2020 COMMUNITY REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
For the year ended December 31, 2020 The Regional Municipality of York Ontario, Canada
york.ca
2020 COMMUNITY REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
For the year ended December 31, 2020 The Regional Municipality of York Ontario, Canada
Prepared by Corporate Services and Finance york.ca OUR VISION Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
OUR MISSION Working together to serve our thriving communities – today and tomorrow
OUR VALUES Integrity Commitment Accountability Respect Excellence TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Regional Council ...... 1 Organizational Structure ...... 2. Message from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ...... 3. Message from the Chief Administrative Officer ...... 4 Who are we? ...... 5 Strategic Planning Framework ...... 7. 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan Year 2 (2020) Progress Report ...... 9 Responding to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic ...... 11. Economic Vitality ...... 11. Community Health, Safety and Well-being ...... 12 Building Sustainable Communities and Protecting the Environment ...... 12. Delivering Trusted and Efficient Services ...... 1. 2 2020 Awards and Highlights ...... 13 Message from Commissioner of Finance & Regional Treasurer ...... 15 2020 Financial Information ...... 22 Chairman & CEO Wayne Emmerson
Mayor Mayor Mayor Regional Councillor Mayor Tom Mrakas Virginia Hackson Margaret Quirk Robert Grossi Steve Pellegrini Town of Aurora Town of East Gwillimbury Town of Georgina Town of Georgina Township of King
Mayor Regional Councillor Regional Councillor Regional Councillor Regional Councillor Frank Scarpitti Don Hamilton Jack Heath Joe Li Jim Jones City of Markham City of Markham City of Markham City of Markham City of Markham
Mayor Regional Councillor Mayor Acting Mayor Regional Councillor Acting Regional Councillor John Taylor Tom Vegh David Barrow Joe DiPaola Carmine Perrelli Godwin Chan Town of Newmarket Town of Newmarket City of Richmond Hill City of Richmond Hill City of Richmond Hill City of Richmond Hill
Mayor Regional Councillor Regional Councillor Regional Councillor Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Mario Ferri Gino Rosati Linda Jackson Iain Lovatt City of Vaughan City of Vaughan City of Vaughan City of Vaughan Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
1 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK | 2020 COMMUNITY REPORT REGIONAL COUNCIL YORK REGION ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE One of six regional governments in Ontario, The Regional Municipality of York (York Region) is an upper-tier municipal government that provides common YORK REGIONAL COUNCIL programs and services to residents and businesses in nine cities and towns . The area municipalities are represented by Mayors and Regional Councillors WAYNE EMMERSON on York Regional Council . York Region Chairman and CEO LINA BIGIONI York Region Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff to York Region Chairman The York Region Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the head of Council . The Chairman and CEO is elected by the members of Regional Council BRUCE MACGREGOR Chief Administrative Officer at the first meeting of each term and serves a four-year term . The 21-member Council sets policies, direction and budgets for York Region KATHERINE CHISLETT through Committee of the Whole and Council meetings that include the Commissioner Community and Health Services following reports: • Audit DR. KARIM KURJI • Community and Health Services Medical Officer of Health Community and Health Services • Environmental Services • Finance and Administration KATHY MILSOM • Planning and Economic Development General Manager of Housing • Transportation Services LAURA MIRABELLA During Committee of the Whole, Council members receive public input, Commissioner review policies, consider staff reports and have discussions prior to making Finance and Regional Treasurer recommendations to be considered at Regional Council meetings . DINO BASSO The following boards and corporations oversee and operate with varying Commissioner degrees of Council oversight: Corporate Services • York Region Rapid Transit Board of Directors PAUL FREEMAN • York Regional Police Services Board Chief Planner • Housing York Inc . Board of Directors Planning and Economic Development • York Net Board of Directors LAURA BRADLEY General Manager Chief Administrative Officer YorkNet The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) oversees the senior management team SHARON KENNEDY responsible for providing programs and services to residents and businesses Executive Director in addition to providing financial, technical, property, legal, administrative Human Resource Services and human resource services . The following positions include the Region’s senior management team and senior staff responsible for advising ERIN MAHONEY Commissioner Council and/or its Boards: Environmental Services • Commissioner of Community and Health Services PAUL JANKOWSKI • Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer Commissioner • Commissioner of Corporate Services