Nature of the Study

• The study will be conducted in a three-phased approach with a final Report filed in 2008. Please click here to get involved with this exciting process.  The three phases will include:
1. An examination of the current system (note: York Region completed two rounds of Public Consultation Centres on this phase in November 2006, and November 2007, and is currently carrying out the third round).  Please click here to see information panels from these sessions.
2. Determining how current and future changes impact service delivery.
3. Recommendations for future servicing.
• The study follows the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process developed by the Municipal Engineers Association and approved by the Ministry of the Environment.
• The update will be conducted as a set of studies that will examine various options to meet growth demands.
• The Master Plan will use a sustainability approach within the study that critically examines a “Triple Bottom Line” as an indicator of success.
• A triple bottom line approach measures success by looking at three types of goals:  healthy communities, economic vitality, and a sustainable natural environment.  All initiatives should simultaneously create environmental, social and economic benefits and value.  Environmental, social and economic indicators will therefore be combined to evaluate the viability of proposed recommendations for servicing.
• The triple bottom line approach emphasizes transparency, equity, accountability, community involvement as well as monitoring and continuous improvement toward sustainability.

• Water for Tomorrow Water Efficiency Program
• The Greening Strategy
• Oak Ridges Moraine initiatives
• Regional Official Plan that embodies the Smart Growth Principles