Y2K Preparedness Sub-Committee
Ward 27, York Humber and Ward 28, York Eglinton
The York Community Council recommends the adoption of the recommendations contained in communication
dated January18, 1999 from Councillor Bill Saundercook.
The York Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having forwarded this communication to the Y2K
staff committee to consider using as a possible model in other parts of the City.
The York Community Council submits the following communication (January 18, 1999) from Councillor Bill
Saundercook:
Background:
As you know the world is preparing for possible glitches in civic and economic infrastructure when the clock turns over to
the year 2000. Preparation is underway at the national level and we, at the City, have a Y2K office to handle the computer
conversion necessary throughout the corporation.
However, in the event of widespread energy systems failure the current municipal emergency plans are inadequate.
Preparedness must be encouraged on an individual and community wide basis.
As with our recent snow storms, we realize that it does not take much to grind the City to a halt. Let us learn from the
lessons of last year's ice storm, prepare for the worst and rejoice, if little happens when the clock hits 12:00 midnight on
December 31, 1999.
Objectives:
-to create a stakeholder committee to ensure adequate personal and community preparation in the event of systems
failures that may occur January 1, 2000; and
-to communicate to the local residents of Wards 27 and 28, the need to make individual preparations for a Y2K likely
scenario, and where community resources can be accessed (including translation services) through public meetings and
printed material.
Resources required:
City departments would be requested to allocate staff and resources to support a public information campaign in both
Wards 27 and 28.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)the York Community Council establish a Y2K Preparedness Sub-Committee, such sub-committee to include
representatives from:
-the Toronto District Board of Education;
-Emergency Services;
-Public Health; and
-Councillor Saundercook as Chair;
(2)the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services,
and the Toronto District Board of Education, be requested to designate a staff member to participate on this sub-committee;
and
(3)the York Infrastructure Sub-Committee remain in place and be augmented with appropriate staff and representatives
from seniors' agencies.