Transportation Services • Commissioner of Environmental Services • Commissioner of Transportation Services DAN KUZMYK Acting Regional Solicitor • Regional Solicitor Legal and Court Services • Executive Director of Strategies and Initiatives • Executive Director of Human Resources MARY-FRANCES TURNER • Medical Officer of Health President York Region Rapid Transit Corporation • Chief Planner • President of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation DAVID RENNIE • General Manager of Housing Services Executive Director • General Manager of York Telecom Network Strategies and Initiatives 2 A MESSAGE FROM THE YORK REGION CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER to support core Regional services . Throughout year one of the pandemic, In 2020, capital spending included Regional Council remained supportive an investment of more than $448 of the health and well-being of million in our Regional transportation residents and the economic vitality of network, including the acceleration the local business community . To slow of 14 roads capital projects . In the spread of the virus, while also December 2020, Regional Council also reopening the economy, York Region approved the creation of a Pandemic was among the first municipalities Management Reserve Fund to support to introduce the mandatory wearing any future tax-supported expenditure of masks on York Region Transit and Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO or revenue shortfall due to COVID-19 . later in all indoor public spaces . Beyond the budget, 2020 proved to Regional Council strongly advocated The 2020 Community Report be one of the most challenging in York to senior levels of government for a highlights the combined efforts of Region’s history . balanced approach to health York Regional Council, York Region In early 2020, Regional Council and and safety measures, focusing staff and community partners, shining many areas of the organization on the mental and physical health a spotlight on our collaborative efforts began to turn attention to the rapidly of residents and the interest of to make our communities strong, evolving COVID-19 global pandemic . small businesses . caring and safe places to live, work, On February 29, York Region reported As COVID-19 vaccinations continue play and visit . the first positive case of COVID-19 in to be administered across our The report also highlights York the community, followed by the first communities, Regional Council Region’s critical response to the pandemic-related death on March 22 . looks to 2021 with an eye on COVID-19 global pandemic and This led to the official declaration of post-pandemic recovery . 2020 was efforts to balance the health and a state of emergency in The Regional a fast-changing and challenging year safety of residents with the economic Municipality of York on March 23 . for all, but through collaboration, York interests of local businesses . By year end, York Region had Region, the local business community The accomplishments over the responded to 17,737 cases of COVID-19 and our 1 .2 million residents have past year lay the foundation for in the community, including 1,369 demonstrated our collective strength . the post-pandemic recovery of confirmed and suspected outbreaks Together, we will continue to ensure our communities, residents and and regrettably 359 fatalities . A York Region remains the best place to businesses and will be essential to response of this magnitude was only live, work, play and visit . build the kind of communities future possible through a collaborative generations will want to call home . approach, and Regional Council In 2020, York Regional Council continues to thank our partners at approved a $3 3. billion budget, all levels of government, community Wayne Emmerson which included $826 million for new stakeholders and residents for their Chairman and CEO infrastructure and $2 5. billion support and commitment to the health and safety of all . The Regional Municipality of York
3 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK | 2020 COMMUNITY REPORT A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 2020 was a year unlike anything The programs and services featured we have experienced in the 50-year represent the dedication and history of York Region . The corporate commitment of York Regional response to the COVID-19 global Council, staff, municipal counterparts, pandemic saw more than 1,800 staff stakeholders and partners in redeployed to ensure the health and responding to the pandemic, while safety of residents while also ensuring also maintaining the quality of life essential programs and services were we are most proud of in York Region . uninterrupted . We also relied on the As we work towards post-pandemic support of municipal partners who recovery, we will continue to seek Bruce Macgregor, CAO also redeployed staff to support the out opportunities to drive innovation Region’s overall response . and place our residents and business While a number of non-essential owners at the forefront of On behalf of York Region’s Senior all decisions . Management Team and the 4,900 offerings were temporarily committed staff who work diligently interrupted, the work of the Region to deliver our