Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds from the Development at 15, 19 and 21 Holmes Avenue for Improvements to the Schoolyard at St. Cyril Catholic School - by Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak

In response, the TCDSB decided to pave the entire yard, thereby eliminating 90% of its softscape in 2012. Because the school exhausted their funds on the paving of the school yard, previous Councillor Fillion provided $114,250 in Section 37 funding to the school in support of establishing its current small track, piece of turf and a shade structure for student use. The school currently serves approximately 400 children from JK to Grade 8. The school yard is within a 5-minute walking distance to over 7000 residents, nestled between many high rises for whom this school yard is their closest large sized outdoor space. Further, the Parks, Forestry and Recreation division has indicated a need for basketball court space in the area to meet high demand. It would be very difficult to secure a large enough space to build a basketball court in the area. The St Cyril Parent Council is requesting the city provide partial funds in support of upgrading the TCDSB-owned yard that will provide more play value, not only to the children attending the school, but also to the 7000 community members in the neighbourhood. All upgrades will be accessible to the Willowdale community and will provide a more distinctive outdoor activity space than what is currently available nearby. This motion is urgent to the TCDSB planning team to release an RFP and to schedule construction during limited summer months.

Cyril Catholic School, subject to the Toronto Catholic District School Board entering into an acceptable Community Access Agreement with the City. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to participate in the preparation of the Community Access Agreement, in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, provided acceptable terms can be agreed upon. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to execute on behalf of the City a Community Access Agreement with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for the capital improvements to the schoolyard at St. Cyril Catholic School, for a term of 25 years and on such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 4. City Council direct that if a mutually acceptable Community Access Agreement cannot be agreed upon that the funds will not be transferred to the Toronto Catholic District School Board and shall be made available for other community facilities in the local community. 5. City Council direct that if a design for the school yard is not approved by the Councillor in consideration of needs of the surrounding community, the funds will not be transferred to the Toronto Catholic District School Board and shall be made available for other community facilities in the local community.