In 2004, York Regional Council worked intensively to provide second to none quality services to our growing number of residents across our nine area municipalities.

Throughout the year, the Regional Municipality of York focused on a variety of initiatives from many different areas.  The focus, dedication and cooperation from Regional Council, our Regional staff and our many stakeholders helped produce an incredible array of results and achievements.

Focus: 2004 Annual Report highlights these significant achievements and demonstrates a true commitment to our residents and business owners across York Region throughout 2004.

Quality public transit remains a critical component for York Regional Council, and together with staff, we continue to make significant strives in this area.  Continuous improvements and enhancements were added to York Region Transit (YRT) in 2004, including the addition of 15 new accessible vehicles. In addition, service improvements to YRT routes and schedules, and implementation of on-going strategies were helpful to enhance ridership and transit use.

The introduction of Viva, the official name and marketing campaign for the new and highly anticipated York Region rapid transit service was launched in 2004. Viva has received support and funding from the all levels of government, demonstrating our strong and long-term commitment to providing residents with efficient and convenient transit.

Environmental protection and maintaining the integrity of York Region’s green spaces was a large focus in 2004.  Some major projects that the Region collaborated on included: principle approval of the GTA Agricultural Action Plan; approval of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Conformity; and support of Making it Happen – Centers and Corridors Strategy. Additionally, to assist environment preservation and address solid waste management issues, the construction of a new state-of-the-art material recovery facility began in East Gwillimbury. When operational in July 2005, this facility will process 90,000 tonnes of blue box material per year, helping to eliminate our dependency on landfill use.

York Region continued its long-standing commitment to public health protection, including the opening of 26 additional accessible Alternative Community Living (ACL) Supportive Housing units that were opened at the Newmarket Health Care Centre - Armitage Gardens.  This important program provides seniors with community support so they can remain living independently.  Phases two through four of the Newmarket Health Centre renovation was also completed, adding 20,000 square feet for seniors outreach programs and more long-term day care beds.

York Region Community Services and Housing Committee launched its inaugural accessibility plan in 2004.  Understanding Barriers: York Region’s First Annual Accessibility Plan, identified barriers within Regional departments, and implemented programs to enhance accessibility.

In conclusion, 2004 was a busy and demanding year, and these achievements only begin to describe the depth of work we accomplished.

Moving forward, 2005 brings similar challenges.  On behalf of York Regional Council, we look forward to our work with Regional staff and our stakeholders.  I am confident that we will exceed expectations and continue to make York Region a destination of choice.

Yours truly,

Bill Fisch
Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer