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, 
  • V. Hackson, 
  • 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, 
  • C. Cancelliere, 
  • K. Chislett, 
  • P. Freeman, 
  • B. Macgregor, 
  • E. Mahoney, 
  • L. Mirabella, 
  • and C. Raynor 

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

Regional Chair Emmerson provided the following acknowledgement:

"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."

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works.

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Katarzyna Sliwa on behalf of Dentons LLP and referred the letter dated June 14, 2023 to staff.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated May 15, 2023.

F.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. Council approve:
    1. York Region Transit fare structure changes including replacement of monthly passes with fare capping and removing the express fare supplement
    2. Updates to the York Region Transit Fare Policy (Appendix A) incorporating administrative changes identified in this report
  2. Council rescind the York Region Transit Ride Free Policy (Appendix B).
  3. A copy of this report be forwarded to the Clerks of the local municipalities, Ministry of Transportation Ontario, and Toronto Transit Commission.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated May 30, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. The Region’s Community Safety Zone bylaw be amended to include locations on St. John’s Sideroad in the Town of Aurora and Ninth Line in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, as detailed in Appendix A, and existing speed limits on St. John’s Sideroad in the Town of Aurora and Ninth Line in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville be amended to include school zone speed limit reductions, as outlined in Appendix B.
  2. Council approve the updated Community Safety Zone Warrant Criteria policy, as indicated in Appendix C, and the updated Establishing Speed Limits on Regional Road policy, as indicated in Appendix D, which shall include proposed delegated authority recommended herein.
  3. Council delegate authority to the Commissioner of Public Works to submit bylaws to amend the Community Safety Zone Bylaw in accordance with the Region’s Community Safety Zone Warrant Criteria policy and to amend the speed limits in School Zones in accordance with the Region’s Establishing Speed Limits on Regional Roads policy, including placement of each such bylaw on the Council agenda without an accompanying report to Council.
  4. The Regional Solicitor and General Counsel prepare the necessary bylaws.
  5. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities, Chief of York Regional Police and York Region school boards.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works and the Chief Planner: 

  1. Council approve development of a Right-of-Way Management Bylaw and authorize the Regional Solicitor to prepare the necessary bylaw.
  2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to Clerks of all local municipalities and request circulation of the report to the Planning and Chief Building Officials.

Committee of the Whole received the memorandum dated June 2, 2023 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works and recommends that the Regional Chair's office circulate a copy of the memorandum to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the future transition team.

G.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. Council receive this report for information.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated June 1, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

  1. Council recognize the month of July as “Plastics-Free July”, in support of community efforts to reduce use of single-use items.
  2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works: 

  1. Council authorize an increase to the weight-based fee for garbage and other chargeable waste loads at depots to $170 per tonne, effective September 25, 2023 in accordance with 2023 approved budget, which amount shall be subject to annual increases in accordance with CPI as set out in the Region’s Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2020-04, as amended or replaced.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated May 30, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated May 31, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services and Stephen Maio, Senior Executive Officer, People Equity and Culture.

Committee of the Whole received the memorandum dated June 2, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services and recommends that additional information regarding this matter be brought to the June 29, 2023 Regional Council meeting.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Peel dated May 4, 2023.

Committee of the Whole received the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated June 9, 2023 and recommends support of the City of Vaughan resolution.

H.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated May 30, 2023 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Chief Planner:

  1. Council endorse the Housing Solutions Phase 2 2023 Action Plan (Appendix A).
  2. Council request the Provincial and Federal governments commit consistent, long-term operating funding to support the homelessness system.
  3. Council request the Provincial and Federal governments commit to a consistent, long-term capital funding program that equals to two-thirds of the capital costs, one-third from each level of government, to support new community housing development and better enable the Region to achieve its goal to double community housing growth.
  4. The Regional Clerk forward this report and attachments to the Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, local Members of Parliament, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local Members of Provincial Parliament, and Clerks of the local municipalities.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated May 30, 2023 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

  1. Council receives this report for information to ensure Council’s compliance with the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, in effect up until March 31, 2022, and the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 (the Act), in effect as of April 11, 2022.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Denny Timm, Township Clerk, Township of King dated June 9, 2023.

I.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 13, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

  1. Council approve this report, Appendix A and Appendix B for submission to the Provincial Land Use Plans Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in response to Environmental Registry of Ontario posting #019-6813.
  2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Clerk’s of the local municipalities. 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated May 18, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner: 

  1. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local municipalities, Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), and local Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament for information.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner: 

  1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee, Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the local municipalities.

