Minutes

Committee of the Whole

-
Electronic and In-Person Meeting
Council Chambers
17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket
Members:
  • W. Emmerson, 
  • G. Chan, 
  • M. Chan, 
  • N. Davison, 
  • S. Del Duca, 
  • J. DiPaola, 
  • M. Ferri, 
  • A. Ho, 
  • J. Jones, 
  • J. Li, 
  • I. Lovatt, 
  • T. Mrakas, 
  • S. Pellegrini, 
  • M. Quirk, 
  • M. G. Racco, 
  • G. Rosati, 
  • F. Scarpitti, 
  • J. Taylor, 
  • T. Vegh, 
  • and D. West 
Staff:
  • D. Basso, 
  • K. Chislett, 
  • P. Freeman, 
  • D. Kuzmyk, 
  • E. Mahoney, 
  • L. Mirabella, 
  • C. Raynor, 
  • and D. Szeptycki 

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

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."

Regional Councillor Ferri declared an interest in Item D.1 - Development Charges Complaint Hearing, as his son is a partner with the legal firm Loopstra Nixon LLP, representing the applicant. Regional Councillor Ferri did not participate in the discussion or vote on this matter.

Committee of the Whole received the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance.

(See Item N.8)

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Eric Tappenden.

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Quinto Annibale, Loopstra Nixon LLP.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Mike Rabeau, General Manager, Capital Infrastructure Services, Public Works and Wendy Kemp, Director, Infrastructure Asset Management, Environmental Services, Public Works.

(See Items H.1.1, H.2.1, H.2.2)

None

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 20, 2023 from David Szeptycki, Acting Commissioner of Public Works.

G.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. Council authorize the Region to participate in the Provincial Fare Integration Program.
  2. The Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to negotiate and execute agreements on behalf of the Region to implement the Provincial Fare Integration program. 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated March 3, 2023.

H.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the following recommendations in the report dated October 25, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. Council authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to negotiate and execute a direct purchase agreement with GHD Limited for program management, engineering design and construction support services for the North YDSS Expansion Phase 1 at an estimated value not to exceed $84.5 million, exclusive of taxes, as outlined in this report, on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Public Works and on legal terms acceptable to the Regional Solicitor.
  2. Council authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to negotiate and execute a direct purchase agreement with Revay and Associates Limited for project planning and performance monitoring services related to the North YDSS Expansion Phase 1 at an estimated value not to exceed $3.0 million, exclusive of taxes, as outlined in this report, on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Public Works and on legal terms acceptable to the Regional Solicitor.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 20, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. Council authorize assignment of new water and wastewater servicing capacity of 88,740 persons to local municipalities to support forecasted development towards Provincial housing pledges with a commitment for another capacity assignment within two years.
  2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 27, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 27, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

I.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

  1. It is recommended the Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of local municipalities, York Regional Police Services Board, Human Services Planning Board of York Region and the Newcomer Inclusion Table of York Region.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 19, 2023 from Paul Freeman, Chief Planner.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the correspondence from Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Town of Aurora dated September 28, 2023.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated October 16, 2023.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing dated November 2, 2023.

J.2

 

None

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated November 9, 2023 from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

Committee of the Whole recommends:

  1. Council receive the correspondence from Tara Lajevardi, Municipal Clerk/Director of Legislative Services, Town of East Gwillimbury dated November 2, 2023; and
  2. Council authorizes Mayor Hackson to be absent from meetings of Regional Council for three or more successive months effective November 2, 2023, in accordance with Section 259(1)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

K.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated November 2, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

  1. Council receive the Final Governance Report for York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (Attachment 1), and the Final Mandate Report for York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (Attachment 2), both authored by consultant Dr. Richard Leblanc and dated September 15, 2023.
  2. Council support the continuation of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) as a separate corporation with updated governance and mandate provisions, as proposed by Dr. Leblanc.
  3. Staff be directed to report back as follows:
    1. the Regional Clerk and Regional Solicitor be directed to further review recommended governance enhancements, in consultation with the YRRTC Board; and,
    2. YRRTC management be directed to further review business and administrative improvements outlined in this report, and report back to the YRRTC Board and Regional Council on the next steps to implement Dr. Leblanc’s recommendations.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

