Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, November 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, 
• 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, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• L. Mirabella, 
• C. Raynor, 
• and D. Szeptycki 

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A.

Call to Order

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

B.

Land Acknowledgement

Regional Chair Emmerson 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."

C.

Disclosures of Interest

Regional Councillor Ferri declared an interest in Item D.1 - Development Charges Complaint Hearing, as his son is a partner with the legal firm Loopstra Nixon LLP, representing the applicant. Regional Councillor Ferri did not participate in the discussion or vote on this matter.

D.

Development Charges Complaint Hearing

D.1

Report

Committee of the Whole received the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance.

(See Item N.8)

D.2

Deputation

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Eric Tappenden.

D.3

Deputation

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Quinto Annibale, Loopstra Nixon LLP.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

E.

Presentations

E.1

More Homes Built Faster Act 2022 - Update on Infrastructure Plans and Capacity Assignment

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Mike Rabeau, General Manager, Capital Infrastructure Services, Public Works and Wendy Kemp, Director, Infrastructure Asset Management, Environmental Services, Public Works.

(See Items H.1.1, H.2.1, H.2.2)

F.

Deputations

None

G.

Public Works - Transportation Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Update on 2022 Transportation Master Plan Focus Areas

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 20, 2023 from David Szeptycki, Acting Commissioner of Public Works.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Provincial Fare Integration Program

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council authorize the Region to participate in the Provincial Fare Integration Program.
2. The Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to negotiate and execute agreements on behalf of the Region to implement the Provincial Fare Integration program. 

H.

Public Works - Environmental Services

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Allocation of Servicing Capacity Annual Distribution and Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated March 3, 2023.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Direct Purchase of North YDSS (York Durham Sewage System) Expansion Phase 1 Delivery Services

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the following recommendations in the report dated October 25, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to negotiate and execute a direct purchase agreement with GHD Limited for program management, engineering design and construction support services for the North YDSS Expansion Phase 1 at an estimated value not to exceed $84.5 million, exclusive of taxes, as outlined in this report, on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Public Works and on legal terms acceptable to the Regional Solicitor.
2. Council authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to negotiate and execute a direct purchase agreement with Revay and Associates Limited for project planning and performance monitoring services related to the North YDSS Expansion Phase 1 at an estimated value not to exceed $3.0 million, exclusive of taxes, as outlined in this report, on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Public Works and on legal terms acceptable to the Regional Solicitor.

H.2.2

2023 Servicing Capacity Assignment

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 20, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council authorize assignment of new water and wastewater servicing capacity of 88,740 persons to local municipalities to support forecasted development towards Provincial housing pledges with a commitment for another capacity assignment within two years.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

I.

Community and Health Services

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

Update: Prevention and Mitigation of External Violence Towards York Region Paramedics

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 27, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

I.1.2

Revised Capital Approach to Building New Community Housing

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 27, 2023 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Update on Implementation of the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for York Region

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. It is recommended the Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of local municipalities, York Regional Police Services Board, Human Services Planning Board of York Region and the Newcomer Inclusion Table of York Region.

J.

Planning and Economic Development

J.1

Communications

J.1.1

2024-2027 Economic Development Action Plan Renewal Process

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated October 19, 2023 from Paul Freeman, Chief Planner.

J.1.2

Town of Aurora Resolution - Review of York Regional Planning Transition Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the correspondence from Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Town of Aurora dated September 28, 2023.

J.1.3

City of Vaughan Resolution - Regional Planning Transition Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated October 16, 2023.

J.1.4

Announcement Impacting Provincial Decisions on Municipal Official Plans/ Official Plan Amendments

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing dated November 2, 2023.

J.2

Reports

None

K.

Finance and Administration

K.1

Communications

K.1.1

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated November 9, 2023 from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

K.1.2

Mayor Hackson - Short-Term Leave of Absence and Appointment of Alternate Member of Regional Council

Committee of the Whole recommends:

1. Council receive the correspondence from Tara Lajevardi, Municipal Clerk/Director of Legislative Services, Town of East Gwillimbury dated November 2, 2023; and
2. Council authorizes Mayor Hackson to be absent from meetings of Regional Council for three or more successive months effective November 2, 2023, in accordance with Section 259(1)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

K.2

Reports

K.2.1

York Region Rapid Transit - Corporate Governance and Mandate Review

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated November 2, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. Council receive the Final Governance Report for York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (Attachment 1), and the Final Mandate Report for York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (Attachment 2), both authored by consultant Dr. Richard Leblanc and dated September 15, 2023.
2. Council support the continuation of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) as a separate corporation with updated governance and mandate provisions, as proposed by Dr. Leblanc.
3. Staff be directed to report back as follows:
   1. the Regional Clerk and Regional Solicitor be directed to further review recommended governance enhancements, in consultation with the YRRTC Board; and,
   2. YRRTC management be directed to further review business and administrative improvements outlined in this report, and report back to the YRRTC Board and Regional Council on the next steps to implement Dr. Leblanc’s recommendations.

K.2.2

York Region's 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. Council to approve the York Region 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, included as Attachment 1.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee, York Regional Police Services Board and local municipalities for their information.

