Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, September 05, 2024

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

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, 
• L. Jackson, 
• J. Jones, 
• J. Li, 
• I. Lovatt, 
• S. Pellegrini, 
• M. Quirk, 
• G. Rosati, 
• F. Scarpitti, 
• J. Taylor, 
• T. Vegh, 
• and D. West 

Staff:

• D. Basso, 
• D. Kuzmyk, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• L. McDowell, 
• L. Mirabella, 
• C. Raynor, 
• and L. Gonsalves 

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A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9 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.

Presentations

D.1

2023 Long-Term Care and Seniors Community Programs Annual Performance Updates

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Chris Spearen, General Manager (A), Paramedic and Seniors Services.

(See Item H.1.1)

D.2

Dispatch Modernization Update: Implementing the Medical Priority Dispatch System in November 2024

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Chris Spearen, General Manager (A), Paramedic and Seniors Services and Jeremy Watts, Chief (A), Paramedic Services.

(See Item H.2.1)

E.

Deputations

None

F.

Public Works - Transportation Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

Requested Changes to the Operation of Town and Regional Roads and High Street Redevelopment Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Carolyn Lance, Council Services Coordinator, Town of Georgina dated July 11, 2024.

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

2024 Speed Limit Revisions

Committee of the Whole referred this item to the September 19, 2024 Regional Council meeting.

G.

Public Works - Environmental Services

G.1

Communications

None

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Source Water Protection Committee Appointment

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 19, 2024 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council approve nomination of Tom Bradley as municipal representative for York Region on the Credit Valley, Toronto Region and Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Committee.
2. Council delegate authority to the Commissioner of Public Works to nominate York Region’s municipal representatives on Credit Valley, Toronto Region and Central Lake Ontario and the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Committees and include delegation of authority in the next update to the Region’s Delegation Bylaw.
3. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities, Credit Valley Source Protection Authority, Lake Simcoe and Couchiching/Black River Source Protection Authority and Source Protection Programs Branch, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

H.

Community and Health Services

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

2023 Long-Term Care and Seniors Community Programs Annual Performance Updates

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated August 20, 2024 from Lisa Gonsalves, Commissioner of Community and Health Services (A).

H.1.2

Discontinuation of Private Well Testing and Closure of Public Health Laboratories

Committee of the Whole recommends:

1. Receipt of the communication from Behnam Doulatyari, Senior Manager, Watershed Plans & Source Water Protection, Credit Valley Conservation dated July 5, 2024, forwarding letter from Credit Valley - Toronto and Region - Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Committee; and 
2. The Regional Chair send a letter in support of the resolution to the Minister of Rural Affairs and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Dispatch Modernization Update: Implementation of the Medical Priority Dispatch System in November 2024

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 20, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities, York Regional Police and local fire services for information.

H.2.2

Update on the Paramedic Services Master Plan 2021-2031

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 20, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Regional Chair write a letter to Provincial Minister of Health requesting an update on the Models of Care Innovation Fund and advocating for stable, sustainable provincial funding for the Region’s Improving Patient Access to Care in the Community Program.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities, local hospitals, York Region Ontario Health Teams and the Ministry of Health for information.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

Contract Awards from April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated August 20, 2024 from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

I.1.2

Key Updates to the 2025 Budget Process

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated August 20, 2024 from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

I.1.3

Development Charge Fee Deferral Extension for St. Mary & St. Samuel, The Confessor Coptic Orthodox Church

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk, City of Markham dated August 8, 2024.

(See Item I.2.3)

I.1.4

2024 Mid-Year Development Activity Summary

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated August 19, 2024 from Dino Basso, Commissioner of Corporate Services.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Operating and Capital Mid-Year Progress Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated July 31, 2024 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve reallocations in 2024 gross capital expenditures and associated funding sources, as well as Capital Spending Authority and associated funding sources, including an increase of $3.2 million in Capital Spending Authority debt as detailed in Appendix C and D.
2. Council approve reallocating surplus debenture proceeds between capital projects, as detailed in Appendix F.

