Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds, from the development at 1674-1684 Bayview Avenue and 703-713 Soudan Avenue to the Toronto Catholic District School Board at St. Anselm Catholic School (182 Bessborough Drive) - by Councillor Jaye Robinson, seconded by Councillor Gary Crawford

We need a place for children to congregate, socialize, and play. The proposed revitalization project will turn "grey to green" replacing a damaged asphalt yard with a dynamic, safe, and green play area. The plan includes a multi-purpose sport surface, new climbing structure, shade trees, natural elements for dedicated play, and a repaved surface. After many years of neglect, there are safety concerns with the current play structure (rotting wood, leaning, rust) and parents report that the uneven, pot hole filled paved area is resulting in injuries, including concussions and fractures. The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) has identified a need for capital investments on the site, including new playground equipment. The overall cost of the project is valued at approximately $300,000 dollars. The TCDSB will be contributing a portion of the funding and the community has already raised an impressive $215,000 for the project. This motion seeks to transfer $35,000 to the TCDSB to support the playground improvements. Council approved Implementation Guidelines for Sections 37 and 45 provide state that: "Cash contributions toward the capital improvement of school board playgrounds are eligible S.37 community benefits where the playground serves as a local park, where the public will continue to have reasonable access for the foreseeable future, and where there is no local City-owned parkland performing a similar function in the same community that could otherwise benefit from the cash contribution." The playground in question provides a community amenity to a neighbourhood in need. Trace Manes, the closest City-owned park, is already undergoing a comprehensive improvement project funded by Section 37 money. Capital improvements to the School's playground amenities would thus comply with Council's approved Guidelines. The TCDSB will sign an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements prior to the funds being released from the City. This motion is urgent because the funding is required immediately to ensure that construction can be completed this year.

2. City Council direct that the $35,000.00 be forwarded to the Toronto Catholic District School Board upon the signing of an Undertaking by the TCDSB governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.