Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds from the Development at 2, 4 and 6 Teagarden Court for Improvements to the Schoolyard at St. Gabriel Catholic School - by Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin

Outside of school hours, these spaces are frequently used by residents and families who have limited access to nearby open space. This motion proposes allocating $50,000.00 in Section 37 funds from the development at 2, 4 and 6 Teagarden Court to support capital improvements to the St. Gabriel Catholic School schoolyard, subject to the Toronto Catholic District School Board entering into a Community Access Agreement with the City of Toronto. Through this agreement, the improved schoolyard would be accessible for community use outside of school hours for a period of 20 years, ensuring that the investment benefits both students and the broader neighbourhood. We are grateful to St. Gabriel Catholic School Principal, Antonella De Roma, as well as the school's highly engaged Parent Council, led by Chair Rebeca Lewy, for their strong advocacy in advancing this important improvement for their school. Enhancing schoolyards through partnerships between the City and local school boards is a cost-effective way to expand recreational opportunities, improve outdoor play spaces for children, and increase access to safe community gathering areas in neighbourhoods where park space may be limited.

Gabriel 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 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 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. Gabriel Catholic School, for a term of 20 years and on such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks 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 District School Board and shall be made available for other community facilities in the local community.