core services across York continued, and I am proud to report Region, I am pleased to share The 74% of the plan’s key performance Regional Municipality of York’s 2020 measures are trending in the desired Bruce Macgregor Community Report . direction . The complete list of all 31 Chief Administrative Officer performance measures is available The Regional Municipality of York This report combines our Year Two on page 9 and 10 . reporting for the 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan and budget . The four-year cycle The Treasurer’s Report and Financial for planning and budgeting coincides Statements found in the second with the four-year term of Regional portion of this report assure Council . It also allows us to align accountability in achieving our the goals of the Region’s long-term highlighted priorities . outlook, Vision . The priority areas outlined in the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan are the foundation of this report and have been used to organize and highlight achievements in four community result areas: • Increase Economic Prosperity • Support Community Health, Safety and Well-being • Build Sustainable Communities and Protect the Environment • Deliver Trusted and Efficient Services
4 YORK REGION. WHO ARE WE? We are diverse If York Region were a village of 100 people: We are growing 52 villagers would be born in Canada During 2020, York Region grew by approximately 11,100 1 villager would be a non-permanent resident people, accounting for 11 .2% of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) growth . 47 villagers would be born outside of Canada, of these: The Provincial Growth Plan calls for York Region’s population to grow from 1 .2 million in 2019 to 2 0. 2 million 30 would be born in Asia in 2051 and employment growth from 654,650 in 2019 to 11 would be born in Europe 990,000 in 2051 . 4 would be born in the Americas YORK REGIONS POPULATION GROWTH – 1971 TO 2041 (including North, South and Central) 1,800,000 2 would be born in Africa 1,600,000 POPULATION 1,400,000 EMPLOYMENT 1,200,000 YEARS OLD 1,000,000
800,000 3.5% 0 to 4 600,000 13% 5 to 14 YORK REGION POPULATION 400,000 200,000 14% 15 to 24 0 1971 1981 1991 2001 2015 2021 2031 2041 YEAR 27% 25 to 44 29% 45 to 64 We are educated 10% 65 to 84 With 70% of York Region’s residents with a post-secondary education, York Region ranks as the most educated 1% 85 and over population among Canada’s large municipalities . TAX LEVY FUNDING We work hard York Regional Transportation York Region is home to 54,000 businesses and more Police Services than 599,600 jobs . It is the third largest business centre 29 cents 28 cents in Ontario and the destination of choice for more than 4,300 Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) businesses . This makes the Region the second largest ICT cluster in Canada . According to 2016 census data, the average household income is $101,000 ranking York Region the second highest among all Ontario Other* municipalities . 4 cents 2020 We are fiscally responsible Community & Health The 2020 York Region budget was $3 3. billion and Financial Services Initiatives Environmental included $2 5. billion to maintain and operate York Region Corporate 19 cents 6 cents Services Management services and $826 million in capital project funding . With 5 cents 9 cents 2020 being the second year of the four-year budget, it * Other includes: External Partners, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, aligns with the current term of York Regional Council and Court Services, YorkNet the 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan: From Vision to Results.
5 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK | 2020 COMMUNITY REPORT We are committed to delivering quality services • Children’s Services • Court Services TOWN OF • Economic Development GEORGINA • Forestry POP. 48,929 • Housing Services • Long-Term Care • Paramedic Services • Planning • Police Services • Public Health • Regional Roads TOWN OF • Social Assistance EAST GWILLIMBURY POP. 35,098 • Transit • Waste Management • Water
Core Services: Legislated services TOWN OF provided directly to the public to NEWMARKET POP. 90,221 help maintain a high quality of life TOWN OF for York Region residents . WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE TOWN OF POP. 49,814 AURORA POP. 63,258
TOWNSHIP OF KING CITY OF POP. 27,764 RICHMOND HILL CITY OF POP. 210,371 MARKHAM POP. 351,251
Comprised of CITY OF VAUGHAN POP. 336,896 9 Total population estimate Municipalities 1,213,602 (as of December 31, 2020)
Source: York Region, Corporate Services, Long Range Planning Branch, based on Statistics Canada data and CMHC Housing Completion data. Note: Population totals do not total to estimated population due to rounding. 6 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK The strategic planning process helps set the Region’s ambition for the future and how best to achieve it . Strategic planning in York Region is built on a Results-Based-Accountability (RBA) framework and includes two key components – Community Accountability and Performance Accountability – which consider the collective contribution and the York Region specific contribution to the well-being of our community .
COUNCIL COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY
Community Indicator VISION
M U LTMLTI-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN PERFORMANCE
B ACCOUNTABILITY U D DEPARTMENTAL PLANS GET Performance Measure
STAFF INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE PLANS
7 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK | 2020 COMMUNITY REPORT YORK REGION HAS A NUMBER OF PLANS CONTRIBUTING TO ITS VISION OF STRONG, CARING, SAFE COMMUNITIES
VISION MULTI-YEAR BUDGET Vision is Regional Council’s York Region’s multi-year budget outlines the financial commitment to the community, framework to achieve the community results outlined in outlining the quality of life the Strategic Plan, and ultimately support Vision . residents want now and in the Multi-year budgeting aligns with the four-year term future . Vision serves as the of Regional Council and provides the overall financial guiding start for the Region’s direction for York Region, while offering flexibility to make corporate planning activities changes as conditions warrant . and ensures all York Region staff are working in the same direction, regardless of their role or function within the DEPARTMENTAL PLANS organization . Each of York Region’s six department areas develops Vision outlines aspirations for our community and business planning documents that focus on their specific measures of success towards achieving this vision . York services areas within the Region . These department plans Region works with community partners towards achieving support the community result areas set out in the Strategic its vision of strong, caring, safe communities . Plan and help work toward Vision . Department-led plans are informed by master plans, Council direction, STRATEGIC PLAN provincial and federal directives, including the plans In February 2019, The Regional such as the Regional Official Plan and regulatory Municipality of York released and legislative requirements . its 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan: From Vision to Results, INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE PLANS which outlines four areas of Organization-wide, individual staff complete annual focus to meet the community’s performance plans to identify goals and activities in changing needs . alignment with departmental and organizational plans . Building on the success of the 2015 to 2019 Strategic Plan, the plan provides a detailed course of action within the following four community result areas: • Economic Vitality • Healthy Communities • Sustainable Environment • Good Government This plan coincides with the Region’s multi-year budgeting process and aligns with this term of Council to ensure it continues to make progress on serving our communities .
8 2019 TO 2023 STRATEGIC PLAN ATTACHMENT 1 YEAR 2 (2020) PROGRESS REPORT SUMMARY: 23 of 31 = 74% of Performance Measures Trending in the Desired Direction Historical Data YEAR 1 YEAR 2 Baseline Result Area Performance Measure 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Trend
Economic Increase % of business engagements resulting in business retention, Vitality expansion and attraction 44% 45% 37% 53% 61%
Maintain # of transit ridership per capita ** 20.7 20.8 20 19.8 9.5
Increase # of kilometres of bus rapidways 8.70 12.30 12.30 27.30 33.70
Increase # of people and employment within 500 metres of transit Data not available for reporting 241,000.00 257,000.00 265,000.00
Maintain % of on-time performance on all transit routes 94.58% 94.14% 91.45% 91.48% 94.74%
Increase # of road lane kilometres 4,174.51 4,229.70 4,265.12 4,293.00 4,318.00 Healthy Maintain % of residents that rate York Region as a safe place to live Communities 96% 96% 94% 95% 96%
Maintain police emergency (Priority 1) response time in minutes 7:12 7:06 7:00 6:50 6:44 Maintain % of municipal drinking water samples meeting Ontario Drinking Water Standards 99.96% 99.93% 99.89% 100.00% 99.98% Increase % of regional roads with sidewalks and/or dedicated bike lanes in urban areas Data not available for reporting 88% 84% 85% Increase % of 17-year-old students in compliance with Immunization of Data not available for ** School Pupils Act 59.15% 86.43% 91.83% 92.00% reporting Increase % of food service premises with a certified food handler at all Data not available for ** times 47% 52% 68% 77% reporting Increase % of York Region clients receiving help to improve their housing stability Data not available for reporting Maintain paramedic response time for emergency response services to meet Council approved targets 80% 78% 76% 76% 76%
