Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, February 09, 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, 
• J. Jones, 
• J. Li, 
• I. Lovatt, 
• T. Mrakas, 
• S. Pellegrini, 
• M. Quirk, 
• M. G. Racco, 
• G. Rosati, 
• 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. and 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."

B.

Disclosures of Interest

B.1

York Regional Police Budget

Mayor Quirk declared an interest in any discussion regarding the York Regional Police Services budget as her stepson is an officer with York Regional Police; accordingly, she did not participate in any discussion or voting on this matter.

C.

Deputations

None

BUDGET

D.

Presentations

D.1

Proposed 2023-2026 Regional Budget – Introduction to Committee of the Whole Week 2

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

E.

Conservation Authorities

E.1

Presentation - 2023 to 2026 Budget - Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Rob Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer, Lake Simcoe and Region Conservation Authority.

E.2

Presentation - 2023 to 2026 Budget - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

E.3

2023 to 2026 Budget - Conservation Authorities

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for Conservation Authorities as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.

F.

York Regional Police

F.1

Presentation - 2023-2026 Budget - York Regional Police

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Chief Jim MacSween, York Regional Police.

F.2

2023 to 2023 Budget - York Regional Police

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for York Regional Police as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
   2. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority, as summarized in Attachment 2.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.

G.

YorkNet

G.1

Presentation - 2023 to 2026 Budget - YorkNet

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Laura Bradley, General Manager, YorkNet.

G.2

2023 to 2026 Budget - YorkNet

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for YorkNet as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
   2. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority, as summarized in Attachment 2.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.

H.

Corporate Management, Courts and Tribunal Services, and Other Corporate Items

H.1

Presentation - 2023 to 2026 Budget - Corporate Management, Courts and Tribunal Services, and Other Corporate Items

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

H.2

2023 to 2026 Budget – Corporate Management, Courts and Tribunal Services and Other Corporate Items

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for Corporate Management and Governance, Financial Initiatives, External Partners, Court and Tribunal Services and Yonge North Subway Extension as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
   2. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority, as summarized in Attachment 2.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.

OTHER ITEMS

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

City of Richmond Hill Resolution - Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Stephen Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk dated January 31, 2023.

I.1.2

Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 – Additional Information

Committee of the Whole referred consideration of the memorandum from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner, Finance and Regional Treasurer dated February 3, 2023 to the February 23, 2023 Special Council meeting.

I.1.3

Roads Capital Acceleration Reserve Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner, Public Works and Laura Mirabella, Commissioner, Finance and Regional Treasurer dated February 7, 2023.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

2023 Regional Fiscal Strategy

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council adopt the 2023 Fiscal Strategy outlined in this report.
2. Council endorse the 2023 Long-Term Debt Management Plan, shown as Attachment 1 to this report.
3. Council authorize the establishment of the following reserve funds, as shown in Attachment 2, the Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy:
   1. The Tax Levy Development Reserve Fund, to fund the tax levy portion of development charge related phase-ins, discounts, and exemptions, such as those required by Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.
   2. The Rate Supported Development Reserve Fund, to fund the user rate portion of development charge related phase-ins, discounts, and exemptions, such as those required as a result of Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.
4. Council authorize transfers between the following reserve funds:
   1. $40.3 million between the various tax levy capital reserve funds outlined in Table 1 to align with the needs identified in the 2023 10-year Capital Plan.
   2. $29.8 million from various tax levy and user rate reserves to development charge reserves to fund the cost of discretionary development charges exemptions under the 2017 Development Charges Bylaw, which was in place until June 16, 2022, as outlined in Table 2.
5. Council approve technical amendments to the following policies, shown as Attachment 3:
   1. The Letter of Credit Policy to explicitly accept electronic Letters of Credit and to align the roles and responsibilities with the current organizational structure.
   2. The Development Charges Interest Policy to revise the interest rate charged to be the average of the five largest Canadian bank’s prime rates, plus 1%, which reflects the rules under the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended.
6. Council direct staff to report back, as part of the Fiscal Sustainability Update Report in June 2023, on the fiscal impact of Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, on future development charge collections and the recommended mechanism for funding any shortfalls.
7. Council authorize the Regional Solicitor to prepare and/or amend the necessary bylaws.

J.

Notice of Motion

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

Additional 1% Tax Levy for Community Investment Fund, Homelessness, Mental Health and Housing

Committee of the Whole recommends the following:

That staff be directed to bring forward a report to the February 23, 2023 Council meeting regarding the possible implementation of an additional 1% tax levy increase to be applied towards community investment fund, homelessness, mental health and housing.

K.2

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Regional Chair Emmerson expressed sorrow on the recent earthquakes that devastated parts of Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. Regional Chair Emmerson extended a reminder to all residents and Members of Council that donations can be made through charitable organizations to offer support and assistance. Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Regional Council, offered sympathy to residents who have family and friends who may have been directly impacted.

K.3

National Flag Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that February 15, 2023 is National Flag Day and encouraged residents to celebrate their Canadian heritage and reflect on the common values of our communities and celebrate outstanding achievements of many great Canadians.

K.4

Family Day

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized that February 20, 2023 is Family Day in York Region and extended best wishes to all residents.

K.5

Regional Council Special Meeting - February 23, 2023

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that a Special Regional Council meeting will be held on February 23, 2023 at 1 p.m. regarding Bill 23.

L.

Private Session

​Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 12:57 p.m. At 1:22 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in public session and reported the following:

L.1

Communication regarding Application for Judicial Review by Romandale Farms Limited - Litigation

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication. Communication remains private.

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 1:27 p.m.