Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds for Park Improvements at Mabelle Park - by Councillor Amber Morley, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow

Over four thousand highly diverse people call this under-a-square-kilometre block home, with a strong Muslim population from Somalia, South Asia and the Middle East. The transformation of the park is being spearheaded by MABELLEarts, a leading non-profit arts organization that has supported local residents through community-engaged arts programs. The new Mabelle Park will provide residents with a vibrant space to gather together to experience a creative culture. It will feature a clubhouse and performance stage, an upgraded and safer outdoor kitchen, a community garden, new accessible paths, three permanent public art works, more trees and upgraded lighting, benches and seating. MABELLEarts has successfully secured funding from many government and philanthropic partners to complete the project, including the Government of Canada, the Ontario Trillum Foundation, TD Canada Trust, the Toronto Foundation, and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority. This additional investment will build on an earlier contribution of Section 37 funding from the City of Toronto and provide the necessary funding to complete the project. This Motion is considered urgent as construction will be delayed if funding is not approved at the November meeting of City Council.

2. City Council amend the 2023 Approved Capital Budget for Economic Development and Culture by creating a new project for the purpose of providing one-time capital funding to MABELLEarts to commission three permanent public art installations in Mabelle Park, fully funded by transferring $160,000 gross, $0 debt in project costs from an approved project for a public art commission at Dundas and Islington ( WBS element: CAC093-06 - Public Art Development Dundas-Islington), with $24,900 obtained from Section 37 funds (Source Account XR3026-3700434) and with $135,100 from the Public Arts Reserve Fund (Cost Centre XQ4002). 3. City Council direct that the $300,000 for capital improvements and $160,000 for permanent public art installations in Mabelle Park be forwarded to MABELLEarts, subject to MABELLEarts signing an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements, on terms satisfactory to the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture.