Authorization to release Section 45 funds for the production and installation of a Heritage Plaque to commemorate the Phillips Garment Factory fire of January 20, 1950 - by Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak

Nine of the eleven workers in the factory died of burns or smoke inhalation. The disaster led to greater scrutiny of working conditions and fire hazards in Toronto's garment factories. The City has secured funds under Section 45 of the Planning Act with the owner of the development at 650 King Street West and 95 Bathurst Street. The decision of the Committee of Adjustment (File A0356/08TEY) provides that the funds shall be used for heritage study on the King Street West Neighbourhood, for which a Heritage Conservation District Plan was recently completed and approved by City Council. Sufficient funds remain available in the Planning Act Reserve Account to produce and install the heritage plaque at this location. The use of these funds for this purpose complies with the By-law and agreement. As Heritage Toronto is a directly funded City agency and not an "outside party", no undertaking is required to be signed by Heritage Toronto to govern the use of the funds and financial reporting.