Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, September 08, 2022

9:00 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Electronic and In-Person Meeting

Council Chambers

17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket

Members:

• W. Emmerson, 
• 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, 
• J. Taylor, 
• T. Vegh, 
• and D. West 

Staff:

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

---

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 located on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples such as 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.

York Region falls under the Nanfan Treaty, Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties. There are also other land claims and treaty rights involving portions of York Region that have not been resolved.

The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation is a Williams Treaty First Nation and the closest First Nation community to York Region.”

A.1

Member Service Recognition

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized the years of service of the following Members of Council:

• City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Mario Ferri - 15 Years of Service
• Town of Newmarket Mayor John Taylor - 16 Years of Service
• City of Markham Regional Councillor Jack Heath - 19 Years of Service
• Town of Georgina Regional Councillor Robert Grossi - 21 Years of Service
• City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati - 22 Years of Service
• City of Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti - 34 Years of Service

B.

Disclosures of Interest

None

C.

Presentations

C.1

Housing York Inc. Annual Update

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Kerry Hobbs, Director, Housing Operations, Housing York Inc.

C.2

YorkNet Annual Update

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Laura Bradley, General Manager, YTN Telecom Network Inc. 

C.3

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Annual Update

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Danielle Hutson, Vice President, Communications, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation.

D.

Deputations

D.1

Unwarranted Traffic Signal - Woodbine Avenue between Green Lane and Mount Albert Road, Town of East Gwillimbury

Committee of the Whole received the deputation from Aarthi Thaya and Jonathan Law on behalf of Rice Group and referred the matter to staff for a report back at the September 29, 2022 Regional Council meeting. 

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

Whistle Cessation Request for St. John’s Sideroad, Town of Aurora

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works dated August 25, 2022.

E.1.2

Installation of an Unwarranted Pedestrian Crossover - Mount Albert Road in the Vicinity of Countryman Road - Town of East Gwillimbury

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Tara Lajevardi, Municipal Clerk, Town of East Gwillimbury dated August 22, 2022.

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

Annual Traveller Safety Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 26, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council receive this report for information.

E.2.2

2022 Transportation Master Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 25, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council approve the 2022 Transportation Master Plan, included as Attachment 1 to this report.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the local municipalities, Toronto and Region and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authorities, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

E.2.3

Award of York Region Transit South-East Division Operations and Maintenance Contract

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 25, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council approve award of the contract for transit operations and maintenance of the South-East Transit Division to Miller Transit Limited, pursuant to Request for Proposal P-421-21, for the total estimated contract value of $517,218,580 excluding HST, with the amount payable to the contractor based on billable hours for each contract year, subject to Council budget approval.
2. The Region enter into an agreement with Miller Transit Limited to deliver services described in Request for Proposal P-421-21, for a term of seven years, commencing on July 2, 2023, and expiring on August 30, 2030, with an option for the Region to renew for an additional term of up to three years, based on the contractor’s performance during the agreement’s initial term.
3. Council authorize the Commissioner of Public Works, on behalf of the Region, to execute the agreement with Miller Transit Limited to deliver services described in Request for Proposal P-421-21, together with such further documents that may be required, including any amendments to extend the agreement for an additional three-year term as specified above, subject to the contractor meeting the agreement’s performance targets.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

2021 Corporate State of Infrastructure Report

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works dated August 25, 2022.

F.2

Reports

None

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

2023 - 2027 York Region Plan for Seniors Update

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services dated August 25, 2022.

G.1.2

Show Your Local Love Day

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Daniele Zanotti, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Greater Toronto Area dated August 26, 2022 and recognize September 23, 2022 as 'Show Your Local Love Day'.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting - June 22, 2022

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on June 22, 2022.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

None

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

York Region Climate Change Action Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 25, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services, the Chief Planner and the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council approve the 2022 York Region Climate Change Action Plan (Attachment 1).
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report and the Climate Change Action Plan to the Clerks of the local municipalities, Lake Simcoe and Toronto and Region Conservation Authorities, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

H.2.2

2022 Mid-Year Development Activity Summary

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 25, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the local municipalities.

H.2.3

York Region Tourism Review

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 25, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council direct staff to allocate resources targeted for tourism promotion to support broader tourism activities rather than being dedicated to one regional tourism destination marketing organization.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

York Region's Progress on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum from Bruce Macgregor, Chief Administrative Officer, dated August 30, 2022.

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

2022 Operating and Capital Mid-Year Progress Report

Committee of the whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 26, 2022 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the 2022 gross capital expenditure changes and associated funding sources, as well as changes to 2022 Capital Spending Authority and associated funding sources, including an increase of $2.5 million in Capital Spending Authority debt as detailed in Attachments 3 and 4.
2. Council approve a draw of up to $585,000 from the Cannabis Contingency Reserve Fund to fund unanticipated operating costs of cannabis-related investigations incurred by York Regional Police in 2022.

