Modernizing City Policies Regarding Public Realm Projects Implemented in Partnership with Business Improvement Areas - by Councillor Joe Mihevc, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton

The investigation into this unacceptable incident is ongoing, but the matter has already raised two important areas on which the City of Toronto needs to take urgent action. Oversight: There is no formal oversight of what happens to installations and improvements after they have been implemented by Business Improvement Areas on City of Toronto land or with City of Toronto funds. The local Business Improvement Area is considered to "own" the asset in whole, and there is no mechanism in place to secure the City's interest in any future decisions about modifications or removals. When the City provides funds to other partners, such as school boards, to undertake improvements to benefit the public, the City requires appropriate legal agreements to be in place before the funds are transferred. A similar approach should be studied for Business Improvement Areas to apply whenever they receive Section 37 funds, benefit from the City's cost-sharing program, or undertake major changes in the City right-of-way like the construction of a parkette. Engagement and consultation: Our streets, parks, and public spaces are heavily used in many ways by Toronto's diverse population. The City of Toronto strives to achieve broad, meaningful engagement and consultation whenever there are City-led changes to parks and streets. There is currently no policy, however, requiring public engagement on Business Improvement Area-led projects even when major changes are proposed on City of Toronto land or with City of Toronto funds. City Council should request staff to develop a policy for public engagement and consultation on major Business Improvement Area infrastructure projects that meets the same standards the public has come to expect when considering changes to our parks and streets. This Motion is urgent to provide direction to City staff so they can begin work over the summer, before City Council meets next in the new term.

securing the City's long-term interest in major improvements made on City lands and right-of-way, and/or with funding contributions from the City.