Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Thursday, May 05, 2022

9:00 A.m. - 2:00 P.m.

Electronic Meeting

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, 
• F. Scarpitti, 
• J. Taylor, 
• T. Vegh, 
• and D. West 

Staff:

• D. Basso, 
• K. Chislett, 
• P. Freeman, 
• B. Macgregor, 
• E. Mahoney, 
• S. Maio, 
• C. Raynor, 
• K. Strueby, 
• and M.F. Turner 

---

A.

Call to Order

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 9:01 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."

B.

Disclosures of Interest

At the May 19, 2022 Special Committee of the Whole meeting - MCR, Mayor Quirk declared and interest in Item I.2.10 – ‘Financing Leases as at December 31, 2021’, as her husband is a retired YRP officer and works under contract with YRP and her stepson is a YRP officer.

C.

Presentations

C.1

Your Region for Business

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Stephen Lund, Chief Executive Officer, Mark Cohon, Chairman and Daniel Hengeveld, Vice President Investment Attraction, Toronto Global.

(See Item H.2.2)

C.2

Mackenzie Health Update

Committee of the Whole received the presentation by Altaf Stationwala, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mackenzie Health.

D.

Deputations

D.1

Provision of Free Period Products

Committee of the Whole received the deputation by Keyna Sarkar on behalf of the Red Mvmnt and referred it to staff.

E.

Transportation Services

E.1

Communications

E.1.1

York Region Transit 2021 Enforcement and Security Annual Report

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated April 14, 2022 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works.

E.1.2

Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program - Enhanced Crosswalks

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated April 14, 2022 from Erin Mahoney, Commissioner of Public Works.

E.2

Reports

E.2.1

South York Greenway Cycling and Pedestrian Corridor Route Alignment and Project Advancement

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council endorse the preferred route alignment, in principle, of the South York Greenway Cycling and Pedestrian Corridor, as shown on Attachment 1.
2. Council authorize the direct purchase of detailed design services for three priority sections of the South York Greenway Cycling and Pedestrian Corridor from WSP Canada Inc., in the amount of $1,367,628.80, excluding HST.
3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of the Cities of Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

E.2.2

Direct Purchase of Corporate Fleet Electric Pickup Trucks and Cargo Vans

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council authorize the direct purchase of up to ten electric pickup trucks and up to ten electric cargo vans at a total combined cost of up to $1.3 million, excluding HST, as replacement vehicles pursuant to the provisions of the Procurement Bylaw from an authorized Ford Motor Company of Canada dealer.
2. Council authorize the use of $1.3 million from the vehicle replacement reserve, including interim appropriation spending, to complete the purchase.
3. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the necessary agreements required to procure the vehicles.

E.2.3

Bayview Avenue/Prospect Street Cycling Improvements - Town of Newmarket

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Lane Designation Bylaw 2020-53 be amended to designate bicycle lanes on Bayview Avenue/Prospect Street (Y.R. 34) between 1^st Street/Pearson Street and Mulock Court and between Srigley Street and Timothy Street, in the Town of Newmarket, as outlined in this report.
2. Parking Bylaw 2017-37 be amended to prohibit stopping on both sides of Bayview Avenue/Prospect Street (Y.R. 34) between Srigley Street and Mulock Drive (Y.R. 74), in the Town of Newmarket, as outlined in this report.
3. Posted speed limit on Bayview Avenue/Prospect Street (Y.R. 34) between Davis Drive (Y.R. 31) and 265 metres south of Mulock Drive (Y.R. 74), in the Town of Newmarket, be reduced to 40 km/h.
4. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerk of the Town of Newmarket and Chief of York Regional Police.
5. The Regional Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaws. 

E.2.4

Access and Operating Agreement for York Region Transit Services at Metrolinx Facilities

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council authorize entering into an access and operating agreement with Metrolinx to permit access for York Region Transit buses to various Metrolinx facilities, for a term of ten years.
2. The Regional Solicitor be authorized to prepare the necessary documents.
3. The Commissioner of Transportation Services be authorized to execute the agreement and any future extensions or amendments that may be required.

F.

