HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-28
Electronic Council Communications Information
Package
Date:March 28, 2024
Time:12:00 PM
Location:ECCIP is an information package and not a meeting.
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Council's information. This is not a meeting of Council or Committee.
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Pages
1.Region of Durham Correspondence
1.1 Region of Durham Annual Business Count (Employment Survey) - 2023
(2024-INFO-18) - March 22, 2024
3
2.Durham Municipalities Correspondence
2.1 Town of Whitby - Removal of Tolls from Highway 407 (Get it Done Act) -
March 25, 2024
52
2.2 Town of Ajax - Supportive Aging in Place Initiatives for Ajax Seniors -
March 26, 2024
54
2.3 City of Oshawa - Proposed Ontario Get It Done Act (Highway 407) -
March 27, 2024
56
3.Other Municipalities Correspondence
3.1 Township of Adelaide Metcalfe - Request to Increase Tile Drain Loan
Limit - March 22, 2024
58
3.2 Northumberland County - Review of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability
Support Program Financial Assistance Rates - March 25, 2024
60
3.3 Asphodel Norwood - Public Health Ontario Labs - March 26, 2024 66
3.4 Township of Clearview - Endorsement of Bill C-63 in the House of
Commons -March 27, 2024
71
4.Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence
5.Miscellaneous Correspondence
March 28, 2024
Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP)
Page 2
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2564
The Regional Municipality of Durham
Information Report
From: Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development
Report: #2024-INFO-18
Date: March 22, 2024
Subject:
Region of Durham Annual Business Count (Employment Survey) - 2023
Recommendation:
Receive for information.
Report:
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide Council with the results of the 2023 Business
Count which was conducted during the summer of 2023.
2. Background
2.1 The annual Business Count is a comprehensive program to build and maintain the
Region’s employment information. Through regular collection, updating, and
monitoring of the Region’s Business Count information, year-over-year trends can
be reported on. The Business Count is also used to update the Region’s on-line
business directory; provide background information for various planning studies;
monitor growth; and promote economic development initiatives in the Region. The
Business Count is a collaborative project, led by the Planning and Economic
Development Department with support from Social Services, Finance, Corporate
Services (Information Technology and Human Resources), the Office of the CAO
(Corporate Communications), and the area municipalities.
Page 3
Page 2 of 5
2.2 The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause in the Business Count in 2020. A modified
Business Count was conducted in 2021, which wholly consisted of phone and email
interviews, but did not yield reliable results to be directly comparable to previous
years. In 2022, traditional data collection of Business Count information was
resumed, while adhering to pandemic-related restrictions.
2.3 Since 2022, the avian flu has changed how farms are surveyed. Farm owners are no
longer visited in-person, they are contacted via phone and encouraged to complete
the survey online.
3. Previous Reports and Decisions
3.1 The last full Business Count was conducted in 2022 (See Report #2023-INFO-38).
4. 2023 Durham Region Business Count
Methodology
4.1 2023 marked the eleventh annual Business Count, with in-person interviews
primarily completed by nine summer students. The students were generally able to
conduct each survey in less than five minutes. In cases where face-to-face
interviews were not possible, businesses had the option of returning the survey by
mail, fax, or by completing the survey via the Region’s website. Major employers
such as school boards, Ontario Power Generation, and municipalities were
contacted by phone or email through their respective head offices. The Business
Count process included visiting locations in all the Region’s urban areas, hamlets,
and rural employment areas. In the rural areas, a visual inspection was conducted in
an effort to locate additional businesses so that the database would be as complete
as possible.
4.2 Business locations surveyed included professional offices, stores, places of worship,
hotels, medical offices, industrial facilities, schools, government offices, hospitals,
not-for-profit establishments as well as vacant commercial, industrial, and
institutional locations.
4.3 Home-based and mobile businesses were not included in the door-to-door survey,
since they may not advertise, or be readily identifiable. A targeted social media
advertising campaign was used to encourage home-based businesses to
participate.
4.4 Farms were identified through signage which shows the name of the farm, as well
as whether the farm is a member of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) or
Page 4
Page 3 of 5
the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO). Farm operators were also
encouraged to participate in the Business Count through targeted radio and social
media campaigns.
Key Findings
4.5 The information below provides the key findings from the 2023 Business Count for
the Region of Durham. In the summer of 2023, there were:
• 210,038 jobs, a 4.3% increase over 2022;
• 12,718 businesses, a 0.2% decrease from 2022; and
• The top three employment sectors in the Region were:
1. Retail trade (approximately 35,000 jobs at 2,500 businesses),
2. Health care and social assistance (approximately 31,000 jobs at 1,500
businesses), and
3. Educational services (approximately 20,000 jobs at 500 businesses).
4.6 Job gains were reported in 14 of 21 sectors. The following sectors each reported job
increases of over 1,000 jobs:
• Educational services (+2,130 jobs);
• Transportation and Warehousing (+1,786 jobs);
• Health care and social assistance (+1,213 jobs);
• Public administration (+1,163 jobs); and
• Accommodation and food services (+1,066 jobs).
4.7 Jobs losses were reported in 7 sectors, although at lower levels. The sectors with
the greatest job losses in 2023 were:
• Wholesale trade (-167 jobs);
• Information and cultural industries (-143 jobs);
• Manufacturing (-106 jobs).
4.8 The strong increase in jobs over 2022 appears to represent a return to pre-
pandemic levels, including a modest year-over-year increase from 2019
(approximately 1.7% increase over 206,469 jobs in 2019). This is consistent with the
easing of pandemic-related restrictions in the second half of 2022. While the
COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a loss of jobs between 2019 and 2022,
and many of the same social and economic uncertainties were still present in 2023
(including concerns such as climate change, supply chain issues, inflation, high
interest rates, global political instability, and housing affordability challenges),
Page 5
Page 4 of 5
Durham’s strong job numbers in 2023 indicate that the regional economy is
recovering and continues to weather such challenges.
4.9 Attached is a highlights document which includes the results, analysis, and year-
over-year trends as of the Summer of 2023 (Attachment 1). The findings from the
survey confirm that Durham is a great place to live, work and invest.
5. Relationship to Strategic Plan
5.1 This report aligns with/addresses the following strategic goals and priorities in the
Durham Region Strategic Plan:
a. Economic Prosperity: To build a strong and resilient economy that maximizes
opportunities for business and employment growth, innovation, and
partnership.
• Goal 3.1 – Position Durham Region as the location of choice for
business;
• Goal 3.4 – Capitalize on Durham’s strengths in key economic sectors to
attract high-quality jobs;
b. Service Excellence: To provide exceptional value to Durham taxpayers
through responsive, effective, and fiscally sustainable service delivery.
• Goal 5.1 – Optimize resources and partnerships to deliver exceptional
quality services and value; and
• Goal 5.3 – Demonstrate commitment to continuous quality improvement
and communicating results.
6. Conclusion
6.1 The data collected during the 2023 Business Count will be provided to the Area
Municipalities and will be used to update the Region’s business directory.
Additionally, it will be used for a variety of planning and economic development
purposes such as land use studies and growth monitoring. It will also provide the
foundation for the next Business Count. A Business Count is planned to be
completed in 2024 and will be reported on in early 2025.
6.2 For additional information, contact: Hidy Ng, Manager – GIS & Visualization, at 905-
668-7711, extension 2570.
7. Attachments
Attachment #1: 2023 Business Count Highlights
Page 6
Page 5 of 5
Prepared by: Graham Wilson, Spatial Planner – Growth Management, at 905-668-7711, extension 2554.
