Minutes

The Council of The Regional Municipality of York

Thursday, April 28, 2022

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

Electronic Meeting

Members:

• W. Emmerson, 
• M. Bevilacqua, 
• 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, 
• T. Vegh, 
• and D. West

Staff:

• D. Basso, 
• K. Chislett, 
• P. Freeman, 
• D. Kuzmyk, 
• B. Macgregor, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• Dr. B. Pakes, 
• C. Raynor, 
• K. Strueby, 
• and M.F. Turner

---

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.

Minutes of Council

C.1

Council Meeting held on March 24, 2022

• Moved by Regional Councillor Vegh
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Li

  That Council confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on March 24, 2022.

  Carried

D.

Presentations

None

E.

Deputations

None

F.

Communications

F.1

2022 Federal Budget – Potential Impact for York Region

• Moved by Mayor Lovatt
  Seconded by Mayor Bevilacqua

  That Council receive the memorandum from Kelly Strueby, Acting Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated April 19, 2022. 

  Carried

F.2

City of Richmond Hill Resolution - Inter-governmental Agreement in Principle for Yonge North Subway Extension Transit Oriented Community Sites

• Moved by Mayor West
  Seconded by Regional Councillor DiPaola

  That Council receive the correspondence from Stephen Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk, City of Richmond Hill dated April 21, 2022.

  (See Item G.3)

  Carried

F.3

Ontario More Homes for Everyone Plan: Comments on Bill 109

• Moved by Mayor Taylor
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  That Council receive the correspondence from William L. Shore dated April 25, 2022.

  (See item G.4)

  Carried

F.4

Development Charge Credit Request York Downs

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jones
  Seconded by Mayor Scarpitti

  That Council receive the correspondence from Kelly Strueby, Acting Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer, dated April 25, 2022 and refer it to consideration of Item G.1 (Committee of the Whole Item 1.2.4).

  Carried

F.5

Financial Impacts of COVID-19 – March 31, 2022 Year-to-Date

• Moved by Mayor Lovatt
  Seconded by Mayor Bevilacqua

  That Council receive the memorandum from Kelly Strueby, Acting Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated April 26, 2022.

  Carried

G.

Consideration and Adoption of Reports

G.1

Committee of the Whole Meeting - April 7, 2022

• Moved by Regional Councillor Ferri
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jones

  That Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on April 7, 2022, except for Item I.2.4 Development Charge Credit Request York Downs.

  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jones

  I.2.4 Development Charge Credit Request York Downs

  That Council amend Recommendation 1 to read as follows:

  1. Council authorize a development charge (DC) credit of $7,699,365 for road works to be undertaken and completed to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Public Works by Metropia Minto (Sixteenth) Holdings Inc. & KP Limited Partnership (York Downs Landowners) in the City of Markham.

  (See Item F.4)

  Carried

G.2

Implementation of Hybrid Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings

• Moved by Mayor Bevilacqua
  Seconded by Mayor Lovatt

  That Council adopt the recommendations, as amended, in the report dated April 13, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Regional Clerk recommending that:

  1. Council amend Procedure Bylaw 2018-59 as shown in Attachment 1 to facilitate the implementation of the “blended” hybrid approach for Council and Committee of the Whole meetings and to permit all other meetings of Committees of Council to be held electronically.
  2. Hybrid meetings of Committee of the Whole and Council begin no sooner than the Council meeting on May 26, 2022.
  3. The boards of directors of the Region’s three corporations be encouraged to meet electronically on a permanent basis.
  4. Council transition to fully paperless meetings as of the 2022-2026 Council Term.
  5. Council review implementation of hybrid Council and Committee of the Whole meetings in the next term of Council.
  Carried

G.3

Yonge North Subway Extension Update, Transit-Oriented Communities

• Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Mayor Bevilacqua
  1. That Council receive the report dated April 22, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner.
  2. That Council adopt the following resolution:

  Whereas the Region appreciates the Province advancing the YNSE project including the five stations being Bridge, Clark, High Tech, Royal Orchard and Steeles; 

  Whereas Enhanced Minister’s Zoning Orders (eMZOs) for the City of Markham (O. Reg. 345/22) and the City of Richmond Hill (O. Reg. 344/22) were issued on April 14, 2022; and

  Whereas the Province is asking York Region to enter into a Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) agreement in principle by April 29, 2022 that sets out the TOC process and future requirements.

