Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, November 05, 2020

9:00 A.m. - 3:00 P.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,
• B. Macgregor,
• E. Mahoney,
• L. Mirabella,
• C. Raynor,
• and M.F. Turner

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A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9:01 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

COVID-19 Update

Committee of the Whole received the COVID-19 update from Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health.

D.

Deputations

D.1

Lou Fruitman Reena Residence - Rent Supplements

Committee of the Whole referred the presentation provided by Bryan Keshen, Chief Executive Officer, Reena to staff for consideration of this and any other similar requests within the 2021 budget.

(See Item G.2.3)

D.2

Re-opening of Businesses

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Marina Imperio, 9Round, representing small business owners in the fitness industry.

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

City of Vaughan Resolution - GTA West Transportation Corridor Route Planning and Environmental Assessment Study - Update and Announcement of Preferred Route

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan dated October 20, 2020.

E.1.2

Automated Speed Enforcement Update

Committee of the Whole received the memorandum from Paul Jankowski, Commissioner of Transportation Services dated October 16, 2020.

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

Royal Orchard Boulevard Ramps at Bayview Avenue - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 16, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council agree to transfer the jurisdiction of the Royal Orchard Boulevard ramps at Bayview Avenue to the City of Markham conditional on the lands remaining designated public highway and/or other municipal use and subject to City of Markham directing any compensation back to the Region that may be received from future disposal of any portion of the lands.
2. The Regional Solicitor prepares the necessary bylaws.
3. The Regional Clerk circulates this report to the City of Markham.

E.2.2

2020 Traveller Safety Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 16, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council receive this report for information.

E.2.3

Award of York Region Transit West-North Division Operations and Maintenance Contract

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council approve the award of the contract for transit operations and maintenance of the West-North Transit Division to TOK Transit Limited, pursuant to Request for Proposal P-20-50.
2. The Region enter into an agreement with TOK Transit Limited to deliver services described in Request for Proposal P-20-50, for a term of seven years, commencing May 1, 2021, and expiring on August 1, 2028, with an option for the Region to renew for an additional term of up to three years, based on the contractor’s performance during the initial contract term.
3. The Region pay the contractor a total estimated cost for the seven-year term of $398,791,804, excluding HST, with the amount payable to the contractor in each year based on planned estimated billable hours and subject to Council budget approval.
4. Council authorize the Commissioner of Transportation Services to execute the agreement on behalf of the Region, including the option to renew the contract as specified above, subject to contractor meeting performance targets identified in the contract throughout the initial term.

E.2.4

Lane Designation Bylaw Update - E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated November 2, 2020 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council approve an amendment to the lane designation bylaw to include E-Bikes, in accordance with Ontario Highway Traffic Act Regulation 369/09.
2. Council approve an amendment to the lane designation bylaw to include E-Scooters, in accordance with Ontario Highway Traffic Act Regulation 389/19.
3. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaws.
4. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

Request for Emergency Extension of Full Municipal Services to Gormley

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Kristina Soolepp, Council Coordinator, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville dated October 22, 2020.

F.1.2

Request for Emergency Extension of Full Municipal Services to Gormley

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk, City of Richmond Hill dated October 29, 2020.

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

2020 Street Tree Health and Performance Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 15, 2020 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

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

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated November 2, 2020 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services and Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health.

G.1.2

Social Service Response to COVID-19 Global Pandemic – November Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated November 3, 2020 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

G.1.3

The Week of Thanks for Public Health Workers - November 16-20, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Manny Sousa, Vice-President of Stakeholder Relations, Sutherland Corporation dated November 3, 2020 and adoption of the following motion:

WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of York, along with several other municipalities
across Ontario and Canada are currently experiencing a “second wave” of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of York recognizes the hard work and dedication of
our regional employees and is proud of the commitment and sacrifices that these
workers have made in the fight against COVID-19; and

WHEREAS the Week of Thanks is an initiative that recognizes the dedication and
commitment of our employees in the fight against COVID-19; and

WHEREAS the Week of Thanks runs from November 16-20, 2020 in York Region; and

WHEREAS the Week of Thanks encourages residents and business owners to show their
appreciation of our regional employees keeping us healthy during these difficult times,
by posting ‘thank you’ signs in windows during the week of November 16, 2020; and

WHEREAS the York Health Matters (YHM) initiative has launched a media campaign to
promote the Week of Thanks in York Region; and

WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of York is encouraging York Region residents and
business owners to participate in the Week of Thanks, and acknowledges the
commitment that everyone has made in the fight against COVID-19;

THEREFORE the Regional Municipality of York recognizes and participates in the Week of Thanks in York Region, and encourages the public to place a ‘thank you’ sign in their window to show our regional employees that we thank them for their service, and officially
recognize the week of November 16-20, 2020 as the Week of Thanks.

G.1.4

Modified Stage 2 and Stage 3 For Sports Play

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Ed Skrobal, President, Markham Sports Dome Inc. and Mount Joy Sports Dome Inc. dated November 3, 2020.

G.1.5

Re-opening of York Region Businesses

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Belinda Degano and Linda Barrett, Modo Yoga dated November 2, 2020.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Update: 10-Year Paramedic Services Resources and Facilities Master Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated October 16, 2020 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities for information.

2. Staff bring back a report in 2021 to consider potentially decreasing response times for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest, CTAS 1 and CTAS 2 categories outlined in the report.

G.2.2

Forecast for Long-Term Care and Seniors' Housing Implications

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 16, 2020 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Chairman send a letter and this report to the Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care, York Region Members of Parliament and York Region Members of Provincial Parliament to:
   1. Seek commitment from senior levels of government to continue collaborative efforts and funding to provide more long-term care beds in York Region, reflecting the forecasted and unmet need for long-term care beds as detailed in this report.
   2. Advocate and support the need for more affordable senior-friendly housing options and improve access to health and social services to support seniors to live safely in their own homes for longer.
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities, Local Health Integration Network, Ontario Health Teams in York Region, Advantage Ontario, Ontario Long-Term Care Association, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Human Services Planning Board of York Region and York Region Community Partnership Council.

G.2.3

York Region's Response to Provincial Consultations on Supportive Housing

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 16, 2020 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council endorse the following recommendations to the Province of Ontario in response to the consultation to improve the supportive housing system, including that the province:
   1. Strengthen and clarify existing roles in the system to address fragmentation, including establishing a lead ministry that would be responsible for strategic oversight and ongoing work to improve coordination, share best practices, plan for the future, and allocate provincial funding
   2. Identify entities, in consultation with Service Managers, Ontario Health Teams and other stakeholders, to lead local system coordination and streamline access to provincial supportive housing to address challenges in system navigation
   3. Provide dedicated funding for rent subsidies for provincial supportive housing programs to address the lack of supply and need for more affordable units
   4. Maintain new and existing rent supplement programs to ensure funding is available to support residents in need, taking into account local market conditions
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and local Members of Provincial Parliament.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Economic Development Opportunity - 1577-1621 Major Mackenzie Drive East - City of Richmond Hill

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk, City of Richmond Hill dated October 29, 2020.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Toronto Global Update - 2019-2020 Results

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 23, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council confirm funding for the final year of the current Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction services agreement with Toronto Global for the period of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, subject to all existing government partners committing to funding for the remaining term
2. In the fall of 2021 staff assess York Region’s continued participation in an agreement with Toronto Global for 2022 onwards and bring recommendations for Council consideration

H.2.2

East Gwillimbury - Highway 404 Employment Corridor Secondary Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 23, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council approve the Highway 404 Employment Corridor Secondary Plan as Amendment No. 1-2020 to the Town of East Gwillimbury Official Plan, 2010, subject to the modifications outlined in Attachment 1.
2. The Director of Community Planning and Development Services be authorized to issue Notice of Regional Council’s decision.
3. 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.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated September 30, 2020 from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

I.1.2

Enforcement of COVID-19 Rules and Regulations Under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated November 5, 2020 from Dan Kuzmyk, Deputy Regional Solicitor.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

2021 Interim Appropriations

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 14, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve 2021 interim appropriations for Regional operating expenditures not exceeding $1,234,180,000, which represents 50 per cent of the 2020 operating budget for each department, as detailed in Attachment 1.
2. Council approve 2021 interim appropriations for Regional capital expenditures not exceeding $247,101,000, which represents 29.5 per cent of the 2020 capital budget, as detailed in Attachment 2.
3. Council approve 2021 interim Capital Spending Authority (CSA) of $68,933,000 and associated funding sources, including $1,357,400 in Capital Spending Authority debt, as detailed in Attachment 3.

I.2.2

Temporary Borrowing Authorization for 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 27, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. The Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to obtain temporary borrowing during 2021 from either external financing or by means of temporary loans from reserves and reserve funds for the following amounts and purposes:
   1. Up to $548 million to fund operating expenditures pending receipt of tax levies and other revenues
   2. Up to $300 million to fund capital expenditures until such time as long-term financing is in place
2. The Regional Chair and Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents.

I.2.3

Approvals Authorized under Delegated Authority During Council Recess in 2020

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated October 21, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

I.2.4

Non-Competitive Contract Awards and Extensions

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated October 21, 2020 from the Commissioner of Finance: 

1. 1. Council authorize the award, extension and/or increase of contracts between the Region and each of the vendors listed in Attachment 1 and Private Attachment 1 for the terms described in the attachments.
   2. Council authorize direct purchases for the purpose of goods or services standardization, listed in Attachment 1 and Private Attachment 1, for the terms described in the attachments.
   3. The Commissioner of the department requiring the product or service be authorized to exercise options to extend the agreements for up to the maximum term described in Attachment 1 and Private Attachment 1 on the same terms, provided that the vendors have performed the services to the satisfaction of the Commissioner and the total cost is within the approved annual budget for these services.
   4. The Commissioner of Community and Health Services be authorized to delegate the execution of direct purchase agreements and associated extensions, increases, and renewals, to the General Manager, Paramedic and Seniors Services and the Public Health Medical Officer of Health, in relation to the provision of goods and services and product standardizations, provided that the agreement amounts are within their delegated signing authority limits. This delegation will enable expedited approval for the provision of goods and services which provide services to vulnerable persons.
   5. Staff provide further clarification on the services provided by Grant Custom Products Inc. and Drs. Jane Chow, Lana Kiehn and Amy Tung.

I.2.5

Advance Payment for Relocation of Structures and Materials on Expropriated Lands

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 23, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize agreements with owners or tenants of lands that are subject to expropriation, to provide for the relocation of structures and materials located on the lands and the payment of appropriate compensation prior to settlement of claims under the Expropriations Act (the “Act”).
2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to negotiate the terms of such agreements, including payment to contractors, if required, and to execute the agreements on behalf of the Region.

I.2.6

Improving Connectivity for Ontario Program: Funding Application

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 23, 2020 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Regional Council endorse YorkNet’s funding application to the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure, under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario Program outlined in Attachment 1.
2. A funding plan for YorkNet’s share of the project costs be developed and reviewed through the Region’s 2021 Budget process.
3. This report be circulated to the local municipalities and Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament representing York Region.

J.

Notice of Motion

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

Condolences to the Vegh Family

Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Regional Council, extended his deepest condolences to Regional Councillor Vegh and his family on the passing of his mother, Helen Vegh.

K.2

Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that York Region businesses, including bars, restaurants and gyms will be able to re-open on Saturday, November 7, 2020 with enhanced safety measures in place.

K.3

Ontario Public Works Association Awards

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that the Ontario Public Works Association has recognized Environmental Services and Transportation Services for the following awards:

Environmental Services

• 2019 Public Works Project of the Year Technical Innovation Award for Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant’s Phosphorus Reduction Action Plan Study
• 2020 Municipal Engineers Association Award to David Atkins, Manager of Engineering and Mark Nykoluk, Senior Project Manager for the Bayview Corridors Project

Transportation Services

Three awards for the Major Mackenzie Drive Culvert Replacement Project:

• The 2019 Ontario Good Roads Association for Innovative Service Delivery, Maintenance and Construction Activity
• The 2019 Ontario Public Works Association Project of the Year Award
• The American Public Works Association 2020 Project of the Year Award

2019 Project of the Year Award for the Emergency Retaining Wall Replacement on King Road

Commissioner Paul Jankowski is the recipient of the 2019 Public Works Leader of the Year Award

K.4

Institute of Public Administration Canada Awards

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that York Region's Social Services team has been recognized with the 2020 Silver Award for Innovative Management.

K.5

Retirement - Cordelia Abankwa, General Manager of Social Services

Regional Chair Emmerson congratulated Cordelia Abankwa, General Manager of Social Services on her retirement, who has been an instrumental part of the Community and Health Services team since 2002.

K.6

Veterans' Week

Regional Chair Emmerson acknowledged Veterans' Week in Canada, which is an opportunity to offer gratitude and give thanks to veterans who have served, as well as those who volunteer and serve. As part of Veterans' Week this year, we also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Regional Chair Emmerson encouraged everyone to consider making an online donation to the Poppy Campaign to support veterans and their families.

K.7

Rescheduling - York Telecom Network Inc. Board Meeting

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the rescheduling of the York Telecom Network Inc. Board meeting from November 26, 2020 to January 28, 2021.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 12:03 p.m.  At 12:37 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in public session and reported the following:

L.1

Presentation - Redevelopment Opportunity for Newmarket Health Centre and Housing York Inc.'s Armitage Gardens in the Town of Newmarket - Acquisition or Disposition of Land

(See Item L.2)

Committee of the Whole received the presentation from Kathy Milsom, General Manager, Housing Services; Joshua Scholten, Director, Housing Development and Asset Strategy, Housing Services; and Lisa Gonsalves, General Manager, Paramedic and Seniors Services.

L.2

Redevelopment Opportunity for Newmarket Health Centre and Housing York Inc.'s Armitage Gardens in the Town of Newmarket - Acquisition or Disposition of Land

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report dated October 16, 2020 from the Commissioner of the Community and Health Services to Council's Private Session on November 19, 2020. 

L.3

Second Concession Pumping Station - Potential Litigation

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report dated October 22, 2020 from the Deputy Regional Solicitor to Council's Private Session on November 19, 2020.

L.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.3 - Approvals Authorized under Delegated Authority During Council Recess - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.5

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.4 - Non-Competitive Contract Awards and Extensions - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.6

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.6 - Improving Connectivity for Ontario Program: Funding Application - Under Authority of Another Act

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.

Adjournment

The Committee of the Whole meeting adjourned at 12:41 p.m.