Minutes

The Council of The Regional Municipality of York

Thursday, February 23, 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, 
• M. Chan, 
• N. Davison, 
• S. Del Duca, 
• J. DiPaola, 
• M. Ferri, 
• V. Hackson, 
• A. Ho, 
• L. Jackson, 
• J. Jones, 
• J. Li, 
• I. Lovatt, 
• T. Mrakas, 
• S. Pellegrini, 
• M. Quirk, 
• M. G. Racco, 
• G. Rosati, 
• Mayor Scarpitti, 
• J. Taylor, 
• T. Vegh, 
• and D. West 

Staff:

• B. Macgregor, 
• D. Basso, 
• K. Chislett, 
• P. Freeman, 
• D. Kuzmyk, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• L. Mirabella, 
• and C. Raynor 

---

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

York Regional Police Budget

Mayor Quirk declared an interest in the York Regional Police Services Budget, as her husband is a retired York Regional Police officer and her stepson is a York Regional Police officer; accordingly, she did not participate in any discussion or voting on this matter.

B.2

Community and Health Services Budget

Regional Councillor Davison declared an 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; accordingly, she did not participate in or vote on this matter.

C.

Minutes of Council

C.1

Council Meeting held on January 26, 2023

• Moved by Regional Councillor Ferri
  Seconded by Regional Councillor DiPaola

  That Council confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on January 26, 2023.

  Carried

D.

Presentations

D.1

2023 to 2026 Regional Budget

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Lovatt

  That Council receive the presentation from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

  Carried

  (See Item G.4)

  
  

E.

Deputations

E.1

Supporting Critical Social Infrastructure through the Community and Health Services Budget

• Moved by Regional Councillor Rosati
  Seconded by Mayor Quirk

  That Council receive the following deputations: 

  Carried

E.1.1

Michael Braithwaite on behalf of Blue Door

E.1.2

Bryan Keshen on behalf of Reena

E.1.3

Jeff Schlemmer on behalf of Community Legal Clinic of York Region

E.1.4

Sean Meagher on behalf of Ontario for All

E.1.5

Yvonne Kelly on behalf of Affordable Housing Coalition of York Region

E.1.6

Jane Wedlock, Resident

E.1.7

Clovis Grant on behalf of 360kids

E.1.8

Janis Dawson, Resident

E.2

Funding for Long Term Care

• Moved by Mayor West
  Seconded by Mayor Taylor

  That Council receive the deputation by Brenda Talbot, Resident.

  Carried
• Moved by Regional Councillor Vegh
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jones

  That Council recess at 10:39 a.m.

  Carried

  Council reconvened at 10:47 a.m.
  

  
  

F.

Communications

F.1

Recruitment of Municipal Representatives on Regional Watershed Alliance

• Moved by Regional Councillor Davison
  Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Chan

  That Council receive the communication from Joanne Hyde, Clerk and Manager, Policy, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority dated December 6, 2022 and appoint Scott Lister, Program Manager, Source Water Protection, Public Works - Environmental to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Regional Watershed Alliance.

  Carried

F.2

Proclamation Request for World Down Syndrome Day - March 21, 2023

• Moved by Regional Councillor Davison
  Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Chan

  That Council receive the communication from Giovanna Arduini-Arcella, President, Down Syndrome Association of York Region dated February 20, 2023 and proclaim March 21, 2023 as World Down Syndrome Day in York Region.

  Carried

F.3

Conservation Authorities – Municipal Allocations of Operating Costs

• Moved by Regional Councillor Davison
  Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Chan

  That Council receive the memorandum from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated February 23, 2023.

  Carried

G.

Consideration and Adoption of Reports

G.1

Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 2, 2023

• Moved by Regional Councillor Racco
  Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Chan

  That Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 2, 2023.

  Carried

G.2

Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 9, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jackson

  That Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 9, 2023.

  Carried

G.3

Audit Committee Meeting - January 26, 2023

• Moved by Regional Councillor M. Chan
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Ho

  That Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on January 26, 2023.

  Carried

G.4

2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan and 2023 to 2026 Regional Budget

Mayor Quirk declared an interest in relation to this matter and did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding the York Regional Police budget.

Regional Councillor Davison declared an interest in relation to this matter and did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding the Community and Health Services budget pertaining to Public Health.

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Hackson

  That Council adopt those portions of the 2023 operating budget relating to York Regional Police and Community and Health Services, reflecting a tax levy increase of 2.90% as tabled on January 26, 2023, detailed in the 2023 to 2026 Budget Book and summarized in Attachment 2, and amended by Table 1 of the Supporting Critical Social Infrastructure through the Community and Health Services Budget report dated February 22, 2023.

