Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds from the Developments at 666 Spadina Avenue and 192A, 194, and 200 Bloor Street West for Production and Installation of Two Heritage Plaques in Ward 11 - by Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow

The second plaque is to honour Senator David Croll. Senator David Croll was an immigrant and prominent social reformer who shattered racist barriers within Canada's political landscape. For over 60 years of exemplary public service (1931 to 1991) he fought for fairness, for justice, and for those most in need. Despite rampant anti-Jewish prejudice, he became Canada's first Jewish mayor, first Jewish cabinet minister, and first Jewish senator. Senator David Croll lived his principles. He resigned from the Ontario Cabinet over the government's harsh response to the 1937 United Auto Workers strike against General Motors, declaring "I would rather walk with the workers than ride with General Motors." He served overseas during World War II, and then was elected as a federal member of parliament for Spadina. In the Canadian Senate, Senator David Croll authored the influential 1971 "Report of the Special Senate Committee on Poverty," calling powerfully for a universal basic income. This report embarrassed the Trudeau government into tripling family allowances and instituting the Child Tax Credit; the report began with ringing words that are still too true today: "the poor do not choose poverty. It is at once their affliction and our national shame. The children of the poor (and there are many) are the most helpless victims of all, and find even less hope in a society where welfare systems from the very beginning destroys their chances of a better life." Senator David Croll was also responsible for key Senate reports on Aging, on Retirement without Tears, and on Consumer Credit and the Cost of Living. In 1990, in recognition of his lifetime of public service, he was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, an honour usually given only to federal cabinet ministers. Senator David Croll's name appears on the Toronto Community Housing Corporation building at 341 Bloor Street West, but with no explanation of who he was or what he contributed to our community.

2. City Council increase the 2024 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $10,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the following developments: a. $5778.12 from 192A, 194, and 200 Bloor Street West (Source Account: XR3026-3700396), secured for the heritage plaque program in the Annex community; and b. $4,221.88 from 666 Spadina Avenue (Source Account: XR3026-3701288), secured for public realm improvements; for the production and installation of a heritage plaque honouring Senator David Croll at or near Senator David Croll Apartments at 341 Bloor Street West (Cost Centre: HG0001).