Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, October 14, 2021

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

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,
• D. Kuzmyk,
• J. Li,
• B. Macgregor,
• E. Mahoney,
• C. Raynor,
• and M.F. Turner

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A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9:02 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

Environmental Services Water and Wastewater Capital Infrastructure Status Update

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Mike Rabeau, Director, Capital Planning and Delivery.

D.

Deputations

D.1

Parents Against Child Trafficking (PACT) and Council of Women Against Sex Trafficking in York Region

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Robert Vallee and recommends that Council refer the matter to staff for a report back on potential revisions to Federal/Provincial legislation, clarifying jurisdictions of enforcement and any further measures the Region, York Regional Police (YRP) or local municipalities could implement.

D.2

Deputations related to Item H.2.1 - Proposed York Region Official Plan Amendment No. 7

D.2.1

Ira Kagan on behalf of Block 41 Landowners Group (Vaughan) and Angus Glen Landowners Group (Markham)

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Ira Kagan on behalf of Block 41 Landowners Group (Vaughan) and Angus Glen Landowners Group (Markham).

D.2.2

Don Given on behalf of Block 41 Landowners Group, Angus Glen Landowners Group and Robinson Glen Block Landowners Group

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Don Given on behalf of Block 41 Landowners Group, Angus Glen Landowners Group and Robinson Glen Block Landowners Group.

D.2.3

Kim Empringham on behalf of the York Federation of Agriculture

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Kim Empringham on behalf of the York Federation of Agriculture.

D.2.4

David Donnelly on behalf of Friends to Conserve Kleinburg

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from David Donnelly on behalf of Friends to Conserve Kleinburg.

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

Transportation Master Plan - Update on Public Engagement and Strategic Planning

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Ann-Marie Carroll, Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services dated September 24, 2021.

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

Annual Traveller Safety Report

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

1. Council receive this report for information.

E.2.2

Results of Pedestrian and Cyclist Pilot Measures

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 24, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities and York Regional Police.

E.2.3

Municipal Streetscape and Pedestrian and Cycling Partnership Programs Annual Update

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

1. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

E.2.4

Award of Consulting Services for Yonge Street - Davis Drive to Green Lane - Town of Newmarket and Town of East Gwillimbury

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 24, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Council approve award of contract for Contract Administration and Inspection Services for Yonge Street (Y.R. 1), from Davis Drive (Y.R. 31) to Green Lane (Y.R. 19), in the Town of Newmarket and Town of East Gwillimbury, to AECOM Canada Limited, pursuant to Request for Proposal P-21-63, at a total cost of $4,583,130.34, excluding HST.
2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region.

E.2.5

Award of Consulting Engineering Services for 16th Avenue - Woodbine Avenue to Kennedy Road - City of Markham

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

1. Council approve award of contract for consulting engineering services for detailed design of improvements to 16th Avenue (Y.R. 73), from Woodbine Avenue (Y.R. 08) to Kennedy Road (Y.R. 3) in the City of Markham, to SNC Lavalin Inc., pursuant to Request for Proposal P-306-21, at a total cost of $5,873,365, excluding HST.
2. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the Region. 

E.2.6

Traffic Bylaw Amendment to Support High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes - City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 24, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services:

1. Lane Designation Bylaw No. 2020-53 be amended to designate high occupancy vehicle lanes on Major Mackenzie Drive West (Y.R. 25) between Pine Valley Drive (Y.R. 57) and Islington Avenue (Y.R. 17).
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerk of the City of Vaughan and Chief of York Regional Police.
3. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

Operational Summary - York Energy Centre in Township of King

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Environmental Services dated October 4, 2021.

F.1.2

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Letter - Upper York Sewage Solution

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from The Honourable David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks dated October 5, 2021.

F.1.3

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Study on Impact of Gas Phase Out in Ontario

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Carla Nell, Vice-President, Corporate Relations, Stakeholder Engagement and Innovation, Independent Electricity System Operator dated October 7, 2021.

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

Water and Wastewater Capital Infrastructure Status Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 15, 2021 from the Commissioner of Environmental Services:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Ontario Ministers of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Municipal Affairs and Housing and Infrastructure, Clerks of the local municipalities, Building Industry and Land Development Association, and the Ontario Homebuilders’ Association.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Social Service Response to COVID-19 Global Pandemic - Q2 and Q3 2021 Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated September 23, 2021.

