York Region owns 251 acres of land for potential housing: report

York Region has 251 acres of land available that could potentially be used for housing or other public services, according to a new report.

The report identified potentially identifiable lands spread through the region’s nine municipalities. Presented to regional council Oct. 10, the report identifies areas, including 14452 Yonge St. in Aurora and 194 Eagle St. in Newmarket, as region-owned lands that could be further developed.

The report came at the behest of council, which sought a look at the potential to better use buildings and land for housing. But commissioner of corporate services Dino Basso said there are potentially many uses for the land, as various departments are seeking space.

But, “housing is a very key priority that this council has signalled,” Basso said. “Land is a very important piece in that puzzle, and so I do think these are really important conversations that we’re having.”

The report came when council sought information on regionally owned land and buildings that could be repurposed for other regional priorities in April. Back then, much of the conversation was around repurposing buildings like York Region headquarters with more remote work happening.

But since then, region staff implemented a new policy forcing workers to come to the office at least half the time. The analysis generally found the region’s 282 buildings are all being used, with staff working to lease out unused space. In total, 95 per cent of the buildings provide services directly to residents.

“Repurposing our existing buildings is not feasible,” Basso said.

To follow up on the land, staff have contracted out a consulting firm for Ernst and Young to evaluate the land portfolio and how the land would be best used, whether for housing, other services, or potential sale. 

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said these lands are mostly already known to municipalities and have been in planning discussions for potential repurposing before this study. 

He further said where the region decides to sell available land, the municipality should consider using that funding for housing elsewhere.

“We’re looking for creative ways to find some funding for housing,” Taylor said.

Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas said it was a great presentation and a long time coming. However, he questioned whether there was enough internal expertise to analyze the portfolio rather than rely on a consultant.

“We do have some very good administrative strength when it comes to appraiser negotiators,” Basso said, adding companies will procure consultants for best-use analysis of massive land portfolios. “This is a different level of analysis.”