  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Hackson

  That Council adopt the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated February 16, 2023 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council approve the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan: From Vision to Results (see Attachment 1).
  2. Council approve the operating and capital budgets as follows:
     1. The 2023 operating budget, reflecting a tax levy increase of 2.90% as tabled on January 26, 2023, detailed in the 2023 to 2026 Budget Book and summarized in Attachment 2, and amended by Table 1 of the Supporting Critical Social Infrastructure through the Community and Health Services Budget report dated February 22, 2023, with the exception of those portions of the budget relating to York Regional Police and Community and Health Services, which were previously adopted.
     2. A Rapid Transit / Infrastructure Levy equivalent to a 1% tax levy increase as summarized in Attachment 2.
     3. The 2023 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority by project and by program group and associated funding sources detailed in the 2023 to 2026 Budget Book, as summarized in Attachment 3, and the authority to reallocate expenditures between projects within a program group, subject to the conditions outlined in this report.
  3. Council endorse the 2024 to 2026 operating outlook tabled on January 26, 2023, including the Rapid Transit / Infrastructure Levy, as detailed in the 2023 to 2026 Budget book and summarized in Attachment 2, and amended by Table 1 of the Supporting Critical Social Infrastructure through the Community and Health Services Budget report dated February 22, 2023.
  4. Council approve debt authority and reserve items as follows:
     1. Incremental debt authority of $367.8 million required for 2023 Capital Spending Authority by project as specified in Column B of Attachment 4.
     2. Total debt authority for capital projects up to the amounts specified in Column C of Attachment 4 in accordance with the Capital Financing and Debt Policy.
     3. Approve a contribution of $195 million to Sinking Fund Reserve for the purpose of meeting the Region’s 2023 sinking fund obligations.
     4. Authorize the funding of capital projects that have been previously approved for debt financing from reserves where there are sufficient funds available and at the discretion of the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.
  5. Council endorse the reconciliation of the 2023 Budget to the full accrual basis of accounting, as required under Ontario Regulation 284/09, as summarized in the “Accrual Budget Presentation” chapter of the 2023 to 2026 Budget Book.
  6. Council authorize the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer to:
     1. Make any necessary adjustments within the total approved net Budget to reflect organizational changes and any other reallocation of costs.
     2. Apply for, accept and adjust the Budget and Capital Spending Authority for any additional Provincial and/or Federal funding provided there is no tax levy impact.
  Carried

  (See Item G.6)

  
  

G.5

Appointments to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2023 to 2026 Term

• Moved by Regional Councillor Vegh
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Davison

  That Council adopt the following recommendations in the report dated February 16, 2023 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

  1. Council appoint the following individuals to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2023 to 2026 term:
     • Beverley Barra-Berger
     • Cheryl Davies
     • Robert DiGiovanni
     • Steve Foglia
     • Lindsey Gold
     • Lilian Hulme-Smith 
     • Bryan Keshen
     • Karla Malsi
     • Ahsan Musavi
     • Vito Spatafora 
     • Angelo Tocco
     • Scott Wollin
  2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local municipalities, the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee, and York Regional Police Services Board for information
  Carried

  (See Item L.4)

  
  

G.6

Supporting Critical Social Infrastructure through the Community and Health Services Budget

• Moved by Mayor Taylor
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Rosati

  That Council adopt the following recommendations in the report dated February 22, 2023 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council approve that the Pandemic Management Reserve Fund be renamed the Pandemic Management and Recovery Reserve Fund.
  2. Council authorize the Regional Solicitor to prepare and/or amend the necessary bylaws.
  3. Council approve that $12,771,799 of the Community and Health Services 2022 operating surplus be contributed to the Pandemic and Recovery Management Reserve Fund.
  4. Council approve the following adjustment to the 2023 Community and Health Services operating budget for inclusion into consideration of the Region's 2023 to 2026 Budget:
     
     1. Add $12,771,799 to the 2023 operating budget and the 2024 outlook, equivalent to a one per cent additional tax levy in 2023, to advance critical human services priorities, funded by annual draws from the Pandemic and Recovery Management Reserve Fund as outlined in Table 1. 
     2. Add $12,771,799 to the 2025-2026 operating outlook to advance critical human services priorities, provisionally funded through annual draws from the Pandemic and Recovery Management Reserve Fund as outlined in Table 1, pending the review of sustainable funding options (per recommendation 6).
  5. Council authorize the Commissioner of Community and Health Services to transfer amounts from the Pandemic Management and Recovery Reserve Fund equivalent to the 2023 expenditures for the Housing Services priority area to the Social Housing Development Reserve Fund and to draw such amounts from the Social Housing Development Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding the 2023 expenditures for the Housing Services priority area.
  6. Council direct the Commissioner, Community and Health Services to report back as part of the 2025 budget process on program outcomes, projected ongoing needs, proposed program design and options for sustainable ongoing funding beyond 2024.
  7. Council authorize the Commissioner, Community & Health Services, to adjust funding allocations among the 2023 funding priorities identified in Table 1 as required.
  8. Council authorize the Commissioner, Community and Health Services, to execute any necessary funding and other agreements in alignment with the priorities outlined in this report.

  A recorded vote was as follows:

  For: G. Chan, M. Chan, Davison, Del Duca, DiPaola, Emmerson, Ferri, Hackson, Ho, Jackson, Jones, Li, Lovatt, Mrakas, Pellegrini, Quirk, Racco, Rosati, Scarpitti, Taylor, Vegh, West (22)

  Against: (0)

  Absent: (0)

  Carried

  (See Items G.4 and H.4)

  
  

H.

