Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 78 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
Items 1 to 25 of 78Show 2550100all
BL28.1adopted
Introduction of General Bills and Confirming Bills
City Council will introduce General Bills and Confirming Bills.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, passed By-laws 144-2025 to 258-2025, subject to Section 226.9 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006.
CC28.1adopted
Queen's Park North is a public green space of historical significance and critical importance to Toronto. It was officially dedicated in 1860 as Canada's first municipal park by Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and named Queen's Park, in honour of Queen Victoria. The property is leased by the University of Toronto to the City of Toronto for a 999-year term. Queen's Park North is a core piece of the downtown park system and central to the Bloor St. Culture Corridor and University precinct. As our city continues to grow and evolve, the park has unrealized potential and City staff have been approached with an opportunity to unlock it. In mid-2024, the Weston Family engaged City staff with a potential donation to improve Queen's Park North through an estimated $50 million commitment for park design, community engagement and construction, as well as further financial support to ensure high-quality park operations, maintenance, and programming over the long term. Following a series of exploratory conversations with the Weston Family, the University of Toronto, and adjacent cultural and education institutions, City staff are seeking Council's authority to proceed with an immediate donation agreement to advance phase one engagement and design, and authority to proceed with negotiations of a final donation acceptance agreement. Staff recommend initiating a first phase of community engagement and design to inform the project scope and the terms of the final donation agreement. Engagement activities will be funded by the Weston Foundations. Staff will report back regarding the recommended terms of the final donation acceptance agreement and additional authorities required for advancing the project in the Fall of 2025. All work toward the revitalization of Queen's Park North remains subject to final City Council approvals and permissions of the land owner (University of Toronto), and final agreements being entered. This work is closely aligned with Council-approved plans for the future of the Downtown and Toronto's overall park system and will proceed in strategic collaboration with the Weston Family, University of Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum, Gardiner Museum, Royal Conservatory of Music, and other community partners. The Queen's Park North revitalization will prioritize both focused enhancements in the near term and long-term maintenance and programming investments that enrich the park experience while sustaining the park's natural heritage. The design and programming priorities will be developed through extensive public engagement starting this spring. Renewal of Queen's Park North will provide opportunities related to Indigenous place keeping, winter activation, arts and cultural programming and environmental education, as well as access to amenities like food, year-round washrooms, and places to relax. The City is collaboratively exploring new operational models and opportunities, including the development of a non-profit organization to collaborate with the City on management of the park and integration of programming from nearby nationally-significant cultural institutions. The Park occupies a critical location in the heart of the city. The City previously undertook a partial revitalization of the park in 2019 and a new entrance to the Toronto Transit Commission's Museum Station opened in the park in 2024. While these investments achieved some improvements, additional amenities and investment will allow Queen's Park to realize its fullest potential. A renewed Queen's Park North will connect with recently improved open spaces at the University of Toronto, support the City's longer-term vision for University Park and advance Council's program of expanding and improving Toronto's park system. This generational city-building initiative will showcase the City's commitment to enhancing public spaces, supporting gathering and culture, fostering community engagement, and elevating the park user experience for years to come.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, for the purposes of conducting public consultations on Queen's Park North enhancements, to negotiate and sign a donation agreement with the Weston Foundations, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor and in compliance with the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy, in order for City staff and professionals retained by the Weston Foundations to undertake a first phase of community engagement and preliminary design regarding Queen's Park North enhancements, including the funding of appropriate City staff resources, that will inform the scope of the larger donation acceptance agreement and the staff report directed in Part 2 below. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to negotiate a donation acceptance agreement with the Weston Foundations to fund the final design and delivery of Queen's Park North enhancements, and provide additional funding support for ongoing maintenance and programming of Queen's Park North park enhancements, on terms acceptable to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation and report to the Executive Committee in the Fall of 2025 with a project implementation update, inclusive of an update on the terms of the recommended donation acceptance agreement.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Mayor recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, for the purposes of conducting public consultations on Queen's Park North enhancements, to negotiate and sign a donation agreement with the Weston Foundations, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor and in compliance with the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy, in order for City staff and professionals retained by the Weston Foundations to undertake a first phase of community engagement and preliminary design regarding Queen's Park North enhancements, including the funding of appropriate City staff resources, that will inform the scope of the larger donation acceptance agreement and the staff report directed in Recommendation 2 below. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to negotiate a donation acceptance agreement with the Weston Foundations to fund the final design and delivery of Queen's Park North enhancements, and provide additional funding support for ongoing maintenance and programming of Queen's Park North park enhancements, on terms acceptable to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation and report to the Executive Committee in the Fall of 2025 with a project implementation update, inclusive of an update on the terms of the recommended donation acceptance agreement.