I.2.2

Vacant Homes Tax to Support Affordable Housing Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated August 26, 2022 from the Commissioner of Finance, the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council direct staff to continue its work on a potential Vacant Homes Tax and report back during the first quarter of 2023 with a proposed program design and a draft bylaw.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities.

I.2.3

Temporary Borrowing Authorization for 2023

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated August 26, 2022 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. The Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to obtain temporary borrowing during 2023 from either external financing or by means of temporary loans from reserves and reserve funds for the following amounts and purposes:
   
   • • Up to $565 million to fund operating expenditures pending receipt of tax levies and other revenues
     • Up to $300 million to fund capital expenditures until such time as long-term financing is in place
2. The Regional Chair and Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents.
3. The Regional Solicitor be authorized to prepare the necessary bylaws.

I.2.4

Contract Awards, including Emergency Purchases, Fast Tracks, and Renewals between April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022

Committee of the Whole recommends the adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated August 11, 2022 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information. 

J.

Notice of Motion

J.1

Proposed Motion from Mayor Taylor

Committee of the Whole determined the following motion from Mayor Taylor, notice of which was received on September 8, 2022, will be considered at the September 29, 2022 Regional Council meeting:

WHEREAS Inn from the Cold (IFTC), located in the Town of Newmarket, is a long-standing service provider and provides services and programs for residents experiencing homelessness in York Region; and

WHEREAS IFTC is planning to build a new facility on land that it has purchased, and which includes a portion of land that has been provided by the Town of Newmarket at 17046 Yonge Street; and,

WHEREAS the development will include 26 emergency housing beds and 18 transitional housing units which will provide additional capacity in York Region.

WHEREAS this facility will provide specialized supports to residents that are living unsheltered and have a history of chronic homelessness; and,

WHEREAS the matter is time sensitive because:

• • capital support provided by York Region will strengthen the IFTC’s application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Co-Investment Fund for approximately $6.5 million to supplement the total estimated capital budget of approximately $12 million
  • their current lease is expected to end in October 2024, and it is unknown, at this time, if the lease can be further extended
  • Pending various expedited zoning/permit applications, IFTC is aiming to open in fall 2024 to ensure no gap between the potential end of the lease and availability of beds / loss of shelter capacity in the Region
  • the development timeline requires that funding be confirmed as soon as possible; and

WHEREAS The Region’s Surplus Management Policy requires that any operating surplus be allocated to the target balances of the Region’s Working Capital Reserve, Contingent Liability Reserves, General Capital Reserve, Fuel Cost Stabilization Reserve, and the Debt Reduction Reserve.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that York Region provide $1 million in capital funding, to be drawn from the Social Housing Development Reserve, to IFTC to support the development of the new emergency and transitional housing facility targeting people who are chronically homeless; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the approval of $1 million in capital funding to IFTC does not commit York Region to providing any additional capital or operating funding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $1 million capital funding from York Region be contingent on the execution of a funding agreement between the Region and IFTC; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that any 2022 operating surplus be first allocated, up to $1 million, to the Social Housing Development Reserve, before allocating any remaining surplus in accordance with the Region’s Surplus Management Policy.

K.

Other Business

K.1

2022 Municipal Election

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that there are 245 candidates running for a total of 76 elected positions across the Region in the upcoming 2022 Municipal Elections and extended best wishes to all those contesting.

On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson congratulated Mayor Pellegrini and Mayor Taylor whose positions have been acclaimed for the 2022-2026 term of Regional Council.

K.2

Condolences to James Smith Cree Nation, Saskatchewan

Regional Chair Emmerson expressed sorrow about the horrific events that occurred on September 4, 2022 on the James Smith Cree Nation and surrounding communities in Saskatchewan.

On behalf of Regional Council and York Region residents, Regional Chair Emmerson extended condolences to the family and friends of those affected by this tragedy. A moment of silence was observed in honour of the victims.

K.3

September 11 - National Day of Service and Remembrance

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and expressed condolences to victims and their families. Regional Chair Emmerson thanked all civilian and military volunteers who continue to offer their service to the community.

K.4

P.J. Marshall Innovation Award

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that York Region was awarded the P.J. Marshall Innovation Award for the York Durham Sewage System Forcemain Twinning project at the 2022 Association of Municipalities Ontario Conference. Regional Chair Emmerson extended congratulations and thanked all those involved in the project.

K.5

COVID-19 Update

Regional Chair Emmerson provided an updated on the continued response to COVID-19 and noted that Public Health continues to run several vaccination clinics throughout the Region offering first, second and booster doses to everyone five years and older and offering pediatric doses to children aged six months to under five years by appointment. 

Regional Chair Emmerson thanked Members of Council, staff and residents for their continuous efforts in keeping our communities healthy and safe throughout the pandemic.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole did not resolve into Private Session.

L.1

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.4 - Contract Awards, including Emergency Purchases, Fast Tracks and Renewals between April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022 - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole forwarded the private attachment to Council's private session on September 29, 2022.

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 10:54 a.m.