K.2.3

Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council authorize the award of new non-standard procurements, extensions, and increases, as per Attachment 1 and Private Attachment 1.
2. Council authorize Commissioners/Department Heads, and Directors, or their delegates (up to the limits defined in the Signing Authority Matrix), to execute the contracts and amendments approved in this report.

K.2.4

Temporary Borrowing Authorization for 2024

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. The Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to temporarily borrow during 2024 from either external financing or by means of temporary loans from reserves and reserve funds for the following amounts and purposes:
   1. Up to $605 million to fund operating expenditures pending receipt of tax levies and other revenues; and
   2. Up to $300 million to fund capital expenditures until such time as long-term financing is in place.
2. The Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents to enable temporary borrowing in 2024.
3. The Regional Solicitor be authorized to prepare the necessary bylaws.

K.2.5

Vacant Home Tax Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance and the Chief Planner: 

1. Council not proceed with implementing a Vacant Home Tax for the financial reasons outlined in this report.
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities for information.

K.2.6

Disposition of Land - Main Street and Ninth Line - Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize the disposition of land in Whitchurch-Stouffville that has been deemed surplus to Regional requirements, as described in Appendix A.
2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to accept and execute the Agreement of Purchase and Sale in accordance with terms set out in Private Attachment 1 and all necessary documents to complete the transaction, in accordance with the Region’s Sale and Other Disposition of Regional Lands Policy.

K.2.7

Lease Amendment - South Services Centre, City of Richmond Hill

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve the lease amendment for the Region’s occupancy of the property at 50 High Tech Road in the City of Richmond Hill.
2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute a lease amendment agreement and all necessary documents to complete the transaction.

K.2.8

Sale and Other Disposition of Regional Lands Policy

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 27, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve the revised Sale and Other Disposition of Regional Lands Policy as attached in Attachment 1.

L.

Notice of Motion

None

M.

Other Business

M.1

Vice-Chair of Finance and Administration

Due to Mayor Hackson's medical leave, Regional Chair Emmerson appointed Mayor Del Duca as the Vice-Chair of the Finance and Administration section of Committee of the Whole.

M.2

Housing Affordability Task Force Meeting

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the scheduling of a Housing Affordability Task Force meeting on December 14, 2023 at 9 a.m.

M.3

Rescheduling of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Meeting

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the rescheduling of the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation meeting on December 14, 2023 to start at 1 p.m.

M.4

Observances and Days of Significance

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the following observances and days of significance:

• November is Hindu Heritage Month in Canada
• November 12, 2023 marks Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights
• November 5 to 11, 2023 is Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario
• November 5 to 11, 2023 is Veteran's Week

M.5

East Gwillimbury Councillor Scott Crone

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that local Councillor Scott Crone from East Gwillimbury will serve as Mayor Hackson's alternate at the November 23, 2023 Regional Council meeting.

Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Regional Council and staff, extended best wishes for good health to Mayor Hackson.

M.6

Provincial Decisions on Official Plans

In response to the communication from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing related to modifications to approved municipal official plans, Regional Chair Emmerson advised that he will not be calling a Special Meeting of Council to discuss legislative changes to the Regional Official Plan.

(See Item J.1.4)

N.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 12:23 p.m. At 1:02 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in public session and reported the following:

N.1

Schomberg Water Quality Agreement and Credit - A Position to be Applied to a Negotiation

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendations in the report dated October 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works. Report remains private.

N.2

Securing Long-Term Landfill Disposal Capacity - Technical, Commercial, Financial Information Supplied in Confidence and that belongs to the Region and a Plan to be Applied to any Negotiations

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendations in the report dated October 19, 2023 from the Commissioner of Public Works. Report remains private.

N.3

Update on Blue Box Transition and the Region’s Material Recovery Facility - Acquisition or Disposition of Land and A Position, Plan, Procedure, Criteria or Instruction to be Applied to any Negotiations

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum from David Szeptycki, Acting Commissioner of Public Works dated October 19, 2023. Memorandum remains private.

N.4

Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment Update on Litigation - Litigation and Solicitor-Client Privilege

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private memorandum dated October 27, 2023 from Dan Kuzmyk, Regional Solicitor and General Counsel. Memorandum remains private.

N.5

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.1.2 - Revised Capital Approach to Building New Community Housing - Information Explicitly Supplied in Confidence

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

N.6

Private Attachment 1 to Item K.2.3 - Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

N.7

Private Attachment 1 to Item K.2.6 - Disposition of Land Main Street and Ninth Line Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville - Disposition of Land

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

N.8

Development Charges Complaint Hearing - Solicitor-Client Privilege

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations:

1. Council accept the Development Charge Complaint lodged by 2868861 Ontario Inc., included as Appendix A in the report dated October 26, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance, and agree with the interpretation that an industrial/office/institutional rate should be applied to this crematorium; and
2. Council authorize the Regional Solicitor to settle the Development Charge Complaint and execute Minutes of Settlement, where appropriate.

(Regional Councillor Ferri declared an interest on this item and left the room during the discussion. He did not vote on this matter.)

See Item D.1

O.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 1:07 p.m.