Coronavirus causes York Region to shelve some, but not all, projects and services

COVID-19 leads to some changes in York Region

Yorkregion.com
April 23, 2020
Kim Zarzour

Region's roads operations continue, but automated speed enforcement could be delayed. Traffic field studies and red-light cameras are on hold for now.

In comparison to local municipalities, it is mostly “business as usual” as far as regional government goes in York Region.

The coronavirus pandemic has not had as much impact on the region as it has at the local level, noted Patrick Casey, the region’s director of corporate communications.

That’s because the region does not operate the kinds of community-facing programs and facilities, such as libraries and recreational programs, that municipal governments provide, he added.

There have been some changes, though.

Service on York Region Transit has been reduced by 50 per cent to reflect reduction in ridership.

“Maintaining service for those who require it is very important, especially for health-care and front-line workers, and those within the cleaning sector,” Casey said.

Measures taken to reduce community spread on public transit include: social distancing, with no more than 50 per cent of passenger load allowed per bus on routes with high ridership; isolating drivers by allowing only middle and rear-door passenger boarding; further isolating drivers with a two-metre driver area cordoned off from passengers; and increasing disinfection.

With the provincial ordering of further closures of non-essential businesses, York Region is reviewing capital and construction projects that are scheduled or are underway.

Each of these are being considered on a case-by-case basis, Casey said, and where work continues, staff is ensuring physical distancing.

The York Region facility at 17150 Yonge St. was set to open this year at the corner of Yonge and Eagle streets in Newmarket, with services to begin relocating in late spring.

Casey said the majority of construction at 17150 Yonge St. has been completed. Preparations for continuing the remaining work is currently underway.

Though the vast majority of the region’s roads operations continue, the implementation of automated speed enforcement scheduled for May could be delayed due to supplier and processing delays. Traffic field studies and red-light cameras are on hold until further notice.

Meanwhile, York Region forestry-related events and programs are cancelled until at least June.

Provincial Offences courts, York Region Court Services and Prosecution offices are closed until May 29. All matters scheduled in the York Region Provincial Offences courts between March 16 and May 29 will be postponed to a later date and new trial notices will be mailed out, Casey said.

Applications for time extensions, reopenings, trial requests, serving an appeal and disclosure requests are not being accepted until further notice. There is one exception: If a driver’s licence was suspended due to an overdue fine, applications for a time extension or for reopening may be submitted via email to NewmarketPOA@york.ca or RichmondHillPOA@york.ca.

Fines and Provincial Offences Tickets can continue to be paid online at paytickets.ca.

The most up-to-date information on temporary closures and service disruption is available at york.ca/closures.

A report from the Commissioner of Community and Health Services came to regional council's committee of the whole April 16, outlining what the region is doing to respond to the pandemic and social services needs, including child care and homeless issues.