Respectfully submitted,
Original signed by
Brian Bridgeman, MCIP, RPP, PLE
Commissioner of Planning and Economic
Development
Page 7
2023Business CountHighlights
Released March 2024
Planning and
Economic Development
Department
Page 8
Table of Contents
3 Message from the Commissioner
4 Overview
6 Durham Region
12 Ajax
16 Brock
20 Clarington
24 Oshawa
28 Pickering
32 Scugog
36 Uxbridge
40 Whitby
Business Count 2023 Highlights 2Page 9
Message from the Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development
In 2023, the Region of Durham and its municipal partners
conducted the 11th annual Business Count. Between May
and September, the Business Count Team visited over 14,000
businesses across the Region’s eight area municipalities
to gather vital information about the location, type, and
characteristics of businesses.
Results from the Business Count tell us about the type of
employment, number of employees, and overall characteristics
of businesses in the Region. The data collected during the
annual Business Count and its analysis of year-over-year trends
is used to: update the Region’s on-line business directory;
provide background information for various planning studies;
monitor growth; and promote economic development initiatives
in the Region.
The information below provides the key findings from the 2023
Business Count. In the Summer of 2023, there were:
a. 210,038 jobs in the Region, a 4.3% increase from 2022;
b. 12,718 businesses in the Region, similar to 2022; and
c. The top three employment sectors in the Region are
retail trade, health care and social assistance, and
educational services.
Attracting a wide range of high-quality jobs across sectors
promotes economic resilience and ensure the residents of
Durham Region have the chance to live, work, and play in
their community. Despite prolonged economic uncertainty as
the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, that is
attributed to macro-economic concerns such as supply chain
issues, inflation, higher interest rates and housing affordability,
Durham’s investment in infrastructure and economic
programming puts the Region in a strong position to thrive.
I encourage you to read the findings from the 2023 survey
to learn more about Durham’s local business landscape and
why businesses continue to open and expand here. Thank
you to the Region’s Business Community for your support
and continued participation in this very important initiative,
and working together to keep Durham a great place to live,
work and invest in.
Brian Bridgeman
Commissioner, Planning and Economic Development
Business Count 2023 Highlights 3Page 10
Business Count Overview
Between May and September, the Region’s Business Count
team visit each visible business establishment in Durham
to gather basic information about the type and nature of
the business, the number of employees, etc. The 2023
Business Count Highlights Report details the survey results.
The data collected during the 2023 Business Count is shared
with the area municipalities and will be used to update the
Region’s business directory. Additionally, it will be used for a
variety of planning and economic development purposes such
as land use studies and growth monitoring.
The Region’s annual Business Count is conducted by a group
of nine summer students primarily through short face-to-face
interviews. The students, on average, conduct each survey in
less than five minutes. In the event a face-to-face interview
is not possible, businesses have the option of returning the
survey by mail, fax, e-mail, or by completing it on the Region’s
website. Large employers such as school boards, Ontario
Power Generation and municipal government offices are
contacted by phone or email. The survey coverage includes
all the Region’s urban areas, hamlets and rural employment
areas. In the rural areas, a visual inspection was conducted in
an effort to locate additional businesses, so that the database
would be as complete as possible.
Business locations surveyed include, but are not limited to,
professional offices, stores, places of worship, hotels,
medical offices, industrial facilities, schools, government
offices, hospitals, not for profit establishments, vacant
commercial, industrial, and institutional locations. Since 2022,
farm operations are surveyed remotely due to the risk of
spreading avian flu.
Home-based and mobile businesses are not included in
the door-to-door survey. These types of businesses are
challenging to survey in person due to a lack of a traditional
bricks and mortar location. A targeted social media
advertising campaign and radio ads are used to
encourage home-based businesses to participate.
Business Count 2023 Highlights 4Page 11
Durham Region
Total Businesses 12,718
Total Jobs 210,038
Jobs Relative to 2022
Business Count 2023 Highlights 5Page 12
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Scugog
Uxbridge
Ajax
Pickering
Whitby Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
NorthumberlandCountyRegional Municipalityof York
PeterboroughCountyCity of TorontoCity ofKawartha Lakes
CoppinsCorners
Balsam
BroughamGreen River Greenwood
Whitevale
Ashburn
MacedonianVillage
Brownsville
Burketon
Enfield
Enniskillen Haydon
Kendal
Kirby
Leskard
Maple Grove
MitchellCorners
Newtonville
Solina
Glasgow
Goodwood
Leaskdale
Sandford
Siloam
Udora
Zephyr
Blackstock
Epsom
Greenbank
Manchester
Nestleton
Nestleton
Station
Seagrave
Utica
Gamebridge
Manilla
Port Bolster
Sonya
Wilfrid
Tyrone
Hampton
Kinsale
Caesarea
Raglan
Sandy
Hook
Myrtle
Myrtle
Station
Cherrywood
Claremont
401
401
401
401
35 115
35 115
77
48
7A
7A
127
7 12
127
407 407
412
407
12
12
7
418
Lake Simcoe
Lake Scugog
Lake Ontario
Mississaugasof ScugogIsland First Nation
This map has been produced from a variety of sources. The Region of Durham does not make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results,or reliability of the use of the materials. The Region hereby disclaims all representations and warranties.Digital cartography by The Regional Municipality of Durham, Planning and Economic Development Department, 2024. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission.
Data Sources and Disclaimer:
0 5 10
Kilometres
Job Density
Sparse
Dense
Municipal Boundary
Urban Area
Hamlet
Distribution of Jobs
Page 13
Population, jobs and business growth
0 200,000 400,000 600,000
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Population Estimate by Year
719,325
732,205
743,090
753,450
703,230
691,135
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
206,469
210,038
201,336
200,285
196,647
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 4,000 8,000 12,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
12,661
12,718
12,739
12,597
12,349
0 55,000 110,000 165,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 200,000 400,000 600,000
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Population Estimate by Year
719,325
732,205
743,090
753,450
703,230
691,135
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
206,469
210,038
201,336
200,285
196,647
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 4,000 8,000 12,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
12,661
12,718
12,739
12,597
12,349
0 55,000 110,000 165,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 200,000 400,000 600,000
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Population Estimate by Year
719,325
732,205
743,090
753,450
703,230
691,135
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
206,469
210,038
201,336
200,285
196,647
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 4,000 8,000 12,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
12,661
12,718
12,739
12,597
12,349
0 55,000 110,000 165,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
Uxbridge6%
Brock4%
Ajax14%Whitby18%
Scugog6%
Pickering16%Oshawa24%
Clarington12%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
Municipal Business Share
Uxbridge4%
Brock2%
Ajax15%Whitby21%
Scugog4%
Pickering17%Oshawa27%
Clarington11%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
MunicipalJob Share
Uxbridge6%
Brock4%
Ajax14%Whitby18%
Scugog6%
Pickering16%Oshawa24%
Clarington12%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
Municipal Business Share
Uxbridge4%
Brock2%
Ajax15%Whitby21%
Scugog4%
Pickering17%Oshawa27%
Clarington11%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
MunicipalJob Share
Business Count 2023 Highlights 7Page 14
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*)
*)
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*)
*)
*)
*)
Scugog
Uxbridge
Ajax
Pickering
Whitby Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
NorthumberlandCountyRegional Municipalityof York
PeterboroughCountyCity of TorontoCity ofKawartha Lakes
Lakeridge Resort
Limited
The Great Blue HeronCharity Casino
Lakeview
Manor
Regional Municipality
Of Durham - HQ
Lakeridge Health
- Oshawa Hospital
LakeridgeHealth - Ajax
OPG - PickeringNuclear Plant OPG- Darlington Nuclear
Power Plant
Coppins
Corners
Balsam
BroughamGreen River Greenwood
Whitevale
Ashburn
Macedonian
Village
Brownsville
Burketon
Enfield
Enniskillen Haydon
Kendal
Kirby
Leskard
Maple Grove
Mitchell Corners
Newtonville
Solina
Glasgow
Goodwood
Leaskdale
Sandford
Siloam
Udora
Zephyr
Blackstock
Epsom
Greenbank
Manchester
Nestleton
NestletonStation
Seagrave
Utica
Gamebridge
Manilla
Port Bolster
Sonya
Wilfrid
Tyrone
Hampton
Kinsale
Caesarea
Raglan
Sandy
Hook
Myrtle
Myrtle
Station
Cherrywood
Claremont
401
401
401
401
35 115
35 115
77
48
7A 7A
127
7 12
127
407 407
412
407
12
12
7
418
Lake Simcoe
Lake Ontario
Mississaugasof ScugogIsland First Nation
This map has been produced from a variety of sources. The Region of Durham does not make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results,or reliability of the use of the materials. The Region hereby disclaims all representations and warranties.Digital cartography by The Regional Municipality of Durham, Planning and Economic Development Department, 2024. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission.
Data Sources and Disclaimer:
0 5 10
Kilometres
Distribution of Businesses
Business Density
Value
Sparse
Dense
Top Employer inMunicipality
Municipal Boundary
Urban Area
Hamlet
Lake ScugogPage 15
Top 10 Employers in Durham are:
Company Employees
Lakeridge Health 8,500 - 8,999
Durham District School Board (DDSB)7,000 - 7,499
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)7,000 - 7,499
Regional Municipality of Durham 5,000 - 5,499
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)3,750 - 3,999
General Motors of Canada 3,750 - 3,999
Durham College 2,500 - 2,749
Tim Hortons 2,500 - 2,749
Walmart 2,000 - 2,249
McDonald’s 2,000 - 2,249
Business locations
opened in 2023860
Business locations
vacant in 20231,550
5,761
204,277
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 125,352
128,843
133,158
132,651
138,242
58,578
61,492
63,062
58,564
61,597
12,717
9,950
10,249
10,121
10,199
Business Count 2023 Highlights 9Page 16
Agriculture, forestry,fishing and hunting
Real estate andrental and leasing
Finance and insurance
Wholesale trade
Utilities
Professional, scientific and technical services
Construction
Administrative and support,waste management and remediation services
Other services (exceptpublic administration)**
Public administration*
Transportation andwarehousing
Arts, entertainmentand recreation
Manufacturing
Accommodation andfood services
Educational services
Health care andsocial assistance
Retail trade
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
17%20%
15%12%
10%4%
9%12%
9%5%
5%3%
5%2%
5%1%
4%15%
4%2%
3%3%
3%6%
3%0.3%
3%2%
3%4%
2%2%
1%6%
Businesses
Jobs
Business Count 2023 Highlights 10Page 17
Percentage of Businesses by:
Uxbridge3%
Brock1%
Ajax16%Whitby22%
Scugog3%
Pickering16%
Oshawa29%
Clarington11%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
Municipal FloorspaceDistribution
Sole Proprietor25%
Corporation61%
Co-op/NonProfit5%
Not Reported2%
Government5%
Sole Proprietor
Partnership
Not Reported
Government
Corporation
Co-op/NonProfit
Businesses Occupied
LegalStatus
Partnership4%
Medium 11-100 jobs26%
Small 1-10 jobs72%
Large> 100 jobs3%
Large > 100 Jobs
Medium 11 - 100 Jobs
Small 1 - 10 JobsBusinessSize
Industrial13%
Institutional18%
Agriculture5%
Franchise12%
Branch16%
Independent63%
Public
Not Reported
Institutional
Independent
Franchise
Branch
OwnershipForm
Public3%
Not Reported2%
Institutional4%
Commercial51%
Agricultural
Office
Industrial
Institutional
Commercial
IndustryClassification
Office13%
Uxbridge3%
Brock1%
Ajax16%Whitby22%
Scugog3%
Pickering16%
Oshawa29%
Clarington11%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
Municipal FloorspaceDistribution
Sole Proprietor25%
Corporation61%
Co-op/NonProfit5%
Not Reported2%
Government5%
Sole Proprietor
Partnership
Not Reported
Government
Corporation
Co-op/NonProfit
Businesses Occupied
LegalStatus
Partnership4%
Medium 11-100 jobs26%
Small 1-10 jobs72%
Large> 100 jobs3%
Large > 100 Jobs
Medium 11 - 100 Jobs
Small 1 - 10 JobsBusinessSize
Industrial13%
Institutional18%
Agriculture5%
Franchise12%
Branch16%
Independent63%
Public
Not Reported
Institutional
Independent
Franchise
Branch
OwnershipForm
Public3%
Not Reported2%
Institutional4%
Commercial51%
Agricultural
Office
Industrial
Institutional
Commercial
IndustryClassification
Office13%
Uxbridge3%
Brock1%
Ajax16%Whitby22%
Scugog3%
Pickering16%
Oshawa29%
Clarington11%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
Municipal FloorspaceDistribution
Sole Proprietor25%
Corporation61%
Co-op/NonProfit5%
Not Reported2%
Government5%
Sole Proprietor
Partnership
Not Reported
Government
Corporation
Co-op/NonProfit
Businesses Occupied
LegalStatus
Partnership4%
Medium 11-100 jobs26%
Small 1-10 jobs72%
Large> 100 jobs3%
Large > 100 Jobs
Medium 11 - 100 Jobs
Small 1 - 10 JobsBusinessSize
Industrial13%
Institutional18%
Agriculture5%
Franchise12%
Branch16%
Independent63%
Public
Not Reported
Institutional
Independent
Franchise
Branch
OwnershipForm
Public3%Not Reported2%
Institutional4%
Commercial51%
Agricultural
Office
Industrial
Institutional
Commercial
IndustryClassification
Office13%
Uxbridge3%
Brock1%
Ajax16%Whitby22%
Scugog3%
Pickering16%
Oshawa29%
Clarington11%
Whitby
Uxbridge
Scugog
Pickering
Oshawa
Clarington
Brock
Ajax
Municipal FloorspaceDistribution
Sole Proprietor25%
Corporation61%
Co-op/NonProfit5%
Not Reported2%
Government5%
Sole Proprietor
Partnership
Not Reported
Government
Corporation
Co-op/NonProfit
Businesses Occupied
LegalStatus
Partnership4%
Medium 11-100 jobs26%
Small 1-10 jobs72%
Large> 100 jobs3%
Large > 100 Jobs
Medium 11 - 100 Jobs
Small 1 - 10 JobsBusinessSize
Industrial13%
Institutional18%
Agriculture5%
Franchise12%
Branch16%
Independent63%
Public
Not Reported
Institutional
Independent
Franchise
Branch
OwnershipForm
Public3%Not Reported2%Institutional4%
Commercial51%
Agricultural
Office
Industrial
Institutional
Commercial
IndustryClassification
Office13%
Uxbridge3%Brock1%Ajax16%Whitby22%Scugog3%Pickering16%
Oshawa29%
Clarington11%WhitbyUxbridgeScugogPickeringOshawaClaringtonBrock
AjaxMunicipal FloorspaceDistribution
Sole Proprietor25%
Corporation61%
Co-op/NonProfit5%
Not Reported2%
Government5%
Sole Proprietor
Partnership
Not Reported
Government
Corporation
Co-op/NonProfit
Businesses Occupied
LegalStatus
Partnership4%
Medium 11-100 jobs26%
Small 1-10 jobs72%
Large> 100 jobs3%
Large > 100 Jobs
Medium 11 - 100 Jobs
Small 1 - 10 JobsBusinessSize
Industrial13%
Institutional18%
Agriculture5%
Franchise12%Branch16%Independent63%PublicNot ReportedInstitutionalIndependentFranchiseBranchOwnershipForm Public3%Not Reported2%Institutional4%
Commercial51%
Agricultural
Office
Industrial
Institutional
Commercial
IndustryClassification
Office13%
Businesses most often reported
difficulty in finding skilled workers
in the following occupations: labour;
customer services, sales, and
management; chefs/cooks; auto
mechanic; automotive; medical/
health services; trades; education;
hair stylist or esthetician. Businesses
also often reported a lack of
applicants for available positions.
751
Businesses Import
440
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 11Page 18
Ajax
Business Count 2023 Highlights 12Page 19
Total Businesses 1,791
Total Jobs 30,947
Jobs Relative to 2022 8.25%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
29,127
30,947
28,588
28,430
26,697
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 12,000 24,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 800 1,600
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
1,775
1,791
1,816
1,723
1,669
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
29,127
30,947
28,588
28,430
26,697
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 12,000 24,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 800 1,600
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
1,775
1,791
1,816
1,723
1,669
122
Businesses Import
70
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 13Page 20
Top 10 Employers in Ajax are:
Company Jobs
Lakeridge Health 1,750 - 1,999
Durham District School Board (DDSB)1,250 - 1,499
Amazon Inc.1,250 - 1,499
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)1,000 - 1,249
Town of Ajax 750 - 999
Loblaws Companies Limited 750 - 999
SaFran Landing Systems 500 - 749
Intact Insurance Company 250 - 499
Costco Wholesale 250 - 499
Lear Canada 250 - 499
Business locations
opened in 2023 83
Business locations
vacant in 2023198
1,700
29,247
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 17,799
18,726
19,228
18,443
20,537
7,893
8,440
8,498
8,698
9,223
1,005
1,264
1,401
1,447
1,187
Business Count 2023 Highlights 14Page 21
Finance andinsurance
Arts, entertainmentand recreation
Wholesale trade
Other services (exceptpublic administration)*
Transportation andwarehousing
Manufacturing
Accommodation andfood services
Educational services
Health care andsocial assistance
Retail trade
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
21%23%
17%
16%
12%7%
11%
16%
10%
9%
2%
5%
19%
5%
3%
5%
2%
4%
5%
Businesses
Jobs
8%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 15Page 22
Brock
Business Count 2023 Highlights 16Page 23
Total Businesses 508
Total Jobs 3,549
Jobs Relative to 2022 -2.23%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
3,646
3,549
3,630
3,637
3,272
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 1,000 2,000 3,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 200 400
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
537
508
519
557
548
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
3,646
3,549
3,630
3,637
3,272
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 1,000 2,000 3,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 200 400
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
537
508
519
557
548
10
Businesses Import
12
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 17Page 24
Top 10 Employers in Brock are:
Company Jobs
Regional Municipality of Durham 250 - 499
Stock Transportation 100 - 249
Durham District School Board (DDSB)100 - 249
Township of Brock 100 - 249
GoodYear Farm 100 - 249
Fisher's Independent Grocer 100 - 249
Sunderland Co-Operative 50 - 99
Flex -N- Gate 50 - 99
Bon Air Residence 50 - 99
Fairgreen Sod Farms 50 - 99
Business locations
opened in 202326
Business locations
vacant in 202346
114
3,435
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 1,937
1,990
1,994
2,059
1,970
1,102
1,222
1,200
1,248
1,270
233
425
452
323
309Photo by: S. Reinier deSmit Business Count 2023 Highlights 18Page 25
Wholesale trade
Public administration**
Other services (exceptpublic administration)*
Educational services
Accommodation andfood services
Manufacturing
Transportation andwarehousing
Health care andsocial assistance
Retail trade
Agriculture, forestry,fishing and hunting
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
20%
16%
16%
9%
1%
8%
8%
7%
2%
7%
5%
4%
4%
1%
Businesses
Jobs
3%
39%
18%
7%
7%
18%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 19Page 26
Clarington
Business Count 2023 Highlights 20Page 27
Total Businesses 1,539
Total Jobs 23,407
Jobs Relative to 2022 8.57%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
22,390
23,407
21,559
22,271
21,403
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 7,000 14,000 21,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 500 1,000 1,500
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
1,481
1,539
1,507
1,436
1,363
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
22,390
23,407
21,559
22,271
21,403
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 7,000 14,000 21,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 500 1,000 1,500
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
1,481
1,539
1,507
1,436
1,363
76
Businesses Import
52
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 21Page 28
Top 10 Employers in Clarington are:
Company Jobs
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)2,750 - 2,999
Municipality of Clarington 1,250 - 1,499
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB)1,000 - 1,249
Black&McDonald - Nuclear Services 500 - 749
Lakeridge Health 500 - 749
Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and
Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB)500 - 749
Brimacombe 250 - 499
Wal-Mart 250 - 499
Tim Hortons 250 - 499
Durham Christian Homes Society Inc.250 - 499
Business locations
opened in 2023133
Business locations
vacant in 202389
783
22,624
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 13,061
13,488
13,890
14,054
15,187
6,659
7,311
7,400
5,943
6,477
1,683
1,472
1,100
1,562
1,743
Business Count 2023 Highlights 22Page 29
Other services(except publicadministration)**
Arts, entertainmentand recreation
Publicadministration*
Construction
Manufacturing
Educationalservices
Health care andsocial assistance
Accommodationand food services
Utilities
Retail trade
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
19%
27%
14%
1%
12%16%
12%
16%
10%
9%
6%
7%
4%
7%
1%
6%
4%
4%
19%
Businesses
Jobs
6%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 23Page 30
Oshawa
Business Count 2023 Highlights 24Page 31
Total Businesses 3,067
Total Jobs 56,673
Jobs Relative to 2022 2.46%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
57,252
56,673
55,314
54,831
56,027
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 15,000 30,000 45,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 1200 2400
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
2,977
3,067
3,014
2,969
2,967
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
57,252
56,673
55,314
54,831
56,027
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 15,000 30,000 45,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 1200 2400
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
2,977
3,067
3,014
2,969
2,967
155
Businesses Import
70
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 25Page 32
Top 10 Employers in Oshawa are:
Company Jobs
Lakeridge Health 4,250 - 4,499
General Motors of Canada 3,750 - 3,999
Durham College 2,000 - 2,249
Durham District School Board (DDSB)1,750 - 1,999
Ontario Tech University 1,250 - 1,499
City of Oshawa 1,250 - 1,499
Regional Municipality of Durham 1,250 - 1,499
Concentrix 1,000 - 1,249
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)1,000 - 1,249
Ministry of Finance 1,000 - 1,249
Business locations
opened in 2023267
Business locations
vacant in 2023492
1,204
55,469
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 33,327
34,233
35,613
35,754
36,253
17,686
18,477
19,513
17,790
18,585
5,014
2,121
2,126
1,770
1,835
Business Count 2023 Highlights 26Page 33
Arts, entertainmentand recreation
Transportation andwarehousing
Administrative and support,waste management andremediation services
Public administration**
Other services (exceptpublic administration)*
Manufacturing
Accommodation andfood services
Educational services
Retail trade
Health care andsocial assistance
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
23%
14%
19%
31%
15%5%
10%
16%
10%
5%
21%
5%
1%
5%
2%
5%
2%
3%
3%
Businesses
Jobs
4%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 27Page 34
Pickering
Business Count 2023 Highlights 28Page 35
Total Businesses 2,004
Total Jobs 35,373
Jobs Relative to 2022 1.77%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
