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A new report reveals York Region's $450 million annual funding shortfall, or $369 per resident, for community services, prompting calls for provincial action.
York Region is grappling with a significant funding shortfall of around $450 million annually for community services, equivalent to $369 per resident, according to a new report commissioned by the region. The report, conducted by research firm Blueprint ADE, highlights that the region receives less funding from the Ontario government compared to other large municipalities in recent years.
Report Details York Region Funding Gap
The report states that the longstanding shortfall was not created by any one government or policy but has persisted. It emphasizes that decreased funding has put pressure on already stretched municipal finances. Residents are paying $125 million more in property taxes to help offset the gap in services, according to Sean Meagher, coordinator of Ontario For All.
Monica Bryce, director of strategies and health services at York Region, said the region and nonprofit partners are calling on the province to fund the shortfall and find a sustainable, long-term solution. She noted that current funding models are based on the old makeup of the community, not its recent growth.
Advocates Call for Updated Funding Formula
Sean Meagher of Ontario For All said people are moving from Toronto to outer suburbs in the GTA due to rising housing prices, but community services aren't being built around them. He hopes the report shows the province that York is not a sleepy, little suburb but a large urban centre.
The lack of funding affects nearly everyone, from young families to people experiencing homelessness. There is an acute shortage of affordable housing, long-term care and childcare services. Meagher added that the province is using funding formulas built for the 1970s, which no longer reflect York Region's reality.
Province Points to Record Investments
Michael Minzak, spokesperson for Ontario's Ministry of Housing, said the province has increased support for municipalities by over 60 per cent over the past three years. Lily Barnes, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, said the government has made record investments in the region, including for a new mental health centre, and has increased funding to York Region's health department by more than 32 per cent since 2018.
Debbie Schatia, CEO of emergency housing provider Blue Door, said her organization is spending a lot on crisis responses, which could be reduced with funding for proactive service solutions. Blue Door staff have seen increased impact on hospitals, childcare waitlists and housing needs.
Because of the underfunding, Schatia said they are not able to keep up with the need and people are waiting longer for services. She hopes the province will partner with the region for a new funding formula that saves money in the future by giving people the support they need.
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