Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, January 16, 2020

9:00 A.m. - 12:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket

Members:

• W. Emmerson,
• D. Barrow,
• M. Bevilacqua,
• 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,
• J. Ingram,
• P. Jankowski,
• Dr. K. Kurji,
• B. Macgregor,
• E. Mahoney,
• P. May,
• L. Mirabella,
• and C. Raynor

---

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

Provincial Consultation: Modernizing Public Health

Committee of the Whole recommends that Council, as the Board of Health, receive the presentation by Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services and Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health.

C.2

Provincial Consultation: Modernizing Emergency Health Services

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Lisa Gonsalves, General Manager, Paramedic and Seniors Services and Chris Spearen, Chief, Paramedic and Seniors Services.

D.

Deputations

D.1

2020 Run for Southlake

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Michelle Black, Southlake Foundation.

D.2

Block 41 Secondary Plan - Amendment No. 50 to the City of Vaughan Official Plan

D.2.1

Chris Barnett, Partner, Osler

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Chris Barnett, Partner, Osler on behalf of TransCanada PipeLine Limited.

(See Item H.2.1)

D.2.2

Don Given, Malone Given Parsons

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Don Given, Malone Given Parsons on behalf of Block 41 Landowners Group.

(See Item H.2.1)

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

Ministry of Transportation Electric Scooter Pilot Framework

Committee of the Whole received the memorandum dated December 13, 2019 from Paul Jankowski, Commissioner of Transportation Services.

E.1.2

SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal Name Change at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

Committee of the Whole received the memorandum dated December 20, 2019 from Paul Jankowski, Commissioner of Transportation Services.

E.1.3

City of Vaughan - Update on Automated Speed Enforcement

Committee of the Whole received the communication from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated November 28, 2019.

(See Item E.2.1)

E.1.4

Greater Toronto Area West Transportation Corridor

E.1.4.1

City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole received the communication from Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor, City of Vaughan dated November 25, 2019.

(See Item E.2.2)

E.1.4.2

Town of Caledon

Committee of the Whole received the communication from Allan Thompson, Mayor, Town of Caledon dated December 19, 2019.

(See Item E.2.2)

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

Automated Speed Enforcement Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 20, 2019 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services and the Regional Solicitor:

1. The Regional Clerk send a letter to the Minister of Transportation of Ontario in response to Ontario Regulation 398/19 indicating the Region’s intent to conduct a two-year, limited use automated speed enforcement pilot in compliance with the Regulation.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to York Regional Police, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, York Region School Boards and to the Clerks of the local municipalities.

E.2.2

Greater Toronto Area West Transportation Corridor Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated December 13, 2019 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services and the Chief Planner:

1. The Province of Ontario be advised that York Region supports the decision to resume the Greater Toronto Area West Transportation Corridor Environmental Assessment and requests that the highway be constructed as soon as possible.
2. Council request that the Ministry of Transportation assess, as part of the Environmental Assessment, a highway alignment that avoids approved community areas in the North Kleinburg-Nashville Secondary Plan area.
3. Council request that, as part of the Environmental Assessment, the Ministry of Transportation review the feasibility of additional Greater Toronto Area West highway connections within York Region, including at Highway 50 and Pine Valley Drive, and to Highway 400 at Kirby Road and King-Vaughan Road in the vicinity of the proposed freeway to freeway connection with the Greater Toronto Area West highway.
4. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Minister of Transportation, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Members of Provincial Parliament within York Region, the Regions of Peel and Halton and the local municipalities.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

None

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

Duffin Creek Plant Incinerator Replacement Direct Purchase

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated December 12, 2019 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. Council authorize the Commissioner of Environmental Services to negotiate and execute a direct purchase of two incinerators, associated equipment and engineering services for the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant as described in this report and in Private Attachment 1.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

None

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting - November 27, 2019

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee dated November 27, 2019 and endorsement of the following motion:

"The Committee recommended that staff write to Statistics Canada to provide feedback from the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee on the Canadian Survey on Disability."

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

None

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Block 41 Secondary Plan - Amendment No. 50 to the City of Vaughan Official Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends referral to the Council meeting on January 30, 2020 of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated December 20, 2019 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Regional Council approve Amendment No. 50 to the City of Vaughan Official Plan, 2010, subject to the modifications set out in Attachment 1.
2. The Director of Community Planning and Development Services be authorized to issue notice of Regional Council’s decision.
3. DELETE: Staff be authorized to appear before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal in support of the Region’s decision, if required, and the Regional Solicitor or designate, be authorized to execute Minutes of Settlement, if appropriate.
4. ADD: Staff be directed to report back to Council on the New Community Area density referenced in this report as part of the Municipal Comprehensive Review, and the process that will update Local Official Plans and Secondary Plans to conform to densities in the updated Regional Official Plan; and further, that the Block Plans proceed based on densities endorsed by Council through the MCR process.

H.2.2

York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee Meeting - November 26, 2019

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Planning Advisory Committee meeting dated December 4, 2019.

H.2.3

York Region Planning Advisory Committee Meeting - December 4, 2019

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Planning Advisory Committee meeting dated December 4, 2019.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

None

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Emergency Management Program Annual Compliance Review and Bylaw Revision 2019

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 18, 2019 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. The Regional Solicitor amend the current Emergency Management Program Bylaw to adopt changes to the Emergency Plan and Annexes.
2. The Regional Clerk forward the Program Bylaw and Emergency Plan to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.

I.2.2

Regional Procurement Bylaw

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated December 20, 2019 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council repeal the Purchasing Bylaw (2017-30) and enact a Procurement Bylaw, to incorporate the principles set out in this report.
2. The Regional Solicitor prepare the bylaw for consideration of Council.