DM28.1amended
40-60 St. Lawrence Avenue - Ontario Land Tribunal Hearing - Request for Directions
In October 2014, two separate applications were submitted to amend the Site and Area Specific Policy 6 of the City's Official Plan and Zoning By-law 748-2006 of the former Etobicoke Zoning Code for lands then bearing the municipal address 1061 The Queensway, which lands included the subject site. Two associated applications were submitted: A Zoning By-law Amendment application for Phase 1 for the northern portion of the lands (for commercial buildings including a grocery store), and a combined Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application for Phase 2 for the southern portion of the lands (for a residential development). The 2014 proposal for the 40-60 St. Lawrence Avenue portion of the lands was for two residential buildings that were 22 and 27 storeys in height, connected by a four-storey base building. A total of 558 dwelling units were proposed. In October 2017, an application for a consent to sever the property comprised of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 lands was approved and the Phase 2 lands, now addressed as 40-60 St. Lawrence Avenue, were sold to the current owner. In June 2023, the applicant made a resubmission in respect of the 40-60 St. Lawrence Avenue lands to permit three mixed-use buildings of 26, 34, and 43 storeys in height on a five-storey base building. A total of 1,166 condominium dwelling units were proposed in this resubmission. On April 4, 2024, the applicant appealed City Council's non-decision on the Applications (for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments) to the Ontario Land Tribunal. On May 14, 2024, City staff submitted an Appeal Report to Etobicoke York Community Council in respect of the Appeals. On June 26, 2024, City Council considered the Appeal Report and adopted staff's recommendations, including to oppose the Appeals and to continue discussions with the applicant to resolve outstanding issues, without amendment. On August 6, 2024, the Ontario Land Tribunal held a first case management conference in respect of the Appeals. A hearing was scheduled at this first case management conference, which hearing is scheduled to commence on May 14, 2025. On January 2, 2025, the applicant filed revised plans with the Ontario Land Tribunal, which plans will be the subject of the hearing scheduled to commence on May 14, 2025. On January 22, 2025, the City received a with prejudice settlement offer from the applicant's lawyers, Aird & Berlis LLP, which is attached as Public Attachment 1. The revised plans associated with the Settlement Offer are attached as Public Attachment 2. The Settlement Offer will remain open until the end of the City Council meeting scheduled to commence on February 5, 2025. The City Solicitor requires further directions in advance of the hearing scheduled to commence on May 14, 2025. This matter is urgent and should not be deferred.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (March 11, 2025) from the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (March 11, 2025) from the City Solicitor. 3. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (March 11, 2025) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. 4. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (January 23, 2025) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. 5. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (February 4, 2025) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (March 11, 2025) from the City Solicitor were adopted by City Council and are now public as follows: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to attend at the Ontario Land Tribunal in support of the Revised Plans filed by the applicant on January 2, 2025. 2. City Council instruct the City Solicitor to request the Ontario Land Tribunal to withhold its Order until the City Solicitor has advised that: a. the final form and content of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments are satisfactory to the Executive Director, Development Review, and the City Solicitor; b. the owner has submitted a Functional Servicing Report to determine the stormwater runoff, sanitary flow and water supply demand resulting from this development and whether there is adequate capacity in the existing municipal infrastructure to accommodate the proposed development, to the satisfaction of the Director, Engineering Review; c. the owner has made satisfactory arrangements with Engineering Review and has entered into the appropriate agreement(s) with the City for the design and construction of any improvements to the municipal infrastructure, should it be determined that upgrades are required to the infrastructure to support this development, according to the accepted Servicing Assessment Report accepted by the Director, Engineering Review; d. the owner has addressed all outstanding issues identified in the Engineering Review correspondence dated September 13, 2023, to the satisfaction of the Director, Engineering Review; e. the owner has provided a revised Transportation Impact Study to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Transportation Services; f. the owner has submitted a revised Hydrological Assessment Report and Hydrological Review Summary Form, Servicing Report Groundwater Summary Form, and Foundation Drainage Summary Form to determine the quality and quantity of groundwater that may be required to be discharged to the City sewage works as a result of the proposed development and comply with Foundation Drainage Policy