Increase # of advocacy activities related to long-term care beds Data not available for reporting 3 13 10 Decrease # of days to determine York Region residents' eligibility for social assistance 9 9 8 8 3 Decrease # of children with an immediate need waiting for subsidized childcare 1,957 1,258 1,575 2,152 1,855 Increase % of individuals and families remaining stably housed after ** six months who were homeless or at risk of homelessness Data not available for reporting 83% 81% Sustainable Maintain % of wastewater receiving treatment Environment 99.99% 99.97% 99.99% 100.00% 99.97%
Maintain % of residential solid waste diverted from landfill 91% 93% 94% 94% 93% Decrease # of megalitres of treated water consumed per 100,000 population 10,718 9,605 9,855 10,004 10,368 Decrease # of per capita greenhouse gas emissions across Regional operations in tonnes 69.70 64.80 65.20 65.40 55.50
Increase % of growth occurring within the built-up areas 44.5% 46.9% 59.3% 75.0% 59.0% Increase % of development applications meeting timeline commitments Data not available for reporting 100% 100% Maintain # of trees and shrubs planted annually through the Regional ** Greening Strategy Program 93,188 85,464 101,122 102,332 60,539 Good Maintain / Improve comparative $ of operating cost per unit Government of service* 0.86 0.91 1.00 1.01 0.95 9 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK | 2020 COMMUNITY REPORT Increase % of public-facing transactions that can be completed online or with a mobile device Data not available for reporting 60% 73% 75% Increase % of reserve-to-debt ratio 79% 86% 99% 111% 117% Data not Maintain % of regional assets with a condition assessment rating of available for fair or better condition reporting 91% 90% 87% 86% Maintain % of York Region residents that are satisfied with Regional government 86% 78% 75% 81% 87% Increase # of open data sets 163 177 214 228 228
*NOTE: 2018 as baseline year and considered trending in the right direction compared to inflation. 2020 data may be subject to change based on finalized FIR data.
LEGEND = Trending in the desired direction = Not trending in the desired direction = Collecting data For more information **Performance measures negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. visit york.ca/stratplan 2019 TO 2023 STRATEGIC PLAN ATTACHMENT 1 YEAR 2 (2020) PROGRESS REPORT SUMMARY: 23 of 31 = 74% of Performance Measures Trending in the Desired Direction Historical Data YEAR 1 YEAR 2 Baseline Result Area Performance Measure 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Trend
Economic Increase % of business engagements resulting in business retention, Vitality expansion and attraction 44% 45% 37% 53% 61%
Maintain # of transit ridership per capita ** 20.7 20.8 20 19.8 9.5
Increase # of kilometres of bus rapidways 8.70 12.30 12.30 27.30 33.70
Increase # of people and employment within 500 metres of transit Data not available for reporting 241,000.00 257,000.00 265,000.00
Maintain % of on-time performance on all transit routes 94.58% 94.14% 91.45% 91.48% 94.74%
Increase # of road lane kilometres 4,174.51 4,229.70 4,265.12 4,293.00 4,318.00 Healthy Maintain % of residents that rate York Region as a safe place to live Communities 96% 96% 94% 95% 96%
Maintain police emergency (Priority 1) response time in minutes 7:12 7:06 7:00 6:50 6:44 Maintain % of municipal drinking water samples meeting Ontario Drinking Water Standards 99.96% 99.93% 99.89% 100.00% 99.98% Increase % of regional roads with sidewalks and/or dedicated bike lanes in urban areas Data not available for reporting 88% 84% 85% Increase % of 17-year-old students in compliance with Immunization of Data not available for ** School Pupils Act 59.15% 86.43% 91.83% 92.00% reporting Increase % of food service premises with a certified food handler at all Data not available for ** times 47% 52% 68% 77% reporting Increase % of York Region clients receiving help to improve their housing stability Data not available for reporting Maintain paramedic response time for emergency response services to ATTACHMENT 1 2019 TO 2023meet Council approvedSTRATEGIC targets PLAN 80% 78% 76% 76% 76% Increase # of advocacy activities related to long-term care beds YEAR 12 (2019)(2020) PROGRESS REPORT Data not available for reporting 3 13 10 Decrease # of days to determine York Region residents' eligibility for SUMMARY: 2423 of 31social = 77%74% assistance of Performance Measures Trending in the Desired Direction9 9 8 8 3 Decrease # of children with an immediate need waiting for subsidized Historical HistoricalData Data childcare 1,957 1,258 1,575 YEAR2,152 1 YEAR1,855 2 Baseline Result Area Performance Measure YEAR 1 Increase % of individuals and families remaining stably housed after 20162015 20172016 20182017 20192018 2020 TrendTrend 2019 ** six months who were homeless or at risk of homelessness Data not available for reporting 83% 81% EconomicSustainable Increase % of business engagements resulting in business retention, Maintain % of wastewater receiving treatment VitalityEnvironment expansion and attraction 99.99%44%51% 99.97%45%44% 99.99%37%45% 100.00%53%37% 99.97%61%53%
Maintain #% of of transit residential ridership solid per waste capita diverted from landfill ** 20.721.491% 20.893%20.7 94%20.820 94%19.820 93%9.519.8 Decrease # of megalitres of treated water consumed per 100,000 Increase # of kilometres of bus rapidways population 10,7188.70 12.309,6058.70 12.309,85512.30 10,00427.30 12.30 10,36833.7027.30 Decrease # of per capita greenhouse gas emissions across Regional Increase # of people and employment within 500 metres of transit operations in tonnes Data69.70 not Dataavailable not availablefor 64.80reporting for reporting241,00065.20.00 257,000241,000 65.40.00 265,000 257,00055.50.00
MaintainIncrease % % of of growth on-time occurring performance within on the all built-uptransit routes areas 94.58%94.17%44.5% 94.58%94.14%46.9% 91.45%94.14%59.3% 91.48%91.45%75.0% 94.74% 91.48%59.0% Increase % of development applications meeting timeline Increase # of road lane kilometres commitments 4,144.444,174.51Data not available4,229.704,174.51 for reporting4,265.124,229.70 4,293.004,265.12100% 4,318.004,309.46100% Healthy Maintain # of trees and shrubs planted annually through the Regional Maintain % of residents that rate York Region as a safe place to live ** Communities Greening Strategy Program 93,18896%97% 85,46496% 101,12294%96% 102,33295%94% 60,53996%95% Good Maintain / Improve comparative $ of operating cost per unit Maintain police emergency (Priority 1) response time in minutes Government of service* 0.867:128.2 7:060.917.4 7:001.007.3 6:501.017.2 6:440.956.5 MaintainIncrease % % of of public-facing municipal drinking transactions water thatsamples can bemeeting completed Ontario online Drinkingor with a Watermobile Standards device Data99.99%99.96% not available for99.93%99.96% reporting 99.89%99.93%60% 100.00%99.89%73% 100.00%99.98%75% Increase % of regionalreserve-to-debt roads with ratio sidewalks and/or dedicated bike lanes in urban areas Data79% not Dataavailable not availablefor reporting86% for reporting99%88% 111%84%88% 117%85%84% IncreaseMaintain % % of of 17-year-old regional assets students with ina conditioncompliance assessment with Immunization rating of of Data not Data not available for available for ** Schoolfair or better Pupils conditionAct reporting59.15%86.43% 59.15%91% 91.83%86.43%90% 92.00%91.83%87% reporting92.00%86% IncreaseMaintain % % of of food York service Region premises residents with that aare certified satisfied food with handler Regional at all Data not available for ** timesgovernment 86%43%47% 78%52%47% 68%75%52% 77%81%68% reporting87%77% Increase %# ofof openYork Regiondata sets clients receiving help to improve their housing stability 163 177 DataData notnot availableavailable214 forfor reportingreporting228 228
*NOTE: 2018 as baseline yearMaintain and considered paramedic trending response in the right timedirection for compared emergency to inflation. response 2020 services data may tobe subject to change based on finalized FIR data. meet Council approved targets 80%79% 78%80% 76%78% 76%76% 76%76% LEGEND = Trending in the desired direction = Not trending in the desired direction = Collecting data For more information **PerformanceIncrease measures # of negatively advocacy impacted activities due torelated the COVID-19 to long-term pandemic. care beds visit york.ca/stratplan Data not Dataavailable not availablefor reporting for reporting 3 133 1013 Decrease # of days to determine York Region residents' eligibility for For more informationsocial visit assistance york.ca/stratplan 89 9 89 88 38 - Decrease # of children with an immediate need waiting for subsidized childcare 2,2551,957 1,2581,957 1,575 1,2582,152 1,575 1,8552,152 Increase % of individuals and families remaining stably housed after ** six months who were homeless or at risk of homelessness Data not Dataavailable not availablefor reporting for reporting 83% 81%83% Sustainable Maintain % of wastewater receiving treatment Environment 99.99%99.97% 99.99% 99.99%99.97% 100.00%99.99% 100.00%99.97%
Maintain % of residential solid waste diverted from landfill 87%91% 93%91% 94%93% 94%94% 93%94% Decrease # of megalitres of treated water consumed per 100,000 population 10,98910,718 10,7189,605 9,8559,605 10,004 9,855 10,368 10,004 Decrease # of per capita greenhouse gas emissions across Regional operations in tonnes 66.0069.70 64.8069.70 65.2064.80 65.4065.2055.50 65.40