34,807
35,373
34,757
34,486
32,991
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 10,000 20,000 30,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 700 1,400
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
1,989
2,004
2,016
2,016
2,007
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
34,807
35,373
34,757
34,486
32,991
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 10,000 20,000 30,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 700 1,400
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
1,989
2,004
2,016
2,016
2,007
176
Businesses Import
114
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 29Page 36
Top 10 Employers in Pickering are:
Company Jobs
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)3,750 - 3,999
City of Pickering 1,000 - 1,249
Durham District School Board (DDSB)750 - 999
Rogers 750 - 999
Pickering Casino Resort 500 - 749
Aspect Retail Logistics 500 - 749
MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation)500 - 749
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)250 - 499
Orchard Villa Long Term Care 250 - 499
Trigo 250 - 499
Business locations
opened in 2023128
Business locations
vacant in 2023315
710
34,663
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 22,667
23,383
23,925
24,560
24,830
8,805
9,631
9,216
8,614
8,823
1,519
1,472
1,666
1,583
1,720
Business Count 2023 Highlights 30Page 37
Professional, scientificand technical services
Educational services
Arts, entertainmentand recreation
Transportation andwarehousing
Administrative and support,waste management andremediation services
Accommodation andfood services
Health care andsocial assistance
Utilities
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
19%
29%
13%
12%
11%0.4%
10%
16%
10%
9%
4%
8%
3%
7%
5%
7%
6%
6%
8%
Businesses
Jobs
17%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 31Page 38
Scugog
Business Count 2023 Highlights 32Page 39
Total Businesses 782
Total Jobs 7,740
Jobs Relative to 2022 3.42%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
8,166
7,740
7,484
7,536
7,540
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 2,500 5,000 7,500
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 250 500 750
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
824
782
794
825
795
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
8,166
7,740
7,484
7,536
7,540
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 2,500 5,000 7,500
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 250 500 750
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
824
782
794
825
795
34
Businesses Import
25
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 33Page 40
Top 10 Employers in Scugog are:
Company Jobs
The Great Blue Heron Charity Casino 750 - 999
Durham District School Board (DDSB)250 - 499
Walmart 250 - 499
Independent Grocers 100 - 249
Lakeridge Health 100 - 249
Port Perry Place Care Home 100 - 249
Greenwood Mushroom Farm 100 - 249
Regional Municipality of Durham 100 - 249
Tim Hortons 100 - 249
Willow Tree Farms 100 - 249
113
7,627
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 4,500
4,604
4,784
4,695
4,831
2,536
2,427
2,836
2,301
2,447
504
505
546
488
462
Business locations
vacant in 2023105
Business locations
opened in 202337
Business Count 2023 Highlights 34Page 41
Professional, scientific andtechnical services
Other services (exceptpublic administration)*
Construction
Educational services
Manufacturing
Agriculture, forestry,fishing and hunting
Accommodation andfood services
Health care andsocial assistance
Arts, entertainmentand recreation
Retail trade
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
22%
21%
17%
5%
13%8%
11%
10%
10%
7%
5%
6%
3%
5%
4%
5%
15%
4%
4%
Businesses
Jobs
26%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 35Page 42
Uxbridge
Business Count 2023 Highlights 36Page 43
Total Businesses 715
Total Jobs 7,990
Jobs Relative to 2022 0.44%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
7,775
7,990
7,955
7,364
7,162
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 2,500 5,000 7,500
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 250 500 750
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
770
715
750
758
716
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
7,775
7,990
7,955
7,364
7,162
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 2,500 5,000 7,500
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 250 500 750
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
770
715
750
758
716
38
Businesses Import
25
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 37Page 44
Top 10 Employers in Uxbridge are:
Company Jobs
Lakeridge Resort Limited 250 - 499
Durham District School Board (DDSB)250 - 499
Dagmar Ski Resort 250 - 499
Heritage Restoration Inc 100 - 249
Township of Uxbridge 100 - 249
Loblaw Companies Ltd 100 - 249
Stanmore Load Lifter Manufacturing Ltd.100 - 249
Stanmore Equipment Ltd 100 - 249
Castool Tooling Systems 100 - 249
Mill Run Golf Club 100 - 249
Business locations
opened in 202331
Business locations
vacant in 202373
167
7,823
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 3,824
3,983
4,300
4,508
4,649
1,776
1,784
1,834
1,814
1,662
1,562
1,597
1,641
1,633
1,679Photo by: Hark Nijjar PhotographyBusiness Count 2023 Highlights 38Page 45
Other services (exceptpublic administration)*
Professional, scientific andtechnical services
Educational services
Agriculture, forestry,fishing and hunting
Health care andsocial assistance
Accommodation andfood services
Construction
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Arts, entertainmentand recreation
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
17%
5%
17%
16%
15%5%
12%
5%
11%
9%
9%
7%
30%
5%
3%
4%
5%
4%
13%
Businesses
Jobs
7%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 39Page 46
Whitby
Business Count 2023 Highlights 40Page 47
Total Businesses 2,312
Total Jobs 44,359
Jobs Relative to 2022 5.49%
Jobs and business growth
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
43,306
44,359
42,049
41,730
41,555
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 20,000 40,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 600 1,200 1,800
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
2,308
2,312
2,323
2,313
2,284
Paid Jobs by Survey Year
43,306
44,359
42,049
41,730
41,555
Occupied Businesses by Survey Year
0 20,000 40,000
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
0 600 1,200 1,800
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
2,308
2,312
2,323
2,313
2,284
140
Businesses Import
72
Businesses Export
Business Count 2023 Highlights 41Page 48
Top 10 Employers in Whitby are:
Company Jobs
Regional Municipality of Durham 2,250 - 2,499
Durham District School Board (DDSB)2,250 - 2,499
Lakeridge Health 1,500 - 1,749
Town of Whitby 750 - 999
Gerdau 750 - 999
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)750 - 999
Central East LHIN 500 - 749
Durham Regional Police 500 - 749
Sobeys Whitby Service Centre 500 - 749
Tim Hortons 500 - 749
Business locations
opened in 2023155
Business locations
vacant in 2023232
970
43,389
New Jobs in 2023
Jobs from new businessesopened in 2023
Jobs at businesses existing in 2022
Jobs by Employment Type
Full-time
Part-time
Seasonal
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017 28,237
28,436
29,424
28,578
29,985
12,121
12,200
12,565
12,156
13,110
1,197
1,094
1,317
1,315
1,264
Business Count 2023 Highlights 42Page 49
Administrative and support,waste management andremediation services
Other services (exceptpublic administration)**
Transportation andwarehousing
Professional, scientific andtechnical services
Public administration*
Manufacturing
Educational services
Accommodation andfood services
Retail trade
Health care andsocial assistance
Highest Employment Sectors and Proportion of Related Businesses
22%
19%
19%
23%
12%16%
11%
6%
9%
9%
1%
5%
9%
5%
2%
4%
17%
3%
3%
Businesses
Jobs
5%
Business Count 2023 Highlights 43Page 50
The Regional Municipality of Durham
Planning and Economic Development Department, Planning Division605 Rossland Rd. E., 4th Floor
PO Box 623Whitby, ON L1N 6A3
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact us.