and guidelines to the satisfaction of the Director, Engineering Review and the General Manager, Toronto Water; g. the owner has provided a revised Pedestrian Level Wind Study, including a Wind Tunnel Study, to the satisfaction of the Executive Director, Development Review; h. the submitted Compatibility and Mitigation Studies, including the Transportation Noise and Vibration Assessment, dated May 5, 2023, prepared by Gradient Wind Engineering Inc., and the Air Quality and Land Use Compatibility Assessment, dated May 5, 2023, prepared by Gradient Wind Engineering Inc. have been peer-reviewed by a third-party consultant retained by the City at the owner's expense, and the owner agrees to implement any necessary control measures and recommendations identified by the peer review, with the control measures to be secured through the Site Plan Control process, to the satisfaction of the Executive Director, Development Review; i. the owner has addressed all outstanding issues raised by Urban Forestry, Tree Protection and Plan Review, as they relate to the application, to the satisfaction of the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry; and j. the owner and the City have made satisfactory arrangements to release the easement over the western portion of the site, more specifically described as Parts 13 and 14 on Plan 66R-29819. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to take all necessary actions to implement City Council's decision. The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (March 11, 2025) from the City Solicitor remains confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (March 11, 2025) from the City Solicitor will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor. Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (January 23, 2025) from the City Solicitor remains confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (January 23, 2025) from the City Solicitor will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor. Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (February 4, 2025) from the City Solicitor remains confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (February 4, 2025) from the City Solicitor will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council. 3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
IA28.1received
Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry: I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry (under Municipal Code S27-7.11) to obtain information, updates, and details on the decision to postpone a report back to City Council with by-laws to protect places of worship, faith based schools, other vulnerable institutions, protect charter rights, and keep the City of Toronto safe from hate. In December 2024, City Council directed staff to prepare and present "Bubble Zone" by-laws by the end of March 2025. Councillors have been told this deadline will be missed. On October 11, 2023, Council adopted MM 11.37, "Keeping Toronto Safe from Hate," which in part directed city staff to "work with local community organizations to enhance and improve safety and security in community safety zones (aka Bubble Zones), including all places of worship and cultural centres including schools and daycares." When no update or report was brought back to Council, a motion was presented to Council in May 2024, to request the Province of Ontario to pass "bubble zone" legislation. Such legislation is in place to protect frontline health care workers and abortion clinics. On December 18, 2024, Toronto City Council in a 17-5 vote adopted the following motion (CC24.2) City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the City Solicitor, applicable City divisions, the Toronto Police Service and other applicable stakeholders, to report to City Council in the first quarter of 2025, informed by public consultations and a constitutional legal expert opinion on the Charter Rights implications from the City Solicitor, with a proposed by-law, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable institutions such as places of worship, faith based schools and cultural institutions, that supports the City's commitment to keeping Torontonians safe from hate and protects Charter rights that address impacts of demonstrations that target people based on their identity as prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Toward the end of February 2025, media reports stated that the report on recommended actions to address community safety and respond to demonstrations will require additional time to complete. It will not be presented to City Council until after the deadline of the end of March 2025. This delay is alarming for those who remain unable to engage in their daily routines without having to worry about harassment, demonization, and incitement from hateful mobs. Several municipalities in Ontario have promptly taken action to protect their residents by introducing by-laws to protect those trying to access places of worship, faith-based daycares and schools, and vulnerable institutions. The City of Toronto's response, however, is inadequate. It seems Charter rights are for the angry mobs and not those wishing to go about their daily lives in peace and security and without harassment, incitement, intimidation, and being targeted for hate. The threats to Toronto's faith based and vulnerable institutions continue. On July 31, 2024, an angry mob reached the doors of Pride of Israel synagogue while a community commemoration event was taking place. On August 18, 2024, the Friends of Jesus Christ Church needed a massive