Increase % of growth occurring within the built-up areas 44.5%58.1% 46.9%44.5% 59.3%46.9% 75.0%59.3% 59.0%75.0% Increase % of development applications meeting timeline commitments Data not Dataavailable not availablefor reporting for reporting 100% 100%100% Maintain # of trees and shrubs planted annually through the Regional ** Greening Strategy Program 94,63793,188 85,46493,188 101,122 85,464 102,332 101,122 60,539102,332 Good Maintain / Improve comparative $ of operating cost per unit Government of service* 0.860.81 0.910.86 1.000.91 1.011.00 0.951.01 10 Increase % of public-facing transactions that can be completed online or with a mobile device Data not Dataavailable not availablefor reporting for reporting60% 73%60% 75%73% Increase % of reserve-to-debt ratio 79%73% 86%79% 99%86% 111%99% 117%111% Data not Maintain % of regional assets with a condition assessment rating of available for fair or better condition Datareporting not available for reporting91% 90%91% 87%90% 86%87% Maintain % of York Region residents that are satisfied with Regional government 83%86% 78%86% 75%78% 81%75% 87%81% Increase # of open data sets 163131 177163 214177 228214 228228 *NOTE: 2018 as baseline year and considered trending in the right direction compared to inflation. 2019 data may be subject to change based on finalized FIR data. *NOTE: 2018 as baseline year and considered trending in the right direction compared to inflation. 2020 data may be subject to change based on finalized FIR data. – = Trend unchanged = Collecting data = Trending in the desired direction LEGEND = Trending in the desired direction = Not trending in the desired direction = Collecting data For more information = Not trending in the desired direction = No trend information **Performance measures negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information visitvisit york.ca/stratplanyork.ca/stratplan RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 ECONOMIC VITALITY
GLOBAL PANDEMIC 6,339 housing completions in 2020
Responded to 17,737 cases of COVID-19 13.8% increase in average in the community, including 359 fatalities housing prices in 2020 5,832 new residential building permits Deployed 24 new programs, business issued in 2020, a 33% increase over 2019 solutions and online projects to support the C OVID-19 response Almost 1% growth in population 11.2% of the GTHA population growth $500 million repurposed from the Innovation Investment Reserve Fund to support 5.6% office market vacancy rate, significantly local small businesses lower than Canada’s high of 10.8% in 2020
Distributed more than 300,000 cloth >350,000 sq. ft. of new retail space, with an facemasks to lower-income households additional 1,410,00 sq. ft. under construction through the COVID-19 Community Coordination Table 8.9% of the GTHA’s total Industrial, Commercial and Institutional construction value 30,070 inspections of workplaces, resulting in 16,754 COVID-19 education activities and $5.5 billion capital funding agreement signed 722 non-compliance charges with Province of Ontario to support Yonge North Subway Extension Reached 738,000 people through #spiritofyr campaign, showing gratitude to front-line 6.5 kilometres of bus rapidway heroes and highlighting community resilience segments opened
4.6 million visits to all york.ca COVID-19 33.7 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes, related web pages tree-lined sidewalks and bike lanes completed
Responded to more than 2,500 media 133 lane kilometres of road rehabilitation requests related to COVID-19 and 86 lane kilometres of road preservation projects delivered
YorkNet broadband network expanded by 56 kilometres
$25 million in capital funding for York University’s Markham Centre Campus agreement signed
11 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK | 2020 COMMUNITY REPORT COMMUNITY HEALTH, SAFETY BUILDING SUSTAINABLE AND WELL-BEING COMMUNITIES AND PROTECTING
Responding to the COVID-19 THE ENVIRONMENT global pandemic Top scores in water quality, with 100% of Established 6 emergency child care locations to water samples meeting provincial standards enable health care and other essential workers to stay on the job during COVID-19 pandemic Achieved 99.98% in Chief Drinking response Water Inspector’s Annual Report Card
Delivered new emergency income supports Reached 33.4% canopy cover to low-income households across York Region
Created a self-isolation and transitional 60,539 trees and shrubs planted shelter to keep homeless people safe Launched 6 electric buses Paramedic services responded to over $24 million in federal investments 77,000 calls, transporting patients to for source water protection hospital within mandated timelines Engaged more than 50,000 residents Implemented speed enforcement pilot through 100 virtual outreach events project in 12 community safety zones
