New buses, less debt focus of York Region strategic plan update

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 30, 2022

The Regional Municipality of York released its Year 3 (2021) Progress Report on the 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan: From Vision to Results, showing the Region has made progress on its four-year plan during unprecedented times, with 23 of 31 (74 per cent) performance measures trending in the desired direction.

“Despite York Region’s wide-scale response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, significant progress on priorities and objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan continued,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “These accomplishments demonstrate our collaborative efforts and commitment to ensuring high-quality programs and services are available to residents, and that York Region remains a strong, caring, safe community.”

The 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan provides a detailed course of action over the term of York Regional Council. It represents the Region’s commitment to making progress in the areas of Economic Vitality, Healthy Communities, Sustainable Environment and Good Government.

Highlights from the Year 3 Progress report include:

• Achieved top scores in the Ontario Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Report, with 100 per cent of samples meeting Ontario Drinking water standards
• Purchased six new electric buses, moving closer to Council’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2051
• Increased greenspace through the planting of 92,154 trees and shrubs
• Reduced debt levels through the Regional Fiscal Strategy, with the reserve-to-debt ratio increasing from 86 per cent to 147 per cent

Results in the Strategic Plan’s four priority areas are tracked, measured and reported annually to ensure progress is made on Council’s priorities. To build on the successes of the 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan, Regional Council has approved the development approach for the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan for consideration by the incoming Council in early 2023.

“Strategic focus is required over a long term to maintain a high quality of life in York Region,” said City of Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Chair of Finance and Administration. “This plan sets out the critical steps needed for the post-pandemic recovery of the Region and the aspirational future state of our communities outlined in our Vision.”

A copy of the progress report and other documents relating to York Region’s strategic planning are available at york.ca/stratplan

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 over 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices