Minutes

YORK REGIONAL COUNCIL

Special Meeting

Thursday, May 20, 2021

9:00 A.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Electronic Meeting

Members:

• W. Emmerson,
• M. Bevilacqua,
• G. Chan,
• J. DiPaola,
• M. Ferri,
• R. Grossi,
• V. Hackson,
• D. Hamilton,
• J. Heath,
• 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,
• A.M. Carroll,
• K. Chislett,
• P. Freeman,
• 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 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 Verbal Update

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.

D.

Deputations

None

E.

Communications

E.1

Town of Georgina Resolution - Paid Sick Days for All Workers in the Province of Ontario as a Public Health Measure to Control the Spread of COVID-19 During the Current COVID-19 Crisis

• Moved by Regional Councillor Heath
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jones

  That Council receive the communication from Carolyn Lance, Council Services Coordinator, Town of Georgina dated May 13, 2021.

  Carried

F.

Consideration and Adoption of Reports

None

G.

Other Business

G.1

Appreciation and Gratitude for Federal Investment in Yonge North Subway Extension

• Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Mayor Bevilacqua

  WHEREAS on May 11, 2021, the Government of Canada announced a commitment of 40% capital funding for the Yonge North Subway Extension; and

  WHEREAS the Provincial government included the Yonge North Subway Extension as a priority project in the Province's Transit Plan and as such is also funding it; and

  WHEREAS safe and reliable transportation options continue to be the predominant issue for York Region residents; and

  WHEREAS extending the Yonge North Subway Extension to the Richmond Hill / Langstaff Urban Growth Centre is the top transit priority of York Regional Council; and

  WHEREAS an infrastructure project of this magnitude will bring thousands of jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide additional housing options for residents and support the post-pandemic recovery of York Region;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That York Regional Council write to the Prime Minister of Canada, Deputy Prime Minister Freeland, Minister McKenna, Minister Ng, York Region MPs, the Premier of Ontario, Minister Mulroney, Associate Minister Surma and York Region MPPs expressing appreciation and gratitude for the historic funding agreement on the Yonge North Subway Extension.

  Carried

G.2

Accident in the City of Vaughan

Regional Chair Emmerson shared the news of an accident in the City of Vaughan where a 10-year old girl and her four-year-old brother were struck in their family driveway and have succumbed to their injuries.

On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended his deepest condolences to the family. Members honoured the memory of the two children with a short pause.

G.3

Passing of Alex Chiu - Former City of Markham Councillor

Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Regional Council, offered heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former City of Markham Ward 8 Councillor Alex Chiu, who has passed away at the age of 82.

G.4

York Regional Police Services Board Membership

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that, effective June 1, 2021, Mayor Pellegrini will replace Mayor Hackson as Chair of the Police Services Board, who has served on the Board since 2012, taking on the role of Chair in 2017.

Regional Chair Emmerson extended his gratitude to Mayor Hackson for her service and dedication to the Board, and thanked Mayor Pellegrini for taking on this new role.

G.5

Personal Support Worker Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that May 19, 2021 was Personal Support Worker Day, which is an opportunity to recognize and raise awareness of the high-quality community and home-based care personal support workers provide every day.

G.6

National Public Works Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted this week is National Public Works Week, which is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions and accomplishments of our York Region and municipal public works staff.

G.7

Paramedic Services Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted May 23 to May 29, 2021 is Paramedic Services Week, which provides the opportunity to celebrate the important role of paramedics in supporting the health and well-being of our communities.

G.8

Update - Lina Bigioni - York Region Chief of Staff

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that Lina Bigioni, Chief of Staff underwent successful surgery and is hoping to be home next week.  Regional Chair Emmerson sent her good wishes on behalf of Regional Council.

H.

Private Session

• Moved by Regional Councillor Perrelli
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Rosati

  That Council resolve into Private Session at 10:30 a.m.

  Carried

  Council resumed in Public Session at 11:28 a.m. and reported the following:

   

H.1

Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment Verbal Status Update - Solicitor-Client Privilege and Negotiations

• Moved by Mayor Taylor
  Seconded by Mayor Hackson

  That Council approve the confidential direction to staff.

  Carried

I.

Confirmatory Bylaw

• Moved by Mayor Mrakas
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Vegh

  That Council enact Bylaw No. 2021-32 to confirm the proceedings of this special meeting of Council held on May 20, 2021.

  Carried

J.

Adjournment

The Special Council meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.