G.1.2

Update on the Federal Rapid Housing Initiative and Provincial Social Services Relief Fund - Phase 2

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated September 24, 2021.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Analysis of Ontario's Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission's Final Report and Recommendations for Urgent Provincial Action

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 24, 2021 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve the priority recommendations set out in Attachment 1 for urgent provincial action to transform the long-term care sector including recommendations related to accelerated staffing investments, sustainable and long-term provincial funding across the seniors continuum of care, pandemic preparedness and legislative and regulatory changes to align with resident-centred care as informed by Ontario's Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission’s Final Report and Recommendations.
2. The Regional Chair, on behalf of Regional Council, send this report and a letter to the Ministers of Health, Long-Term Care, Finance, Seniors and Accessibility, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Children, Community and Social Services and communicate Council’s request that the Province urgently act on the priority recommendations identified by York Region.
3. The Regional Clerk provide a copy of this report to the Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament representing York Region requesting their support to advocate for urgent provincial action on the priority recommendations identified by York Region.
4. The Regional Clerk circulate this report for information to local municipalities, York Region Human Services Planning Board members, Home and Community Care Support Services Central, Ontario Health Teams in York Region, Ontario Health Central Region, AdvantAge Ontario, Ontario Long-Term Care Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. 

G.2.2

2020 Long-Term Care and Seniors Community Program Annual Performance Updates

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated September 24, 2021 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council receive this report and attachments for information to ensure Council’s compliance with the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, other provincial government directives and emergency orders.

G.2.3

Proposed New Community Investment Fund Framework

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated September 24, 2021 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve the new framework for the Community Investment Fund program as set out in Attachment 1.
2. Council authorize and direct the Commissioner of Community and Health Services to:
   1. Approve Community Investment Fund projects and funding allocations, including multi-year allocations where appropriate, subject to approval of the program budget as part of annual Budget process.
   2. Direct external funding, where appropriate, through the Community Investment Fund to support initiatives that address human service needs.
   3. Report annually on results of the Community Investment Fund.
3. Council approve a six-month funding extension to current projects, as detailed in Attachment 2 and subject to Budget approval, to support program transition.

G.2.4

Minutes - York Region Human Services Planning Board - September 17, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Human Services Planning Board dated September 17, 2021.

G.2.5

Minutes - York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee - September 22, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee dated September 22, 2021.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Communications related to Item H.2.1 - Proposed York Region Official Plan Amendment No. 7

H.1.1.1

Notice of Request for Proposed Official Plan Amendment Redesignation of Agricultural Lands in Greenbelt Plan - ROPA 7

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Sameer Dhalla, P.Eng, Director, Development and Engineering Services, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority dated September 22, 2021.

H.1.1.2

Notice of Request for Proposed Official Plan Amendment Redesignation of Agricultural Lands in Greenbelt Plan - ROPA 7

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Sameer Dhalla, P.Eng, Director, Development and Engineering Services, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority dated October 12, 2021.

H.1.1.3

Proposed ROPA 7

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Irene Ford, Resident dated October 13, 2021.

H.1.2

Town of East Gwillimbury Resolution - Development Charges Deferral Request - East Gwillimbury Children's Centre - 18335 Leslie Street

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Tara Lajevardi, Acting Municipal Clerk, Town of East Gwillimbury dated August 9, 2021.

Committee of the Whole recessed at 11:52 a.m. and resumed at 12:34 p.m. 

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Proposed York Region Official Plan Amendment No. 7

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following resolution:

WHEREAS the Greenbelt Plan, 2017 promotes parks and open spaces as an important component of complete communities and directs municipalities to provide for a full range of publicly accessible, built and natural settings for recreation for all lands falling within the Protected Countryside, including facilities, parkland, open space areas and trails;

WHEREAS the Greenbelt Plan, 2017 supports a range of recreation uses such as parks and trails, as well as major recreational use such as golf courses and serviced playing fields, within the rural lands of the Protected Countryside;

WHEREAS the Greenbelt lands in New Community Areas within Vaughan and Markham, designated Prime Agricultural within the York Region Official Plan (Agricultural designation), are planned to be surrounded by urban uses, compromising their ability to be used for farming and other agricultural uses; 

WHEREAS portions of the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt Plan contain lands outside of key natural heritage features or key hydrologic features and their associated vegetation protection zones, where recreation, parks and open spaces may be located and expanded; 

