Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, March 07, 2024

9:00 A.m. - 1:00 P.m.

Electronic and In-Person Meeting

Council Chambers

17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket

Members:

• W. Emmerson, 
• G. Chan, 
• M. Chan, 
• N. Davison, 
• J. DiPaola, 
• M. Ferri, 
• V. Hackson, 
• A. Ho, 
• L. Jackson, 
• J. Jones, 
• J. Li, 
• I. Lovatt, 
• S. Pellegrini, 
• M. Quirk, 
• M. G. Racco, 
• G. Rosati, 
• F. Scarpitti, 
• J. Taylor, 
• T. Vegh, 
• and D. West 

Staff:

• D. Basso, 
• K. Chislett, 
• P. Freeman, 
• D. Kuzmyk, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• L. McDowell, 
• L. Mirabella, 
• Dr. B. Pakes, 
• and C. Raynor 

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A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m.

B.

Land Acknowledgement

Regional Chair Emmerson made the following remarks:

"We acknowledge that York Region is located on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples including 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.

Today this area is home to many diverse Indigenous Peoples, and we recognize their history, spirituality, culture and stewardship of this land.

We also acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our closest First Nation community."

C.

Disclosures of Interest

Mayor Scarpitti declared an interest in Items J.2.2 and M.3, report and private attachment on Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval as his brother is an employee of Compugen Inc.. Mayor Scarpitti did not participate in the discussion or vote on this matter.

(See Items J.2.2 and M.3)

D.

Presentations

D.1

York Region Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Joseph Petrungaro, Director, Roads, Traffic and Fleet, Nelson Costa, Manager, Corridor Control and Safety, and Constable Todd Snooks, York Regional Police.

E.

Deputations

E.1

York Region Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Peter Miasek.

F.

Public Works - Transportation Services

F.1

Communications

None

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

York Region Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations, as amended, in the report dated February 12, 2024 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council approve York Region Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, included as Attachment 1, which is amended to include the City of Markham's Road Safety Plan as part of the list of countermeasures outlined in Appendix 2. 
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of the local municipalities, York Regional Police, York Region school boards and Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.

G.

Public Works - Environmental Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Proposed Redistribution Policy for Servicing Allocation

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Monica Beattie, Senior Clerk's Coordinator, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville dated January 5, 2024.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Wastewater Energy Transfer Agreement with Markham District Energy Inc.

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated February 13, 2024 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to negotiate and execute an agreement with Markham District Energy Inc. to implement a wastewater energy transfer system at 8100 Warden Avenue, Markham, subject to the terms and conditions set out in Private Attachment 1, and on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Public Works and on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor.
2. Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to execute any future extensions or amendments that may be required.

H.

Community and Health Services

H.1

Communications

None

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

A Place to Thrive: York Region's 2024 to 2027 Plan for Newcomer Inclusion

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated February 13, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve A Place to Thrive: York Region’s 2024 to 2027 Plan for Newcomer Inclusion (Attachment 1).
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report and attachment to the Clerks of local municipalities, Newcomer Inclusion Table of York Region, Human Services Planning Board of York Region, and York Region Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group.

H.2.2

2024 to 2027 York Region Plan to Support Seniors: Navigating Forward Together

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated February 13, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve the 2024 to 2027 York Region Plan to Support Seniors: Navigating Forward Together (Attachment 1)
2. Regional Chair write to York Region Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament requesting they advocate to Federal and Provincial governments to seek collaboration, support and further investments to advance five priorities identified in the advocacy agenda of the 2024 to 2027 York Region Plan to Support Seniors: Navigating Forward Together including:
   1. Mandating prevention-focused annual in-home or supported virtual visits with a health professional to proactively connect seniors 75 and older to needed information, health services and community supports
   2. Policy planning and funding across seniors continuum of health and social care that leverages innovative evidence-based approaches to enable seniors to age in the right place for their own needs, circumstances and preferences, including promising practices like Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities and other age friendly supports
   3. Sustainable funding for preventative and responsive Community Paramedicine programs that have proven to assist vulnerable seniors in their homes, and reduce avoidable 911 calls
   4. Investments to sustain, scale and spread programs and supports that enhance seniors access to technology and reduce the digital divide
   5. Establishment of a provincial service system manager or other form of coordinating body to coordinate and align improvements across multiple ministries, sectors and stakeholders supporting seniors
3. Regional Clerk circulate this report for information to York Region Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament, local municipalities, York Region Human Services Planning Board, Home and Community Care Support Services Central, Ontario Health Teams in York Region, Ontario Health Central Region, AdvantAge Ontario, Ontario Long-Term Care Association, Ontario Community Support Association, Ontario Municipal Social Services Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

