Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds from the Development at 43, 49, and 51 Gerrard Street West and 695 Bay Street for Public Wi-Fi in Five Toronto Community Housing Buildings - by Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

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The decision

2025-05-21 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for Technology Services by $243,335.49 gross, $0 debt, on a one-time basis, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the developments at 43, 49, and 51 Gerrard Street West and 695 Bay Street (Source Account: XR3026-3700752), secured for capital improvements to Toronto Community

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Housing properties, to be used by Toronto Community Housing Corporation at its properties at 341 Bloor Street West, 25 Elm Street, 177 Pendrith Street, 6-28 Henry Street and 133-147 Beverly Street to provide tenants with free, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi in common spaces (WBS: CIT047-14).

On the agenda

As the city filed it

In 2014, Section 37 funds were set aside from the development at 43, 49, and 51 Gerrard Street West and 695 Bay Street for improvements to properties owned and operated by the Toronto Community Housing Corporation. These funds have been left dormant ever since. Since her election, Councillor Saxe has been working with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation to identify appropriate uses for these funds. In 2023, Toronto Community Housing Corporation agreed to install free public Wi-Fi in common areas at the Toronto Community Housing Building at 250 Davenport Road, and Council approved the release of Section 37 funds accordingly.

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The Wi-Fi eventually installed at 250 Davenport has been a resounding success, and residents of other Toronto Community Housing Corporation buildings are eager to have access to the same. After extensive negotiations, Toronto Community Housing Corporation and ConnectTO have now agreed to install free public Wi-Fi in common areas in five other Toronto Community Housing Corporation buildings in Ward 11. Access to high-speed internet makes a major difference in Torontonians' lives, enabling greater economic mobility and social inclusion. Expanding access to Wi-Fi to hundreds of Toronto Community Housing Corporation residents in Ward 11 will help bridge the digital divide, and demonstrates Councillor Saxe's commitment to serving Toronto Community Housing Corporation residents.

Staff recommended

Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for Technology Services by $243,335.49 gross, $0 debt, on a one-time basis, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the developments at 43, 49, and 51 Gerrard Street West and 695 Bay Street (Source Account: XR3026-3700752), secured for capital improvements to Toronto

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Community Housing properties, to be used by Toronto Community Housing Corporation at its properties at 341 Bloor Street West, 25 Elm Street, 177 Pendrith Street, 6-28 Henry Street and 133-147 Beverly Street to provide tenants with free, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi in common spaces (WBS: CIT047-14).

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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