National Public Works Week
National Public Works Week increases awareness across North America of the importance of public works and recognizes the professionals working behind the scenes.
Public works professionals keep towns and cities running smoothly and safely with well-maintained roads, reliable transit, state-of-the-art water treatment and recycling facilities, first response and forest conservation.
This year’s theme is "People, Purpose, Presence,” highlighting three cornerstone ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve in their community every day.
Family Fun Day
York Region hosted Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 80 and 90 Bales Drive East in the Town of East Gwillimbury, to spotlight the important services keeping our communities operating.
Over 2,000 visitors had the opportunity to visit interactive displays with information about roads, transit, water treatment and recycling, emergency preparedness, health services and forest conservation, explore Public Works trucks and equipment and take photos with our mascots.
Guests also enjoyed a ride through a bus wash, face painting, a visit to the ice cream truck and a delicious barbecue lunch. Thanks to the Holland Landing Lions Club, the barbecue raised $2,668 in support of Guide Dogs of Canada.
Thank you to everyone that attended Family Fun Day and to all York Region staff that helped make the event such a success!
2025 Paint-a-Plow Contest
Eight plow blades designed by students in grade five classes were on display at the Family Dun Day event in celebration of National Public Works Week. The theme for the Paint-A-Plow contest was, “People, Purpose, Presence.”
Hundreds of visitors came to the Paint-A-Plow showcase to cast a vote. They commented on the high level of detail in each design and the tough decision to choose a favourite. All the designs made quite an impression!
The plow design that received the most votes was Lake Simcoe Public School in the Town of Georgina. Congratulations!
All eight plow blade designs will be seen throughout York Region this winter season as snow plows work their routes.
All the plow designs are showcased below.
Lake Simcoe Public School – Winning Plow Design
Christ the King Catholic Elementary School
Greensborough Public School
Mackenzie Glen Public School
Milliken Mills Public School
Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School (Aurora)
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School (Markham)
Watch videos related to Public Works in York Region
Our Public Works staff ensure the smooth operation of essential services that keep our communities safe, clean and thriving. From maintaining our roads and water systems to managing emergency responses and environmental conservation, their work is vital to our daily lives. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Learn more about our amazing Public Works staff and their important work:
Emergency Prepardness
- Emergency Preparedness Week - Emergency Kit Top 5 Items
Learn about the top 5 items you should pack in your Emergency Kit.
Forestry
- Caring for York Regions Trees & Forests
Caring for urban trees and the York Regional Forest creates and maintains natural environments and sustainable communities. - Celebrating 100 Years! The York Regional Forest
2024 marks the 100-year anniversary of the York Regional Forest. Join us in celebrating this growing legacy and discover what the Forest has to offer.
Garbage and Recycling
- Composting in York Region
Learn how backyard composting and using the green bin contributes to a greener, healthier environment in York Region. - Durham York Energy Centre
Take a virtual tour of the Durham York Energy Centre to see how your household garbage is converted into energy. - The Lendery, A Library of Things
Check out our very first Lendery, launched in partnership with Markham Public Library. A Lendery is a library of things where you can sign out things, like small appliances and tools.
Water and Wastewater
- Water Towers in York Region
Have you ever seen a water tower and wondered how they work? This short video explains how they supply clean water to our homes, schools and communities throughout York Region. - Water Works: Move It
How does water get to our homes and offices 24 hours a day? And where does that used water go? - Water Works: Treat It
How do we take water from our lakes and wells and make it healthy, clean and safe to drink?
Road Maintenance
- Line Painting
Lane markers keep traffic moving smoothly and help you see the road at night. But it takes a lot of teamwork and planning to keep York Region roads looking fresh! - Road Maintenance Activities - Fall
While travelling on regional roads this autumn, you will see operators cleaning and making repairs to preserve the York Region transportation network. - Road Maintenance Activities - Spring
Each spring, our team of Transportation Maintenance Workers is busy cleaning and repairing regional roads and boulevards. - Road Maintenance Activities - Summer
Learn about out summer maintenance activities, like ditch and shoulder repairing shoulders, inspecting road signs. - Snow Plowing
Learn about what goes into keeping York Region roads snow-free and safe for all travellers. - York Region is Winter Ready
York Region maintains more than 4,300 lane-kilometres of main roadways across all nine municipalities. We're ready for winter. Are you?
Traffic Safety
- Be Visible Be Seen
When skies are dark or there are poor weather conditions, travellers have reduced visibility and are at greater risk. Pedestrians and cyclists can follow these important tips to arrive safely. - Traffic Safety Tips for Children – Crosswalk
Avoid the danger zone. Only cross at traffic signals. - Traffic Safety Tips for Children – Eye Contact
If you see a car, make eye contact before you cross. - Traffic Safety Tips for Children – Running
Walk, don't run! Learn how to cross the road safely. - Traffic Signals: From the Ground Up
Whether you drive, bike, walk or take transit, you’ll likely travel through an intersection with traffic signals. But have you ever stopped to think about how traffic signals work?
Transit
- Riding YRT to School
Need to learn how to take the bus to school in York Region?
York Region
- Sustainability at 17150 Yonge Street
Take a a look inside York Region's 17150 Yonge Street facility, to learn about its environmental design and sustainability features. - The Route to Innovation
Watch our route to innovation over the next 5 years.
