Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, October 08, 2020

9:00 A.m. - 1:00 P.m.

Electronic Meeting

Members:

• W. Emmerson,
• D. Barrow,
• J. DiPaola,
• R. Grossi,
• 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,
• and J. Taylor

Staff:

• D. Basso,
• K. Chislett,
• P. Freeman,
• P. Jankowski,
• Dr. K. Kurji,
• D. Kuzmyk,
• B. Macgregor,
• E. Mahoney,
• L. Mirabella,
• C. Raynor,
• and M.F. Turner

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A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.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

None

C.

Presentations

None

D.

Deputations

D.1

Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition

The deputant was not in attendance at the meeting.

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

Metrolinx - Queen Street-Highway 7 Bus Rapid Transit Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated September 18, 2020 from Paul Jankowski, Commissioner of Transportation Services.

E.1.2

Province of Ontario Commences Highway 400-404 Link Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment Study

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated September 30, 2020 from Paul Jankowski, Commissioner of Transportation Services.

E.1.3

Town of East Gwillimbury Resolution - Metrolinx GO Expansion Program and the GO Rail Electrification Transit Project Assessment Process Addendum

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Fernando Lamanna, Municipal Clerk, Town of East Gwillimbury dated September 23, 2020.

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

Update on Travel Patterns in York Region During COVID-19 Pandemic

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 18, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council support continued monitoring of travel patterns as the Region continues in Stage 3 of re-opening and incorporate observations and findings into the 2021 budget
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities.

E.2.2

Partnership Programs - Municipal Streetscape and Pedestrian and Cycling - Annual Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 18, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities and the applicable conservation authorities.

E.2.3

Traffic Bylaw Amendments to Support Rapidways

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 18, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Lane Designation Bylaw 2020-06, U-Turn Restrictions Bylaw 2018-06 and Turning Movement Restrictions Bylaw 2018-07 be amended to designate rapidway lanes for the exclusive use of bus rapid transit service and to designate bicycle lanes as outlined in this report.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of the local municipalities, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation and Chief of York Regional Police.
3. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaws.

E.2.4

Traffic Bylaw Amendment to Support High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Designation

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 18, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Lane Designation Bylaw No. 2020-06 be amended to designate high-occupancy vehicle lanes on Major Mackenzie Drive West (Y.R. 25) between Highway 27 (Y.R. 27) and Islington Avenue (Y.R. 17).
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerk of the City of Vaughan, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation and Chief of York Regional Police.
3. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

Response to Provincial Class Environmental Assessments Major Amendments and Broad Comments on the Environmental Assessment Program

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 8, 2020 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Environmental Services.

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

2019 Annual Waste Management Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 19, 2020 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulates this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities and the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

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

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 6, 2020 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services and Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Community Investment Fund - Activity Update and 2021 Funding Recommendations

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 17, 2020 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve the projects and initiatives listed in Attachment 1 for funding from the Community Investment Fund in 2021, subject to approval of the 2021 budget.
2. In 2021, Council authorize Commissioner of Community and Health Services to: 
   1. Adjust project-level funding, as required, pending budget approval and finalization of service agreements with community agencies.
   2. Direct external funding, where provided and appropriate, through the Community Investment Fund to support initiatives that address social services needs, including to respond to COVID-19.
   3. Adjust, re-allocate, cancel, or provide new Community Investment Funding towards projects and initiatives to maximize funding for priority social service initiatives, as required.
   4. Negotiate, enter into and execute service agreements with community agencies to deliver projects and initiatives under the Community Investment Fund.

G.2.2

2019 Long-Term Care and Senior Services Annual Performance Updates

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 17, 2020 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council receive this report for information, and with regard to the 2019 Long-Term Care Performance Update (Attachment 1), to assist in ensuring Council’s compliance with the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007.

G.2.3

Minutes - York Region Human Services Planning Board - September 18, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Human Services Planning Board meeting dated September 18, 2020.

G.2.4

Minutes - York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee - September 23, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting dated September 23, 2020.

Board of Health

G.3

Board of Health - Communications

None

G.4

Board of Health - Reports

G.4.1

Public Health 2019 Annual Reconciliation Report and Healthy Babies Healthy Children Year-End Settlement Report

Committee of the Whole recommends that Council, as the Board of Health, adopt the following recommendations in the report dated September 18, 2020 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Medical Officer of Health:

1. The Board of Health receive and approve the 2019 Annual Reconciliation Report and 2019 to 2020 Healthy Babies Healthy Children Year-End Settlement Report certificates.
2. The Chair of the Board of Health sign the 2019 Annual Reconciliation Report certificate (Attachment 1) for submission to the Ministry of Health.
3. The Chair of the Board of Health sign the 2019 to 2020 Healthy Babies Healthy Children Year-End Settlement Report certificate (Attachment 2) for submission to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Communications Related to Item H.2.2 - Potential for Employment Lands Along 400 Series Highways

H.1.1.1

Form Letter Submitted by 178 Individuals

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from members of the public dated up to and including October 7, 2020.

H.1.1.2

Council Item H.2.2 - Potential for Employment Lands Along 400 Series Highways Report

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Debbie Schaefer dated October 5, 2020.