J.2

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations 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 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.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated May 24, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council approve the 2023 gross capital expenditure changes and associated funding sources, as well as changes to the Capital Spending Authority and associated funding sources, including a decrease of $7.7 million in Capital Spending Authority debt, as detailed in Appendix A, B, and C.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated May 24, 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 and Department Heads, or their designates, to execute the contracts and amendments approved in this report.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated May 24, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council receive this report for information.

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

  1. Council approve the issuance of debentures for the City of Vaughan, subject to the following conditions:
    1. The total debentures shall not exceed $45,489,000, and the term not exceed 10 years, to finance the construction of the capital infrastructure projects identified in Appendix A.
    2. The prior receipt of the necessary council bylaws and supporting documentation for the debenture financing from the City of Vaughan.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel recommending that:

  1. Council receive this report for information.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated May 29, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Regional Clerk:

  1. That a Records Retention Bylaw to establish retention periods for records on behalf of the Regional Municipality of York be presented for enactment, effective December 31, 2023, in the form found in Attachment 1.
  2. That the Regional Clerk is delegated authority to establish and amend classes of records and retention periods for the classes of records, as provided for in the new bylaw.
  3. And further, that the current Records Retention Bylaw 2014-52 be repealed effective December 31, 2023.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

  1. Council authorize the disposition of land in the City of Vaughan that has been deemed surplus to Regional requirements, as set out in Appendix A.
  2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute the agreement of purchase and sale and all necessary documents to complete the transaction.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services recommending that:

  1. Council approve an application for approval to expropriate the lands set out in Appendix A, for traffic improvement work affecting Weston Road, in the City of Vaughan.
  2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute the Application for Approval to Expropriate Land and the Notice of Application for Approval to Expropriate Land (the “Notice”) and to serve and publish the Notice, as required under the Expropriations Act (the “Act”).
  3. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to forward to the Chief Inquiry Officer any requests for an inquiry that are received and to represent the Region, as necessary, at an inquiry (Hearing of Necessity) held under the Act.
  4. Council, as approving authority, approve the expropriation of the lands provided there is no Hearing of Necessity requested and not withdrawn in accordance with the Act.
  5. Where approval to expropriate the land is given, the Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to register a plan of expropriation and execute and serve any Notices required under the Act.
  6. Where approval to expropriate the land is given, Council authorizes the introduction of the necessary bylaw to give effect to these recommendations.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated June 6, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services recommending that:

  1. Council enact a bylaw in the form attached as Appendix A approving the execution of the Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement attached to the bylaw.
  2. Council direct the Clerk to provide notice of the bylaw to the Minister of Finance.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following motion:

WHEREAS the enactment of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, also known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, was a significant event in Canadian history that left a profound impact on the Chinese-Canadian community; and

WHEREAS the Chinese Exclusion Act was a piece of legislation that effectively prohibited Chinese immigration to Canada for more than 2 decades; and

WHEREAS the Chinese Exclusion Act imposed a head tax on Chinese immigrants who were already in Canada; and

WHEREAS during the 24 years (until 1947) when the Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed by the Canadian Government, it was estimated that less than 100 Chinese immigrants were accepted into Canada and existing Chinese immigrants were unable to bring their spouses and children to Canada; and

WHEREAS the Chinese-Canadian was the only ethnic group that was barred from entry based solely on their country of origin in Canadian history; and

WHEREAS the Chinese Exclusion Act legally sanctioned racial discrimination and perpetuated systemic racism against Chinese Canadians, setting a clear example of discrimination on the basis of race and was a product of the prevailing xenophobic attitudes of the time; and

WHEREAS notwithstanding these significant hardships and negative impacts the Chinese Exclusion Act has had on generations of Chinese Canadians, Chinese Canadian community is proud of the immense contributions in making Canada a great nation as it is; and

WHEREAS this year’s 100th Anniversary of the Enactment of this Act provides an important opportunity to remember the injustices that were inflicted upon the Chinese Canadian community; and

WHEREAS York Region is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada, with people of Chinese descent accounting for more than 20% of York Region's total population; and

WHEREAS York Region and York Regional Council are committed to building welcoming and diverse communities where all dimensions of diversity are celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination; and

WHEREAS York Region celebrates its growing and diverse population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity; and