Environmental Services

F.1

Communications

F.1.1

Mount Albert Landowners Group

Committee of the Whole received the communication from Brad Rogers, Principal Planner, President, Groundswell Urban Planners Inc. dated May 3, 2022.

(See Item F.2.2)

F.1.2

Mount Albert Water and Wastewater System Upgrades and Development Agreement

Committee of the Whole received the communication from Irene Ford, dated May 4, 2022.

(See Item F.2.2)

F.2

Reports

F.2.1

Regional Greening Strategy Refinement and 2021 Achievements

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 13, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council adopt the refined Regional Greening Strategy.
2. 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 Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

F.2.2

Mount Albert Water and Wastewater System Upgrades and Development Agreement

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 13, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council authorize staff to negotiate a development agreement with the Mount Albert Developer Group to fund design and construction upgrades to the Mount Albert water and wastewater systems based on principles identified in this report.
2. Council authorize the Phase 1 servicing capacity assignment of 1,350 persons to the Town of East Gwillimbury for use in Mount Albert upon completion of upgrades to the Mount Albert water and wastewater systems.
3. Council authorize the Director, Infrastructure Asset Management, Public Works to execute the development agreement and to assign the Phase 2 servicing capacity of up to 540 persons to the Town of East Gwillimbury for use in Mount Albert subject to confirmatory performance monitoring following completion of Mount Albert water and wastewater system upgrades.
4. The Clerk to circulate this report to Town of East Gwillimbury and Mount Albert Developer Group.

F.2.3

York Region's Circular Economy Roadmap

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 13, 2022 from the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council endorse York Region’s Circular Economy Roadmap (Attachment 1).
2. Regional Clerk circulate this report and Attachment 1 to local municipal councils, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative.

G.

Community and Health Services

G.1

Communications

G.1.1

Update on Public Health Response to COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the memorandum dated April 21, 2022 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services and the Medical Officer of Health.

G.1.2

Update on the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System

Committee of the Whole received the memorandum dated May 3, 2022 from Katherine Chislett, Commissioner of Community and Health Services.

G.2

Reports

G.2.1

Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for York Region

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2022 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council approve the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for York Region (Attachment 1).
2. Council direct Commissioner of Community and Health Services to submit the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for York Region to the Ministry of the Solicitor General in accordance with requirements set out under the Police Services Act, 1990.
3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to Clerks of local municipalities, York Regional Police Services Board and Human Services Planning Board of York Region.

G.2.2

I Count 2021 - A Profile of Homelessness in York Region

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 14, 2022 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council receive this report for information.

G.2.3

Long-Term Care Transformation: Second Draft National Standard

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 14, 2022 from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services:

1. Council, in its role as Committee of Management for York Region’s long-term care homes, Newmarket Health Centre and Maple Health Centre, endorse staff feedback on draft national standards for the operations and infection, prevention and control of long-term care homes, provided in Attachment 1, submitted to the Canadian Standards Association Group on April 11, 2022.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the local municipalities, York Region Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament, Minister of Long-Term Care, Minister of Health, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, Ontario Health Central Region, Home and Community Care Support Services Central, Ontario Health Teams in York Region, AdvantAge Ontario, Ontario Long-Term Care Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

G.2.4

Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee - April 20, 2022

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the Minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on April 20, 2022.

H.

Planning and Economic Development

H.1

Communications

H.1.1

Update on Residential Sustainable Development Incentive Programs

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt of the communication from Susan Sheard dated May 3, 2022.

(See Item H.2.1)

H.2

Reports

H.2.1

Update on Residential Sustainable Development Incentive Programs

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services, the Chief Planner and the Commissioner of Public Works:

1. Council approve the updated Sustainable Development Incentive Programs which continues the Sustainable Development through LEED Program and terminates York Region’s Servicing Incentive Program.
2. Council request local municipalities with programs tied to York Region’s Servicing Incentive Program update their policies to reflect termination of this program.
3. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Clerks of local municipalities and Building Industry and Land Development Association for information.