I.2.3

2020 Interim Tax Levy

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated November 11, 2019 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the 2020 interim tax levy of $567,297,406 be payable by local municipalities to the Region in two equal installments, the first of which will be due on or before April 30, 2020, and the second due on or before June 30, 2020, as shown in Attachment 1.
2. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw to give effect to these recommendations.

I.2.4

Expropriation Settlement and Abandonment of Land - West Vaughan Sewage Servicing Project - Langstaff Road and Highway 27 - City of Vaughan

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

1. Council authorize the settlement of the expropriated lands in the City of Vaughan, as set out in Attachment 1, which were acquired in accordance with the Expropriations Act (the “Act”).
2. Subject to the former owner’s consent and in accordance with Section 41 of the Expropriations Act (the “Act”), Council abandon the fee simple interests and reserve permanent and temporary easements in the lands as set out in Attachment 1.
3. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to perform all acts necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

I.2.5

Compensation for Expropriation - 2650 Rutherford Road - City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated January 10, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve the Commissioner of Corporate Services to make an offer of compensation to the owners of land in the City of Vaughan, as set out in Attachment 1, which were acquired in accordance with the Expropriations Act (the “Act”).

I.2.6

Expropriation of Land - 225 and 236 The Queensway South - Town of Georgina

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

1. Council approve an application for approval to expropriate the lands set out in Attachment 1, required for the traffic signals at the intersection of The Queensway South and Cameron Crescent and Richmond Park Drive in the Town of Georgina.
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.

Notice of Motion

J.1

Regional Fire Service

Mayor Mrakas presented the following Notice of Motion for consideration at the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 6, 2020:

WHEREAS the consolidation of Aurora and Newmarket fire services into Central York Fire Service has resulted in efficiencies through enhanced levels of fire service and cost efficiencies;

AND WHEREAS a Regional Fire Service may achieve further operating efficiencies, improved department structure, increased service level(s), and cost avoidance opportunities;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff work with the nine York Region municipalities, and report back on the potential creation of a Regional Fire Service for Council’s consideration.

J.2

Regional Council Composition Review

Mayor Mrakas presented the following Notice of Motion for consideration at the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 6, 2020:

WHEREAS the focus of the recently completed Provincial review of Regional Governments was to explore reforms of Regional Government to promote improved Regional representation and streamlined decision-making through potential structural reforms including reductions in the number of members.

WHEREAS the Municipal Act requires Regional Council to review, for each of its lower-tier municipalities, the number of members of its council that represent the lower-tier municipality and either affirm or change the composition by December 2020;

WHEREAS the Regional Council composition review should build on the work of the Provincial Regional Government review by exploring model(s) that will best provide the most efficient and cost effective service delivery for our residents

BE IT RESOLVED THAT as part of the Regional Council composition review report for Council’s consideration, staff consider structural reform of Regional Government by reducing the number of members of Regional Council from the current 21 members (11 Regional Councillors, 9 Mayors, and 1 Regional Chair) to a reduced Council of 10 members (9 Mayors and 1 Regional Chair); and

THAT the report be presented as part of the composition review report for Council’s consideration in time to implement any changes for the 2022 election.

K.

Other Business

K.1

Passing of Donald Plaxton - Former York Regional Council Member

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the passing of Donald Plaxton, an original member of York Regional Council.  Mr. Plaxton was first elected to County Council representing the Town of Richmond Hill in 1956.

On behalf of York Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson offered condolences to Mr. Plaxton's family and thanked him for his legacy in helping build the foundation of our communities.

K.2

Passing of Diane Ford - Mother of Premier Doug Ford

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the passing of Diane Ford, the mother of Premier Doug Ford.

Diane was at the forefront of her family’s political endeavors supporting her husband, sons and grandson in their provincial and municipal political careers.  Diane was also an active member of her community and supported numerous charitable causes.

On behalf of York Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson offered condolences to the Ford family.

K.3

Ukraine International Flight 752

Regional Chair Emmerson spoke about the crash of Ukraine International Flight 752, which resulted in the death of all 176 people on board including 57 Canadians.  

Among the victims were 26 people directly tied to York Region, including a valued member of York Region staff.  Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged Bahareh Karami, who was a technologist in the Capital Planning and Delivery branch of Environmental Services.

Regional Chair Emmerson, Members of Council and all those present in Council Chambers rose for a moment of silence in honour of all those who lost their lives.

K.4

Bell Let's Talk Day

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that Wednesday, January 29, 2020 is Bell Let’s Talk Day, which is a day dedicated to ending the stigma associated with mental illness.  Regional Chair Emmerson encouraged everyone to help create positive change in support of mental health by participating in activities in the communities throughout the Region.

K.5

Roger's Home Town Hockey

Regional Chair Emmerson offered congratulations to the City of Vaughan for hosting a successful event this past weekend which showcased its community’s hockey culture.

K.6

Canada's World Junior Hockey Team

Regional Chair Emmerson offered congratulations to Canada’s World Junior Hockey team for its gold medal performance at the 2020 World Junior Championships.

L.

Private Session

​Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 11:48 a.m. At 11:55 a.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in public session and reported the following:

L.1

Water Distribution System Service Level Agreement - Negotiations

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report from the Commissioner of Environmental Services dated December 13, 2019 to Council's Private Session on January 30, 2020.

L.2

Private Attachment 1 to Item F.2.1 - Duffin Creek Plant Incinerator Replacement Direct Purchase - Negotiations

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private attachment to Council's Private Session on January 30, 2020.

L.3

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.4 - Expropriation Settlement and Abandonment of Land - West Vaughan Sewage Servicing Project - Langstaff Road and Highway 27 - City of Vaughan - Acquisition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.5 - Compensation for Expropriation - 2650 Rutherford Road - City of Vaughan - Acquisition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 11:57 a.m.