York Region opens online archives for 50th anniversary celebration

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 28

York Region Turns 50 is a retrospective that includes a decade-by-decade photograph collection

The Regional Municipality of York commemorates its 50th anniversary with a fun look back at the last five decades and a glimpse at what the future holds.

“Like many events over the past year, York Region had to re-think how to celebrate a remarkable first 50 years,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “We wanted to create a celebration worthy of our remarkable history -- in the safest way possible. To do this, we are opening our archives for an online anniversary celebration highlighting key moments and achievements over the last 50 years.”

York Region Turns 50 is a retrospective that will take residents on an online tour of York Region archives, including a decade-by-decade photograph collection on Flickr. Like, share and comment on our #YRturns50 social media posts including exciting then and now photos and interesting York Region facts.

Add to the celebration and York Region’s history by sharing your best memories from the last 50 years. Whether it is school graduation, a family outing or a visit to a favourite York Region destination, post pictures of a treasured memory on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #YRturns50. Full details are available at York Region Turns 50.

Over the past 50 years, York Region has grown from 169,200 to more than 1.2 million residents. The Region’s first approved budget was $18.7 million, and 50 years later the 2021 approved budget of $3.3 billion oversees 15 regional services, including those provided to our residents by transportation services, environmental services, community and health services, corporate services, legal and court services and finance.

York Region is one of Canada’s most diverse and fastest growing communities. We got here by delivering innovative services and infrastructure like transit and rapid transit and water systems, protected forest trails and bike lanes, senior support and child care, and public health and paramedic services. York Region is and will continue to be a destination of choice to live, work and play.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with 650,000 employees. More information about the region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices.