Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, January 14, 2021

9:00 A.m. - 11:00 A.m.

Electronic Meeting

Members:

• W. Emmerson,
• D. Barrow,
• M. Bevilacqua,
• J. DiPaola,
• M. Ferri,
• 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,
• J. Taylor,
• and T. Vegh

Staff:

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

---

A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9 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

C.1

York Region Submission to the Ontario Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Lisa Gonsalves, General Manager, Paramedic and Seniors Services, Community and Health Services.

(See Item G.2.1)

C.2

Regional Official Plan Update - Housing Challenges and Opportunities

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Sandra Malcic, Director, Long Range Planning, Planning and Economic Development and Jamie Cook, Managing Partner and Director, Land Economics, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.

(See Item H.2.1)

D.

Deputations

D.1

Action Not Words

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Lynda Newman, Chairperson, Action Not Words.

(See Items C.1 and G.2.1)

D.2

Chalmers Chatbot

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Todd White and CG Chen, Ample Labs.

D.3

Long Term Care

D.3.1

Long-Term Care - Actioning Improvement from COVID

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Cheryl Osborne and Lisa Harper, Markham Stouffville Hospital.

See Items C.1 and G.2.1

D.3.2

Long Term Care

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Charles Beer and Christina Bisanz, Members of the Human Services Planning Board.

(See Items C.1 and G.2.1)

D.4

Provincial COVID-19 Lockdown

D.4.1

Bradley Crompton

The deputant was not in attendance at the time of his deputation.

D.4.2

Dayna Gerrard

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Dayna Gerrard.

D.4.3

Joan Parsons

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Joan Parsons.

D.4.4

Barb Everatt

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Barb Everatt.

D.4.5

Jaana Lehtola

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Jaana Lehtola.

D.4.6

Elie Klein

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Elie Klein.

D.5

Regional Official Plan Update - Housing Challenges and Opportunities

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Michael Manett, MPLAN Inc., on behalf of Leslie Stouffville Landowners Association.

(See Item H.2.1)

D.6

Regional Official Plan Update - Housing Challenges and Opportunities

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Michael Manett, MPLAN Inc., on behalf of North Elgin Centre Inc.

(See Item H.2.1)

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

None

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

Whistle Cessation on Ninth Line - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 10, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council authorize implementation of whistle cessation at the at-grade road/rail crossing on Ninth Line, on the GO Stouffville corridor, in accordance with the Region’s Anti-Whistling Warrant Criteria Policy and the Railway Safety Act, R.S.C., 1985, c.32.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the City of Markham and Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Transport Canada, Metrolinx and York Regional Police.

E.2.2

Award of Consulting Engineering Services for Kennedy Road - 14th Avenue to Highway 7 - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the following recommendations in the report dated December 11, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council approve award of contract for consulting engineering services for Kennedy Road (Y.R. 3), from 14^th Avenue (Y.R. 71) to Highway 7 (Y.R. 7), in the City of Markham, to SNC Lavalin Inc., pursuant to Request for Proposal P-20-106, at a total cost of $4,137,717.33, excluding HST.
2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

Staff Comments on Federal Discussion Paper - A Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Environmental Services dated December 11, 2020.

F.1.2

City of Markham Resolution and Comments - Updated Blue Box Transition Timing and Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk, City of Markham dated December 1, 2020.

(See Item F.2.1)

F.1.3

Upper York Sewage Solutions Individual Environmental Assessment - Approval Status Update

F.1.3.1

Town of Georgina Resolution

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Carolyn Lance, Council Services Coordinator, Town of Georgina dated December 3, 2020.

(See Item F.2.3)

F.1.3.2

Town of East Gwillimbury Resolution

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Fernando Lamanna, Municipal Clerk, Town of East Gwillimbury dated December 16, 2020.

(See Item F.2.3)

F.1.3.3

Durham Region Resolution

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Ralph Walton, Regional Clerk/Director of Legislative Services, Durham Region dated December 16, 2020.

(See Item F.2.3)

F.1.4

Town of Georgina Resolution - Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, Water Quality and Natural Heritage Protection

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Carolyn Lance, Council Services Coordinator, Town of Georgina dated November 11, 2020.

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

Proposed Regulation to Transition Blue Box Program to Full Producer Responsibility

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 11, 2020 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. Council endorse comments identified in Attachment 1, which were submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in response to Environmental Registry of Ontario posting 019-2579: A proposed regulation, and proposed regulatory amendments, to make producers responsible for operating Blue Box Programs.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

F.2.2

Amendment to Marianneville Developments Limited Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Project Tri-party Agreement

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 11, 2020 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. Council approve an amendment to the tri-party agreement with the Town of Newmarket and Marianneville Developments Limited to allow the Developer to undertake additional inflow and infiltration reduction work in the Town of Newmarket.
2. Council authorize the Commissioner of Environmental Services to execute the amendment to the tri-party agreement with the Town of Newmarket and Marianneville Developments Limited and other amendments with landowners moving forward.
3. Council authorize the Commissioner of Environmental Services to execute future amendments to existing tri-party project agreements under the principles of the Developer-funded Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program.
4. The Regional Clerk forward a copy of this report to the Town of Newmarket and Marianneville Developments Limited.

