Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, May 04, 2023

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

Staff:

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

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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 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.

C.

Disclosures of Interest

None

D.

Presentations

D.1

2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan Final Year 4 (2022) Progress Report

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Bruce Macgregor, Chief Administrative Officer.

(See Item J.2.1)

E.

Deputations

E.1

Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw Update

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by David Silverman.

(See Item F.2.1)

F.

Public Works - Transportation Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

North Maple Regional Park and Keele Street - Traffic Control Signals

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated January 24, 2023.

F.1.2

York Region Transit 2022 Enforcement and Security Annual Report

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated April 14, 2023 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works.

F.1.3

York Region Rapid Transit Network - Coordinated Prioritization Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated April 14, 2023 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works.

F.1.4

Traveller Safety Plan Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated April 13, 2023 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works.

F.1.5

Highway 7 Improvements Between Wigwoss Drive and Kipling Avenue

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated April 25, 2023.

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw Update

Committee of the Whole recommends referral to staff of the report dated April 13, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works to report back in June 2023 with more information on appropriate permit fees, enforcement and the extent to which signs can be further limited or prohibited.

F.2.2

Update to Parking and Stopping on Regional Roads Bylaw

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Bylaw 2017-37 to prohibit or regulate parking and stopping on Regional roads be amended to:
   1. include new and revised provisions and definitions outlined in Appendix A.
   2. remove, revise and add parking controls outlined in Attachment 1.
   3. include updated fee schedules outlined in Attachment 2.
2. If any administrative penalty fee in respect of a parking and stopping infraction on local roads is introduced, amended or repealed by any local municipality, the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel be authorized to prepare corresponding amendments to Bylaw 2017-37 for consideration by Council.
3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of all local municipalities and Chief of York Regional Police.
4. The Regional Solicitor and General Counsel prepare the necessary bylaws.

F.2.3

Request for Traffic Signals - Keele Street at North Maple Regional Park - City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 13, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Traffic signals be installed on Keele Street at the entrance to North Maple Regional Park in the City of Vaughan, subject to the capital and 10-year maintenance costs being fully funded by the City of Vaughan.
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Clerk of the City of Vaughan and the Chief of York Regional Police.

G.

Public Works - Environmental Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Request - Feedback and Council Support for Source Protection Plan and Assessment Report - Proposed Amendments

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Craig Jacques, Specialist, Watershed Plans and Source Water Protection, Credit Valley Conservation dated March 10, 2023.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

2022 Regional Greening Strategy Achievements

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 13, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of local municipalities, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

G.2.2

Source Water Protection Assessment Report and Plan Amendments

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council endorse proposed amendments to the Toronto and Region Assessment Report, as well as the Credit Valley, Toronto and Region, Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Plan.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Chair, Credit Valley, Toronto and Region, Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Committee and Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

H.

Community and Health Services

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Enhancing Public Safety and Mental Health Services

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated April 3, 2023.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

2021 and 2022 Paramedic Response Time Performance Plan Final Results

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 20, 2023 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities for information.

H.2.2

Community Investment Fund - Recommended Priorities

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 20, 2023 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve the following priorities for York Region’s Community Investment Fund program for this term of Council:
   1. Housing Stability
   2. Mental Well-being
   3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
   4. Food Security System Development
   5. Organizational Development and Capacity Building for Community Agencies
   6. Other critical service and emergency needs, and needs identified in Regional human services plans, such as the Community Safety and Well-being Plan for York Region
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of local municipalities and Human Services Planning Board of York Region.

I.

Planning and Economic Development

I.1

Communications

None

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

2022 Regional Centres and Corridors Update

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. Regional Council request the Federal and Provincial governments to prioritize funding toward the next generation of bus rapid transit projects in York Region, and critical infrastructure to advance the Yonge North Subway Extension to support development of Regional Centres and Corridors.
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Transportation, Metrolinx and York Region Members of Federal and Provincial Parliament as representation of York Region’s continued commitment to transit-oriented development in Regional Centres and Corridors and Major Transit Station Areas, and the need to advance rapid transit initiatives in York Region.

I.2.2

Bill 97 Proposed Legislative Changes

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 23, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council endorse this report, for submission to the Province on May 6, 2023 in response to the Bill 97 legislative changes as outlined in ERO postings 019-6821 and 019-6822.
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities.

I.2.3

Minutes - Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee Meeting - April 19, 2023

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the minutes of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee dated April 19, 2023.

J.

Finance and Administration

J.1

Communications

J.1.1

Heritage Designation of the Administrative Centre at 17250 Yonge Street, Town of Newmarket

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated April 21, 2023 from Dino Basso, Commissioner of Corporate Services.

J.2

Reports

J.2.1

2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan Final Year 4 (2022) Progress Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 26, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local municipalities.

J.2.2

2024 Budget Directions

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council endorse the proposed timelines for the development and approval of the 2024 Budget, as outlined in Table 3.
2. Council reaffirm a 2024 tax levy increase target of 2.75% and a Rapid Transit / Infrastructure Levy equivalent to a 1% tax levy increase, subject to the potential impact of the Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23).