Introduction and Consideration of Bylaws

• Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Mayor Del Duca

  That Council approve and enact the following bylaws:

  Carried

H.1

2023-03 - A bylaw to stop up and close a portion of McCowan Road 

H.2

2023-06 - Tax Levy Development Reserve Fund

H.3

2023-07 - Rate Support Development Reserve Fund

H.4

2023-10 - Amendment to Pandemic Management Reserve Fund

I.

Motions

None

J.

Notices of Motion to Reconsider

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

Canada’s Agriculture Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that February 15, 2023 was Canada’s Agricultural Day, celebrated annually to recognize the agriculture and agri-food community. On behalf of Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended thanks to all agriculture and agri-food workers in York Region and encouraged all residents to continue supporting local food.

K.2

Pink Shirt Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that February 22, 2023 was Pink Shirt Day, or Anti-Bullying Day, which has evolved into a global call to action against bullying and discrimination. In honour of Pink Shirt Day, the clock tower outside York Region’s Administrative Centre was illuminated pink to encourage everyone in our communities to stand up to bullying.

K.3

Thanks to Road Workers

On behalf of Council, Regional Chair Emmerson thanked the dedicated and hard-working roads workers throughout York Region's communities who ensure our roadways are cleared and safe to travel during winter storms.

L.

Private Session

• Moved by Regional Councillor Racco
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Li

  That ​​Council resolve into private session at 11:51 a.m. to consider the following:

  L.1    Private Minutes - Council Education Session - January 19 and 20, 2023        
  L.2    Private Minutes - Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 2, 2023        
  L.3    Private Minutes - Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 9, 2023        
  L.4    Private Attachment 1 to Item G.5 - Appointments to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2023 to 2026 Term - Personal Matters about Identifiable Individuals        
  L.5    Application for Judicial Review by Romandale Farms Limited - Litigation and Solicitor-Client

  Carried

  Council resumed in public session at 12:03 p.m. and reported the following:

  
  

L.1

Private Minutes - Council Education Session - January 19 and 20, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Hackson
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Ferri

  That Council confirm the private minutes of the Council Education Session held on January 19 and 20, 2023.

  Carried

L.2

Private Minutes - Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 2, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Hackson
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Ferri

  That Council adopt the recommendations in the private minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 2, 2023.

  Carried

L.3

Private Minutes - Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 9, 2023

• Moved by Mayor Hackson
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Ferri

  That Council adopt the recommendations in the private minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 9, 2023.

  Carried

L.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item G.5 - Appointments to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2023 to 2026 Term - Personal Matters about Identifiable Individuals

• Moved by Mayor Hackson
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Ferri

  That Council receive the private attachment and appoint the recommended members to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2023 to 2026 term.

  Carried

  (See Item G.5)

  
  

L.5

Application for Judicial Review by Romandale Farms Limited - Litigation and Solicitor-Client

• Motion to Waive Notice Requirements

  Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jones

  That Council waive the notice requirements to reconsider the decision made at the January 26, 2023 Council meeting with respect to Item L.2 Application for Judicial Review by Romandale Farms Limited.

  Carried on a 2/3 majority

• Motion to Reconsider

  Moved by Regional Councillor Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti

  That Council reconsider the decision made at the January 26, 2023 Council meeting with respect to Item L.2 Application for Judicial Review by Romandale Farms Limited.

  A recorded vote was as follows:

  For: M. Chan, Del Duca, DiPaola, Emmerson, Ferri, Hackson, Ho, Jones, Li, Lovatt, Mrakas, Racco, Rosati, Scarpitti, Vegh (15)

  Against: G. Chan, Davison, Pellegrini, Quirk, Taylor, West (6)

  Absent: Jackson (1)

  Carried on a 2/3 majority

• Motion to Resolve into Private Session

  Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jones

  That Council resolve into private session at 12:12 p.m. to reconsider the decision made at the January 26, 2023 Council meeting with respect to Item L.2 Application for Judicial Review by Romandale Farms Limited.

  Carried

  Council resumed in public session at 12:27 p.m. and reported the following:

  
  
• Moved by Regional Councillor Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti

  That Council adopt the confidential motion. 

  A recorded vote was as follows:

  For: M. Chan, Del Duca, DiPaola, Emmerson, Ferri, Hackson, Ho, Jones, Li, Lovatt, Racco, Rosati, Scarpitti, Vegh (14)

  Against: G. Chan, Davison, Mrakas, Pellegrini, Quirk, Taylor, West (7)

  Absent: Jackson (1)

  Carried

M.

Confirmatory Bylaw

• Moved by Mayor Pellegrini
  Seconded by Mayor Hackson

  That Council enact Bylaw No. 2023-08 to confirm the proceedings of this meeting of Council held on February 23, 2023.

  Carried

N.

Adjournment

• Moved by Regional Councillor Ho
  Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Chan

  That Council adjourn the meeting at 12:32 p.m.

  Carried

  
  
  
  

                                                             
  Regional Clerk

  
  
  Minutes confirmed and adopted at the meeting of Council held on March 23, 2023.

   

                                                             
  Regional Chair