York Regional Council approved the establishment of the York Region Municipalities Insurance Pool program.

Implementing an insurance pool increases purchasing ability and lowers overall cost of insurance for participating municipalities by offering greater premium stability than if coverage was purchased directly from an insurance provider individually. Analysis of financial viability and sustainability indicates potential insurance cost savings of approximately 20% or $5.5 million annually for York Region and participating municipalities.

"Positioning our communities for a strong, sustainable future includes providing residents with value for their tax dollars," said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. "Establishing the York Region Municipalities Insurance Pool reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility with projected cost savings of approximately $30 million over the next five years."

Municipal insurance pools have been established in other regions previously, with the Simcoe Municipalities Insurance Pool launched in June 2025.

"The Municipalities Insurance Pool will help foster effective, open and collaborative communications between York Region and participating local municipalities to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability," said King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini, Chair of Finance and Administration. "In addition to financial efficiencies, this new program will promote and strengthen alignment of our collective risk-management practices to report, investigate and manage claims."

An Insurance Pool Board will be established to direct future decisions and oversee management of the insurance pool. York Region has been selected as host and will provide management and administrative functions needed to support the pool. This includes implementing proactive risk-management practices, standardized claims handling, contract reviews, accounting services and consistent operating procedures across all participating municipalities.

The pool is set to launch on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with interested municipalities seeking prior approval from their respective municipal councils to participate.