  Therefore be it resolved that:

  1. 1. Council authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to continue the negotiations for the Transit-Oriented Communities Programmatic Agreement-In-Principle.
     2. Council direct staff to negotiate draft terms in the Transit-Oriented Communities site specific Memorandums of Understanding with the Province to protect Regional interests and bring final agreements and Memorandums of Understanding to Council for consideration and endorsement.
     3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Ministries of Infrastructure, Transportation, and Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Cities of Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan.
  Carried

G.4

Ontario More Homes for Everyone Plan: Comments on Bill 109

• Moved by Mayor Taylor
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  That Council adopt the following recommendations in the report dated April 20, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

  1. Council submit this report, Attachment 1 and the associated April 7 memo to Committee of the Whole (Attachment 2) to the Province in response to Environmental Registry of Ontario posting 019-5283: Consultations on the More Homes for Everyone Plan, associated Environmental Registry of Ontario and Regulatory Registry postings, and related initiatives. 
  2. The Province be requested to initiate additional actions to address demand factors contributing to increasing housing prices.
  3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities, local Members of Provincial Parliament, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Building Industry and Land Development Association – York Chapter, Municipal Finance Officers’ Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
  Carried

H.

Introduction and Consideration of Bylaws

• Moved by Mayor Quirk
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Hamilton

  That Council approve and enact the following bylaws:

  Carried

H.1

2022-15 - Highway 7 (Y.R. 7) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2021-52 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Highway 7 (Y.R. 7)

H.2

2022-16 - Yonge Street (Y.R. 1) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2021-67 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Yonge Street (Y.R. 1)  

H.3

2022-17 - Don Mills Road/Leslie Street/The Queensway (Y.R. 12) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2021-49 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Don Mills Road/Leslie Street/The Queensway (Y.R. 12) 

H.4

2022-18 - Bradford Street/Mount Albert Road (Y.R. 13) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2021-48 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Bradford Street/Mount Albert Road (Y.R. 13) 

H.5

2022-19 - Park Road (Y.R. 18) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. R-1316-2002-118 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Park Road (Y.R. 18)  

H.6

2022-20 - Highway 27 (Y.R. 27) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2021-53 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Highway 27 (Y.R. 27)  

H.7

2022-21 - Doane Road (Y.R. 45) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. R-1330-2002-132 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Doane Road (Y.R. 45)  

H.8

2022-22 - Yonge Street (in Holland Landing) (Y.R. 51) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. R-1332-2002-134 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Yonge Street (in Holland Landing) (Y.R. 51)

H.9

2022-23 - Jane Street (Y.R. 55) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. R-1334-2002-136 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Jane Street (Y.R. 55)  

H.10

2022-24 - Weston Road (Y.R. 56) Speed Limit

A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 2021-65 being a bylaw to prescribe maximum rates of speed on Weston Road (Y.R. 56)  

H.11

2022-25 - A bylaw to stop up and close a portion of Dufferin Street

A bylaw to stop up and close a portion of Dufferin Street (Y.R. 53), City of Vaughan

H.12

2022-26 - A bylaw to stop up and close a portion of Major Mackenzie Drive

A bylaw to stop up and close a portion of Major Mackenzie Drive (Y.R. 25), City of Vaughan

I.

Motions

None

J.

Notices of Motion to Reconsider

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

COVID-19 Update

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that, after more than two years, the state of emergency in York Region was lifted on April 26, 2022. Details of the Region’s stage approach to service resumption will be shared with Members of Council over the coming weeks and months.

Dr. Barry Pakes, Medical Officer of Health provided an update on COVID-19 and responded to questions from Members of Council.

Regional Chair Emmerson extended his deepest appreciation to everyone involved in the continued response to COVID-19. 

K.2

Ontario Civic Leadership Awards

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that earlier this month the Government of Ontario honoured the 2019 and 2020 recipients of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, including three notable York Region residents:

• Brian North from the Town of Aurora was recognized for his contributions to numerous community organizations, including Easter Seals, Scouts Canada, the York Small Business Enterprise Centre, and Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation.
• Noeline Sujithra Paul from the City of Richmond Hill was recognized for 35 years of community service and her support of initiatives that enhance the quality of people’s lives in our communities. 
• George Markow from the Town of Newmarket who raised $150,000 dollars for COVID-19 research by walking 100 kilometers before his 100th birthday.

On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended his sincere appreciation and thanks to the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recipients for their service and commitment to our communities.