F.2.3

Upper York Sewage Solutions Individual Environmental Assessment - Approval Status Update

Committee of the Whole referred consideration of the following recommendations contained in the report dated December 17, 2020 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services to the January 28, 2021 Regional Council meeting:

1. That Regional staff continue discussions with the Province of Ontario and Durham Region related to a potential Provincially preferred southern solution as an alternative to the preferred solution identified in the Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment and report back on the status of discussions in February 2021.
2. That Council affirm its support for the Lake Simcoe Solution as documented in the Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment per the resolution approved by Durham Council on December 16, 2020.
3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Premier, all Members of Provincial Parliament in Durham and York Regions, and the Clerks of the local municipalities in the Region of Durham and York Region.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Estimated Investment Required to Address Unmet Supportive and Community Housing Needs in York Region

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated December 10, 2020.

G.1.2

Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics - A Call to Action

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Regional Municipality of Peel dated December 8, 2020.

G.1.3

Correspondence related to Provincial COVID-19 Lockdown

G.1.3.1

Otto Wevers dated January 10, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Otto Wevers dated January 10, 2021.

G.1.3.2

Marian Nalley dated January 10, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Marian Nalley dated January 10, 2021.

G.1.3.3

Elizabeth Morin dated January 10, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Elizabeth Morin dated January 10, 2021.

G.1.3.4

Pat Pollock dated January 10, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Pat Pollock dated January 10, 2021.

G.1.3.5

Carol Davidson dated January 11, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Carol Davidson dated January 11, 2021.

G.1.3.6

Lynda Muir dated January 11, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Lynda Muir dated January 11, 2021.

G.1.3.7

Brian Moore dated January 11, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Brian Moore dated January 11, 2021.

G.1.3.8

Amy Marasco dated January 11, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Amy Marasco dated January 11, 2021.

G.1.3.9

Allison Smith dated January 12, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Allison Smith dated January 12, 2021.

G.1.3.10

Barry Moore dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Barry Moore dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.3.11

Jennifer Seney dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Jennifer Seney dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.3.12

Joe Scavuzzo dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Joe Scavuzzo dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.3.13

Michael Smith dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Michael Smith dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.3.14

Richard Fedele dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Richard Fedele dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.3.15

Barbara Bushe dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Barbara Bushe dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.3.16

Karthik Raj dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Karthik Raj dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.3.17

Debbie Smith dated January 13, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Debbie Smith dated January 13, 2021.

G.1.4

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

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services and Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health dated January 11, 2021.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Submission to Ontario Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated December 22, 2020 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve Attachment 1 as York Region’s submission to the Ontario Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate Attachment 1 to the local municipalities, York Region Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament, the Local Health Integration Networks, Ontario Health Teams in York Region, Ontario Health Central Zone, AdvantAge Ontario, Ontario Long-Term Care Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
3. The Regional Chair, Regional Councillor Rosati, as Chair of Community and Health Services, and other appropriate officials make submissions to the Ontario Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission.

Note: Committee of the Whole recessed between 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. during discussion of Item G.2.1. 

G.2.2

Rapid Housing Initiative - Projects Submitted for Funding and Authority for Agreements

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 12, 2021 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Commissioner of Community and Health Services be authorized to award direct purchase contracts in order to expedite rapid construction of development projects approved for funding under the Federal Rapid Housing Initiative at a total cost not to exceed funding amounts.
2. Council approve moving forward with the proposed developments on Housing York Inc. properties located at:
   1. 55/57 Orchard Heights Boulevard, Town of Aurora
   2. 18838 Highway 11, Town of East Gwillimbury
   3. 48 Wilsen Road, Township of King
3. Council endorse moving forward with the proposed developments on York Region properties located at:
   1. 7085 14th Avenue, City of Markham
   2. 7955 Ninth Line, City of Markham
   3. 17780 Leslie Street, Town of Newmarket
4. The Commissioner of Community and Health Services be authorized to execute all necessary documents required under the program.
5. The Commissioner of Community and Health Services be authorized to adjust funding, and direct any additional funding, as required to maximize use of funds.
6. Council approve 2021 interim Capital Spending Authority of $34,923,708 for Rapid Housing Initiative capital projects, fully funded from federal funding.
7. The Commissioner of Community and Health Services be directed to report back on the completed projects by June 2022.
8. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial Parliament, and local municipalities, to encourage working together to expedite the required approvals in order to complete the development projects within the 12-month program deadline.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Update on York Region Business Support During COVID-19

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Paul Freeman, Chief Planner dated January 6, 2021.

