Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, February 11, 2021

9:00 A.m. - 12:00 P.m.

Electronic Meeting

Members:

• W. Emmerson,
• D. Barrow,
• M. Bevilacqua,
• 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,
• K. Chislett,
• P. Freeman,
• P. Jankowski,
• Dr. K. Kurji,
• D. Kuzmyk,
• S. Love,
• 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

Diversity Dialogues

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Shernett Martin and Charline Grant on behalf of African-Canadian Coalition against Hate, Oppression and Racism (ANCHOR), formerly known as Vaughan African Canadian Association (VACA).

D.

Deputations

D.1

Deputations related to Item E.2.1 - Greater Toronto Area West Transportation Corridor Update

D.1.1

Sherry Draisey

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Sherry Draisey.

D.1.2

Rene Vlahovic

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Rene Vlahovic.

D.1.3

Irene Ford

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Irene Ford.

D.1.4

Alexandra Ney

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Alexandra Ney.

D.1.5

Angela Grella

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Angela Grella.

D.1.6

Tony Malfara

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Tony Malfara.

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

Township of King Resolution - King's Position on the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) to Metrolinx

Committee of the Whole recommends the communication from Kathryn Moyle, Director of Corporate Services and Township Clerk, Township of King dated January 13, 2021 be received.

E.1.2

Fare and Service Integration Provincial-Municipal Table

Committee of the Whole recommends the memorandum from Paul Jankowski, Commissioner of Transportation Services dated February 8, 2021 be received.

E.1.3

Communications Related to Item E.2.1 - Greater Toronto Area West Transportation Corridor Update

E.1.3.1

Form Letter Submitted by 191 Individuals

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from members of the public dated up to and including February 10, 2021 be received.

E.1.3.2

T. Raponi - Opposition to GTA West Highway (413)

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from T. Raponi be received.

E.1.3.3

K Strohm-Vitale - Highway 413

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from K. Strohm-Vitale be received.

E.1.3.4

A. Koutroulaskis - The environment matters more than your highway

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from A. Koutroulaskis be received.

E.1.3.5

E. Wright - Please Oppose Highway 413 - From a Resident Living on the 407

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from E. Wright be received.

E.1.3.6

M. Bruno - Highway 413

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from M. Bruno be received.

E.1.3.7

G. Irish - Stop Highway 413

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from G. Irish be received.

E.1.3.8

J. Galt - Say NO to the GTA West Highway

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from J. Galt be received.

E.1.3.9

J. LeForestier - The 6 Billion Dollar Pandemic Highway to Nowhere

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from J. LeForestier be received.

E.1.3.10

R. Christie - Please say NO to HWY 413

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from R. Christie be received.

E.1.3.11

K. Alison - The 6 Billion Dollar Pandemic Highway to Nowhere

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from K. Alison be received.

E.1.3.12

A. Groves - The 6 Billion Dollar Pandemic Highway to Nowhere

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from A. Groves be received.

E.1.3.13

T. Sherwood - Reject Highway 413

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from T. Sherwood be received.

E.1.3.14

P. Vanker - Proposed Highway 413

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from P. Vanker be received.

E.1.3.15

C. Ballard - GTA West Highway, Feb. 11 Agenda Item E.2.1

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from C. Ballard be received.

E.1.3.16

S. Lloyd Swail - GTA West

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from S. Lloyd Swail be received.

E.1.3.17

N. Hopkinson - Nobleton resident opposed 413

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from N. Hopkinson be received.

E.1.3.18

L. Santoro - GTA West Corridor

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from L. Santoro be received.

E.1.3.19

Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust

Committee of the Whole recommends the correspondence from Susan Walmer, Chief Executive Officer, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust be received.

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

Greater Toronto Area West Transportation Corridor Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated January 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council request the Ontario Ministry of Transportation reconstruct Weston Road, Highway 27 and King-Vaughan Road to include a four-lane road cross-section across the future GTA West highway, as well as walking and cycling facilities.
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, City of Vaughan and Township of King.
3. That the Regional Municipality of York endorse the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority (TRCA) Board’s request for the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to commit to receiving TRCA’s Voluntary Project Review (VPR) sign off at the detailed design stage, to enter into a service level agreement with the TRCA for the provision of the VPR review services, and to use the TRCA’s Guideline for Determining Ecosystem Compensation where avoidance and mitigation is not possible.
   

