Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds from Various Developments for a Permanent Memorial to the Yonge Street Tragedy - by Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Councillor Parthi Kandavel

They expressed a desire for a place of quiet contemplation, to remember and reflect, and for a place to gather together for future commemorative events. The City also heard about the importance of taking the time to heal as a community before proceeding with a permanent memorial, which is in keeping with best practices from other jurisdictions. In the coming months, City staff will review the technical feasibility of several potential locations for a memorial in the vicinity of Yonge Street between Mel Lastman Square and Olive Square Park. Once a location is determined, the City will launch a two-stage design competition for the memorial. The first stage will include a call for expressions of interest from artists and artist teams. A jury of professional artists and community leaders will shortlist up to five artists to develop detailed design proposals, which will be shared with the broader community for feedback. The jury will consider the public's feedback and the design and aesthetic merit of each of the submissions before selecting the winning proposal. It is estimated that the winning proposal will be selected in early 2025, and that the construction of the memorial will be completed in approximately two years following the contract award, depending on the nature of the design. The funding released through this motion will be used for the competition process, location selection and memorial design, with additional funding to follow for construction. Most importantly, the City will centre the voices of bereaved families, survivors, and community members through the process of developing the memorial. My office has formed a Community Advisory Committee that includes family members of those lost and other community leaders to provide guidance to City staff on this important project. Together, we will create a new landmark that celebrates the community, and stands as a reminder of our shared strength. This motion is urgent as a show of commitment from the City in honouring the families of the victims at the 6th commemoration of the tragedy next week on April 23, 2024; as well as to permit Economic, Development and Culture team to progress to the next step in design process.

and 30, 32, 34, 42 Glendora Ave. (Source Account XR3026-3700049), $28,174 in Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 4726-4728 Yonge St.,9-31 Bogert Ave., 2-28 Poyntz Ave. (Source Account XR3026-3700412) for the purpose of developing a memorial to honour the lives of those lost in the Yonge Street Tragedy.