| Regional Councillor Report Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4 January 26, 2004 Regional Retreat - January 14 - 16th Departmental Business Plans were presented outlining their linkage to the Community Strategic Plan which was developed by broad public consultation and approved by Regional Council in July 2002. Business plans from the C.A.O. Planning, Economic Development, Works, (including waste) Human Resources, Transportation, Health, Social Services (including the social housing portfolio) and Police and Legal Department (Provincial Offences) were provided indicating the link with the community direction as articulated in the Community Strategic Plan. In addition these plans were presented in a context of external and other challenges as well as very preliminary budget impacts. Regional Councillors were given the opportunity to elicit further information on the various plans and to gain a greater understanding of the initiatives and financial implications/challenges in advancing the various components of the Community Strategic Plan. Durham's Community Strategic Plan entitled "Growing Together" may be downloaded from the Region's site at www.region.durham.on.ca. Regional Council - Jan. 21, 2004 Transportation A motion originating from the Municipality of Clarington supporting the assumption of full responsibility of bus passenger transportation systems by the Region was endorsed. This motion will be forwarded to all local municipalities and transit providers for possible endorsement and is to be forwarded back to the Region by February 28th. Under the Municipal Act 2001 a triple majority will be required in order for the Region to assume responsibility. This item has been included on the A.P.T.A. (Ajax, Pickering Transit Authority) agenda for their meeting on Monday, January 26th. At that meeting some of the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives will be discussed. Council Composition Correspondence from the City of Oshawa from their meeting on Dec. 15, 2003 (Ajax Council Agenda Jan. 12, 2004) regarding additional seats being added to Regional Council was referred to come back to Council in June 2006. Durham Business Directory An overview of the new online Business Directory which has a link on the Region's website as well as each municipality's website was presented. Over 14,000 businesses are included on the website which includes contact information as well as a map showing the location of the business. Health & Social Services The Annual Review of Regional Housing Programs and Related Financial Analysis For 2004 Budget and Four Year Forecast was presented. This extensive report provides an update on the status of the social housing responsibility downloaded from the Province as a result of the Local Service Realignment initiative. Building condition assessments and projected future capital expenditures indicate a $90.8 million dollar shortfall in Social Housing Capital Replacement Reserves to ensure sufficient monies will be available to undertake necessary capital repairs/replacements over the next 20 years. Council approved petitoning the Provincial government once again to address these shortfalls. Council also approved recommendations to allow housing providers under federal housing programs to retain some portion of any surplus under certain conditions for the purpose of contributing to the unfunded future capital needs. In addition it was approved that any surplus of the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation also be set aside for future capital requirements. Recommendations to address new social housing were also approved. These included authorizing staff to explore the feasibility of redevelopment on selected Durham Region Local Housing Corporation sites; a provision of $1.5 million be provided in the 2004 Non Departmental Budget to offset Regional Development Charges for 200 units previously approved under the Community Rental Housing Program and an expansion of the rent supplement program.
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