Within Durham: 311 • Toll-Free: 1-800-372-1102
Page 51
Town of Whitby 575 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON L1N 2M8
905.430.4300
whitby.ca
March 25, 2024
Via Email:
Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario premier@ontario.ca
Re: Removal of Tolls from Highway 407 Please be advised that at its meeting held on March 18, 2024, the Council of the Town of Whitby adopted the following as Resolution # 60-24:
Whereas on February 15, 2024 the Province announced it will be introducing
new legislation through the Get It Done Act in the Legislature’s spring sitting, which if passed will prohibit Ontario from introducing new tolls on provincial highways and potentially require public consultation before considering new tolls; and,
Whereas Highway 407 East from Brock Road (Regional Road 1) in Pickering to Highway 35/115 is provincially owned with tolls set by the province; and, Whereas if excluded from the proposed ban on tolls, Highway 407 East would
become the only tolled prov2incially owned highway in Ontario, resulting in unfair
economic impacts to Durham Region residents and businesses; and, Whereas planned Regional construction work to widen Winchester Road (Regional Road 3) from Anderson Street to Baldwin Street (Regional Highway
12) will necessitate reducing Winchester Road to one lane of traffic in one
direction over two construction seasons impacting travel times for residents and businesses; and, Whereas removal of tolls on Highway 407 East work would improve overall travel
times and alleviate the traffic impacts on surrounding Regional and local
municipal roads during the Winchester Road construction. Now therefore be it resolved:
1. That the Council of the Town of Whitby request the Province of Ontario to
amend the Get It Done Act to include the permanent removal of road tolls
Page 52
Page 2 of 2
on the existing Highway 407 East from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 35/115; and,
2. That the Clerk be directed to circulate this motion to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Transportation, all Durham Region MPPs, all Durham municipalities, the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Township of Cavan Monaghan, the City of Peterborough, the Ontario Trucking
Association, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Town Clerk at 905-430-4315.
Kevin Narraway Sr. Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
Copy: Chris Harris, Director, Legislative Services/Town Clerk Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation Region of Durham MPPs
Region of Durham municipalities
City of Kawartha Lakes Township of Cavan Monaghan City of Peterborough Ontario Trucking Association
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Page 53
TOWN OF AJAX
65 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax ON L1S 3S9 www.ajax.ca
_______________________________________________________________________________
Hon. Sylvia Jones Minister of Health 777 Bay St., 5th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Sylvia.Jones@pc.ola.org Sent by E-Mail
March 26, 2024
Re: Supportive Aging in Place Initiatives for Ajax Seniors The following resolution was passed by Ajax Town Council at its meeting held on March 25, 2024: WHEREAS the Town of Ajax is facing a rapidly aging population, with the percentage of individuals over 65 making up 13% of the overall population according to the 2021 census data, up from 7.3% in 2001; AND WHEREAS many Canadians want to age in place in their own home and community, which requires appropriate health and social supports and services to facilitate independent living; AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Health, through its Home Care Modernization initiative, is seeking innovative in-home care delivery models; AND WHEREAS the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model provides a comprehensive medical and social service delivery system using an interdisciplinary team approach to coordinate all preventive, primary, acute and long-term care needs; AND WHEREAS the PACE model of care is being delivered successfully in other municipalities, including Burlington where the PACE Community Hub is celebrating its fifth anniversary;
AND WHEREAS the PACE model of care is being implemented in Oshawa this year at 155 King Street West; AND WHEREAS implementation of the PACE program in Ajax would benefit residents, while alleviating demands on local hospitals and related healthcare institutions; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Ajax Council supports the Region of Durham expanding the PACE program into the Town of
Ajax; and,
Page 54
A copy of this motion be sent to the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax, John Henry, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Durham, Durham Regional Health and Social Services Committee, Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation, Ashley Manor Housing Corporation (formerly Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation), all Durham Region lower tier municipalities, Cynthia Davis, President and CEO
of Lakeridge Health, the Durham Ontario Health Team, Community Care Durham, and Durham Mental Health Services. CARRIED
If you require further information please contact me at 905-619-2529 ext. 3342 or
Jason.McWilliam@ajax.ca.
Sincerely,
Jason McWilliam
Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
Copy: Regional Councillor J. Dies
Councillor L. Bower
Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax
Chair John Henry
Durham Regional Health and Social Services Committee
Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation
Ashley Manor Housing Corporation
All Durham Region municipalities
Cynthia Davis, President and CEO of Lakeridge Health
Durham Ontario Health Team
Community Care Durham
Durham Mental Health Services
Page 55
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
Legislative Services
The Corporation of the City of Oshawa, 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 3Z7 Phone 905∙436∙3311 1∙800∙667∙4292 Fax 905∙436∙5697 www.oshawa.ca
File: 03-05
March 27, 2024
DELIVERED BY E-MAIL
Hon. Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario (doug.fordco@pc.ola.org)
Re: Proposed Ontario Get It Done Act
Oshawa City Council passed the following Notice of Motion at its meeting of February 26, 2024:
“Whereas on February 15, 2024 the Province announced it will be introducing new legislation in the Legislature’s spring sitting beginning February 20, 2024 to be described as the Get It Done Act regarding the Province of Ontario Banning Road Tolls, Freezing
Driver’s Licence Fees to Keep Costs Down; and,
Whereas the ban on road tolls will only be on future road tolls; and,
Whereas the Highway 407 East from Brock Road, Pickering to Highway 33/115 is the only section of Highway 407 with tolls, which is not leased; and,
Whereas effective June 2023 the Province removed the tolls on Highway 412 and 418
when the Provincial government approved changes to the Highway 407 East Act, 2012,
as part of the Fewer Fees, Better Services Act, passed in 2022; and,
Whereas now is the time to approve amendments to the Get It Done Act for the members elected to the Ontario Legislature to remove the tolls on the Highway 407 East extension from Brock Road to Highway 35/115 and relieve the burden on the economy of Oshawa
and Durham Region municipalities, their households, businesses, associations and
institutions;
Now therefore the City of Oshawa request the Province of Ontario to amend the Get It Done Act to include the banning of road tolls on the existing Highway 407 East from Brock Road, Pickering to Highway 35/115 and this motion be shared for support at the Councils
of the Region of Durham, the Townships of Brock, Uxbridge and Scugog, the City of Pickering, Town of Ajax, Town of Whitby, Municipality of Clarington, the City of Peterborough, and the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Transportation and all Durham Region M.P.P's.”
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2 If you need further assistance concerning the above matter, please contact me, at the address listed below or by telephone at 905-436-3311.
Mary Medeiros Director, Legislative Services/City Clerk
/jl
c: Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation Region of Durham All Durham Municipalities
The City of Peterborough
Durham Region M.P.P's
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TOWNSHIP OF Adelaide Metcalfe
March 22nd, 2024
The Honourable Lisa Thompson
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
11th Floor
77 Grenville St. Toronto, ON M5S 1 B3
RE: Township of Adelaide Metcalfe - Request to Increase Tile Drain Loan Limit
Dear Minister Thompson,
On March 18, 2024, the Township of Adelaide Metcalfe Council approved the following resolution:
WHEREAS farm drainage is of paramount importance in Ontario due to its significant impact
on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Effective drainage systems help mitigate
waterlogging, control soil moisture levels, and enhance soil structure, thereby optimizing
growing conditions for crops;
WHEREAS improved drainage also facilitates timely field operations, reduces erosion, and
minimizes nutrient runoff, contributing to environmental conservation efforts;
WHEREAS Ontario's diverse agricultural landscape, where weather variability is common,
well-maintained drainage systems play a crucial role in ensuring stable yields, economic
viability, and long-term resilience for farmers across the Province;
WHEREAS the Tile Loan Drainage Act, R.S.O 1990, c. T.B allows for the borrowing of money
for the purpose of constructing drainage works;
WHEREAS the maximum annual limit for these loans, unchanged since 2004, is currently set
at $50,000.
WHEREAS costs for Tile Drainage has increased markedly since 2004;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Township of Adelaide Metcalfe requests that the
Province through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) consider increasing the maximum annual Tile Loan limit to a minimum of $100,000.
AND THAT this resolution be circulated the Honourable Lisa Thompson - Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
(AMO), the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), and all Ontario municipalities.
