Introduction. A Message from the Chair and Chief Administrative Officer and Acting Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance... 9

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1 Introduction A Message from the Chair and Chief Administrative Officer and Acting Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance Accomplishments in An Award-Winning Municipality

2 Introduction Amessage from the Chair and Chief Administrative Officer and Acting Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance STRIKING THE BALANCE PEEL S 2002 BUDGET The preparation of the Region of Peel s 2002 Current and Capital Budget was framed within a context of dramatic economic change. Evidence of an economic slowdown emerged early in 2001, necessitating significant interest rate reductions. The events of September 11 exacerbated the economic slowdown, resulting in a more intensified interest rate decline. With the continued economic slowdown and its impact at the individual level, the major challenge centred on attaining a budget which would maximize the Region s service to a growing population while minimizing the tax impact on Peel taxpayers. Over the past year, the Region of Peel has had many successes in our mandate to provide quality, cost-effective programs and services to meet the needs of the community. Our key accomplishments include: Approval of our third Strategic Plan Directions for Success: Investing in Peel s Future Successful assumption and implementation of downloaded provincial service programs such as Ambulance and Social Housing. Peel was the first municipality in Ontario to receive provincial approval for its business plan as a Social Housing Service Manager. Joint three-year accreditation award for our three Long-Term Care facilities plus the allocation of licences, by the provincial government, for two new facilities Negotiation of an agreement to sell water to neighbouring York Region with significant financial benefits to the Region of Peel External recognition more than 30 awards spanning all Corporate departments Provincial government decision to name Peel Region s Ontario Works Team as the Income Screening Unit to provide services to Peel, Halton and Waterloo Regions as well as Dufferin and Wellington Counties. 9

3 Introduction-A Message While striving to manage Regional growth and the need to provide expanded services, an initial tax rate increase of 3.6 per cent was proposed by senior management. By working closely with Regional Council and the Police Services Board, staff was able to reduce the overall impact in the final approved budget to a lesser increase of 2.1 per cent for The Regional Budget strikes a balance between meeting the program and service needs of the local community and minimizing the overall tax rate impact. The 2002 Current Budget translates into a $27 per year property tax increase for the average homeowner, which is specifically for enhanced frontline police services. Tremendous growth in Peel communities and the events of September 11 combine to create a need for increased policing services throughout the Region. The approved operating budget is $728 million, of which $177.9 million represents policing costs. The portion of the budget representing Regional programs excluding Police was established at a level that delivers no tax impact while still improving the overall level of quality service being delivered to Peel s residents. Highlights of the 2002 Budget include: No tax impact on Regional programs Funding for an additional 47 frontline police officers Funding for up to 30 new Public Health professionals Increase of 44,500 trips for Transhelp disabled transit Enhanced waste diversion program Assumption of Highway 7 West from the province Expanded Land Ambulance Program, including more service hours and enhanced paramedic training Start-up costs for two new Long-Term Care facilities scheduled to open in With the recent transfer of responsibility for funding GO Transit s operating expenses to the province, the Region of Peel will provide $16.5 million from the 2002 Current Budget to the area municipalities to help sustain and expand their transit initiatives in Through sound fiscal management policies, we are able to minimize operating budget impacts to the Peel taxpayers, and finance a $2.2 billion 10-year capital plan from a combination of development charges and reserves dedicated to these capital projects and still maintain our debt-free status. 10

4 A Message-Introduction The average homeowner will pay $1,329 for Regional services and $279 for water and wastewater services in On September 27, 2001, the province announced that the Greater Toronto Services Board (GTSB) would be phased-out and a new operating authority would be created to co-ordinate services across the Greater Toronto Area. Since that time, a Smart Growth Panel for Central Ontario has been established with a mandate to provide advice to the province on the development of a Smart Growth Management Plan and specifically examine two priority issues traffic gridlock and waste management. Peel residents and business owners continue to enjoy the lowest combined water and wastewater rates in the GTA. A utility rate increase of $4 per year for a single-family residence will support the Region s enhanced commitments to water and air quality initiatives, and the Conservation Authority capital program. The future is a challenging one for Peel, as the Region faces a rapidly growing and aging population. At the same time, the Region continues to enjoy a strong tax and employment base. As service demands continue to increase and evolve, the Region is prepared to meet the challenge of maintaining the balance of maximizing service quality and delivery while constantly striving to minimize the economic impact on its key stakeholders the citizens of Peel. Emil Kolb Regional Chair Roger Maloney Chief Administrative Officer and Acting Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance 11

5 Accomplishments in 2001 BUILDING ON OUR CURRENT SUCCESSES The Region of Peel enjoys a reputation for leadership and innovation in municipal government. The following examples describe some of Peel s many achievements. 1. Fiscally well-managed Facilitated an important public safety and law enforcement initiative by playing a lead role in the development and support of the Red Light Camera Program Peel, together with its area municipalities, received the strongest municipal credit rating in Canada (triple A credit rating) Recipient of the GFOA Award for the 2001 Current and Capital Budget Protected the Region s financial integrity through negotiated settlement of multiple appeals of the Region s new Development Charge By-law and successfully conducted Ontario Municipal Board hearings in defence of the by-law Region of Peel s infrastructure reserve fund allows replacement of aging infrastructure without increasing water rates. 2. Efficient, affordable infrastructure to service current and planned needs Lowest water and wastewater rates in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Lowest full cost Regional development charge rates in the GTA Received $815,000 from the province to implement Breathing Space smoke-free home campaign in partnership with the GTA and Hamilton health departments 12