police presence to keep protestors away from this peaceful event. On October 10, 2024, a mosque at Kennedy Road and Lawrence Avenue East was threatened when an individual entered chanting racist threats during prayers. On October 12, 2024, Bais Chaya Mushka, a Jewish girl's school, had shots fired through its front window for the second time. A third shooting occurred shortly thereafter. On November 3, 2024, worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton were attacked by protestors. Earlier this year a violent protest took place at the Beth Avraham Yoseph synagogue in Vaughan, where protesters called for a worldwide intifada and told supporters of the synagogue to "Go Back to Europe." Children trying to enter a Jewish community daycare in downtown Toronto required a police escort and were subjected to vile racist screams and taunts. These incidents are alarming for the whole region and have damaged the Greater Toronto Area as a safe place for all faiths. It seems the City of Toronto does not recognize this emerging crisis and is not willing to take urgent action. There is an urgent need to have the following questions answered. 1. What are the ongoing challenges in the public and legal consultation process that have caused this report and proposed by-law to be delayed? 2. Which "divisional partners" provided advice to the City Manager's Office suggesting that this consultation process required a more "robust and comprehensive" approach? 3. What is the critical path and plan for obtaining public input for the drafted "bubble zone" by-laws requested by Council? 4. When will the City Manager and the Chief Solicitor present "bubble zone" by-laws to Toronto City Council for consideration?
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, received Administrative Inquiry IA28.1 from Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre, regarding the Growing Crisis of Public Safety in the City of Toronto and the Urgent Need to Seek Clarity on the Date City Staff will Present Long Overdue "Bubble Zone" By-laws to Toronto City Council and Protect the Charter Rights of Those Trying to Access Faith-Based and Other Vulnerable Institutions, and Answer IA28.1a from the City Manager, for information.
MM28.1adopted
At its meeting on July 14, 15 and 16, 2021, City Council adopted Item 2021.TE26.4 , the Zoning By-law Amendment Application for the lands municipally known as 33-49 Avenue Road and 136-148 Yorkville Avenue ("148 Yorkville Avenue"). At its meeting on October 11 and 12, 2023, City Council, via Member Motion 2023.MM11.9 , amended the parkland dedication requirement pursuant to Section 42 of the Planning Act from cash-in-lieu of parkland to an off-site parkland dedication. This Motion seeks authority from City Council to reimburse the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue, to enable the acquisition and development of 819 Yonge Street and conveyance to the City for parkland purposes. The Owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue (Greybrook) has entered into a conditional Agreement of Purchase and Sale for 819 Yonge Street as an off-site parkland dedication. The value of the property at 819 Yonge Street is anticipated to be more than the total required parkland dedication value owed in conjunction with 148 Yorkville Avenue. To cover a portion of this cost difference, staff are seeking to direct the entirety of the Section 42 cash-in-lieu parkland requirement taken in by the City for a nearby development at 717 Church Street. Parks and Recreation staff are also seeking City Council authority to provide funds to reimburse the remaining acquisition costs. The reimbursement to the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue is to be funded by Section 42 First 5 per cent South District Parkland Acquisition Cash-in-lieu Reserve Funds (Source Account: XR2208) and the cash-in-lieu funds received from the development at 717 Church Street as outlined in the Confidential Attachment 1 (March 19, 2025). Parks and Recreation staff are also seeking City Council authority to provide the Owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue a credit for the Parks and Recreation component of the Development Charges for the design and construction of the Above Base Park Improvements. This off-site parkland dedication will expand the existing public open space network in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood. This matter is urgent because opportunities to acquire off-site parkland are limited and time sensitive.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend its previous decision on Item 2021.TE26.4 by adding the following Part: 1. City Council approve a development charge credit against the Parks and Recreation component of the Development Charges for the design and construction by the Owner of the Above Base Park Improvements to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks and Recreation; the development charge credit shall be in an amount that is the lesser of the cost to the Owner of designing and constructing the Above Base Park Improvements, as approved by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and the Parks and Recreation component of development charges payable for the development in accordance with the City's Development Charges By-law, as may be amended from time to time. 2. Notwithstanding Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 415-25, City Council authorize all required parkland dedication cash-in-lieu funds collected for 717 Church Street, pursuant to Section 42 of the Planning Act, be allocated to the new park secured at 819 Yonge Street. 3. City Council direct that the Section 42 cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication monies collected from the development at 717 Church Street reimburse the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue for the acquisition, design, and construction of 819 Yonge Street as listed in Confidential Attachment 1 to Member Motion MM28.1. 4. City Council amend 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for the Parks and Recreation for the sub-project known as "819 Yonge Street - New Park" in the Land Acquisition project, to be funded by the Section 42 cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication collected from the development at 717 Church Street (deferred revenue account 220303), with the remainder to be funded through Section 42 First 5 percent Cash-in-lieu Reserve funds (Source Account: XR2208), as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1 to Member Motion MM28.1, for the purpose of reimbursing the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue for the acquisition, design, and construction of 819 Yonge Street. 5. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to reimburse the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue up to the total value of the acquisition and improvement of 819 Yonge Street less their parkland dedication requirement pursuant to Section 42 of the Planning Act, to enable the conveyance to the City and development of 819 Yonge Street for parkland purposes. 6. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to Member Motion MM28.1 remain confidential as it pertains to a proposed or pending acquisition or sale of land by the City of Toronto. 7. City Council authorize the public release of Confidential Attachment 1 to Member Motion MM28.1 upon completion of the conveyance to the City of the 819 Yonge Street property, and upon the issuance of the reimbursement, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor. 8. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to enter into and execute on behalf of the City a Construction Management Agreement with the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue for securing, designing and constructing 819 Yonge Street, on terms and conditions deemed necessary and appropriate by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, the Executive Director, Development and Review, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and in accordance with City policies applicable to capital projects. Confidential Attachment 1 to Member Motion MM28.1 remains confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it pertains to a proposed or pending acquisition or sale of land by the City of Toronto. Confidential Attachment 1 to Member Motion MM28.1 will be made public upon completion of the conveyance to the City of the 819 Yonge Street property, and upon the issuance of the reimbursement, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers, recommends that: 1. City Council amend its previous decision on Item 2021.TE26.4 by adding the following Part: 1. City Council approve a development charge credit against the Parks and Recreation component of the Development Charges for the design and construction by the Owner of the Above Base Park Improvements to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks and Recreation; the development charge credit shall be in an amount that is the lesser of the cost to the Owner of designing and constructing the Above Base Park Improvements, as approved by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and the Parks and Recreation component of development charges payable for the development in accordance with the City's Development Charges By-law, as may be amended from time to time. 2. Notwithstanding Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 415-25, City Council authorize all required parkland dedication cash-in-lieu funds collected for 717 Church Street, pursuant to Section 42 of the Planning Act, be allocated to the new park secured at 819 Yonge Street. 3. City Council direct that the Section 42 cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication monies collected from the development at 717 Church Street reimburse the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue for the acquisition, design, and construction of 819 Yonge Street as listed in Confidential Attachment 1. 4. City Council amend 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for the Parks and Recreation for the sub-project known as "819 Yonge Street - New Park" in the Land Acquisition project, to be funded by the Section 42 cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication collected from the development at 717 Church Street (deferred revenue account 220303), with the remainder to be funded through Section 42 First 5 percent Cash-in-lieu Reserve funds (Source Account: XR2208), as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1, for the purpose of reimbursing the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue for the acquisition, design, and construction of 819 Yonge Street. 5. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to reimburse the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue up to the total value of the acquisition and improvement of 819 Yonge Street less their parkland dedication requirement pursuant to Section 42 of the Planning Act, to enable the conveyance to the City and development of 819 Yonge Street for parkland purposes. 6. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential as it pertains to a proposed or pending acquisition or sale of land by the City of Toronto. 7. City Council authorize the public release of Confidential Attachment 1 upon completion of the conveyance to the City of the 819 Yonge Street property, and upon the issuance of the reimbursement, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor. 8. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to enter into and execute on behalf of the City a Construction Management Agreement with the owner of 148 Yorkville Avenue for securing, designing and constructing 819 Yonge Street, on terms and conditions deemed necessary and appropriate by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, the Executive Director, Development and Review, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and in accordance with City policies applicable to capital projects.
RM28.1adopted
- O Canada - Moment of Silence
CALL TO ORDER: 9:37 a.m. Speaker Nunziata took the Chair and called the Members to order. The meeting opened with O Canada. Members of Council observed a moment of silence and remembered: Paul Bronfman Brian Coles Peter Crawford Randy Eckler David Harricharran Hugh McDougall Sharon McLeod, and Carol Lorraine Sutton Speaker Nunziata addressed Council as follows: I would like to take a moment on behalf of Council to acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of all the lands that we are on today. We do this to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility in improving relationships between nations and to deepening our own understanding of Indigenous peoples and their cultures. It is a moment to reflect on the importance of this land, which we each call home. We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. Speaker Nunziata advised Council of the following: For the benefit of those who are connected to the internet, the City Clerk has posted all of the agenda materials for today's meeting at toronto.ca/council.
CC28.2amended
Identifying and Addressing Pressures in the Refugee and Emergency Shelter System
Since March 2020, the number of refugee claimants and asylum seekers accommodated in the City of Toronto's shelter system has increased from an average of 2,329 people sheltered each night to 4,181 people accommodated on average in March of this year. Over this same period, the City has consistently sheltered between 4,900-6,400 people experiencing homelessness each night. And we know that hundreds more are turned away every night due to lack of capacity. Everyone deserves a roof over their head. Refugee claimants, asylum seekers, and people experiencing homelessness deserve dignified shelter and housing. No one should be forced to sleep on the street or in parks. In July 2023, City Council took steps to address the crisis overwhelming the refugee and general shelter systems, including increasing funding through the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit to provide more rent supplements, preserving refugee-serving shelter spaces to meet the unique needs of refugees while ensuring everyone regardless of status is able to access the City's shelter system as spaces become available, requesting the Federal Government establish a refugee reception centre for those arriving at Pearson Airport, and securing funding through the federal Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) to cover the costs of supporting existing refugee claimants in Toronto's shelter system. Since then, City Council has also adopted the Shelter Infrastructure Plan and the Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, has invested in creating hundreds of new supportive housing units, increased City contributions to rent supplements, and engaged refugee-serving organizations to better inform the City's response to overwhelming demand. City Council has an obligation to consider how the City of Toronto's shelter system can best serve the growing needs for emergency shelter. There are many important considerations to take into account as was made clear by the recent report from the City of Toronto Ombudsman, An Investigation into the City's Decision to Stop Allowing Refugee Claimants into Base Shelter System Beds. Since December 2024 when this report was received, the City has been informed of several funding changes to critical federal programs that support refugees and asylum seekers including the Interim Housing Assistance Program and the Local Immigration Partnership program, and we have information from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on migration trends. Further considerations on this matter have since been raised by the City's Housing Rights Advisory Committee, Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, and Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee. These reports and briefing notes are attached to this item for City Council's consideration.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, to follow the Toronto Shelter Standards' interim amendment process by using a Directive when making changes to eligibility criteria for Toronto's Shelter System. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, to ensure all future changes to shelter eligibility, are documented in a protocol for shelter bed allocation, and adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City's Human Rights and Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Policy, Access T.O., and the Toronto Shelter Standards, and that any changes will be developed in consultation with the City's Human Rights Office, the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, the Toronto Newcomer Office, and other relevant internal experts before implementation. 