H.1.2

Regional Official Plan Update - Housing Challenges and Opportunities - 9251 Yonge Street - Richmond Hill - Purpose Built Rental Housing Development Application

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Chris Pereira, Principal, M. Behar Planning & Design Limited dated January 13, 2021 and referred it to staff for further information to come forward to the Regional Council meeting on January 28, 2021 regarding Council:

1. Reaffirming its goal to promote purpose-built rental, particularly in rapid transit corridors and in adherence to local official plans
2. Expressing interest in Housing York Inc. having the opportunity to manage units within this development
3. Supporting purpose-built rental in the Yonge Street rapid transit corridor.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Regional Official Plan Update - Housing Challenges and Opportunities

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 18, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council endorse the housing policy directions summarized in this report and further described in Attachment 1 to support development of draft policies required for Provincial conformity that will be presented to Council as part of the Regional Official Plan Update through the Municipal Comprehensive Review.
2. Council direct staff to continue to work with key stakeholders, including local municipal staff and the development industry in an effort to find solutions to the lack of affordable housing options for current and future residents.
3. The Regional Clerk forward this report and attachments to the Clerks of the local municipalities, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the York Chapter of BILD.

H.2.2

Minutes - Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee - December 2, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the minutes of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee meeting on December 2, 2020.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

COVID-19 Property Tax Relief Measures for Businesses

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated December 11, 2020.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Emergency Management Program Annual Compliance Review

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated December 15, 2020 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. Council receive this report for information.

I.2.2

2021 Interim Tax Levy

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated November 10, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the 2021 interim tax levy of $592,459,605 which would be payable by local municipalities to the Region in two equal installments, the first of which will be due on or before April 30, 2021, and the second due on or before June 30, 2021, as shown in Attachment 1.
2. Council approve the extension of the 2020 interest waiving program to 2021, to waive interest until December 31, 2021 on any portion of property tax instalments, for the 2021 taxation year, not remitted to the Region as a direct result of a local municipality’s COVID-19 tax relief program, except for the interest related to the final 2021 installment which shall be waived until March 31, 2022.
3. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw to give effect to these recommendations.

I.2.3

2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Wastewater Development Charge Bylaw Update and Draft Background Study

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 9, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive the Draft 2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Wastewater Development Charge Background Study and proposed Bylaw (Attachment 1).
2. A report be brought forward to a meeting of Regional Council in the second quarter of 2021, recommending the 2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Development Charge Bylaw, taking into consideration the input received at the public meeting(s).
3. The Commissioner of Finance be authorized to schedule and give notice for the public meeting(s) required by the Development Charges Act, 1997.
4. The Committee of the Whole be authorized to hold a public meeting(s) for the 2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Development Charge Bylaw.
5. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Township of King.

J.

Notice of Motion

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

COVID-19 Update

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

K.2

COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that the provincial government declared a state of emergency for the second time during the COVID-19 pandemic and issued a stay-at-home order which came into effect this morning, January 14, 2021.

K.3

First Anniversary of Ukraine Flight 752 Crash

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that January 8th marked the one-year anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752.  This event took the lives of 176 people, including 57 Canadians, 26 York Region residents and a member of York Region staff.

On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson offered condolences to all who have, and continue to grieve this unimaginable loss.

K.4

York Region Matters

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that the Winter 2021 edition of York Region Matters will arrive in mailboxes across our communities over the next few days, providing a wealth of information about the work York Region does in our communities.

K.5

January Special Awareness Dates

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that January marks Alzheimer’s Awareness month and Crime Stoppers Awareness month.

K.6

Council Education Session - January 21, 2021

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that the private Council Education Session scheduled on January 21, 2021 is to receive information regarding the 2051 Forecast Land Needs Assessment and Integrated Growth Management. Consideration will be given to including an update on COVID-19 from Dr. Kurji, Medical Officer of Health in the public portion of the meeting.

K.7

Rescheduling of Audit Committee

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that the Audit Committee meeting scheduled for today is rescheduled to January 21, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.

K.8

2021 Budget

Regional Chair Emmerson outlined the following target dates regarding the 2021 Budget:

February 18, 2021 - delivery of budget books to Regional Council Members and inclusion in eScribe Resources

February 25, 2021 - Bruce Macgregor, Chief Executive Officer and Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer will table the budget

March 4 and 11, 2021 - review of individual department budgets

March 25, 2021 - ratification of budget

K.9

Declaration of Housing Affordability Crisis

Regional Councillor DiPaola noted he would forward a Notice of Motion for the February 11, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting relating to Council declaring a housing affordability crisis.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole did not resolve into Private Session and referred the private items to the Regional Council private session on January 28, 2021.

L.1

Pattison Outdoor Advertising Contract Update - Negotiations

L.2

Private Attachment 1 to Item F.2.3 - Upper York Sewage Solutions Individual Environmental Assessment - Approval Status Update - Negotiations

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 4:52 p.m.