J.2.3

2022 Annual Investment Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

J.2.4

Financing Leases as at December 31, 2022

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

J.2.5

Vacant Home Tax Status Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance, the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Further consideration of a Vacant Home Tax for York Region be deferred to ensure alignment with the Province’s Vacant Home Tax Policy Framework and the use of more updated cost and benefit estimates based on the current economic and legislative environment.
2. Staff be directed to continue monitoring the program outcomes of other Ontario municipalities to identify best practices and potential opportunities to streamline administration and reduce costs through joint partnerships.
3. Staff report back in 2024 with a refined proposal based on the recommendations above.
4. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities for information.

J.2.6

Contract Awards from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

J.2.7

2022 Accounts Receivable Write-off and Status Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

J.2.8

Delegation Bylaw Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel:

1. Council approve enactment of an updated Delegation Bylaw to incorporate the amendments described in Appendix A.
2. Council approve enactment of an updated Council Recess Bylaw to govern delegation of matters during a Council recess.
3. Bylaws 2018-50 and 2018-51 be repealed.
4. The Regional Solicitor and General Counsel prepare the necessary bylaws to implement the updated bylaws and repeal of Bylaws 2018-50 and 2018-51.

J.2.9

Disposition of Land - 18969 2nd Concession Road - Town of East Gwillimbury

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize the disposition of land in the Town of East Gwillimbury 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 within the limits set out in the private attachment and all necessary documents to complete the transaction, in accordance with the Region’s Sale and Other Disposition of Regional Lands Policy.
3. Staff report back to Council with the final sale price.

J.2.10

Expropriation of Land - Bathurst Street Reconstruction - City of Richmond Hill and City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve an application for approval to expropriate the lands set out in Appendix A, required for the Bathurst Street Reconstruction project from Highway 7 to Teston Road/Elgin Mills Road, in the City of Richmond Hill and 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. Council approval is deemed to be given effective 31 days following the publication of the Notice and when a Hearing of Necessity is not requested in accordance with the Act.
5. Where approval to expropriate the land is given, the Commissioner of Corporate Services is 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 authorize the introduction of the necessary bylaw to give effect to these recommendations.

J.2.11

Expropriation of Land - Reconstruction of Ninth Line from Steeles Avenue to Box Grove By-Pass - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve an application for approval to expropriate the land set out in Appendix A, required for the Ninth Line widening and reconstruction project between Steeles Avenue and the Box Grove By-pass.
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 land provided there is no Hearing of Necessity requested and not withdrawn in accordance with the Council approval is deemed to be given effective 31 days following the publication of the Notice and when a Hearing of Necessity is not requested in accordance with the Act.
5. Where approval to expropriate the land is given, the Commissioner of Corporate Services is 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 authorize the introduction of the necessary bylaw to give effect to these recommendations.

J.2.12

Expropriation of Land - Tuclor Lane Sanitary Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve an application for approval to expropriate the lands set out in Appendix A, required for the Tuclor Lane Sanitary Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the City of Markham.
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. Council approval is deemed to be given effective 31 days following the publication of the Notice and when a Hearing of Necessity is not requested in accordance with the Act.
5. Where approval to expropriate the lands 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.

J.2.13

Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting - April 26, 2023

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee dated April 26, 2023.

K.

Notice of Motion

None

L.

Other Business

L.1

Coronation of Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Canada and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized May 6, 2023 as the Coronation Day of Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Canada and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.

L.2

2023-2027 York Region Plan to Support Seniors

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that a Special Council Meeting will be scheduled regarding the 2023-2027 York Region Plan to Support Seniors.

L.3

Jewish Heritage Month

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May as Jewish Heritage Month.

L.4

Dutch Heritage Month

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May as Dutch Heritage Month.

L.5

Asian Heritage Month

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May as Asian Heritage Month.

L.6

Mental Health Week

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May 1-7, 2023 as Mental Health Week.

L.7

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May 1-7, 2023 as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week.

L.8

National Physicians Day

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May 1, 2023 as National Physicians Day.

L.9

First Responders Day

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May 1, 2023 as First Responders Day.

L.10

Emergency Preparedness Week

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May 7-13, 2023 as Emergency Preparedness Week. York Region and York Regional Police will be participating in the annual Emergency Preparedness Open House at the Community Safety Village on May 13, 2023.

L.11

National Nursing Week

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged May 8-14, 2023 as National Nursing Week.

L.12

Passing of Gordon Lightfoot

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized the passing of Canadian singer and songwriter Gordon Lightfoot.

L.13

Red Dress Day

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized May 4, 2023 as Red Dress Day in honour of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have lost their lives to colonial and gender-based violence in Canada. The clock tower at the York Region Administrative Centre will be illuminated red on May 5, 2023 in honour of Red Dress Day.

M.

Private Session

M.1

Disposition of Overdue Provincial Offences Act Fines - Solicitor-Client Privilege

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendation in the report dated April 20, 2023 from the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel.

M.2

Development Charge Complaint - Litigation and Solicitor-Client Privilege

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendation in the report dated April 20, 2023 from the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel.

M.3

Private Attachment 1 to Item J.2.6 - Contract Awards from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023 - Security of Property

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

M.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item J.2.9 - Disposition of Land - 18969 2nd Concession Road - Town of East Gwillimbury - Disposition of Land

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

N.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 11:32 a.m.