6 Accomplishments in 2001-Introduction The Region of Peel and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation partnered on a joint venture for reconstructing the Highway 401 and Mississauga Road interchange Excess Load Permit Issuance Peel and the area municipalities meet regularly to review and enhance service delivery. Key innovative solutions include electronic routing process, annual permit expiry dates, streamlined policy approval, electronic payment options and Web site access. Contract with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for the operation and maintenance of Peel s water and wastewater plants, resulting in savings for the residents of Peel in the order of $67 million over the term of the contract A watermain was extended from the North Brampton Pumping Station along Mayfield Road to Coleraine Drive. The watermain connected Bolton to the South Peel Lake Ontario-based Water System. Development of programs and services for disadvantaged youth through collaboration between the human services departments and local parks and recreation departments In a commitment to address the emerging challenges of the Millennium, new police units were formed including the Technological Crimes Unit, the Youth Education Unit and the Central Traffic Unit Peel Regional Police opened the Streetsville Community Police Station Solvency rates, for both violent crimes and property crimes, continue to exceed both the provincial and national averages Pure Patrol Program was successful in providing just over 17,000 hours of positive, proactive interaction between police officers and local residents and businesses Internet Safety Committee continued its commitment to ensure the safety of children and youth when utilizing the Internet by providing an estimated 337 presentations to just over 91,000 students Developed a variety of water quality initiatives, including a wellhead protection program and well water protection zones, taste and odour remediation, and the Lorne Park Water Treatment Plant expansion Clear Scents initiative was created to reduce odour from the Lakeview Wastewater Treatment Facility. 13

7 Introduction-Accomplishments in Noted for innovative, cost-effective services and programs Three Public Works contracts signed dealing with sewer flushing, roadside maintenance and waste and recycling haulage As part of the Managed Competition process, Regional staff were awarded the waste and recycling haulage contract for the Bolton Community Recycling Centre, the Brampton Recycling Depot and the Britannia Public Waste and Recycling Depot Ontario Works in Peel was awarded $1.2 million from the province for exceeding client placement targets by 50 per cent in Ontario Works participant placements exceeded 2,500 in the year and involved both paid and unpaid work opportunities. This resulted in reduced social assistance payments and over 200,000 hours of community service in Peel. Through innovative programming and active case management, the Ontario Works in Peel caseload declined 20 per cent in the first half of 2001, comparing favourably with average caseload declines of 13 per cent in the Greater Toronto Area (excluding Peel) and 16 per cent across the province for the same period After two years of planning and business process redesign, Ontario Works in Peel converted to the new provincial Service Delivery Model Technology. The system introduces one provincial database for all social assistance recipients and improves the effectiveness and efficiency of social assistance delivery throughout Ontario. Transhelp, the Regional transit system for the disabled, has worked closely with the area municipalities and private taxi companies to increase access to both public transit and private taxis for disabled citizens of Peel The Region entered formal reciprocal agreements with Mississauga Transit and GO Transit in 2001 Transhelp automated trip confirmation, cancellation and fare information implementation reducing demand on Peel s live call-takers and providing customers with 24-hour access to key trip information 14

8 Accomplishments in 2001-Introduction The Region s three Long-Term Care facilities were granted a three-year accreditation by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation with no recommendations for improvement. A three-year award is the highest achievement that can be granted by the Council. This was the first time all three facilities were surveyed as a group of Regional homes. Plans for the building of two new Long-Term Care facilities in Brampton and Mississauga 320 beds in total progressed from design and development to the construction phase Peel Regional Ambulance Services (PRAS) assumed responsibility for delivering a new level of land ambulance service to Peel citizens in In its first year of operation, PRAS responded to approximately 90,000 calls An innovative project called the Families First Program, designed to provide sole support families with access to recreational programs, was launched The Environmental Control laboratory received ISO 25 accreditation from the Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories for conducting certain analysis for drinking water Publication of Water Quality Reports to comply with new Ontario Drinking Water Standards In June, the Region stopped collecting leaf and yard waste in plastic bags, in a cost-saving move to eliminate contamination in the processing of organic waste material. Residents now place leaf and yard waste at the curb in open-top, rigid containers, paper yard waste bags and bushel baskets. 4. Strong, well-managed growth Phase one of the Three Bag Standard Program for waste collection was implemented on June 4, 2001, requiring residents to place a garbage tag on any garbage bags or containers in excess of three 5. Partnerships are a recognized and valued way of doing business Other Governments and Agencies Partnership with agencies providing preschool special needs resourcing has led to the development of PEP Start - Preschool Early Intervention Project. This is a free screening and referral service held in child-friendly environments throughout Peel. 15

