Paul Jankowski has been appointed president of the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC), effective May 13.
“Given his wealth of experience as former commissioner of transportation services at York Region and his many achievements in transit integration and implementation, we are pleased to appoint Mr. Jankowski as YRRTC’s new oresident,” chair of the YRRTC board and Mayor of Markham Frank Scarpitti said in a news release.
“As York Region continues to grow, it is increasingly important to ensure we have the rapid transit infrastructure in place to support future housing and employment growth in York Region’s urban growth centres.”
Jankowski has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in transit and transportation, having served in senior capacities at York Region, the City of Vaughan and, most recently, in the Edmonton region. He started his career at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Paul back to York Region in his new role as president of YRRTC,” said York Region chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. "With his extensive background and strategic leadership, I am confident he will advance the priority rapid transit projects needed in our communities.”
“I’m very excited to return to York Region with a continued focus on leading rapid transit expansion and the integration of transportation solutions for our residents and businesses,” said Jankowski.
“YRRTC has a proven track record of success in delivering rapid transit infrastructure and I look forward to our team working closely with the board, York regional rouncil, the province and our transportation partners to implement the next generation of projects needed to serve York’s diverse growing communities.”
The board of directors acknowledged and thanked Brian Shifman for fulfilling the role of acting president for the past 16 months.
"Under Brian’s leadership, YRRTC further strengthened relationships with various stakeholders, including Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation, and advanced negotiations for the Yonge North Subway Extension. He also led YRRTC’s engagement in a governance and mandate review, which resulted in regional council support for YRRTC remaining as a separate corporation," the board stated.
Shifman will continue as acting president until he resumes the position of executive vice-president, a key role of the YRRTC senior leadership team, the board added.