H.2.2

Toronto Global Membership and Foreign Direct Investment Realignment

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council approve participation with the Toronto Global partnership at the Municipal Collaborator level of $50,000.
2. The report be circulated by the Regional Clerk to local municipalities, Toronto Global, and the Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade.

H.2.3

Affordable Housing in York Region – 2021 Measuring and Monitoring

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 21, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Building Industry and Land Development Association – York Chapter (BILD) and local municipalities.

H.2.4

2021 Regional Centres and Corridors Update

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 21, 2022 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Planner:

1. Council continue to advocate for Federal and/or Provincial funding toward the Phase Three Rapid Transit network, and critical infrastructure for the advancement of the Yonge North Subway Extension project that will support and implement Provincial Growth Plan forecasts within the Regional Centres and Corridors.
2. The Regional Clerk forward this report to the local municipalities, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and York Region Members of Federal and Provincial Parliament as an example of the Region’s continued commitment to transit-oriented development within Regional Centres and Corridors.

I.

Finance and Administration

I.1

Communications

I.1.1

Town of Georgina Resolution - Federal Government Sanctions Imposed on Russia

Committee of the Whole recommends receipt and referral to staff of the communication from Carolyn Lance, Council Services Coordinator, Town of Georgina dated March 31, 2022.

I.1.2

Region of York Development Charge Bylaw Review

Committee of the Whole received the communication from Robert Howe, Goodmans LLP, dated May 3, 2022.

(See Item I.2.7)

I.2

Reports

I.2.1

2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan - Year 3 (2021) Progress Report and 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan Development

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 8, 2022 from the Chief Administrative Officer:

1. Council approve the approach for development of the draft 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan, outlined in this report, in alignment with the four Vision areas of focus: Economic Vitality, Healthy Communities, Sustainable Environment and Good Government.
2. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local municipalities.

I.2.2

2021 Accounts Receivable Write-off and Status Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 13, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

I.2.3

Contract Awards, including Emergency Purchases, Fast Tracks, and Renewals - January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 20, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

I.2.4

2023 Interim Appropriations

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 12, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve 2023 interim appropriations for Regional operating expenditures not exceeding $667,300,000, which represents 25 per cent of the 2022 gross operating budget of $2.7 billion, as detailed in Attachment 1.
2. Council approve 2023 interim appropriations for Regional capital expenditures not exceeding $459,240,000, which represents 50 per cent of the 2023 capital expenditures of $918 million as included in the Region’s 10 year Capital Plan endorsed by Council as part of the 2022 Budget, as detailed in Attachment 2.
3. Council approve additional Capital Spending Authority of $135,691,000 and associated funding sources, including $1,784,000 in Capital Spending Authority debt, as detailed in Attachment 3, to allow departments to procure and sign contracts so as to not delay capital projects and required work. This amount is in addition to the Capital Spending Authority approved through the 2022 Budget and subsequent in-year adjustments.

I.2.5

2023 Budget Directions

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 22, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council endorse the proposed timeline for the development of the 2023-2026 Budget and approval of the 2023 Budget as outlined in Table 3.

I.2.6

2021 Annual Investment Report

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 13, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

I.2.7

2022 Development Charges Bylaw and Background Study - Final

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 22, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council approve the 2022 Development Charges Bylaw, with an effective date of June 17, 2022, that incorporates the rates as set out in the 2022 Development Charges Background Study (Attachment 1).
2. Pursuant to the Development Charges Act, 1997:
   1. Council determine that no further public meeting is required
   2. Notice of the passage of the bylaw be given
3. Regional staff be authorized to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal or the courts, as appropriate, to defend the Region’s position if the 2022 Development Charges Bylaw is appealed.
4. The Regional Solicitor be authorized to execute Minutes of Settlement, to resolve any appeals to the 2022 Development Charges Bylaw.
5. The Regional Clerk circulate this report to local municipalities and the Building Industry and Land Development Association – York Chapter.

I.2.8

Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation Debenture for the Township of King

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations in the report dated April 13, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

Subject to the receipt of the necessary supporting documents from the Township of King:

1. Council approve the request by the Township of King for the long-term financing in an amount not to exceed $4,500,000 to finance municipal infrastructure for a term not to exceed 15 years.
2. Council approve the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (OILC) for all or part of the above noted financing, on behalf of the Township of King.
3. The Regional Chair and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents, subject to review by Legal Services.

I.2.9

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 April 13, 2022 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 by the Town of Georgina for long-term financing in an amount not to exceed $2,080,000 to finance the Julia Munro Park, for a term not to exceed 10 years.
2. Council approve the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (OILC) for all or part of the above noted financing, on behalf of the Town of Georgina.
3. The Regional Chair and Regional Treasurer be authorized to execute the necessary documents, subject to review by Legal Services.

I.2.10

Financing Leases as at December 31, 2021

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 19, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. Council receive this report for information.

I.2.11

Prepaid Development Charge Credit Agreement with the Sutton Developer Group in the Town of Georgina

Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendation in the report dated April 22, 2022 from the Acting Commissioner of Finance:

1. The Regional Chair and Regional Clerk be authorized to enter into a funding agreement with the Sutton Developer Group for the design of an expansion of the Sutton Water Resource Recovery Facility (Sutton WRRF).

J.

Notice of Motion

None

K.

Other Business

K.1

Retirement - Ann-Marie Carroll - General Manager, Interim Transition - Transportation

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the retirement of Ann-Marie Carroll, General Manager, Interim Transition - Transportation. Commissioner Mahoney highlighted Ms. Carroll's 20 years at York Region and the impact her leadership had had on transit. Regional Chair Emmerson and Commissioner Mahoney extended their congratulations to Ms. Carroll.

K.2

Passing of Kathleen Llewellyn-Thomas

Regional Chair Emmerson announced the passing of Kathleen Llewellyn-Thomas, York Region's former Commissioner of Transportation. After five years with the Region, Ms. Llewellyn-Thomas left to lend her expertise to the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and was currently serving as Chief Strategy and Customer Officer for the Toronto Transit Corporation.

On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended sincerest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

K.3

Updated Land Acknowledgment

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that York Region has updated its land acknowledgment to recognize and honour the historical cultural communities geographically associated with the Region. In updating this acknowledgment, the Region is working to create an environment that fosters Indigenous inclusion and demonstrate its accountability to relationship-building with Indigenous partners. 

K.4

Red Dress Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that today is Red Dress Day, which honours the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples. It is also a day to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

K.5

COVID-19 Update

Regional Chair Emmerson advised that yesterday, York Region held its final meeting of both the Regional Emergency Operations Centre and the Regional Emergency Control Group. He noted that although COVID-19 remains active in our communities, the Region is beginning to move past emergency response and winding down emergency operations. 

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that throughout the pandemic, Council has relied on the leadership and expertise of the Regional Emergency Operations Centre and Control Group to support the actions the Region has taken to protect the health and well-being of our communities.

On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Emmerson extended sincere appreciation to the countless staff who have served on these teams and dedicated themselves to the health and safety of the Region's organizations and residents.

K.6

World Press Freedom Day

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that May 3, 2022 marked World Press Freedom Day, which is the United Nation’s day of observance to celebrate the role journalists play in society and honour those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth.

Regional Chair Emmerson extended appreciation to the Region's local, regional and national media partners.

K.7

National Nurses Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that May 9 to 13, 2022 is National Nurses Week in Canada and, on behalf of Regional Council, thanked the thousands of women and men in the Region's communities dedicating their lives to the health and well-being of others.

K.8

Economic Development Week

Regional Chair Emmerson noted that May 9 to 13, 2022 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 also noted that, thanks to the work of the Region's economic development teams, York Region is Canada’s second largest tech hub, Ontario’s second largest financial hub and one of the most diverse business centres in the country.

L.

Private Session

Committee of the Whole did not resolve into Private Session.

L.1

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.3 - Contract Awards, Fast Tracks, and Renewals - January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022 - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

L.2

Private Attachment 1 to Item I.2.10 - Financing Leases as at December 31, 2021 - Security of Property

Committee of the Whole received the private attachment.

M.

Adjournment

Committee of the Whole adjourned at 12:18 p.m.