York Region implements a "two-tier government" system, uniting nine municipal units into a regional government.

The York Regional Government (upper tier) is responsible for cross-regional services and infrastructure, such as public transportation (YRT), policing (YRP), public health (YRH), regional planning, water supply, sewage treatment, and maintenance of regional roads. These matters require unified coordination to ensure efficient resource allocation and service delivery.

In contrast, some services and facilities that require flexibility and personalization are determined by individual towns, such as fire protection and recreational activities.

The York Regional Council consists of nine mayors and twelve regional councillors, tasked with formulating regional policies and budgets.

The local municipal units (lower tier) manage their own local affairs, including community services, maintenance of local roads, park management, and community center operations, among others, except for fire protection services.

This division allows each town to retain certain autonomy to address the specific needs of its residents while achieving shared resources and coordinated development through the regional government.

York Region has consistently adopted the two-tier government system to respond to rapid urbanization, improve administrative efficiency, integrate resources, and balance local autonomy with regional collaboration.

Understanding Canada's three-tier government structure:

Federal Government: We live in Canada, which falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. The leader of the federal government is the Prime Minister of Canada. It is responsible for foreign affairs, defense, immigration, currency, criminal law, postal services, borders, federal taxation, and more.

Provincial Government: Our province is Ontario, governed by the provincial government, led by the Premier of Ontario. It is responsible for education, healthcare services, highways, provincial taxation, provincial laws (such as civil law and family law), social services, and more.

Regional and Municipal Governments: Within Ontario, there are 444 cities and towns, known as municipalities, managed by their respective municipal governments. Each municipality is led by a mayor and has a city council composed of elected councillors who are responsible for implementing provincial policies and regulations and formulating policies and decisions related to the local community.

York Region comprises nine municipal units: Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Newmarket, Aurora, and King.

These nine municipal units collectively form "York Region," overseen by a regional government led by the Chairperson of York Region. Since each municipal unit has its own mayor, York Region has a total of nine mayors. Additionally, some towns elect regional councillors who, along with the mayors, make up the York Regional Council.

For example, in Markham, the property taxes paid by citizens are allocated as follows: approximately 52.09% supports York Region services, about 24.19% remains with the City of Markham, and around 23.72% goes to the provincial government for school and educational purposes.

Source: Regional Councillor Alan Ho Office

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