WHEREAS on behalf of the Honourable Senator Yuen Pau Woo and the Honourable Senator Victor Oh, in partnership of with Action! Chinese Canadians Together (ACCT) Foundation organized a National Remembrance event on June 23, 2023, 3:00-5:00 p.m. ET in the Senate of Canada Chamber;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

    1. That York Region publicly share Action! Chinese Canadas Together Foundation's livestream link and encourage residents and community groups to set up local viewing events to provide citizens the opportunity to mark this centenary event, by helping to educate our community, especially the younger generation, about the history, and to encourage them to reflect on our past, acknowledge the harm that was done, and work towards a more just and equitable future for all Canadians; and
    2. That other community groups be encouraged to participate by hosting their own livestreaming events; and
    3. That the Clerk forward a copy of this Resolution to all local municipalities, MPs & MPPs; and
    4. That Corporate Communications promote this event through York Region’s corporate communications channels, as appropriate; and
    5. That these recommendations be ratified by Council on June 29, 2023.

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged that June is National Indigenous History Month. It is an opportunity to honour the unique heritage, culture, and traditions of First Nations Inuit and Métis Peoples from across our communities and to deepen our understanding and honour the achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, the first stewards of this land. In marking Indigenous History Month, the Region affirms the commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive communities and recognizes the responsibility to become allies in change and move forward on the path to reconciliation.

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that communities around the world celebrate Pride in the month of June and recognized the history, diversity and contributions of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. He acknowledged that everyone in our communities deserves to participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity, and freedom of discrimination, and through actions and words we can be allies of the 2SLGBTQI+ community in York Region.

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged that June is Seniors Month in the Province of Ontario which celebrates the important contributions of older adults. Through the York Region Seniors Strategy, Regional Council remains committed to supporting the aging population while balancing the needs of all generations. 

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged the following observances in June: Italian Heritage Month, National Deaf Blind Awareness Month, and National Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that York Regional Policy Deputy Chief Robertson Rouse will be retiring today. Deputy Chief Rouse has served our communities for more than three decades. On behalf of York Region, Regional Chair Emmerson extended his wishes and appreciation to Deputy Chief Rouse on his retirement.

On behalf of York Region, Regional Chair Emmerson congratulated Alex Pietrangelo, from the Township of King, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights on the winning the 2023 Stanley Cup.

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that a Special Meeting of Council regarding the York Region Seniors Strategy will be held on October 5, 2023 beginning at 9 a.m. 

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that the York Region Rapid Transit board meeting on October 5, 2023 will now begin at 1 p.m.

​Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 11:53 a.m. At 12:17 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in public session and reported the following:

M.1
Presentation for Item M.2 - Legal and Court Services Matter - Solicitor-Client Privilege and Labour Relations

 

There was no presentation.

M.2
Legal and Court Services Matter - Solicitor-Client Privilege and Labour Relations

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendation in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel.

M.3
Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement and Bylaw - Negotiations

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendation in the report dated June 6, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services.

M.4
Memorandum - Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw Update - Solicitor-Client Privilege

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum dated May 31, 2023 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works and Dan Kuzmyk, Regional Solicitor and General Counsel. Memorandum remains private.

M.5
Memorandum - Long-Term Care Staffing and Collective Bargaining Update - Labour Relations

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum dated June 2, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services. Memorandum remains private.

M.6
Memorandum - Judicial Review of RFP 421-21 Transit Operations and Maintenance Contract, South-East Transit Division - Litigation and Solicitor-Client Privilege

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum dated June 6, 2023 from Dan Kuzmyk, Regional Solicitor and General Counsel. Memorandum remains private.

M.7
Memorandum - Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Appeals – City of Vaughan – Solicitor-Client and Potential Litigation

 

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum from Dan Kuzmyk, Regional Solicitor and General Counsel dated June 8, 2023. Memorandum remains private.

M.8
2023 Insurance Program Renewal - Negotiations

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendation in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance.

M.9
Yonge Street Culvert Repair Update - Potential Litigation

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendations in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel.

M.10
Development Charge Complaint - Litigation

 

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendations in the report dated June 2, 2023 from the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel.

M.11
Private Attachment 1 to Item J.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.

M.12
Private Attachment 1 to Item J.2.8 - Disposition of Land - Original Jane Street Right of Way between Highway 407 and Highway 7 - City of Vaughan - Disposition of Land

 

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

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 12:20 p.m.

No Item Selected