Minutes

Committee of the Whole

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Electronic Meeting
Members:
  • W. Emmerson,
  • M. Bevilacqua,
  • G. Chan,
  • 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,
  • A.M. Carroll,
  • K. Chislett,
  • P. Freeman,
  • Dr. K. Kurji,
  • D. Kuzmyk,
  • B. Macgregor,
  • E. Mahoney,
  • L. Mirabella,
  • C. Raynor,
  • and M.F. Turner

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.”

Pursuant to section 22 (1) of the Planning Act, as amended, Committee of the Whole held a public meeting to inform the public and receive comments on proposed Official Plan Amendment No. 7 to the York Region Official Plan.

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Augustine Ko, Senior Planner, Planning and Economic Development.

Committee of the Whole received the deputation and recommends receipt of the communication from Don Given, Malone Given Parsons Ltd., on behalf of Block 41 Landowners Group, Angus Glen Block Landowners Group and Robinson Glen Block Landowners Group.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 30, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

  1. Council and staff receive all comments from the public and responses from the circulation of proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 7.
  2. Staff prepare a report with recommendations on Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 7 for consideration by the Committee of the Whole.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Biju Karumanchery, Acting Commissioner of Development Services, City of Markham dated May 12, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Mauro Peverini, Chief Planning Official, City of Vaughan dated May 12, 2021.

Committee received the communication from Kim Empringham, Secretary/Treasurer/Director, York Region Federation of Agriculture dated May 13, 2021.

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by James Lane, Manager, Natural Heritage and Forestry Services, Environmental Promotion and Protection, Environmental Services.

(See Item G.2.1)

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Laurie Nelson, Director of Policy and Planning and Victoria Kramkowski, Government and Community Relations Specialist, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Ann-Marie Carroll, Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services dated April 22, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk, City of Markham dated October 19, 2021 and referral to staff of recommendation #3 as follows:

York Region approve the signalization of the centrally located intersection, that serves as the principal access to Angus Glen Village Ltd., 4071, 4073 and 4289 Major Mackenzie Drive East, City of Markham, at the land owner’s expense.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Peel dated April 14, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Sean Carriere, Acting Regional Director, Ontario Region, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, dated May 3, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Sean Carriere, Acting Director, Ontario Region, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, dated May 3, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Kathryn Moyle, Director of Corporate Services / Township Clerk dated May 11, 2021.

F.2

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated May 3, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

  1. The Establishing Speed Limits on Regional Roads policy be updated to include the new school zone maximum speed sign introduced by the Province.
  2. Existing speed limits on Regional roads in all school zones identified in Attachment 1 be reduced by 10 km/h.
  3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of local municipalities, public school boards and the Chief of York Regional Police.
  4. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaws.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 22, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

  1. Council approve award of contract for consulting engineering services for the detailed design of improvements to McCowan Road (Y.R. 67), from 14th Avenue (Y.R. 71) to Highway 7 (Y.R. 7), in the City of Markham, to AECOM Canada Ltd., pursuant to Request for Proposal P-20-105, at a total cost of $2,780,111.80, excluding HST.
  2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 22, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

  1. Council approve award of contract for contract administration and inspection services for Rutherford Road (Y.R. 72) improvements, from Highway 400 to Westburne Drive, in the City of Vaughan, to WSP Canada Group Limited, pursuant to Request for Proposal P- 21-25 at a total cost of $3,873,231.73, excluding HST.
  2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 22, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

  1. Council approve award of contract for consulting engineering services for detailed design for improvements to Bayview Avenue (Y.R. 34), from Highway 7 (Y.R. 07) to 16th Avenue (Y.R. 72), in the City of Richmond Hill, to Stantec Consulting Limited, pursuant to Request for Proposal P-20-218, at a total cost of $2,372,652.20, excluding HST.
  2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 23, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

  1. Council approve the transfer of jurisdiction of Yonge Street from Levendale Road to Elgin Mills Road from the City of Richmond Hill to York Region.
  2. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaws.
  3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the City of Richmond Hill and Metrolinx.

G.2

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 23, 2021 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

  1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 23, 2021 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

  1. Council authorize entering into a renewed service agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Tamworth Properties Inc., Consolidated Fastfrate (Ontario) Holdings Inc., Suncor Energy Inc. and City of Vaughan for the continuation of water and sewer services provided by Peel Region.
  2. The Commissioner of Environmental Services be authorized to execute the renewed York-Landowners Water and Sewer Service Agreement.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated April 22, 2021.

