File image courtesy Durham

Durham asks for funds to mitigate pandemic strain

Durham Region’s top priority in 2022 and beyond, continues to be the Covid-19 pandemic, re-opening and recovery, according to Regional Chair and CEO John Henry.

“We reopened our facilities to the public on April 19, which is a major step forward in continuing our recovery process,” he told the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, Clarington Board of Trade, Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and Whitby Chamber of Commerce, at a gathering on April 28.

“To further bolster that recovery, we are continuing to advocate for funding from the provincial and federal governments to help us address financial impacts from the pandemic,” Henry said.

The Ontario government provided an additional $19.42 million in 2021 to Durham municipalities to help address Covid-19 operating costs. In 2020, Durham municipalities received $50.50 million from federal and provincial governments under the Safe Restart Programme to help offset operating deficits. Both totalled $69.93 million in grants to support operating costs.

However, Durham municipalities raised 2021 taxes. Region of Durham raised property tax in 2021 by 1.98 per cent, and this year by 2.6 per cent (see Related Stories below).

DRT battery electric buses

Henry said Durham remains focused on a sustainable future.

“Our climate action plan aims for a 100 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. We have several projects proposed for 2022 to prioritize this goal. We plan to increase waste diversion through the advancement of the pre-sort and anaerobic digestion facility, while adapting to provincial legislative changes on extended producer responsibility in waste management. And, we’ll continue to advance low-carbon fleet transitions, including Durham Region Transit’s first battery electric buses and the development of a long-term fleet transition roadmap,” said Henry.

He said Durham is also focused on delivering services that contribute to safe, strong neighbourhoods, vibrant and diverse communities, and a great quality of life. “We will continue to advance and expand our Diversity Equity and Inclusion program, and work with OrgCode Consulting, and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness to implement housing-focused shelter standards.

“And as Durham grows, we will build a new paramedic response station in Seaton and undertake a Paramedic Services South Whitby feasibility study,” he said.

Business Growth

Durham wants to build a strong and resilient economy that maximizes opportunities for business and employment growth, innovation and partnership.

This includes continuing to advance transit service recovery and transit-oriented development opportunities, including GO East to Bowmanville. “The approval of the Lakeshore GO East Extension to Bowmanville is key to our economic recovery. The extension is important for creating jobs, stimulating the economy, connecting people to work and education opportunities and building complete, livable, affordable, walkable communities,” said Henry.

He said Durham has accelerated the Regional Official Plan amendment for Protected Major Transit Station Areas. “And we have been working closely with our local municipalities, Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation on a Station Implementation Strategy.”

The region is to begin implementation of Durham’s Nuclear Sector Strategy, and continue to advance the development of the new Regional Official Plan as part of Envision Durham. It is also delivering the Community Improvement Plan, and will continue the implementation of Broadband Strategy.

New Economic Development Strategic Plan

Henry said the region is working on a new Economic Development Strategic Plan, along with updated five-year economic development plans for North Durham, Marketing for Investment, Agri-Food, and Tourism.

The regional economic development strategic plan will be data-driven, consider a vast array of potential opportunities, and define a strategic direction for the future economy in Durham, he said.

Other Projects

  • Durham will continue to advance its housing plan, including operating the new microhomes and supportive housing.
  • It will partner with Grandview Children’s Centre on the new Ontario Autism Program.
  • It is modernizing the way that Ontario Works paper records are handled, transmitted and retained by Durham Region, for better service.
  • myDurham 311; the region’s new Long-term Waste Management Plan.
  • The Workplace Modernization Project.
  • Enterprise Maintenance Management System projects.

“The demand for investment in Durham Region is high—Durham Region is simply the best opportunity for businesses to grow in the GTHA,” said the Regional Chair and CEO.

Related Stories

Durham gets $37.5m from Ontario, so not tax hike?

Durham gets $13m more to stop 2021 tax rise

Durham municipalities get $19.42 million more

Durham Council raises property tax by 1.98%

Regional Council approves 2.6% property tax increase

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Durham likely to outpace future Ontario growth: TD

Ontario budget allocates for GO Train to Bowmanville

What the Ontario budget means for Durham

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