Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, February 02, 2023

9:00 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Electronic and In-Person Meeting

Council Chambers

17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket

Members:

• W. Emmerson, 
• G. Chan, 
• N. Davison, 
• S. Del Duca, 
• J. DiPaola, 
• M. Ferri, 
• V. Hackson, 
• 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, 
• S. Love, 
• B. Macgregor, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• L. Mirabella, 
• Dr. B. Pakes, 
• C. Raynor, 
• and B. Shifman 

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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 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."

B.

Disclosures of Interest

B.1

Community and Health Services Budget

Regional Councillor Davison declared a disqualifying interest in the budget items that refer to Public Health on the basis that her sibling is employed by York Region as a Public Health Nurse which results in a deemed interest for her and did not participate in or vote on this matter.

(See Item F)

B.2

York Regional Police Services Budget

Mayor Quirk declared an interest in any potential discussion regarding the York Regional Police Services budget as her stepson is an officer with York Regional Police.

C.

Deputations

C.1

York Region Long-Term Care Homes - Staffing Needs

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Katherine Grzejszczak on behalf of CUPE Local 905.

(See Item F)

Council recessed at 10:39 a.m. and reconvened at 10:47 a.m.

D.

Memorandums

D.1

2023-2024 Provincial Budget Consultation

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated February 2, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

D.2

Inflation Measures for Regional Budgeting

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated January 30, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

E.

Presentations

E.1

Proposed 2023-2026 Regional Budget – Introduction to Committee of the Whole Week 1

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Bruce Macgregor, Chief Administrative Officer.

F.

Community and Health Services

F.1

Presentation - 2023 to 2026 Community and Health Services Budget

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

(See Item F.2)

F.2

2023 to 2026 Community and Health Services Budget

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 10, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for Community and Health Services as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
   2. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority, as summarized in Attachment 2.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.

G.

Public Works

G.1

Presentation - 2023 to 2026 Public Works Budget

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works.

(See Items G.2 and G.3)

G.2

2023 to 2026 Environmental Services Budget

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 10, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for Public Works – Environmental Services as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
   2. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority, as summarized in Attachment 2.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.
3. The Regional Solicitor be directed to prepare the necessary water and wastewater rate bylaws to incorporate the discounted wastewater rates reflected in the budget.

G.3

2023 to 2026 Transportation Services Budget

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 10, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for Public Works-Transportation Services as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
   2. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority, as summarized in Attachment 2.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.

H.

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation

H.1

Presentation - 2023 to 2026 York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Budget

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Brian Shifman, Acting President, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation.

(See Item H.2)

H.2

2023 to 2026 York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Budget

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 17, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Committee of the Whole recommends the budget as submitted for York Region Rapid Transit Corporation as follows:
   1. The 2023 operating budget and 2024 to 2026 operating outlook as summarized in Attachment 1.
   2. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority, as summarized in Attachment 2.
2. The recommended budget be consolidated by the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer for consideration by Council on February 23, 2023.

I.

Notice of Motion

None

J.

Other Business

J.1

Passing of Hazel McCallion, Former Mayor of City of Mississauga

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the passing of former City of Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion.

Ms. McCallion was elected Mayor of Mississauga in 1978 and led that community for more than 36 years, during which time it grew into Canada’s seventh largest city.

On behalf of Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, Regional Chair Emmerson extended deepest condolences to Ms. McCallion's family and friends and, in her honour, held a moment of silence.

J.2

Black History Month

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized February as Black History Month, indicating it is an opportunity to learn more about our Black community and to continue building strong community partnerships in the fight against hate, violence and intolerance. 

Regional Chair Emmerson extended sympathies to the family and loved ones of Tyre Nichols who died after being beaten by Memphis, Tennessee police officers.

J.3

White Cane Week

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized February 4 - 11, 2023 as National White Cane Week, which aims to raise awareness of the challenges of those living with vision loss. 

K.

Private Session

• ​Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 12:09 p.m. At 1:17 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in public session and reported the following:

K.1

Private Attachment 1 to Item F.2 - 2023 to 2026 Community and Health Services Budget - Labour Relations

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

K.2

Engagement with the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator - Negotiations

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the confidential recommendation. The report remains private.

L.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 1:18 p.m.