H.2

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

  1. Council approve the donation of a decommissioned ambulance to the following organizations that provide services in Ontario:
    1. Emergency Response Team Search and Rescue
    2. Ontario Volunteer Emergency Response Team
  2. Council approve updating the York Region Paramedic Services Ambulance Donations – Guidelines (see Attachment 1) to include an annual deadline of January 31 for submitting applications, starting in 2022.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 27, 2021 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

  1. Council approve establishment of a local community action table for each of the four focus areas described in Attachment 1 to support completion of a proposed Community Safety and Well-being Plan for York Region.
  2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of local municipalities, York Regional Police Services Board and Human Services Planning Board of York Region.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting dated February 24, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting dated April 28, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recommends endorsement of the following motion in the communication from Kathryn Moyle, Director of Corporate Services and Township Clerk, Township of King dated April 28, 2021:

“WHEREAS the Township of King has long supported the preservation and expansion of natural heritage areas and the objectives of the Greenbelt Plan and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan;

AND WHEREAS the Township of King supports the protection and appreciation of natural areas through land-use practices that will protect biodiversity and maintain, improve or restore elements that contribute to the ecological and hydrological functions of the ORM;

AND WHEREAS there is a unique opportunity to achieve the objectives of the Greenbelt Plan and the Oak Ridges Conservation Plan and more specifically, to enhance the ecological quality and natural habitats of one of the most critical linkage areas in King Township and Richmond Hill and make it open and accessible to Ontarians as a landmark public space in the heart of York Region;

AND WHEREAS one of the most critical Natural Linkage areas in the ORM Conservation Plan consists of lands in King running north-south from the 15th Sideroad to King Road, between Dufferin Street and Bathurst Street, including significant tributaries and headwaters of the East Humber River;

AND WHEREAS these lands measure 207 hectares in size, are privately owned, are currently in an agricultural state and therefore not fulfilling its intended critical linkage function, and unable to support the healthy ecosystems and biodiversity that the ORM Conservation Plan intended;

AND WHEREAS the owner of these lands filed an application to develop the lands and further filed an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board, the predecessor to the Local Planning and Appeal Tribunal which, if successful, would allow resort-type accommodation and a golf course that would permanently eliminate the ability to bring the majority of these lands into public ownership;

AND WHEREAS the owner of the property has advised the Township of King that it is
prepared to abandon the appeal and forego any potential development of its lands in exchange
for the transfer to the current landowner of provincially owned developable land in another
location;

AND WHEREAS the proposed East Humber Headwaters Park has previously been endorsed by the Township of King by resolution dated December 11, 2017 as well as by the Regional Municipality of York, the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Toronto;

AND WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has previously secured and protected large land areas for the purpose of conservation and recreation, including lands in; the Rouge River Valley, Bronte Creek Provincial Park, the Niagara Escarpment, and the Don Valley Brick Works;

AND WHEREAS our local Member of Provincial Parliament, Minister Stephen Lecce, has been a strong and continuous advocate for the creation of this historic park and engaged partner of the municipality;

AND WHEREAS there is no comparable natural heritage/park area in York Region;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of King formally requests that the Province of Ontario:

  1. Negotiate with the owner the abandonment of its development proposal for the
    King lands in return for the transfer of lands owned by the Province elsewhere;

  2. Once in possession of the King lands, transfer them to the Provincial Park
    portfolio or at nominal cost to King Township to create a showcase East Humber
    Headwaters Park;

    AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of King formally requests that:

  3. The Council of the Region of York endorse this motion and convey its support to
    the Province of Ontario;

  4. The Province, the Region, the TRCA and Township of King enter into
    discussions about the best way to ensure the long-term preservation and
    restoration of the King lands and establishment of the East Humber Headwaters
    Park.”

I.2

 Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 30, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

  1. Council direct staff to work with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to update the current Memorandum of Understanding for Planning and Development Review to provide for efficient, timely, and cost-effective services.
  2. That staff report back to Council on regulations related to the Conservation Authorities Act once released by the Province and any changes to York Region’s current Memorandums of Understanding and Service Level Agreements.
  3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Chief Administrative Officers of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Clerks of the local municipalities, and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for information.

J.2

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 30, 2021 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

  1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local municipalities.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 30, 2021 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

  1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local municipalities.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council endorse a timeline for the development and approval of the 2022 Budget, and a tax levy increase target of 1.96%.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council approve the 2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Wastewater Development Charges Bylaw, with an effective date of July 1, 2021, that incorporates the rates as set out in the 2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Wastewater Development Charge Background Study (Attachment 1).
  2. Pursuant to the Development Charges Act, 1997:
    1. Council determine that no further public meeting is required; and,
    2. Notice of the passage of the bylaw be given.
  3. Regional staff be authorized to attend the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) or the courts, as appropriate, to defend the Region’s position if the 2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Wastewater Development Charges Bylaw is appealed.
  4. The Regional Solicitor be authorized to execute Minutes of Settlement, to resolve any appeals to the 2021 Nobleton Area-Specific Wastewater Development Charges Bylaw.
  5. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Township of King and to the Building Industry and Land Development Association-York Chapter (BILD).