H.2.3

Approach to Developing York Region's 2025 to 2035 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated February 9, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. The Regional Clerk forward this report to local Members of Parliament, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local Members of Provincial Parliament and Clerks of the local municipalities.

In addition to above, Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations:

1. Staff be directed to bring back a report by June 2024 that outlines a rapid deployment plan, with funding options, for emergency and transitional housing to address the exponential growth in homelessness.
2. The Region approach other Regional Municipalities and the City of Toronto to establish a GTA Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Group consisting of elected officials.

I.

Planning and Economic Development

I.1

Communications

None

I.2

Reports

None

J.

Finance and Administration

J.1

Communications

J.1.1

Proclamation Request - World Down Syndrome Day - March 21, 2024

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the correspondence from Giovanna Arduini-Arcella, President, Down Syndrome Association of York Region dated February 7, 2024 and recognize March 21, 2024 as World Down Syndrome Day.

J.1.2

Contract Awards from October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated February 9, 2024 from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.

J.2

Reports

J.2.1

Review and Update of Council-Approved Policies

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated February 21, 2024 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. Council approve proposed updates to the following policies as outlined in Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H:
   1. Accessibility Policy
   2. Advertising on York Region Transit Vehicles and Property Policy
   3. Delegation of Powers and Duties of Regional Council Policy
   4. Investment Policy
   5. Special Events on Regional Roads Policy
   6. Transit Lost and Found Policy
   7. Transit Vehicle Charters Policy
   8. York Region Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Policy Framework
2. Council rescind the following policies:
   1. Custody of Documents Policy
   2. Copies of Records and Agendas to the Public Policy
   3. Employee Commuting Option Policy
   4. Municipal Freedom and Protection of Privacy Act Policy
3. Council convert the following policies to administrative policies:
   1. Archives Policy
   2. Corporate Purchasing Card Policy

J.2.2

Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated February 9, 2024 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the new non-standard procurements, extensions, and increases described in Appendix A and Private Attachment 1.
2. Council authorize the Signing Authorities in Table 6 of this Report to execute the related contracts and instruments for the purchases in Appendix A and Private Attachment 1.

(Mayor Scarpitti did not take part in the discussion or vote on this matter.)

J.2.3

Go Transit Station Funding Act, 2023 - Regulatory Recommendations

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated February 23, 2024 from the Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the recommendations in Table 2 of this report as well the recommendations below, in response to the regulatory framework for the new Station Contribution Fee, under the GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023, requesting the Province:
   1. Clarify that a Station Contribution Fee can be levied on either a municipal-wide or area-specific basis, specifically:
      1. that the decision to levy the charge on a municipal-wide, or area-specific, basis, be at the sole discretion of municipal council;
      2. any associated mapping, in support of the benefitting area, being at the discretion of the municipal council and as part of the background study process.
   2. Align eligible capital costs with the Development Charges Act, 1997, and specifically include land and all studies-related costs.
   3. Clarify that municipalities be given latitude in developing the associated rate structure, including the ability to employ a differentiated rate.  
   4. Clarify development cost offsets, that municipalities levying the new fee will be required to provide developers, need not be commensurate/equal to additional costs associated with the new fee, specifically:
      1. that in a two-tier jurisdiction, where the upper-tier municipality levies the fee, a local municipal offset would satisfy this requirement;
      2. that the methodology for calculating municipal offsets, and which offsets are to be used, form part of the associated background study and be at the sole discretion of a municipal council.
   5. Allow a municipal council to determine additional exemptions in consultation with the development industry (and other interested stakeholders), and form part of the background study and bylaw;
      1. that any revenue reductions, resulting from any exemptions, can be funded by future development.
2. Outside of the regulatory framework, the Province be requested to clarify:
   1. how a municipality is prescribed to be eligible to levy the fee and that, once prescribed, there is no ability for developers to ‘opt out’ of participation;
   2. that the new Station Contribution Fee does not represent a shift in funding responsibilities for new GO Transit Stations, from the Province to developers and municipalities.
3. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Transportation, local Members of Provincial Parliament, and the local municipalities.