K.3

National Immunization Awareness Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that this week marks National Immunization Awareness Week, which recognizes the importance of vaccinations. As demonstrated throughout the pandemic, immunizations are critical to disease prevention and remain a vital component to the health of all Canadians.

K.4

First Responders and Physicians Day

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that May 1, 2022 is both First Responders Day and National Physicians Day. Throughout the last two years, physicians and first responders at the front lines of the pandemic response have helped slow the spread of COVID-19 while also protecting the health and well-being of our communities.

On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson thanked them for their commitment to keeping our communities strong, healthy, and safe.

K.5

Emergency Preparedness Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that May 1 to 7, 2022 is Emergency Preparedness Week. Visit york.ca/BePrepared to learn simple steps to take before, during and after an emergency. Please use Emergency Preparedness Week as on opportunity to create or update your 72-hour emergency kit.

K.6

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that today is Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Also known as Yom HaShoah, this solemn day of observance is dedicated to the memory of the six million Jewish men, woman and children killed in the Holocaust.

K.7

National Day of Mourning

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that today is National Day of Mourning, which is recognized each year to pay respect and remember workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.

In lowering the flags at Regional facilities, the Region pays respect to the workers, families, and friends who have been affected by these tragedies.

Members of Council observed a moment of silence in honour of those who have lost their lives in work-related tragedies.

K.8

Update on Ukrainian Refugees

Commissioner Chislett provided an update on government services and supports for Ukrainian refugees. York Region staff continue to engage, share information and discuss collaborative response strategies with the Local Immigration Partnership and emergency social services partners. 

For more information and resources for York Region residents and service providers to support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine, visit York.ca/SupportUkraine.

K.9

Transportation Services and Environmental Services Sections of Committee of the Whole

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that, although Transportation Services and Environmental Services are now merged into one Public Works Department, the two sections will continue to be shown separately on the Committee of the Whole agenda with the appointed Chairs and Vice Chairs until the end of this term.

L.

Private Session

• Moved by Regional Councillor Grossi
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Hamilton

  ​​Council resolved into private session at 10:27 a.m. At 12:11 p.m. Council resumed in public session and reported the following:

   

  Carried

L.1

2021 Annual Report - Regional Solicitor’s Use of Delegated Authority - Litigation

• Moved by Regional Councillor DiPaola
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Grossi

  That Council receive the confidential report.

  Carried

L.2

Supreme Court of Canada - Motion for Intervener Status - Solicitor-Client Privilege

• Moved by Regional Councillor DiPaola
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Grossi

  That Council receive the confidential memorandum.

  Carried

L.3

Private Attachments 1 and 2 to Item G.1 (Committee of the Whole Item 1.2.2) - Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval - Security of Property

• Moved by Regional Councillor DiPaola
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Grossi

  That Council receive the private attachments.

  Carried

L.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item G.1 (Committee of the Whole Item I.2.3) - Contract Awards, including Emergency Purchases, Fast Tracks, and Renewals between October 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021 - Security of Property

• Moved by Regional Councillor DiPaola
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Grossi

  That Council receive the private attachment.

  Carried

L.5

Private Attachment 1 to Item G.1 (Committee of the Whole Item I.2.8) - CAO and Commissioner of Corporate Services’ Use of Delegated Authority for Land Acquisitions and Dispositions 2021 Annual Report - Acquisition and Disposition of Land

• Moved by Regional Councillor DiPaola
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Grossi

  That Council receive the private attachment.

  Carried

L.6

Verbal Discussion relating to an Identifiable Individual – Personal Information

• Moved by Mayor Bevilacqua
  Seconded by Mayor Pellegrini

  That Council receive the confidential verbal update provided at Committee of the Whole on April 7, 2022.

  Carried

L.7

Private Attachments to Item G.3 - Yonge North Subway Extension Update, Transit-Oriented Communities - Negotiations

• Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
  Seconded by Mayor Bevilacqua

  That Council receive the private attachments.

  Carried

M.

Confirmatory Bylaw

• Moved by Regional Councillor Grossi
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Hamilton

  That Council enact Bylaw No. 2022-15 to confirm the proceedings of this meeting of Council held on April 28, 2022.

  Carried

N.

Adjournment

• Moved by Regional Councillor Rosati
  Seconded by Mayor Mrakas

  That the Council meeting adjourn at 12:20 p.m.

  Carried