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Three delegations, including the President of the Durham Region Labour Council, appeared before Regional Council at the May 26^th meeting in support of direct election of the Chairperson

A motion was passed to lift the tabled motion regarding election of the Chairperson and then a motion to receive for information was endorsed on a recorded vote of 13 in favour, 9 opposed. Six Regional Councillors were absent, including Mayor Mutton who was the original mover of the motion requesting direct election of the Chairperson. A notice of motion to rescind the motion to receive for information was brought forward. Therefore, the issue of direct election of the Chair will again be debated at the Regional Council meeting on June 16, 2004.

Committee endorsed a motion by York Region to request that the Province continue to provide funding at the 100% level for the 180 new public health positions that were allocated as SARS /infectious diseases enhancement funding. In Durham this amounts to 6 F.T.E. positions to assist in the monitoring and control of infectious disease and assists the Region in dealing with surges in activity related to outbreaks in disease. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has advised that these positions will be 100% funded until further notice. The motion requests 100% funding indefinitely. (Note: Reports such as Walker Expert Panel on SARS, Interim Report from Justice Campbell and Naylor Report all speak to the lack of human resources in the public health system and the need to build surge capacity to deal with outbreaks.)

Committee endorsed a resolution from Toronto Board of Health requesting that the Province in their forthcoming provincial smoke free law establish a sunset date of June 1, 2007 for Designated Smoking Rooms. Durham Region’s smoke free bylaw came into effect June 1, 2004. In Durham Region DSRs are allowed in casino and bingo facilities; whereas, in other municipalities they may be allowed in bars and restaurants. York Region has established a sunset date of 2010. York and Toronto are yet to make a decision. The purpose of establishing a sunset date is to establish a level playing field and to ensure the date is sooner rather than later. Toronto Board of Health has found in their inspectional data that while in theory DSRs may appear useful; in practice, they have not been found to function well.

In an effort to meet the needs of low income households that are facing eviction, the Provincial government announced $10 million in funding for Rent Banks that provide qualified households with an interest free loan for up to two months arrears in rent, outstanding utilities payments and employment related transportation expenses. The purpose of the program is to assist individuals and families to retain their current housing. The loan must be related to an unanticipated expenditure unrelated to the ongoing cost of housing. The one time 100% provincially funded allocation amounts to $444,259.00 for Durham Region. Committee endorsed recommendations that an intial allocation of $50,000.00 for 2004 be made available with subsequent allocations to be determined through annual budget reviews. The Community Development Council Durham who currently operates a Rent Bank will expand the program with the additional funding. Over the next four years, it is expected that these funds will ensure that more than 350 Durham families will retain their housing as a result of this funding.

A presentation from Rod Friesen, Program Director Cornerstone Community Association and a report from staff advised that Our Place Support Center which acted as a drop in center providing health services, housing advocacy, shower and laundry facilities as well as communication supports since 1999 would be closing as the space at 169 Simcoe was no longer available. Efforts to find another suitable location were not successful. Other support services in the area will fill some of the gaps in service such as laundry facilities. Committee endorsed a recommendation that the balance of the funds that were allocated to Our Place for the remainder of the year be provided to Cornerstone to provide outreach support for homeless individuals in the downtown Oshawa area. Cornerstone statistics from 2003 indicate that the provision of ongoing support and intervention has resulted in 92% of the hard to house tenants retaining their tenancy compared to 75% who do not receive the needed support. Cornerstone will enhance their outreach efforts in this program through these redirected funds.

A presentation by Andrew Browerbank, Supervisor, The Living City Programs, T.R.C.A. provided an overview of the LEED (Leadership Energy & Environmental Design Program.) This program sets certain criteria and different levels of qualification that a building design can meet to be designated as meeting high standards in energy and environmentally friendly design criteria. Two municipalities have put policies in place that any new municipal facilities must meet these standards. Mr. Browerbank will be providing additional information on this program and other green initiatives.