Release of Section 37 Funds to the Scarborough Food Security Initiative for Capital Improvements to the Scarborough Heights Allotment Garden - by Councillor Gary Crawford, seconded by Councillor Paul Ainslie

Currently, the garden is also being used by local residents in addition to tenants at 10 Glen Everest Road. Over the years, neighbouring residents have filed numerous complaints with the local Councillor and City staff about the poor maintenance and condition of the gardens as well as regarding property standard issues including litter and uses of this space outside of its purposed use as an allotment garden. Although there is no over hold clause included in the most recent lease, the Tenant continues to hold carriage of this land on a month-to-month basis; however, does not have the resources to dedicate to the appropriate maintenance and oversite of the garden. Councillor Crawford has been working closely with the community and with staff both to identify solutions to the current issues as well as viable opportunities to improve and preserve this vital community benefit. Following discussions with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Corporate Real Estate Management, the Councillor began collaborating with the Scarborough Food Security Initiative. Scarborough Food Security Initiative is a local charity with a mission to empower communities in Scarborough and to provide innovative solutions to poverty reduction through dignified access to food. Scarborough Food Security Initiative operates five food banks, the Scarborough Junction Community Farm and other community gardens as well as offers training, education and mentorship programs. In its stewardship of the Scarborough Allotment Garden, Scarborough Food Security Initiative will enter into a tenancy agreement with the City of Toronto and be responsible for all improvements and maintenance of the site. The budget proposes physical upgrades and capital investments including but not limited to fencing, solar panels, lights, benches and/or gazebo and soil to the site. As seed funding for this project, Councillor Crawford is seeking to designate $16,000 from Section 37 funds in relation to the development at 2229 - 2245 Kingston Road to the Scarborough Food Security Initiative. A payment from the development for improvements to the school playground at Cliffside Public School as stated in the Zoning By-law and Section 37 agreement had been received from 2015 and remains unspent. The Section 37 agreement provides that in the event the financial contribution has not been used for the intended purposes within three (3) years of the By-law coming into full force and effect, the contribution may be redirected for another purpose(s), at the discretion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, provided that the purpose(s) is identified in the Official Plan and will benefit the community in the vicinity of the lands. The three (3) year mark has passed and it has been determined that purpose is identified in the Official Plan and will benefit the community in the vicinity of the lands. Accordingly the funds can be redirected. This Motion is urgent given the need to kick start the revitalization of this community resource for the 2022 growing season. This motion was prepared following extensive collaboration with City Divisions and Agencies and the necessary due diligence and approvals by City staff for submission for April Council's consideration.

2. City Council direct that the $16,000 be forwarded to the Scarborough Food Security Initiative upon the signing of an Undertaking by the organization governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.