E.2.2

Award of Consultant Services for Keele Street - Steeles Avenue to Highway 407 - City of Vaughan

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

1. Council approve award of contract for Contract Administration and Inspection Services for Keele Street (Y.R. 6) improvements, from Steeles Avenue to Highway 407, in the City of Vaughan, to AECOM Canada Ltd., pursuant to Request for Proposal P-20-257 at a total cost of $3,071,800.00, excluding HST.
2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region.

E.2.3

Award of Consulting Engineering Services for Stouffville Road - Bayview Avenue to Highway 404 - City of Richmond Hill

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

1. Council approve award of contract for consulting engineering services for Stouffville Road (Y.R. 14), from Bayview Avenue (Y.R. 34) to Highway 404, in the City of Richmond Hill, to AECOM Canada Ltd., pursuant to Request for Proposal P-20-210, at a total cost of $2,357,229.34, excluding HST.
2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region.

Committee of the Whole recessed at 12:25 p.m. and resumed at 1:16 p.m.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

None

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

Delegated Authority for Award of Six Equipment Pre-Purchase Contracts at Duffin Creek Plant

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated January 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. Council authorize the Commissioner of Environmental Services to award and execute six equipment pre-purchase contracts associated with the Biosolids Treatment Replacement Project and the Digester Complex Upgrades Project at Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, to be competitively bid under future Request for Proposals.

F.2.2

East Gormley Water and Wastewater Servicing Request

Committee of the Whole deferred consideration of the following recommendations contained in the report dated January 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services to the March or April 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting, pending further discussion between Regional staff and the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville:

1. The Region reiterate the need for the province to review policies regarding servicing of settlement areas within the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine Plan areas.
2. The Region continue to work with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to assess servicing options until there is greater clarification from the province regarding exemptions for Great Lake based servicing in the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine.
3. The Region support the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s continued investigation of enhanced fire protection through improved non-potable water services as a reasonable and economical approach to address the immediate fire protection needs for the Hamlet of East Gormley.
4. Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Update on Public Health Emergency Response to COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Committee of the Whole recommends the memorandum dated February 9, 2021 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services and Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health be received.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

2021 Procurement of Services for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

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

1. Council delegate authority to the Commissioner of Community and Health Services to procure interim dental services and to execute related agreements as follows:
   1. Contracts may only be awarded by the Commissioner up until and including December 31, 2021.
   2. Time periods covered by the contracts for general dental services will vary, however, no contract shall be longer than three years with an option to renew for up to two years.
   3. The total cost of services will not exceed the value of funding received from the Ministry of Health to operate the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.
2. Council delegate authority to the Commissioner of Community and Health Services to procure ongoing specialty dental services (prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery) and to execute related agreements as follows:
   1. Time periods covered by the contracts for specialty dental services will not exceed three years with an option to renew for up to two years.
   2. The total cost of services will not exceed the value of funding received from the Ministry of Health to operate the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Province's Enhanced Authority for Minister's Zoning Orders through Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act

Committee of the Whole recommends the memorandum from Paul Freeman, Chief Planner dated January 6, 2021 be received and that staff provide further comments to the Province related to the need for municipal and resident engagement for Minister's Zoning Orders affecting municipal or provincial lands to ensure that proposals are in keeping with municipal plans and initiatives.

H.1.2

Michael Manett - Support for Item J.1 - Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis in York Region

Committee of the Whole recommends the communication from Michael Manett, MPlan Inc. on behalf of North Elgin Centre Inc. dated February 10, 2021 be received.

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Minutes - Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee - January 27, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends the minutes of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee meeting on January 27, 2021 be received.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation - 2020 Municipal Partnership Report

Committee of the Whole recommends the communication from Chris Rickett, Director of Municipal and Stakeholder Relations, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation dated January 27, 2021 be received.

I.1.2

Bill 239 Stay Home If You Are Sick Act - MPP Peggy Sattler

Committee of the Whole recommends the communication from Peggy Sattler, MPP London West dated January 25, 2021 be received and referred to the Medical Officer of Health for comment on this matter.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Non-Competitive Contract Awards, Extensions, and Increases

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 28, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer:

1. Council authorize the award, extension, and increase of contracts between the Region and each of the vendors listed in Attachment 1 and Private Attachment 1 for the terms described in the attachments.
2. The Commissioner of Community and Health Services be authorized to delegate the execution of direct purchase agreements and associated extensions, increases, and renewals, to the General Manager, Paramedic and Seniors Services, the Public Health Medical Officer of Health, and the General Manager, Social Services in relation to the provision of goods and services and product standardizations, provided that the agreement amounts are within their delegated signing authority limits. This delegation will enable expedited approval for the provision of goods and services which provide services to vulnerable persons.

I.2.2

Compensation for Expropriation - West Vaughan Sewage Servicing Project - 7082 Islington Avenue - City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated January 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize the Commissioner of Corporate Services to make an offer of compensation to the owner of land in the City of Vaughan, as set out in Attachment 1, which was acquired in accordance with the Expropriations Act (the “Act”).

I.2.3

Expropriation Settlement - Viva Bus Rapid Transit Corridor and Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension - 3131 Highway 7 West - City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated January 29, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize the settlement of all claims pursuant to the Expropriations Act related to the property municipally known as 3131 Highway 7 West, as described in Attachment 1, for the construction of the Viva Bus Rapid Transit Corridor (vivaNext) and the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) on Highway 7 West in the City of Vaughan.
2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute the Minutes of Settlement and all necessary documentation to complete the transaction in accordance with the Minutes of Settlement.

J.

Notice of Motion

J.1

Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis in York Region

Committee of the Whole determined the Notice of Motion from Regional Councillor DiPaola received February 2, 2021 will be considered at the February 25, 2021 Regional Council meeting. The motion is to be moved by Regional Councillor DiPaola and seconded by Mayor Taylor.

J.2

Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) Countryside and Settlement Designations (WITHDRAWN)

The Notice of Motion from Regional Councillor DiPaola received on February 3, 2021 was withdrawn.

J.3

Parkland Dedication Bylaw Request to Support Acceleration of Affordable Housing

Committee of the Whole determined the Notice of Motion from Mayor Taylor received February 9, 2021 will be considered at the February 25, 2021 Regional Council meeting. The motion is to be moved by Mayor Taylor and seconded by Regional Councillor DiPaola.

J.4

Land Request to Support Acceleration of Affordable Housing

Committee of the Whole determined the Notice of Motion from Mayor Taylor received February 9, 2021 will be considered at the February 25, 2021 Regional Council meeting. The motion is to be moved by Mayor Taylor and seconded by Regional Councillor DiPaola.

K.

Other Business

K.1

COVID-19 Update

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.

Committee of the Whole agreed to send the following to the Province of Ontario related to Moving York Region to Red Zone of Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework:

WHEREAS York Regional Council supports the decision of the Ontario Government to gradually re-open the province; and

WHEREAS York Region students will return to in-person learning effective Tuesday, February 16, 2021; and

WHEREAS COVID-19 variants have been identified as an area of concern and continue to be monitored and managed in York Region; and

WHEREAS despite confirmed cases of variants, positive cases of COVID-19 in York Region continue to trend downwards; and

WHEREAS York Region continues to engage enhanced enforcement of COVID-19 regulations and public health measures; and

WHEREAS re-opening businesses and small businesses will support economic recovery; and

WHEREAS subject to continuing current downward trends of indicators, Dr. Kurji, Medical Officer of Health supports moving York Region into the Red Zone.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that subject to continuing current downward trends of indicators and close monitoring of the COVID-19 variants of concern, York Regional Council supports and requests the Government of Ontario to move York Region into the Red Zone of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework effective February 22, 2021 and the inclusion of opening for small businesses.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a joint letter conveying Council’s support be sent from the Regional Chair and Dr. Kurji, Medical Officer of Health, to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Health, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and all local area Members of Provincial Parliament.

K.2

Lunar New Year

Regional Chair Emmerson wished all those celebrating the Lunar New Year the best in health, prosperity, happiness and peace.

K.3

Family Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted February 15 is Family Day in Ontario and extended best wishes to all residents.

K.4

Flag Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted February 15 is also National Flag Day and encouraged residents to celebrate their Canadian heritage and reflect on the common values of our communities including equality, diversity and inclusion.

K.5

YTN Telecom Network Inc. Board of Directors Cancellation

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the YTN Telecom Network Inc. Board of Directors meeting scheduled February 25, 2021 following Regional Council has been cancelled.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole resolved into Private Session at 1:41 p.m.

At 1:43 p.m. Committee of the Whole resumed in Public Session and reported the following:

L.1

Establishment of Standard Technology Products - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report dated January 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of the Environmental Services to Regional Council's Private Session on February 25, 2021. 

L.2

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.1. Non-Competitive Contract Awards, Extensions, and Increases - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.3

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.2. Compensation for Expropriation - West Vaughan Sewage Servicing Project - 7082 Islington Avenue - City of Vaughan - Acquisition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.3. Expropriation Settlement - Viva Bus Rapid Transit Corridor and Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension - 3131 Highway 7 West - City of Vaughan - Disposition of Land and Litigation

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 2:15 p.m.