J.2.4

Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee - February 21, 2024

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee held on February 21, 2024.

K.

Notice of Motion

K.1

Proposed Motion from Mayor Mrakas

Committee of the Whole determined the following motion from Mayor Mrakas, notice of which was received on March 7, 2024, will be considered at the April 11, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting:

WHEREAS York Region has recently adopted a true hybrid work policy where 60% of the staff will work only 50% of their work week on site;

WHEREAS Regional office buildings, including the 422,000 square foot Regional Head Office on Yonge Street will now, as a consequence, have sizeable areas of under and unused taxpayer funded office space available for other purposes;
 
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. 1. Regional Staff be directed to undertake a review of all Regionally-owned buildings for the purposes of identifying those that are under and/or unused and provide an analysis of those that can be potentially repurposed for other regional priorities including supportive housing.

L.

Other Business

L.1

Welcome Back Mayor Hackson

Regional Chair Emmerson welcomed Mayor Hackson back to Council after her short absence and thanked East Gwillimbury's Councillors Brian Johns and Scott Crone for their participation during the Mayor's absence.

L.2

Passing of Right Honourable Brian Mulroney

Regional Chair Emmerson announced, with sadness, the passing of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney on Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

As Canada’s 18th Prime Minister Brian Mulroney was renowned for his ability to forge relationships with those from all walks of life including world leaders and those living in small communities. He introduced major economic reforms undertook constitutional changes and established Canada’s first free trade agreement with the United States. 

Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of York Region, expressed condolences to his family. Regional Council observed a moment of silence for Right Honourable Brian Mulroney.

L.3

Tennessee Plane Crash

Regional Chair Emmerson expressed condolences to the friends and loved ones of King Township's Dotsenko family who were victims of the deadly plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee on March 5, 2024. Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Members of Council, extended support to Mayor Pellegrini and all mourning this tragic loss.

L.4

Passing of Benny Del Duca

Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Members of Council, expressed condolences and support to Mayor Del Duca and his family on the passing of his father, Benny Del Duca.

L.5

Observances and Days of Significance

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that March marks the following significant celebrations:

• Irish Heritage Month
• Persian Heritage Month
• Bangladeshi Heritage Month
• Nutrition Month
• Developmental Disabilities Month
• Red Cross Month

L.6

Social Work Week

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that March 4 to March 10, 2024 is Social Work Week in Ontario. Social workers play a critical role in supporting the well-being health, safety and stability of people across our communities.

Regional Chair Emmerson recognized York Region’s many social workers whose compassion and dedication to our residents supports strong, caring, safe communities.

L.7

Employee Appreciation Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that March 1, 2024 was Employee Appreciation Day, and recognized and thanked York Region staff for their incredible contributions and unwavering commitment to our residents, communities, and organization. 

L.8

International Women's Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that March 8, 2024 is International Women's day and extended appreciation to all women on Regional Council and Staff.

L.9

Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers

Regional Chair Emmerson announced that on March 1, 2024, the Government of Ontario honoured 24 youth with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers. Among those recipients were five exceptional residents of York Region representing the City of Markham, City of Vaughan and Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Regional Chair Emmerson, on behalf of Members of Council, congratulated the recipients.

M.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole did not resolve into Closed Session.

M.1

Private Attachment 1 to Item G.2.1 - Wastewater Energy Transfer Agreement with Markham District Energy Inc. - Information Supplied in Confidence and Negotiations

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

M.2

Private Attachment 1 to Item J.1.2 - Contract Awards from October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

M.3

Private Attachment 1 to Item J.2.2 - Contract Awards and Amendments Requiring Council Approval - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the private attachment. Attachment remains private.

(Mayor Scarpitti did not take part in the discussion or vote on this matter.)

N.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 11:28 a.m.