Minutes

Committee of the Whole - Week 1

Thursday, November 11, 2021

1:00 P.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Electronic Meeting

Members:

• W. Emmerson,
• M. Bevilacqua,
• G. Chan,
• J. DiPaola,
• M. Ferri,
• V. Hackson,
• D. Hamilton,
• J. Heath,
• L. Jackson,
• J. Jones,
• J. Li,
• I. Lovatt,
• T. Mrakas,
• S. Pellegrini,
• C. Perrelli,
• M. Quirk,
• G. Rosati,
• F. Scarpitti,
• J. Taylor,
• and T. Vegh

Staff:

• D. Basso,
• A.M. Carroll,
• K. Chislett,
• P. Freeman,
• Dr. R. Gould,
• D. Kuzmyk,
• J. Li,
• E. Mahoney,
• C. Raynor,
• and M.F. Turner

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A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. and made the following remarks:

“We acknowledge the land we are meeting on today is the traditional territory of many First Nations, including the Chippewas of Georgina Island and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

These lands are now home to many diverse Indigenous peoples.

We also acknowledge that York Region falls under Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties with several Mississauga and Chippewas First Nations.”

B.

Disclosures of Interest

Mayor Scarpitti declared an interest in Item M.3, which is a Private Attachment to Item I.2.4 Approvals Authorized under Delegated Authority During Council Recess, as his brother is employed by one of the identified firms; and accordingly, he did not participate in any discussion or voting on this matter.

C.

Presentations

C.1

ventureLAB Hardware Catalyst Initiative

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Melissa Chee, President and CEO, ventureLAB.

C.2

Renewing York Region's Vision - Strong, Caring, Safe Communities

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

C.3

Draft York Region Official Plan

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Sandra Malcic, Director, Long Range Planning.

D.

Deputations

D.1

Irene Ford - Draft York Region Official Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Irene Ford dated November 11, 2021. The deputant withdrew their verbal deputation request.

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

Automated Speed Enforcement - Pilot Program Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Ann-Marie Carroll, Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services dated October 20, 2021.

E.1.2

Transportation Master Plan Progress Update - Proposed Networks and Focus Areas

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Ann-Marie Carroll, Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services dated October 20, 2021.

E.1.3

Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Resolution - Vision Zero - Traffic Calming Strategy

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Kristina Soolepp, Council Coordinator, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville dated September 30, 2021.

E.2

Reports

None

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

2020 State of the Infrastructure Report

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Environmental Services and Ann-Marie Carroll, Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services dated October 25, 2021.

F.1.2

Invasive Moth (Lymantria Dispar Dispar) Outbreak in York Region

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Environmental Services dated October 22, 2021 and the Regional Clerk circulate the memorandum to the local municipalities for information.

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update Draft Infrastructure Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities, conservation authorities (Toronto and Region and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authorities) and the Director of the Central Region Office, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

F.2.2

Proposed Update to Sewer Use Bylaw and Enforcement Program Fees

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. Council enact the proposed Sewer Use Bylaw as of January 1, 2022, as described in this report and in the form set out in Attachment 1 (the “Sewer Use Bylaw”).
2. Council approve fees for the Sewer Use Bylaw Enforcement Program as outlined in Attachment 2. All new fees will take effect January 1, 2022.
3. Schedule “A” of the fees and charges Bylaw (Bylaw No. 2010-15) be amended to implement the proposed fees as outlined in Attachment
4. Council approve the recommended set fines related to existing and newly created offences (Attachment 3) under the Sewer Use Bylaw and authorize the Regional Solicitor to submit an application seeking an Order from the Office of the Chief Justice for the Ontario Court of Justice to approve the fines.
5. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Inclusion Charter for York Region - Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated October 22, 2021.

G.1.2

Letter from Premier - Gradual Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario dated October 27, 2021.

G.1.3

Update on Public Health Emergency Response to COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Acting Medical Officer of Health dated November 8, 2021.

G.1.4

Communications related to Item J.1 - Actions to Address Anti-Asian Hate

G.1.4.1

CPAC Canada

Committee of the Whole recommends the receipt of the communication from Ti Wang, President, CPAC dated November 8, 2021.

G.1.4.2

Federation of Chinese Canadians in York Region

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Dr. Ken Ng, Chairman, Federation of Chinese Canadians in York Region dated November 9, 2021.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Establishing a Community Housing Development Master Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Commissioner of Community and Health Services be directed to develop a 40-year Community Housing Development Master Plan based on the following principles:
   • Putting residents first
   • Appropriate development on available land
   • Readiness for funding opportunities
   • Empower Community Housing providers with support
   • Target an aggressive rate of growth for Community Housing
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Communications related to Item H.2.2 - Draft York Region Official Plan

H.1.1.1

12041 Woodbine Avenue, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Jessica Karban, Mathany & Higgs Law, dated November 9, 2021.