2340 Egremont Drive, R.R. #5, Strathroy, Ontario, N7G 3H6
Phone (519)247-3687 Toll Free 1-866-525-8878 Fax (519)247-3411 E-Mail info@adelaidemetcalfe.on.ca
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The Corporation of the
County of Northumberland
555 Courthouse Road
Cobourg, ON, K9A 5J6
Northumberland County
Council Resolution
Northumberland County Council Resolution
SENT VIA EMAIL March 25, 2024
Hon. Doug Ford (Premier of Ontario)
Hon. Michael Parsa (Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services)
Hon. Paul Calandra (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing)
Hon. Sylvia Jones (Minister of Health)
Hon. David Piccini (Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and
MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South)
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Ontario Municipal Social Services Association
Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus
All Ontario Municipalities
Re: Northumberland County Resolution – County of Prince Edward ‘Review of
Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program Financial Assistance
Rates’
At a meeting held on March 20, 2024 Northumberland County Council approved the
following Council Resolution # 2024-03-20-190 adopting the below recommendation
from the March 6, 2024 Social Services Committee meeting.
Moved by: Councillor Robert Crate
Seconded by: Councillor Scott Jibb
“That the Social Services Committee, having considered the correspondence from the
County of Prince Edward regarding 'Review of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability
Support Program Financial Assistance Rates', recommend that County Council support
this correspondence and direct staff to send a copy of this resolution to the Honourable
Doug Ford (Premier of Ontario), the Honourable Michael Parsa (Minister of Children,
Community, and Social Services), the Honorable Paul Calandra (Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing), the Honourable Sylvia Jones (Minister of Health), the Honorable
David Piccini (Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and
MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South), the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association, the Eastern Ontario
Wardens' Caucus, and all Ontario municipalities."
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The Corporation of the
County of Northumberland
555 Courthouse Road
Cobourg, ON, K9A 5J6
"Council Resolution # 2024-03-20-190 Carried
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact
the undersigned at matherm@northumberland.ca or by telephone at 905-372-3329 ext.
2238.
Sincerely,
Maddison Mather
Manager of Legislative Services / Clerk
Northumberland County
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From the Office of the Clerk
The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward
T: 613.476.2148 x 1021 | F: 613.476.5727
clerks@pecounty.on.ca | www.thecounty.ca
February 16, 2024
Please be advised that during the regular Council meeting of February 13, 2024 the
following resolution regarding support for a review of the Ontario Works and Ontario
Disability Support Program Financial Assistance Rates was carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81
DATE: February 13, 2024
MOVED BY: Councillor Roberts
SECONDED BY: Councillor Hirsch
WHEREAS poverty is taking a devastating toll on communities, undermining a
healthy and prosperous Ontario, with people in receipt of Ontario Works and Ontario
Disability Support Program being disproportionately impacted;
WHEREAS the cost of food, housing, medicine, and other essential items have
outpaced the highest inflation rates seen in a generation;
WHEREAS people in need of social assistance have been legislated into poverty,
housing insecurity, hunger, poorer health, their motives questioned, and their dignity
undermined;
WHEREAS Ontario Works (OW) Financial Assistance rates have been frozen since
2018 ($733 per month);
WHEREAS Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefit rates have been
increased by 6.5 per cent as of July 2023 to keep up with inflation, however even
with the increase, ODSP rates still fall below their value in 2018 ($1,376 when
adjusted for inflation) and significantly below the disability-adjusted poverty line
($3,091 per month)
WHEREAS OW and ODSP rates do not provide sufficient income for a basic
standard of living and, as a result, hundreds of thousands of people across Ontario
who rely on these programs live in poverty;
WHEREAS the poverty risk profile for Prince Edward County created by Vital Signs
states that 10.1% - 13.5% of County residents are living on low income;
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From the Office of the Clerk
The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward
T: 613.476.2148 x 1021 | F: 613.476.5727
clerks@pecounty.on.ca | www.thecounty.ca
WHEREAS designated Service Managers are doing their part, but do not have the
resources, capacity, or tools to provide the necessary income and health related
supports to people experiencing poverty; and
WHEREAS leadership and urgent action is needed from the Provincial Government
to immediately develop, resource, and implement a comprehensive plan to address
the rising levels of poverty in Ontario, in particular for those on Ontario Works and
Ontario Disability Support Programs;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of Prince Edward County joins
the Town of Orangeville to calls on the Provincial Government to urgently:
a) At least double Ontario Works and ODSP rates and index rates to inflation,
answering calls already made by “Raise the Rates” campaign and the
“Income Security Advocacy Centre”;
b) Commit to ongoing cost of living increases above and beyond the rate of
inflation to make up for the years they were frozen;
c) Commit to jointly working between the Ministry of Children, Community, and
Social Services and the Ministry of Health on the best methods of assessing
client needs and then matching those in need to the services they require;
AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of Children,
Community, and Social Services, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario
Municipal Social Services Association, Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social
Services, the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, and all Ontario Municipalities.
CARRIED
Yours truly,
Catalina Blumenberg, CLERK
cc: Mayor Steve Ferguson, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Hirsch, and Marcia Wallace, CAO
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March 26, 2024 Sent by E-mail sylvia.jones@ontario.ca
Hon. Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health
Ministry of Health
5th Floor - 777 Bay St.
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
Re: Public Health Ontario Labs
______________________________________________________________________
Dear Minister Jones,
At its regular meeting held March 12, 2024, the Council of the Township of Asphodel-Norwood passed a resolution expressing concern about the possible closure of regional Public Health Ontario (PHO) laboratories, as stated in the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario's Value-for Money Audit: Public Health Ontario.
WHEREAS the mission of Public Health Ontario (PHO) is to "enable informed decisions
and get actions that protect and promote health and contribute to reducing health inequities", there are grave concerns that the closure of six community-based PHO labs will increase health inequities, especially for rural communities; and
WHEREAS combined these labs collect and process thousands of water samples and
time sensitive medical tests each day; and WHEREAS there are grave concerns about the integrity of samples being compromised if travel time is increased by centralizing all tests to a few locations; and
WHEREAS these labs already process overflow tests and samples when labs such as Toronto and Ottawa cannot keep up to demand and many scaled up to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS frequent drinking water testing services is vital for Ontarians who draw their
water from private drinking water systems (i.e. wells) and protecting groundwater quality and quantity is a shared responsibility. As stewards of care for the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2022, Council urges the provincial
government to take caution against acting on the recommendations stated in the
aforementioned audit report.
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Sincerely,
Melanie Hudson, Clerk
Township of Asphodel-Norwood
Encl./ Letter of Concern from former senior managers of Public Health Ontario (PHO)
Cc: MPP David Piccini | david.piccinico@pc.ola.org MP Philip Larence | philip.lawrence@parl.gc.caOntario Municipalities
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1
Letter of Concern regarding Regional Public Health Ontario Laboratories
December 18, 2023
We, the undersigned, are a group of retired senior managers who were long term employees of Public
Health Ontario (PHO), with extensive knowledge of regional laboratory operations and the public health
system. We are writing to express our concerns with PHO’s laboratory modernization plan, discussed
recently in the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario’s Value-for-Money Audit: Public Health Ontario
(report dated December 2023).
Our major concern rests with the recommendation to close 6 of the 10 regional, fully accredited
laboratories based in Peterborough, Orillia, Hamilton, Kingston, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins, which serve
communities in 15 public health unit jurisdictions. This change will impact about 85 laboratory personnel
and a number of Infection, Prevention and Control (IPAC) staff who are also housed in some of those sites.
In addition to these closures, there is a concerning recommendation to gradually eliminate drinking water
testing services for Ontarians who draw their water from private drinking water systems (e.g. wells). We
believe the associated risks to public health were not properly analyzed during the investigative process
and such measures, if approved by the Ontario government, could be detrimental.
