Authorization to Release Section 37 and Section 45(9) Funds from Various Developments for St. James Cathedral Heritage Lighting Improvements - by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton

Enhancement of this building is part of a strategy to highlight the heritage of the City, and to support the continued development of St. Lawrence and the Old Town as a tourist destination. The cathedral is an iconic heritage building and was a project that the late Councillor McConnell had championed as part of the revitalization of the adjacent St. James Park. On July 23, 2018, City Council permitted the release of $315,000 in funds to this lighting project. Following the St. James Cathedral tendering this project out, it was determined that the secured funds, which included $75,000 from the Cathedral itself, were significantly higher than had been estimated by the Cathedral's lighting consultant due to a miscalculation of material costs. To proceed with the original amount would mean that not only the lighting on the cathedral would be suboptimal, it would reduce the amount of additional lighting at grade. The design will recognize the historic importance of the building, and will enhance the façade and the historical character of the site. In particular, the design will highlight the architecture, address major entry points, and illuminate specific and historic features of the site. St. James Cathedral, in addition to its charitable activities, provides a de facto extension of St. James Park despite itself not being parkland. The cathedral permits their grounds to be used by residents with pets, as there is an abundance in the area but no current or planned dog run in St. James Park. Given current safety issues in the Downtown East, increasing the amount of light at grade would be highly beneficial to public safety and would complement Phase 2 of the St. James Park revitalization that will begin this year. Funds have been secured through Section 37 and 45(9) benefits from various developments in proximity to the Cathedral for the purpose of implementing the Heritage Interpretation Master Plan for Old Town Toronto and/or the Heritage Lighting Master Plan for Old Town Toronto. These funds have been received by the City.

108-116 George Street and 234 Adelaide Street East, secured for improvements to the lighting in St. James Park, in the amount of $4,468.41 (Source Account: XR3026-3700016); b. 105 George Street and 252 Adelaide Street East, secured for the implementation of the Heritage Lighting Master Plan for Old Town Toronto, in the amount of $14,466.53 (Source Account: XR3028-4500093); c. 20 to 26 Lombard Street and 25 Richmond Street East, secured for the implementation of Heritage Lighting Master Plan for Old Town Toronto, in the amount of $103,343.76 (Source Account: XR3026-3700825); and d. 177-197 Front Street East, secured for secured for the implementation of Heritage Lighting Master Plan for Old Town Toronto, in the amount of $372,721.30 (Source Account: XR3026-3700942) 2. City Council forward the $495,000 to The Churchwardens of The Cathedral Church of St. James, subject to the Churchwardens signing an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.