Minutes

YORK REGIONAL COUNCIL

Special Meeting

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Electronic Meeting
Members:
  • W. Emmerson,
  • M. Bevilacqua,
  • G. Chan,
  • 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,
  • J. Taylor,
  • and T. Vegh
Staff:
  • D. Basso,
  • A.M. Carroll,
  • K. Chislett,
  • P. Freeman,
  • Dr. K. Kurji,
  • D. Kuzmyk,
  • B. Macgregor,
  • L. Mirabella,
  • and C. Raynor

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.”

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

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Perrelli
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Ferri

    That Council receive the verbal update from Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health.

    Carried

None.

  • Moved byMayor Bevilacqua
    Seconded byMayor Lovatt

    That the Region continue membership with Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) through 2021 and re-evaluate ongoing participation and membership in 2022.

    Carried

On behalf of The Regional Municipality of York, Regional Chair Emmerson extend condolences to the Indigenous community and the families of the 215 missing children discovered in British Columbia.  He stated York Region joins with all of Canada in mourning this terrible loss of life and stands with its Indigenous partners, as well as all levels of government, in seeking the truth about these missing children.

Members of Council and those in attendance observed a moment of reflection in honour of these 215 innocent lives and the countless others who were victims of the residential school system.  In memory of the 215 young children in Kamloops, flags at York Region facilities have been lowered to half-mast for nine days; representing one hour for each child whose life was taken.

On behalf of Council, Regional Chair Emmerson recognized June as Seniors Month in York Region. He stated Seniors Month is a time to celebrate the important contributions of older adults and the positive impacts they continue to make in the community. He noted this year’s theme is Stay Safe, Active and Connected, which recognizes the increased isolation many seniors have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers an important message about the need to keep the older population safe and engaged.

On behalf of Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended congratulations to Dr. Leon Genesove, Public Health Physician, who recently received the Life Membership Award from the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). This is awarded to those OMA members who have made an outstanding contribution to the work of the association in the interest of the medical profession and have worked to advance medical science at the provincial level.

Mayor Bevilacqua advised the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital will open for full service on June 6, 2021. He thanked all past and present Members of Council who contributed to the development of this new hospital. 

  • Moved byMayor Mrakas
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Hamilton

    That Council enact Bylaw No. 2021-39 to confirm the proceedings of this special meeting of Council held on June 3, 2021.

    Carried

The Council meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.