Authorization to cohost and participate in the 11th International Public Markets Conference - by Councillor Michael Thompson, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão

The conference brings together leading public market operators, developers and thought-leaders. The last conference had representatives from 113 international cities and 36 countries. The conference focuses on the theme of Market Cities and why they are essential to developing inclusive local economies, placemaking, and advancing climate action and regional resilience. On May 27, 2022 Toronto was selected by Project for Public Spaces as the successful City to cohost the conference. The three-day conference program will include a keynote speech or plenary, workshops, networking receptions, and market tours. In addition, it will be an opportunity for market operators, vendors, City staff and politicians to mingle with international experts on the themes of inclusive local economies, placemaking, climate action and regional development. The City of Toronto will be the lead local conference partner, facilitated primarily through the Corporate Real Estate Management Division. Staff from Corporate Real Estate Management on the St. Lawrence Market Complex management team will work directly with Project for Public Spaces on logistics, special events and promotion of the conference. City facilities at the St. Lawrence Market Complex will be utilized for the conference as well as additional external sites. Any City funds allocated to the conference are already available and authorized through existing 2022 Corporate Real Estate Management budgets. Other City divisions will be engaged and consulted regarding the conference including Economic Development and Culture, Social Development, Finance and Administration and Toronto Public Health. The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management are seeking City Council's authorization to co-host and participate in the 11th Annual International Public Markets Conference and to enter into the required Memorandum of Understanding and other ancillary agreements with Project for Public Spaces or other parties as may be required.

and such other ancillary agreements with Project for Public Spaces or other parties on such terms as may be satisfactory to the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management which are required as a result of the City's participation in the 11th Annual International Public Markets Conference.