H.1.1.2

York Official Plan - "Have Your Say" - November 11, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Marilyn Iafrate, Councillor Ward 1, City of Vaughan dated November 9, 2021.

H.1.1.3

11715, 11726 and 11865 Kennedy Road, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Chris Barnett, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt dated November 10, 2021.

H.1.1.4

Future Land Needs for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Brad Sewards, General Manager, Meadowbrook Golf Club dated November 10, 2021.

H.1.1.5

11691 Warden Avenue - Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Susan Rosenthal, Davies Howe dated November 10, 2021.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Innovation Investment Fund Application - ventureLAB

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 28, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council authorize $1.55 million over five years from the Innovation Investment Fund be provided to ventureLAB for expansion of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI) and to promote attraction of foreign hardware companies to York Region.

H.2.2

Draft York Region Official Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 28, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council receive the draft York Region Official Plan (Attachment 1) for the purposes of ongoing public engagement and review.
2. Council’s decision on the Forecast and Land Needs Assessment as considered on October 21, 2021 be reflected in a revised draft Regional Official Plan to be presented to Council November 25 2021; specifically including revisions to Table 1, Table 6 and applicable maps to implement Council’s direction for the Phased 50-55% Intensification scenario, additional urban expansion in East Gwillimbury, shift of growth from King Township whitebelt growth to existing settlement areas, shift of Whitchurch-Stouffville whitebelt growth to Stouffville Bethesda Community Area lands and South Gormley Employment Area lands, and reflect the change of Employment Area lands identified south of the Almira Community in Markham to Community Lands.
3. Council direct staff to provide notice to hold an open house and public meeting in accordance with requirements under the Planning Act.
4. The Regional Clerk forward this report and attachments to the Clerks of the local municipalities for comments to be submitted to the Region by March 31, 2022.
5. The Regional Clerk submit this report and attachments to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in accordance with requirements of the Planning Act to provide a copy of the proposed plan 90 days before giving notice of a public meeting.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

Update to Council on the Enactment of the Region's New Procurement Bylaw

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Jason Li, Acting Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated October 29, 2021.

I.1.2

17150 Yonge Street Achieves Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification, Gold Level

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Dino Basso, Commissioner of Corporate Services dated November 1, 2021.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Renewing York Region's Vision - Strong, Caring, Safe Communities - Final Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 29, 2021 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. Regional Council approve the renewed Vision Document.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local municipalities for their information.

I.2.2

2022 Development Charges Bylaw - Policy Directions

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 29, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance recommending that:

1. Council approve the use of the 2041 planning horizon for the 2022 Development Charges Background Study and Bylaw.
2. Council approve treating stacked townhomes as apartments for the purposes of levying development charges.
3. Council approve charging all development-charge-eligible residential dwellings that are less than 700 square feet, the small apartment rate.
4. Council approve the revisions to existing policies, shown in Attachment 1, that include:
   1. Removal of four-storey minimum requirement in the “Development Charges Deferral for Purpose-Built Rental Buildings” policy;
   2. Revisions to align with current legislation in the “Development Charges Deferral for Office Buildings” and “Development Charges Deferral for Open Air Motor Vehicle Storage Structures” policies, and;
   3. The provision of a 14-day grace period under the Region’s “Development Charge Interest Policy — Under sections 26.1 and 26.2 of the Development Charges Act, 1997”.
5. Council approve the policies, shown as Attachment 2, which codify the existing development charges deferrals for retail buildings and high-rise residential buildings.
6. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities and the Building Industry and Land Development Association – York Chapter (BILD).

I.2.3

Temporary Borrowing Authorization for 2022

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 29, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance recommending that:

1. The Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to obtain temporary borrowing during 2022 from either external financing or by means of temporary loans from reserves and reserve funds for the following amounts and purposes:
   1. Up to $545 million to fund operating expenditures pending receipt of tax levies and other revenues
   2. Up to $300 million to fund capital expenditures until such time as long-term financing is in place
2. The Regional Chair and Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents.
3. The Regional Solicitor be authorized to prepare the necessary bylaws.

I.2.4

Approvals Authorized under Delegated Authority During Council Recess in 2021

Note Mayor Scarpitti declared an interest in Item M.3 (Private Attachment 1 to this report).