I.2.2

McCowan Sewer Environmental Assessment Landowner Funding

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 27, 2024 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Regional Chair and Regional Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with McCowan Sewer Landowners to fund the Environmental Assessment for the potential construction of the additional four kilometres of McCowan Sewer infrastructure.

I.2.3

Development Charge Deferral Extension Request - St. Mary and St. Samuel the Confessor Coptic Orthodox Church, Daycare, City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 26, 2024 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council extend development charges deferral for the structure currently used as a daycare, located in the St. Mary and St. Samuel the Confessor Coptic Orthodox Church at 9377 McCowan Road, until the use of the structure changes, as the City of Markham has authorized an extension of deferral.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the City of Markham.

I.2.4

Capital Financing for the Town of Georgina

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 26, 2024 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the issuance of debentures for the Town of Georgina to finance the construction of the Cockburn Subdivision Watermain project, subject to the following conditions:
   1. Total debentures shall not exceed $2,400,000.
   2. Term shall not exceed 20 years.

I.2.5

Compensation for Expropriation - 7850 and 9200 Weston Road - City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 20, 2024 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve the Commissioner of Corporate Services to make offers of compensation to the owners of lands in the City of Vaughan, as set out in Appendix A, which were acquired in accordance with the Expropriations Act (the “Act”).

I.2.6

Lease Extension - 4261 Highway 7 - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 20, 2024 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize a five-year lease extension with Transmark Developments Ltd., commencing on December 1, 2024, for existing office and program space at 4261 Highway 7, in the City of Markham.
2. Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute a lease extension agreement with Transmark Developments Ltd. and all necessary documents to complete the transaction.

I.2.7

Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting – June 26, 2024

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting on June 26, 2024.

J.

Notice of Motion

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

2023 York Regional Police Annual Report

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the 2023 York Regional Police Annual Report.

K.2

2024 Council and Committee Meeting Schedule Changes

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the following changes to the 2024 Council and Committee Meeting Schedule:

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Board Meetings

Beginning in October, these meetings will be held in a hybrid format following Regional Council meetings. 

Housing York Inc. Board Meeting

October 17, 2024 meeting will be converted to an in-person, private workshop.

YTN Telecom Network Inc. Board Meeting

October 17, 2024 meeting will be rescheduled to start at 1 p.m.

K.3

United Way Opening Ceremony

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that on September 3, 2024 York Region and York Regional Police held the 31st annual Employee Giving Campaign for the United Way Greater Toronto. 

K.4

Observances and Days of Significance

Regional Chair Emmerson noted the following observances and days of significance in September:

• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Guide Dog Awareness Month
• World Alzheimer’s Month
• National Day of Service, recognizing the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks

K.5

P.J. Marshall Award

Regional Chair Emmerson noted he accepted the P.J. Marshall Innovation Award on behalf of the Region’s innovative automated transit facility inspection program at the 2024 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference.

Last year, York Region introduced CITYROVER, an advanced AI technology that has transformed York Region's bus stop inspections. By equipping select buses with smart cameras, staff can scan and monitor over 6,000 bus stops in real time, ensuring they remain in top condition.

This award is one of notable accolades the project has received, which include the Smart 20 Award, the Intelligent Mobility Award and the Municipal Excellence Award.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole did not resolve into Private Session.

L.1

Attachment 1 to Item I.1.1 - Contract Awards from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024 - Security of Property

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

L.2

Attachment 1 to Item I.2.5 - Compensation for Expropriation - 7850 and 9200 Weston Road - City of Vaughan - Acquisition of Land

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

L.3

Attachments 1 & 2 to Item I.2.6 - Lease Extension - 4261 Highway 7 - City of Markham - Land Acquisition

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

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 10:53 a.m.