The regional laboratory sites serve all of PHO’s clients located outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
They act as a first contact when specific testing is required by public health units, hospital and community
labs, long term care homes, clinicians and private citizens within their regions; and they provide access to
over 270 diagnostic tests related to diseases of public health significance listed in O. Reg 135/18 under the
Health Protection and Promotion Act. The high number of specimens processed during the COVID
pandemic at these locations is a testament to the ability of these labs to respond quickly to emerging
pathogens, to manage outbreaks and to assist with surveillance.
The Auditor General’s report has a financial focus, and in this respect, inefficiencies are outlined which we
acknowledge need to be addressed. However, PHO’s regional laboratory sites indicated for closure offer
analyses requiring specialized training, such as the identification of parasites, ticks (important due to the
increasing risk of Lyme disease), and pathogenic fungi. Having multiple sites competent in these specialty
tests adds backup support into the system and enables the management of surge capacity, especially in
outbreak situations. Two of these regional sites are also associated with postsecondary institutions,
providing academic placements and research opportunities.
In addition to the diagnostic testing of medical samples, regional laboratory locations conduct the majority
of testing for indicators of bacterial contamination in private drinking water systems, as well as public
drinking water and beach water submitted by Ontario Parks and public health unit staff, supporting their
Safe Water programs under Ontario public health standards. With water samples being time and
temperature sensitive, any increase in the transportation time can have a negative impact on sample
integrity. The current geographical configuration of PHO’s laboratory network allows clients direct access
to information and testing, and samples are transported from drop off depots in the communities quickly
and efficiently. Loss of these regional labs could result in increased courier costs, increased turn-around
times, and possible rejection of samples, due to integrity issues. In short, their closing will have a direct
and dramatic impact on PHO’s ability to achieve its mandate: the protection and promotion of public
health.
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2
PHO’s laboratory sites test between 150,000 to 175,000 private drinking water samples each year at no
cost to the submitter. With the recommendation to phase out PHO’s drinking water service, private citizens
who do not have access to municipally treated drinking water will have to submit their samples to a
licensed private laboratory, which currently can cost more than $150 per sample. Considering the current
economic state in Ontario, some residents may consider the cost prohibitive and decide not to monitor
their water source, thereby reducing sampling rates. As a result, people will be unaware of the quality of
their drinking water, which can put them at a higher risk of contamination. Private drinking water sources,
in particular, are susceptible to contamination at significantly higher rates than municipal systems. With
the removal of this testing service at PHO, there will also no longer be a centralized database containing
bacteriological test results that are available for PHO’s researchers or public health unit staff, who use it
to determine contamination rates in their regions.
The Report of the Walkerton Inquiry (2002) discusses the tragic impact of provincial budget cuts on water
testing services in the 1990s in Walkerton, Ontario. In 1996, the Ministry of Environment regional
laboratories were closed as a cost saving measure, and the testing that they performed on municipal
drinking water systems was privatized. Justice Dennis O’Connor, who authored the Walkerton report,
highlighted how this action “connected directly” to the Walkerton E.coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter
jejuni outbreak in May 2000 (part 1, p. 406), which resulted in seven deaths and 2,300 illnesses.
Recognizing the importance of the private drinking water testing service offered by Ontario’s public health
laboratory sites, Justice O’Connor suggested that the province maintain free, bacteriological water testing
for private well owners.
Overall, we are concerned that, if the recommendation to close 6 of the 10 regional PHO locations and to
phase out private water testing is approved, there will be serious negative impacts on public health.
Rather than reduce health inequities across the province of Ontario, we feel the proposed changes will do
the opposite. We caution the provincial government against acting on these recommendations without
fully understanding the ramifications and the complex logistics required in specimen handling to deliver
timely results. While the Auditor General’s report has a financial focus, which is important, we caution that
an up-to-date, independent impact assessment be carried out using a public health focus. Stakeholders,
including members of the public, should be consulted, as well. As we have seen in the past, an effective
public health network is needed, not only to ensure essential day-to-day testing, but also to respond to
emerging public health emergencies, such as Walkerton, SARS, West Nile and COVID.
Key Resources
O’Connor, Dennis R. (2002). Report of the Walkerton Inquiry. 2 parts. Toronto: Ontario Ministry of the
Attorney General. https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/e_records/walkerton/index.html
Office of the Auditor General of Ontario. (2023). Value-for-Money Audit: Public Health Ontario.
https://auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arreports/en23/AR_publichealth_en23.pdf
Signatories
Rena Retallick
Former Operations Director, Regional Public Health Laboratories
CONTACT: rena.retallick@gmail.com
Jean Cousineau
Former Technical Manager, Timmins Regional Public Health Laboratory
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Elizabeth Pszczolko
Former Manager, Thunder Bay Regional Public Health Laboratory
John Jessop
Former Manager, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Timmins Regional Public Health Laboratories
Leslee Shuttleworth
Former Manager, Ottawa Public Health Laboratory
Robin Eddington
Former Manager, Orillia Public Health Laboratory
Cindy Froats
Former Manager, Kingston Public Health Laboratory
Pamela O’Brien
Former Manager, Peterborough Public Health Laboratory
Suzan Breton
Former Manager, Sault Ste. Marie Public Health Laboratory
Monica Murphy
Former Quality and Technical Manager, Public Health Laboratories
Former Manager, Windsor Public Health Laboratory
Debbie Sikora
Former Manager, Kingston Public Health Laboratory
Doreen Graham
Former Senior Manager, Central North Region
Dr. Fred Ball
Former Manager, Thunder Bay Public Health Laboratory
Twyla Harcourt
Former Manager, Peterborough Public Health Laboratory
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Clerk’s Department
Township of Clearview
Box 200, 217 Gideon Street
Stayner, Ontario L0M 1S0
clerks@clearview.ca | www.clearview.ca
Phone: 705-428-6230
Page 1 of 2
March 27, 2024
Honourable Arif Virani
Minister of Justice & Attorney General
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Sent by Email
RE: Township of Clearview Endorsement of Bill C-63 in the House of Commons
Please be advised that Council of the Township of Clearview at its meeting held on March 25,
2024, passed the following resolution in support of the endorsement of Bill C-63 in the House
of Commons:
Moved by Councillor Dineen, Seconded by Councillor Broderick, Whereas The Canadian Federal Government has drafted Bill C-63, The Online Harms Act, currently
in front of Parliament and has had its first reading; and,
Whereas Bill C-63 requires that online tech companies and social media platforms remove child pornography and other dangerous content within 24 hours once the operator identifies the content, while also mandating the following duties:
• Duty to protect children;
• Duty to act responsibly;
• Duty to remove egregious content; and,
Whereas The Canadian Federal Government proposes to establish a “Digital Safety
Commission” and nominate an “independent” Ombudsperson to proactively circumvent potential harms on behalf of Canadians; and,
Whereas online tech companies and social media platforms need to adhere to existing Criminal Laws; and,
Whereas online tech companies and social media platforms need to be held
accountable to keep platforms safe from predators targeting children and other vulnerable Canadians and to protect them from bullying, hate, extremism, violence, discrimination, self harm, exploitation and sexual extortion that can lead to the most dire of consequences; and,
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Clerk’s Department March 27, 2024
Page 2 of 2
Whereas Clearview Township, as all Canadians, endeavours to foster safe homes, communities, schools and public spaces;
Be It Resolved That the Mayor and Council of Clearview Township endorse the passing
of Bill C-63 in the House of Commons and the establishment of a “digital safety
commission” and nomination of an “independent” Ombudsperson; and,
That a copy of this resolution be circulated to all municipalities in Ontario; the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario; Terry Dowdall, MP; The Right Honourable
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of
Justice & Attorney General of Canada. Motion Carried.
Sincerely,
Sasha Helmkay-Playter, B.A., Dipl. M.A., AOMC
Clerk/Director of Legislative Services
cc: Right Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Simcoe Grey MP Terry Dowdall
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Ontario Municipalities
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