  1. Council to approve the York Region 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, included as Attachment 1.
  2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee, York Regional Police Services Board and local municipalities for their information.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council authorize the award of new non-standard procurements, extensions, and increases, as per Attachment 1 and Private Attachment 1.
  2. Council authorize Commissioners/Department Heads, and Directors, or their delegates (up to the limits defined in the Signing Authority Matrix), to execute the contracts and amendments approved in this report.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. The Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to temporarily borrow during 2024 from either external financing or by means of temporary loans from reserves and reserve funds for the following amounts and purposes:
    1. Up to $605 million to fund operating expenditures pending receipt of tax levies and other revenues; and
    2. Up to $300 million to fund capital expenditures until such time as long-term financing is in place.
  2. The Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents to enable temporary borrowing in 2024.
  3. The Regional Solicitor be authorized to prepare the necessary bylaws.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance and the Chief Planner: 

  1. Council not proceed with implementing a Vacant Home Tax for the financial reasons outlined in this report.
  2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities for information.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

  1. Council authorize the disposition of land in Whitchurch-Stouffville that has been deemed surplus to Regional requirements, as described in Appendix A.
  2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to accept and execute the Agreement of Purchase and Sale in accordance with terms set out in Private Attachment 1 and all necessary documents to complete the transaction, in accordance with the Region’s Sale and Other Disposition of Regional Lands Policy.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

  1. Council approve the lease amendment for the Region’s occupancy of the property at 50 High Tech Road in the City of Richmond Hill.
  2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute a lease amendment agreement and all necessary documents to complete the transaction.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

  1. Council approve the revised Sale and Other Disposition of Regional Lands Policy as attached in Attachment 1.

Due to Mayor Hackson's medical leave, Regional Chair Emmerson appointed Mayor Del Duca as the Vice-Chair of the Finance and Administration section of Committee of the Whole.

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the scheduling of a Housing Affordability Task Force meeting on December 14, 2023 at 9 a.m.

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the rescheduling of the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation meeting on December 14, 2023 to start at 1 p.m.

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the following observances and days of significance:

  • November is Hindu Heritage Month in Canada
  • November 12, 2023 marks Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights
  • November 5 to 11, 2023 is Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario
  • November 5 to 11, 2023 is Veteran's Week

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that local Councillor Scott Crone from East Gwillimbury will serve as Mayor Hackson's alternate at the November 23, 2023 Regional Council meeting.

Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Regional Council and staff, extended best wishes for good health to Mayor Hackson.

In response to the communication from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing related to modifications to approved municipal official plans, Regional Chair Emmerson advised that he will not be calling a Special Meeting of Council to discuss legislative changes to the Regional Official Plan.

(See Item J.1.4)

Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 12:23 p.m. At 1:02 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in public session and reported the following:

N.1
Schomberg Water Quality Agreement and Credit - A Position to be Applied to a Negotiation

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendations in the report dated October 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works. Report remains private.

N.2
Securing Long-Term Landfill Disposal Capacity - Technical, Commercial, Financial Information Supplied in Confidence and that belongs to the Region and a Plan to be Applied to any Negotiations

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendations in the report dated October 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works. Report remains private.

N.3
Update on Blue Box Transition and the Region’s Material Recovery Facility - Acquisition or Disposition of Land and A Position, Plan, Procedure, Criteria or Instruction to be Applied to any Negotiations

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum from David Szeptycki, Acting Commissioner of Public Works dated October 19, 2023. Memorandum remains private.

N.4
Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment Update on Litigation - Litigation and Solicitor-Client Privilege

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum dated October 27, 2023 from Dan Kuzmyk, Regional Solicitor and General Counsel. Memorandum remains private.

N.5
Private Attachment 1 to Item I.1.2 - Revised Capital Approach to Building New Community Housing - Information Explicitly Supplied in Confidence

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

N.6
Private Attachment 1 to Item K.2.3 - Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval - Security of Property

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

N.7
Private Attachment 1 to Item K.2.6 - Disposition of Land Main Street and Ninth Line Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville - Disposition of Land

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

N.8
Development Charges Complaint Hearing - Solicitor-Client Privilege

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations:

  1. Council accept the Development Charge Complaint lodged by 2868861 Ontario Inc., included as Appendix A in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance, and agree with the interpretation that an industrial/office/institutional rate should be applied to this crematorium; and
  2. Council authorize the Regional Solicitor to settle the Development Charge Complaint and execute Minutes of Settlement, where appropriate.

(Regional Councillor Ferri declared an interest on this item and left the room during the discussion. He did not vote on this matter.)

See Item D.1

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 1:07 p.m.

No Item Selected