Reallocation of Section 37 Funds for St James Food Table - by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton

The intent of establishing the Food Table was to lead the development of a collaborative framework to address food security in the St James Town neighbourhood. The key actions were established by members of the Food Table along with city staff. They include: 1) Developing emergency response teams in buildings that can provide residents with food and water during a sudden event such as a power outage or fire; 2) Ensuring residents are engaged in the development and implementation of food programming in the neighbourhood; and 3) Mobilizing spaces for food programing in St. James Town. The vision of the food table is as follows: "A collaborative, resident-led, and sustainable food system that secures healthy, culturally appropriate, quality food that is equitable and just for the community of St. James Town. We envision this neighbourhood system as a part of City and regional food systems." The Hub draws on the Neighbourhood Pod model, currently supported by the City as a local response to the pandemic. The idea is that pods facilitate and build community capacity and social capital that already exist within neighbourhoods. In order to support the mandate of the Interim Collaborative Framework, one-time funds of $50,000 will be made available as part of the Request for Expressions of Interest Process for the 200 Wellesley Food Hub. Toronto Community Housing has committed to spending $1 million dollars, yet there is a missing balance of $967,000 for the kitchens, which includes countertop, millwork, electrical rough-ins, plumbing work and appliances, as well as elevators, and allowance for entrance reception storefront and interior fit outs of pantry, office and storage space.

centre: FD5101) fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Funds) community benefits from the following developments: 480-494 Yonge Street and 3 Grosvenor Street, secured for capital improvements for new or existing cultural and/or community space in the Ward, in the amount of $617,655.00 (source account XR3026-3700911); and 88 Queen Street East, 10 Mutual Street and parts of 30-50 Mutual Street, secured for community, recreation and/or cultural space improvements, in the amount of $349,345.00 (source account XR3026-3701155). 2. City Council direct that $967,000 be forwarded to Toronto Community Housing Corporation, subject to Toronto Community Housing Corporation signing an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.