the private minutes of the Council meeting held on May 18, 2023.

  Carried

M.2

Private Minutes - Committee of the Whole Meeting - June 15, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council adopt the recommendations in the private minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on June 15, 2023.

  Carried

M.3

Private Minutes - Audit Committee Meeting - June 8, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council adopt the recommendations in the private minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on June 8, 2023.

  Carried

M.4

Private Attachment to Item H.3 - Expropriation Settlement - Viva Bus Rapid Transit Corridor - 3790 Highway 7 West, City of Vaughan - Land Acquisition

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council receive the private attachment.

  Carried

M.5

Community Housing Land Acquisition Opportunities - Land Acquisition

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council refer the private memorandum from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated June 21, 2023 back to Regional staff as well as City of Richmond Hill staff.

  Carried

M.6

Development Charge Complaint Update - Solicitor-Client and Potential Litigation

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council receive the private memorandum from Sean Love, Acting Regional Solicitor and General Counsel and Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated June 23, 2023.

  Carried

M.7

Capital Funding to Enable York Region’s First Mental Health Community Care Hub - Negotiations

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council adopt the confidential recommendation and the following public recommendations in the private report of the Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated June 26, 2023.

  1. Council commit to provide a one-time capital contribution of $5 million, with $2.5 million to be drawn from the Cannabis Contingency Reserve and $2.5 million to be temporarily drawn from the Pandemic Management and Recovery Reserve, to support the development of a Mental Health Community Care Hub operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe. The one-time funding by the Region is conditional on approval of the project by the Province of Ontario by December 31, 2023, the Province funding the remaining capital costs, and the execution of a capital contribution agreement between the Region and Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe on terms and in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Regional Solicitor.
  2. Council authorize the Commissioner of Community and Health Services to execute necessary agreements and related documents with Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe, subject to review of the Regional Solicitor.
  3. Any 2023 operating surplus from Community and Health Services be first allocated, up to $2.5 million, to the Pandemic Management and Recovery Reserve, before allocating any remaining surplus in accordance with the Region’s Surplus Management Policy.
  Carried

M.8

Verbal Update - Personal information about an identifiable individual

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  Council receive the confidential verbal update.

  Carried

N.

Confirmatory Bylaw

• Moved by Mayor West
  Seconded by Mayor Lovatt

  Council enact Bylaw No. 2023-42 to confirm the proceedings of this meeting of Council held on June 29, 2023.

  Carried

O.

Adjournment

• Moved by Regional Councillor G. Chan
  Seconded by Regional Councillor M. Chan

  Council adjourn the meeting at 11:04 a.m.

  Carried

   

                                                             
  Regional Clerk

  
  
  Minutes confirmed and adopted at the meeting of Council held on September 28, 2023.

   

                                                             
  Regional Chair