WHEREAS the Region of York Policy Directions Report, dated June 10, 2021, included proposed mapping which identifies the Greenbelt lands in New Community Areas within Vaughan and Markham as Rural as part of the Regional Official Plan Update, which would allow for recreation, parks and open spaces as directed by the Greenbelt Plan; and, 

WHEREAS the location of, programming, and uses within parks are a local matter, determined through local official plans and local decisions on site-specific development applications; 

NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED: 

1. That the Council of the Regional Municipality of York receive the staff report.
2. That the Council of the Regional Municipality of York supports the redesignation of the Protected Countryside portions of the Greenbelt Lands in New Community Areas within Vaughan and Markham from Prime Agricultural to Rural.
3. That staff prepare a bylaw to give effect to a modified ROPA 7 as proposed by the applicant in correspondence dated October 13, 2021 and listed as Item D.2.2 on the October 14, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting, designating the subject lands as rural and permitting active parkland and recreational uses which may include serviced playing fields and golf courses, and forward it to the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for approval.
4. That ROPA 7 permits Markham and Vaughan to develop the parameters of ROPA 7 in their Official Plans and allows Markham and Vaughan to develop policies including but not limited to park credits, location, programming, and details of parks and open spaces within the rural lands of the Greenbelt.
5. That golf course use and reconfigurations by Angus Glen Golf Courses be permitted within the Bruce Creek Greenbelt lands in the City of Markham.

H.2.2

Minutes - York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee - September 29, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory meeting dated September 29, 2021.

H.2.3

Minutes - Housing Affordability Task Force Meeting - October 7, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the Housing Affordability Task Force meeting dated October 7, 2021.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

York Region Participation in the Provincial Audit and Accountability Fund Program and Submission of Intake 2 Reports

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Bruce Macgregor, Chief Administrative Officer dated October 7, 2021.

I.1.2

Optional Small Business Property Subclass Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Jason Li, Acting Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated October 1, 2021.

I.1.3

City of Richmond Hill Resolution - Option to Fill the Vacancy in the Office of the Mayor - Alternate Regional Council

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk, City of Richmond Hill dated September 29, 2021.

I.1.4

Proposed Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 to Support Funding of the Yonge North Subway Extension

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Jason Li, Acting Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated October 12, 2021.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation Debenture for the Town of Georgina

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 1, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

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

1. Council approve the request from the Town of Georgina for the long-term financing in an amount not to exceed $49,960,000 to finance the construction of the Multi-Use Recreation Complex (MURC) for a term not to exceed 25 years.
2. Council approve the submission of an application to the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (OILC) for all or part of the above noted financing, by York Region on behalf of the Town of Georgina.
3. Regional Chair and Acting Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents, subject to review by Legal Services.

I.2.2

Vacant Homes Tax to Support Affordable Housing

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 1, 2021 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance, the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council direct staff to develop a feasibility study and public benefits review of a Vacant Homes Tax in York Region.
2. Any revenues from a Vacant Homes Tax, net of costs, be used to support affordable housing initiatives.
3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Ministries of Finance and Municipal Affairs and Housing, the local municipalities, and the local Chambers of Commerce/Boards of Trade.

I.2.3

Council Code of Conduct - Members Use of Social Media

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated September 21, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Regional Clerk:

1. Council receive this report for information.
2. Staff be directed to develop, in consultation with the Integrity Commissioner, social media guidelines and/or requirements for Council's consideration for inclusion in the Code of Conduct.

I.2.4

Acquisition of Land -10980 Jane Street - City of Vaughan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 1, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council approve the acquisition of the interests in land set out in Attachment 1, for the Northeast Vaughan Water Servicing Project, 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.

I.2.5

Disposition of Land - 7755 Bayview Avenue - City of Markham

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated October 1, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize the disposition of lands in the City of Markham, described in Attachment 1, that have been deemed surplus to Regional requirements.
2. The Commissioner of Corporate Services be authorized to execute the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and all necessary documents to complete the transaction.

I.2.6

Disposition of Land - 432 and 438 to 442 Davis Drive - Town of Newmarket

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 27, 2021 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:

1. Council authorize the disposition of lands in the Town of Newmarket, described in Attachment 1, that have been deemed surplus to Regional requirements.
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 in accordance with the Sales and Other Disposition of Lands policy.

J.