9 Introduction-Accomplishments in 2001 Public Works staff negotiated the York-Peel Agreement to provide water services to York Region. The agreement brings financial benefits to the Region of Peel as well as increasing overall water capacity for future growth. Established a 28-member community-based Peel Advisory Working Group on Older Adults Housing, reporting directly to Council, to implement the 30 recommendations in Housing Needs and Options of Older Adults in Peel Region Worked co-operatively with Durham and York Regions in developing the Oak Ridges Moraine Strategic Directions and the Groundwater Management Strategy Study Participated in the development of the "20/20 The Way to Clean Air" pilot project with the City of Toronto Public Health and other partners. The goal of the program is 20 per cent reduction in personal kilometres travelled and home energy consumption in private households across the GTA by the year Received $2.8 million from the federal government s homelessness initiatives program to help fund a housing project for families in transition, a youth village and expansion of Peel s Outreach Program. Community Organizations Struck a partnership with the Salvation Army to operate Peel s two homeless shelters, and to provide first rent payment to prevent those without shelter from becoming chronically homeless A partnership with the Peel Child Care Committee has led to the development of the Child Care Info Peel Line, which provides the public with free telephone information on child care Peel is among the Top 10 corporate donors to the United Way of Peel Region in During the 2001 United Way Employee Campaign, employees raised $162,143 for United Way-funded agencies across Peel. Free flu shots are made available through a Region-wide outreach program in clinics and schools 16

10 Accomplishments in 2001-Introduction Private Sector Effective use of the processed bottom ash from the KMS Peel municipal solid waste incinerator as daily cover material at the Britannia and Caledon Sanitary Landfill Sites and as an aggregate substitute in asphalt has increased diversion from landfills by more than 27,000 tonnes Creation of Clear Scents Public Working Group and Community Liaison Committee to help community members participate in the Region s Odour Strategy for the Lakeview Wastewater Treatment facility. 17

11 An Award-Winning Municipality Since its formation in 1974, the Region of Peel has received many awards, accolades and certificates of excellence for its programs and services, demonstrating the Region s commitment to quality and adherence to best practices. The awards listed below, received in 2001, are an acknowledgement of the Region s outstanding contributions to the community and recognition of the accomplishments of Regional employees. This extensive list of awards is a strong endorsement of the Region as a leader in quality program and service delivery. Children s Services Mary Neville Award for work with children with special needs Association of Early Childhood Educators long standing contribution to the Early Childhood Education field. Internal Support - Finance Showcase Ontario Award of Excellence in the Organizational Transformation category for the Integrated Planning and Financial System Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2001 Budget Document. Ontario Works Willis Award for Innovation Honourable Mention from Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators and US Filter for Peel s Financial Assessment Unit model. Operations and Maintenance Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Education Award for education related to the Peel Children s Water Festival 18

12 An Award-Winning Municipality-Introduction Ontario Good Roads Association Award for Innovative Delivery Bruce Brunton Award for Public Works Week Honourable Mention. Peel Health Ovation Award from the International Association of Business Communicators Toronto Chapter for the Breathing Space Campaign Crystal Award from Radio Marketing Bureau for the Breathing Space Campaign Hygeia Award from the Health Care Public Relations Association of Canada for the Breathing Space Campaign Best Retirement Community from Mississauga News Accreditation of the Region s three Long-Term Care facilities from the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation. Peel Regional Police School Safety Patrol Program Incentive Award from the Canadian Automobile Association of Central Ontario Community Policing Award, sponsored by the Accident Support Services International Ltd, awarded to No. 21 Division Neighbourhood Policing Unit from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police 2001 Resources Protection Recognition Police Award, awarded to No. 11 Division Criminal Investigations Unit from the Retail Council of Canada. Regional Planning Award of Excellence from Environmental Systems Research Institute Canada for leadership and innovative use of Geographic Information Systems in developing the Regional Planning Atlas 19

13 Introduction-An Award-Winning Municipality Excellence in Planning Award from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute for the Regional Planning Atlas Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan Award of Excellence for the document "The Oak Ridges Moraine: Proposals for the Protection and Management of a Unique Landscape 2001". Transhelp National Transit Employee Excellence Award from the Canadian Urban Transit Association for assistance with the Interactive Voice Response System implementation. United Way Top 10 Achievement Certificate for 2001 United Way Campaign. Waste Management Communication Services Division received a Canadian Public Relations Society Award of Merit for the Grey Box Communication Campaign Recycling Council of Ontario Waste Reduction Week Best Community Effort - Runner Up - Waste Reduction Week Activities Greater Toronto Services Board (GTSB) Innovations for CLEANUP (entry into catalogue of innovations and best practices) GTSB Innovations for Waste Management Web Pages (entry into catalogue of innovations and best practices). Water and Wastewater Treatment Public Sector Quality Fair 2000 presented a Certificate of Excellence for the South Peel Water and Wastewater Project The Environmental Control laboratory received accreditation from the Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories for conducting analysis of drinking water. 20