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 29, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

I.2.5

Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated November 1, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council authorize the award of the direct purchases, contract extensions, and increases of contracts between the Region and each of the vendors listed in Attachment 1 and Private Attachment 1 for the terms described in the attachments
2. Council authorize Commissioners and Department Heads, or their designates, to execute the contracts approved in this report, including all applicable renewals.

I.2.6

Yonge North Subway Extension - Funding Considerations

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 29, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to:
   1. Local Members of Parliament
   2. Metrolinx and the Ministries of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Municipal Affairs and Housing
   3. Local Members of Provincial Parliament
   4. The local municipalities
   5. The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) – York Chapter

I.2.7

Compensation for Expropriation - Yonge Street - Davis Drive to Green Lane - Town of East Gwillimbury and Town of Newmarket

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 29, 2021 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 Town of Newmarket and the Town of East Gwillimbury, as set out in Attachment 1, which were acquired in accordance with the Expropriations Act (the “Act”).

I.2.8

Disposition of Land - Northwest Corner of McCowan Road and 14th Avenue - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

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

J.

Motions

J.1

Actions to Address Anti-Asian Hate

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following motion:

WHEREAS the York Regional Police (YRP) has reported in April 2021 an increase of 137.5% of hate crime occurrences against East and South East Asian communities and an overall increase of 20.3% in total hate crimes in the 2020 statistics;

WHEREAS there have been incidents motivated by Asian-hate reported in York Region throughout 2021, including charges laid against an individual in March 2021, a confrontation in August 2021 and hate-crime charge made by YRP in September 2021;

WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of York is committed to taking action to achieve the vision as espoused in the Inclusion Charter for York Region to celebrate the diverse population of 1.2 million in the Region where everyone can live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

Council affirm its commitment to the vision of the Inclusion Charter for York Region, condemn the increasing hate-related incidents, including those against residents of Asian descent, and declare zero-tolerance for any form of hate-related behaviour and conduct against its residents, and 

Council recognize and support the work of the Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group, a group that includes York Region, York Regional Police, all nine local municipalities, and other community partners, and which developed the Inclusion Charter for York Region and is committed to its implementation, including through a collective action plan that will address two priority areas, namely increasing the sense of community belonging amongst York Region residents and decreasing the incidence of hate crimes; and

Council direct staff to provide updates on the work of the Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group as part of regular reports to Council on the Inclusion Charter for York Region.

K.

Notice of Motion

None

L.

Other Business

L.1

Remembrance Day

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged Remembrance Day and reflected and gave thanks to the many veterans who have fallen in service to our country and to those who continue to serve in the name of freedom.  It is through their courage and sacrifices we remain free to hold our own opinions, practice our religions, and have open government.

L.2

Treaties Recognition Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that November 1 to November 7 was Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. In recognizing Treaties Recognition Week the Region commit to understand and create equitable, respectful relationships and move forward on the path to reconciliation.

L.3

2021 Agri-food Forum

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that York Region hosted the 2021 Municipal Agriculture Planning and Economic Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

L.4

2022 Budget Books

Regional Chair Emmerson advised Members of Council that the 2022 budget book will be distributed electronically on November 18, 2021.  

L.5

Cancellation - Council Education Session - November 18, 2021

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that the Council Education Session scheduled for November 18, 2021 has been cancelled.

L.6

Rescheduling - York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Board Meetings

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that the York Region Rapid Transit Board meetings for December 2021 and January 2022 have been rescheduled to December 8, 2021 and January 19, 2022.

M.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole did not resolve into Private Session.

M.1

Compensation to Metrolinx to Retain Ownership of Expropriated Lands 554, 556, 558, 560, 564, 568, 572 Davis Drive and 3 Charles Street - Town of Newmarket - Acquisition of Land 

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report to Council's private session on November 25, 2021.

M.2

Private Attachment 1 to Item H.2.1. - Innovation Investment Fund Application - ventureLAB - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.3

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.4. - Approvals Authorized under Delegated Authority During Council Recess in 2021 - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

Mayor Scarpitti declared an interest in relation to this matter and did not participate in any discussion or voting.

M.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.5. - Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.5

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.7. - Compensation for Expropriation - Yonge Street - Davis Drive to Green Lane - Town of East Gwillimbury and Town of Newmarket - Acquisition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.6

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.8. - Disposition of Land - Northwest Corner of McCowan Road and 14th Avenue - City of Markham - Disposition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

N.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 3:15 p.m.