Authorization to enter into a Licence Agreement with The Neighbourhood Group Community Services and Aki Wiidookaagewin (Earth Helpers) at Paul Martel Park - by Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam

It became a City park in 2003 and was renamed Paul Martel Park, after the Park's original community champion, in 2014. In recent years, in collaboration with Parks, Forestry and Recreation, an Indigenous community organization named Aki Wiidookeegewin (Earth Helpers) has undertaken an Indigenous gardening training program in Paul Martel Park, focusing primarily on native plant cultivation and related activities, supported in part by funding from Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training. The program helps trainees build their resumes through instructor-led activities. This Motion recommends that City Council give authority to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to negotiate and sign on behalf of the City a nominal fee licence agreement with The Neighbourhood Group Community Services, a United Way-affiliated registered charity and trustee of the grant funds, and Aki Wiidookaagewin to facilitate Indigenous-led training and gardening programs at the Park. The recommendation would give structure to the program and clearly lay out roles and responsibilities. The Motion proposes a one-year term renewable at the General Manager's discretion, for up to an additional two one-year terms (three years total). Staff have consulted with both Local 416 and the Fair Wage Office and have received support for the proposal. The Motion is also aligned with the City's Commitments to Indigenous Peoples, adopted by City Council in 2010 and updated in 2015.

the General Manager's discretion for up to an additional two one-year terms (three years total), on terms and conditions acceptable to the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.