Authority to Accept a Donation and Enter into an Agreement for Baseball Diamond Improvements at Martingrove Gardens Park - by Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Vincent Crisanti

The fencing will be upgraded to more suitable fencing for the level of play on this diamond. The proposed changes have been reviewed and approved in principle by Parks staff. The City, through Parks and Recreation's Capital Rehabilitation Program, already has the following work to be completed at this site: replacing players benches, bleachers and removing of the current backstop. In 2025, City Council approved the naming of the baseball diamond after the late Jim Horton, a long-time coach and executive member of Martingrove Baseball. Material and installation costs will be covered through the contribution for an in-kind value of up to $125,000.00. The Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy requires City Council approval for donations being received by the City of Toronto with a value over $50,000.00. This motion seeks the authority to accept the donation, and to enter into the necessary agreements. This motion is urgent because the improvements need to be completed prior to the start of their baseball season this spring.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to negotiate and execute an agreement with Martingrove Baseball Inc. to facilitate capital improvements at the Jim Horton Baseball Diamond at Martingrove Gardens Park, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and in accordance with City policies applicable to capital projects, including compliance with the City's Fair Wage policy and other procurement policies, as well as the City's Labour Trades Contractual Obligations in the Construction Industry, if applicable.