Provided a portable housing benefit DELIVERING TRUSTED to 258 households AND EFFICIENT SERVICES Built 194 new community housing units in the City of Vaughan and City of Markham More than 1,800 staff redeployed to help with organizational response to COVID-19 Executed 30 search warrants as part of Project Platinum 3,500 employees transitioned to working from home Seized more than $150 million work of illegal cannabis Between 600 and 900 staff continued to work onsite delivering essential services
5.26 million visits to york.ca
More than 30 awards and accreditations received across various departments
Reached 10,000 followers on Instagram, 30,794 followers on Facebook and 38,258 on Twitter
4 Canada’s Top Employer Awards
15 International Association of Business Communicators Awards
12 AWARDS AND HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC HEALTHY GOOD VITALITY COMMUNITIES GOVERNMENT APEX Award of Excellence York Region Media Group’s MarCom Gold Award for the Newsmaker of the Year for redesign of the York Region MISA Excellence in Municipal Dr . Karim Kurji, Medical Officer Rapid Transit website, yrt ca. System Award for YorkTrax of Health Esri President’s Award for Certificate of Merit from the Silver Award for Innovative York Region’s Enterprise Peter J . Marshall Innovation Management from the Institute of Geographic Information System Award Jury for YorkTrax Public Administration Canada for Greater Toronto Area Top Employer the new Ontario Works service SUSTAINABLE delivery model Canada’s Top Diverse Employer ENVIRONMENT Silver Award for Innovative Canada’s Greenest Employer Trillium award from Landscape Management for the Ontario Works Canada’s Top Employer for Ontario for their outstanding (OW) Transformation project Young People leadership and contribution to the 3M Health Care Quality Team field of horticulture specifically International Association of Business Award (Across a Health System) for the irrigation sector, through the Communicators Communications the partnership work done for the development and delivery of the Department of the Year improving Stroke Outcomes Utilizing Water Smart Irrigation Professional Data and Technology project Government Finance Officers program Association (GFOA) for high-quality 5 separate Commission on 20 years of Forest Stewardship Council budget and financial reporting Accreditations of Rehabilitation Certification for the Management of Distinguished Budget Presentation Facilities International Accreditations the York Regional Forest for Maple and Newmarket Health Government Finance Officers Won the Arboriculture Award of Centres, Psychogeriatric Resource Association (GFOA) Canadian Award Merit from the International Society Consultants and Keswick and Maple for Excellence in Financial Reporting of Arboriculture (Ontario Chapter) for Adult Day Programs High credit ratings in 2020 with both Urban Forestry Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Award of Excellence from the Ontario Global Ratings reaffirmed their credit Water Works Association for ratings for York Region . The Moody’s the Water Reuse Research rating is Aaa/Stable, the highest Demonstration Project possible . While S&P’s is slightly lower at AA+, in 2019 it upgraded the outlook for the Region from stable to positive and maintained that outlook in 2020 .
13 THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK | 2020 COMMUNITY REPORT 14 Message from the COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE AND REGIONAL TREASURER To the members of York Regional Council, residents and ratepayers of The Regional Municipality of York: I am pleased to present this report on York Region’s financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2020 . It discusses our financial results for the year and includes highlights of our consolidated Laura Mirabella, FCPA, FCA, Commissioner of Finance financial statements contained in the 2020 Community Report that can be found at and Regional Treasurer york.ca/annualreports The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with legislation and on a basis consistent with Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards . York Region’s external auditors, KPMG, have expressed their unmodified opinion that the financial statements fairly present the financial position of York Region as of December 31, 2020 .
REGIONAL FISCAL STRATEGY The purpose of the Regional Fiscal Strategy, adopted in 2014 and updated annually, is to help the Region achieve long-term financial sustainability in an equitable way over time . It brings together three related elements, as shown in the diagram below .
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