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Regional Councillor Report
Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4
Date: Dec. 6, 2004
Health & Social Services - Nov. 18th, 2004
Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes
Committee received a presentation from Ms.Marlene Grass, The Charles
Best Diabetics Centre for Children & Youth who indicated that the
number of families that she was working with who had children diagnosed with
Type 1 juvenile diabetes is increasing. Diabetes is an auto immune
disease caused by environmental conditions.
Sound Sorb Study
The Committee also received a presentation from staff of the Ministry
of the Environment, York Durham District office, who provided an update
on their studies regarding Sound Sorb and any environmental impacts
related to its use.
Results of the fourth sweep of groundwater monitoring at the Oshawa Skeet and Gun Club were released on October 6,
2004, with results consistent with the previous three reports and showing no evidence of adverse environmental effects. A final report
will be forthcoming. Information may be found on the ministry's
website at www.ene.gov.on.ca under the Land link.
Committee and Council endorsed a motion that $74,514.00 of the 100%
provincial energy funds be allocated to the Community Development Council Durham, to be used to assist eligible low income households
with up to two months energy arrears, energy security deposits and
reconnection fees.
Regional Council - Dec. 1, 2004
Regional Council received the five year economic and financial forecast
for 2005 - 2009 and recommended guidelines for the 2005 Regional Property Tax Budget. Council endorsed that Regional staff, outside
agencies, including the Police Services Board be given direction that
the 2004 Budget for the preparation of the detailed Business Plans and
Budgets be established at 6%.
Council received a presentation from Jim Clapp, Commissioner of Finance
regarding the five year forecast. This presentation highlighted the
concerns, lack of control, accountability and risks associated with
G.T.A. pooling of social assistance and social housing costs. Due to
assessment growth, Durham's share of pooling is anticipated to increase
in 2005. It was noted that a 1% change in pooling on an estimated
pooled amount of $800 million could impact the Regional share by an
increase of $500,000.00. Concerns were also raised regarding the
declining provincial contribution to the costs of Ontario Works administration. Originally it was a 50 - 50 cost share, whereas,
currently the province provides about $3.9 million on $11 million. In
addition; the provincial contribution has decreased for Long Term Care
facilities so that the Region is now paying 37% of the costs as
compared to it's previous 15% share. Assessment growth expected to be 2.6%
will mitigate the fiscal pressures, however tax increases are projected in
the range of 6.75% for 2005 and 12% for 2006. The large increase for
2006 is predicted if the Region assumes responsibility of transit. In
subsequent years it is forecast that tax rates will be in the range of
7%.
Councillors raised concerns as to the significant burden to be shouldered by the local taxpayer and that some of this burden would be
better bourne by the provincial level. It was also noted that the
lack of financial tools available to municipalities left them few options in
dealing with these issues. Councillors directed Chair Anderson to call
a meeting of the GTA Mayors and Chairs to discuss this issue of local
tax crisis.
Councillors also raised concerns regarding 2006 and that the 2005 budget
should be viewed in context with the following year in order to
mitigate tax impacts on the ratepayer. It was also noted that 2006 is an
assessment year which could exacerbate the problems.
It is expected that the Finance Committee will review the budget in
March with final Council approval in April 2005.
Colleen Jordan
Regional Councillor
Wards 3 & 4
Res: (905) 427-5084
Town:
Fax:
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