Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds to the Laneway Project for Verner Lane and Drovers Lane - by Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll

Additionally, there is an opportunity to integrate this laneway with the upcoming revitalization of Anniversary Park at 410 Parliament Street, enhancing pedestrian access and further solidifying its role as a vital community asset. As part of this initiative, The Laneway Project is exploring a potential research partnership with George Brown College and the Brookfield Sustainability Institute. This collaboration would position Drovers and Verner Lane as a prototyping project, assessing innovative approaches to laneway revitalization with a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and long-term stewardship. Funds were secured from the development at 219 and 231 Dundas Street East, collected for streetscape improvements.

2. City Council authorize "The Laneway Project" not-for-profit organization, or its contractor and/or consultant, to design and implement laneway improvements to Drovers Lane and Verner Lane in consultation with the community and councillor's office, subject to the following conditions: a. design standards will be to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Transportation Services; b. all relevant City policies as applicable, including the City's Fair Wage Policy, the Labour Trades Construction Obligations in the Construction Industry Policy, and the Declaration of Compliance with Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation Policy, if applicable, shall be complied with in constructing the laneway improvements; and c. the costs to consult, design and construct the laneway improvements by "The Laneway Project" shall be fair and reasonable in the opinion of the General Manager, Transportation Services, based on the work involved to implement the improvements and costs for similar work completed in the past. The total cost to design and construct all of the work, shall not exceed $330,000.00 inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax. 3. City Council direct that the $330,000 be forwarded to The Laneway Project upon the signing of an Undertaking by The Laneway Project to govern the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements. 4. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor as a requirement within the Undertaking between the City and The Laneway Project.