Improving Access to Outdoor Ovens in City Parks - by Councillor Brad Bradford, seconded by Councillor Alejandra Bravo

The use of outdoor ovens in City Parks is governed by the Outdoor Ovens in City Parks Policy, which was adopted by City Council in 2011. The policy requires that in addition to obtaining insurance, all permit applicants must demonstrate that: a. the programming offered at the outdoor oven supports the local community, the mandate of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and/or the goals of the Toronto Food Strategy; and b. public health and safety requirements are met, including proof of training on the safe operation of an outdoor oven, compliance with safe food handling and preparation requirements, fire safety measures and proof of general liability insurance. The purpose of this motion is to request staff to review the 2011 policy from a customer service and equity perspective, and to identify opportunities to remove administrative or financial barriers that prevent community use of outdoor ovens, while ensuring that public health and safety requirements continue to be upheld.

that public health and safety and liability considerations continue to be met, and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee by the first quarter of 2025 with proposed recommendations and rationale for updates to the policy.