Notice of Motion

J.1

Actions to Address Anti-Asian Hate

The following notice of motion, moved by Acting Regional Councillor Chan and seconded by Mayor Taylor, was presented to Committee of the Whole. In accordance with Procedure Bylaw 2018-59, as amended, this motion will be considered at the November Committee of the Whole meeting:

WHEREAS the York Regional Police (YRP) has reported in April 2021 that an increase of 137.5% of hate crime occurrences against East and South East Asian communities in the 2020 statistics;

WHEREAS there have been incidents motivated by Asian-hate reported in the York Region throughout 2021, including charges laid against an individual in March 2021, a confrontation in August 2021 and hate-crime charge made by the YRP in September 2021;

WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of York is committed to taking action to achieve the vision as espoused in the Inclusion Charter to celebrate the diverse population of 1.2 million in the Region where everyone can live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

Council affirms its commitment to the vision of the York Region Inclusion Charter, and condemns the increasing hate-related incidents against residents of Asian descent. And furthermore that York Region declares zero-tolerance of any form of hate-related behaviour and conduct against its residents, and that

Council directs staff to report to Council in the first quarter of 2022 with a proposed plan to work with community organizations to establish a process based on the best practices in other jurisdictions to combat hate-motivated incidents in York Region.

K.

Other Business

K.1

Declaration of Office - Councillor Godwin Chan

At the beginning of the meeting, Godwin Chan orally recited his signed Declaration of Office and took his seat as alternate member of the Council of the Regional Municipality of York from the City of Richmond Hill until the vacancy in the Officer of Mayor of Richmond Hill is filled permanently.

K.2

Small Business Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted October 17 to October 23 is Small Business Week in Canada and encouraged residents to continue supporting local York Region businesses. 

K.3

Anniversary of Waste Reduction Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted October 18 to October 24 is the 20th anniversary of Waste Reduction Week in Canada and encouraged residents to reflect on what they can do to reduce waste, help mitigate climate change and water pollution, and preserve our natural resources.

K.4

COVID-19 Update - Dr. Gould

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that Dr. Gould, Acting Medical Officer of Health will be providing a COVID-19 update at the October 28, 2021 Regional Council meeting.

K.5

Cancellation - Agriculture and Agri-food Advisory Committee - October 27, 2021

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that the Agriculture and Agri-food Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for October 27, 2021 has been cancelled.

K.6

Resolution - Lifting Restrictions on Restaurant Industry and Additional Support Implementing Vaccine Passport Program

Committee of the Whole recommends that Council adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS the restaurant industry was the first closed, has suffered the longest closures and the deepest restrictions throughout the pandemic; and,

WHEREAS the restaurant industry has borne the expenses of PPE and safety protocols throughout the pandemic as well as the expenses related to recent introduction of the vaccine passport system despite historic revenue losses; and,

WHEREAS according to survey data from Restaurants Canada: 8 out of 10 restaurants have been operating at a loss or barely scraping by with a profit margin of 2% or less throughout the entire pandemic; nearly half of all foodservice businesses have been consistently losing money ever since the first wave of lockdowns ended last year; and 7 out of 10 restaurant operators are still receiving the federal wage and/or rent subsidy, and these critical sources of support end this month; and,

WHEREAS the vaccine passport system only allows for fully vaccinated customers in dining rooms; and,

WHEREAS the Province of Ontario announced effective Saturday, October 9, 2021, that capacity limits will be lifted to allow 100% capacity for fully vaccinated patrons in the following settings:

• Concert venues, theatres and cinemas;
• Spectator areas of facilities for sports and recreational fitness;
• Meeting and event spaces; and,

WHEREAS restaurants must continue to adhere to strict distancing regulations which severely restrict the number of customers that can be served;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that York Regional Council request the Province of Ontario to immediately lift all capacity restrictions for restaurants and provide additional financial support for restaurants and small businesses to recognize the cost of implementing the vaccine passport program; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this motion be circulated to the Premier, Dr. Moore Chief Medical Officer of Health, York Region MPPs and AMO.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole did not resolve into Private Session.

L.1

Provincial Employment Services Transformation and Request to Submit Call for Proposals to be the Employment Service System Manager for York Region - Labour Relations

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private report to Council's private session on October 28, 2021. 

L.2

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.4. - Acquisition of Land - 10980 Jane Street - City of Vaughan - Acquisition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.3

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.5. - Disposition of Land - 7755 Bayview Avenue - City of Markham - Disposition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.4

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.6. - Disposition of Land - 432 and 438 to 442 Davis Drive - Town of Newmarket - Disposition of Land

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 3:48 p.m.