60 Brant Street - Authorization to Release Section 37 (Planning Act) Funds for Public Realm and Streetscape Improvements - by Councillor Ausma Malik, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher

In 2014, 60 Brant Street was severed from a combined CreateTO property with 497 Richmond St. W.; a Site Plan Agreement between the City and Eva's Phoenix was finalized to allow for interior alterations and streetscape improvements. In 2017, Council adopted MM24.13 to provide capital funding to Eva's Phoenix for the affordable housing development at 60 Brant Street. In 2021, Council adopted MM37.37 to address the outstanding streetscaping improvements and requested the General Manager, Transportation Services work with Eva's Phoenix to finalize and issue permits for streetscape improvements adjacent to 60 Brant Street, or for the City to deliver the improvements directly where appropriate, and consult with the local Ward Councillor to identify relevant funding sources. In May 2022, the outstanding streetscaping was brought to the Concept to Keys (C2K) Issues Resolution team for assistance. C2K has worked with Eva's Phoenix, the local Councillor's Office, Transportation Services, City Planning and the resident community to advance the streetscaping improvements in 2023. The $500,000.00 estimate proposed by Transportation Services includes demolition and site preparation, supply and installation of all hardscape, softscape and furnishings as well as 25% contingency and HST. This Motion is urgent because Council direction is required to release the Section 37 funds to permit City staff to work with relevant internal partners to approve the design, issue the relevant permits and initiate construction without further delay.