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. The following new permanent members be appointed to the Sinking Fund Committee:
    1. The Director of Corporate Services, Treasurer of the Town of Georgina
    2. Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Vaughan
  2. The Director of Financial Services and Treasurer for the Town of Newmarket be removed as a member of the Sinking Fund Committee.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities and the Building Industry and Land Development Association, York Region Chapter.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated May 3, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance:

Subject to the receipt of the necessary supporting documents from the Town of Aurora:

  1. Council approve a request by the Town of Aurora for interim financing in an amount not to exceed $8,200,000 and long-term financing in an amount not to exceed $13,175,000 to fund community recreational infrastructure for a term not to exceed those identified in Table 1 of this report.
  2. Council approve the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation for all or part of the above financing, on behalf of the Town of Aurora.
  3. The Regional Chair and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents, subject to review by Legal Services.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council receive this report for information.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance:

  1. Council consider a request from St. Mary and St. Samuel the Confessor Coptic Orthodox Church (“the Applicant”) to defer Regional development charges for their proposed daycare located at 9377 McCowan Road.
  2. Subject to Council approval, staff be authorized to negotiate a deferral agreement based on similar terms to those as agreed to by the City of Markham.
  3. The Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner of Finance be authorized to execute any deferral agreement with the Applicant in a form satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor.  

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 30, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

  1. Council authorize the disposition of lands described in Attachment 1, that have been deemed surplus to Regional requirements in the City of Vaughan.
  2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute the agreement of purchase and sale and all necessary documents to complete the transaction.
  3. Staff report back to Council with the final sale price upon transaction completion.

Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region Medical Officer of Health provided an update on the status of COVID-19 and responded to questions from Members of Committee of the Whole.

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities announced a federal commitment to the capital funding of the Yonge North Subway Extension. This historic investment in Ontario’s rapid transit infrastructure will see the extension of the Yonge North Subway line to the Richmond Hill / Langstaff Urban Growth Centre and will deliver up to four new subway stations.

On behalf of Regional Council and York Region residents, Regional Chair Emmerson extended gratitude to the Government of Canada for committing to fund 40 per cent of this project, and extended thanks to the Ontario government for its continued support in advancing the Yonge North Subway Extension.

 

Moved by: Mayor Taylor

That the York Regional Council write to the Government of Ontario, Premier Ford and the Chief Medical Officer of Health to request the safe reopening of outdoor recreational amenities prior to the June 2, 2021 end of the existing extended stay-at-home order.

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the first meeting of the Housing Affordability Task Force on May 20, 2021 immediately following the Special Council meeting.

Regional Chair Emmerson confirmed there will be a Council/Committee of the Whole meeting every Thursday in June 2021.

Regional Chair Emmerson noted May 9 to 15, 2021 is International Economic Development Week, which raises awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development and improve quality of life.

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that York Region has been recognized as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The Tree Cities of the World program is an international effort to recognize municipalities committed to the maintenance, sustainability and celebration of their urban forests and trees.

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association has recognized York Region’s Ontario Works Transformation initiative with the 2020 Local Municipal Champion Award. This award recognizes the work done by social services in advancing human services integration and service system management.

Regional Chair Emmerson reminded Council Members that the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is requesting feedback on how to strengthen municipal codes of conduct, at a session on May 18, 2021.

Committee of the Whole resolved into private session at 12:06 p.m. 

Committee of the Whole recessed at 12:23 p.m. and reconvened in private session at 1:02 p.m.

Committee of the Whole resumed in public session at 1:40 p.m. and reported the following:

M.1
Cornell Bus Terminal - Litigation Update - Litigation
 

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report to Council's private session on May 27, 2021.

M.2
Private Attachment 1 to Item J.2.10 - Contract Awards, including Renewals, Approvals, and Emergency Purchases January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021 - Security of Property
 

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.3
Private Attachment 1 to Item J.2.12 - Disposition of Land - 7130 Islington Avenue and Adjacent Land - City of Vaughan - Disposition of Land
 

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.4
Legal Liability Analysis Regarding Outsourcing Review Services for Development Applications - Solicitor-Client Privilege
 

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report to Council's private session on May 27, 2021.

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 2:33 p.m.

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