H.1.1.3

Extending Great Lakes Sewer Servicing into the Greenbelt

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Susan Lloyd Swail dated October 6, 2020.

H.1.1.4

Opposition to Changing Designation - Oak Ridges Moraine Lands

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Mike Gurski dated October 6, 2020.

H.1.1.5

Protect the Greenbelt

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Susan Sheard dated October 6, 2020.

H.1.1.6

Preservation of Greenbelt

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Vicki Hotte dated October 6, 2020.

H.1.1.7

Concerned Citizens of King Township

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from James Bruce Craig dated October 6, 2020.

H.1.1.8

Removal of Land from the Green Belt

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Norine Thomason dated October 7, 2020.

H.1.1.9

Opening Up Greenbelt

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Dorothy Zajac dated October 7, 2020.

H.1.1.10

Objection to Section H.2.2 on Regional Agenda for Thursday Oct 8, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Nancy Hopkinson dated October 7, 2020.

H.1.1.11

Potential for Employment Lands Along 400 Series Highways

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Jean Francois Obregon dated October 7, 2020.

H.1.1.12

Potential for Employment Lands Along 400 Series Highways

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Catherine Wellesley dated October 7, 2020.

H.1.1.13

Potential for Employment Lands Along 400 Series Highways

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Susan Sigrist dated October 7, 2020.

H.1.1.14

Vote on October 8th

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Karen-Strohm-Vitale dated October 7, 2020.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Emerging COVID-19 Trends and Impacts on Land Use Planning and Community Design

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 25, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council receive this report for information.

H.2.2

Potential for Employment Lands Along 400 Series Highways

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated September 25, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council reiterate its request to the Province to develop a process allowing municipalities to access site-specific strategically located employment lands for employment use only, if deemed necessary through a Municipal Comprehensive Review.
2. Council reiterate its request to the Province to consider the extension of Great Lake based servicing as an option to service settlement areas within the Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Plan areas.
3. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and to the Clerks of the local municipalities.

H.2.3

Minutes - York Region Planning Advisory Committee - September 16, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Planning Advisory Committee meeting dated September 16, 2020.

H.2.4

Minutes - York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee - September 30, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee meeting dated September 30, 2020.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

None

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Technical Amendments to the Investment Policy

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 25, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the technical amendments to the Investment Policy as highlighted in Attachment 1.

I.2.2

Abandonment of Expropriated Land - Acquisition of Land - 1588 St. John’s Sideroad - Town of Aurora

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 25, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. 1. Subject to the former owner’s consent and in accordance with Section 41 of the Expropriations Act (the “Act”), Council abandon the fee simple interest and acquire a smaller fee simple interest, and permanent and temporary easements in the lands set out in Attachment 1.
   2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute all documents necessary to facilitate the abandonment and acquisition of interests.
   3. Council authorize the introduction of the necessary bylaw to give effect to these recommendations.

I.2.3

Expropriation of Land - Yonge Street – Davis Drive to Green Lane - Town of Newmarket and Town of East Gwillimbury

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 25, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. 1. Council approve an application for approval to expropriate the lands set out in Attachment 1, for the widening and reconstruction of Yonge Street, in the Town of Newmarket and the Town of East Gwillimbury
   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 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 authorize the introduction of the necessary bylaw to give effect to these recommendations.

J.

Notice of Motion

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

York Regional Police Marine Unit

Regional Chair Emmerson noted the October 5, 2020 grand opening of the new York Regional Police Marine Unit in Jackson's Point. The modernized facility provides officers with the best equipment and resources available to respond to the needs of the lake community. This unit will enhance safety and security for all who live, work and play on Lake Simcoe.

K.2

Ontario Agricultural Week

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that October 5 to October 11 is Ontario Agricultural Week. The week is a time to celebrate and thank hardworking farmers across our community. Residents are reminded of the important role local food plays in our economy, our communities and our families. Regional Chair Emmerson encouraged Members of Council to support our local agriculture and agri-food sector by shopping for locally grown and produced products.

K.3

World Mental Health Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that World Mental Health day is upcoming on October 10, 2020. The day comes at a time when daily lives have changed considerably as a result of COVID-19. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to take concrete actions to support our own mental health and support friends and family who may be struggling. 

K.4

COVID-19 Update

Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region Medical Officer of Health provided an update on the status of the COVID-19 response and responded to questions from Members of Committee of the Whole.

K.5

October 15 Committee of the Whole

Regional Chair Emmerson reminded members of the additional Committee of the Whole meeting upcoming on October 15, 2020 at 9 a.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider employment land conversions.

K.6

Federal Government Plastics Ban

Members of Committee asked questions of the Commissioner of Environmental Services regarding the recent announcement from the federal government to ban certain plastics by the end of 2021.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole resolved into Private Session at 12:26 p.m.

At 12:29 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in Public Session and reported the following:

L.1

Private Attachment to Item I.2.2 - Abandonment of Expropriated Land - Acquisition of Land - 1588 St. John's Sideroad - Town of Aurora - Land Acquisition

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 12:35 p.m.