3. City Council direct that compliance with these policies be documented through a formal procedure with sign off by the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services. 4. City Council direct that formal procedure for review of changes to shelter eligibility be approved by City Council and shared with the Ombudsman, and impacted City divisions, prior to implementation. 5. City Council direct that Toronto Shelter and Support Staff staff involved in shelter policy development as well as senior Toronto Support and Support Services leadership (the General Manager and Directors) be trained in the Anti-Black Racism Analysis Tool by June 30, 2025, and that all new shelter policy staff, as part of their onboarding, be trained in this tool. 6. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to develop a framework to analyze any new shelter eligibility changes for alignment with the Toronto Housing Charter before these new changes are implemented, and request the Housing Rights Advisory Committee to review the framework and its operation in alignment with progressively realising the right to housing. 7. City Council finalize and approve the framework in Part 6 above in the fourth quarter of 2025 and share with the Ombudsman and relevant City Divisions prior to implementation. 8. City Council direct that senior executives at the City, including the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services and the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to invite the Chair, Housing Rights Advisory Committee and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to a meeting to discuss the City's obligations flowing from its commitment to progressively realize housing as a human right by June 30, 2025, and include updates from that discussion as part of the Council-directed reporting to Executive Committee on Item 2024.EC17.1 in the third quarter of 2025. 9. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, to organize a dedicated training session for the Senior leaders on the Encampment Steering Committee and within Toronto Shelter and Support Services on the City's obligations flowing from its commitment to progressively realize housing as a human right by October 1, 2025, delivered by the Chair, Housing Rights Advisory Committee and others (as needed) to help facilitate the session. 10. City Council direct that senior executives at the City, including the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, and the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, to offer to hold a round-table session with key refugee-claimant-serving organizations and housing rights advocates with the goal of informing future City decisions related to emergency housing for refugee claimants; this session should be held by June 1, 2025. 11 City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, to develop a strategy for continued meaningful engagement with refugee claimants and refugee-claimant-serving organizations to help plan and deliver shelter services impacting refugee claimants. 12. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, to report on its engagement strategy and with City Council for approval in the fourth quarter of 2025. 13. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, to explore how data collected will be used to track progress toward achieving the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing for all shelter users and those trying to access shelter, including refugee claimants; this may be done in consultation with the Data for Equity Unit (People and Equity) or any other related internal or external experts. 14. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and other relevant divisions, to report back with a status update on the implementation of all these recommendations to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2025. 15. City Council direct the City Manager and any other appropriate staff to attend a meeting with the leadership of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee to respond to the questions raised in the letter from attached to this item. 16. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to renew the Access T.O. public education campaign to enhance awareness of the Access to City Services for the Undocumented Torontonians policy, including scope and supports available. 17. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to ensure that all Toronto Shelter Support Services policies, procedures, and directives reflect the specific needs of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees, including tracking implementation metrics, and mandatory training for City staff and contracted service providers. 18. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to ensure that the development and expansion of the refugee shelter system reflects the specific needs of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees. 19. City Council request the City Solicitor to report directly to City Council with advice on options available to City Council when there are incorrect facts or incorrect legal advice presented to City Council by the Accountability Officers. 20. City Council request the Chief People Officer, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to review the instances where the City did not adhere to relevant law and policy of the Ontario Human Rights Code in this matter, and provide the results of that review to the City Manager and Members of Council. 21. City Council request the Federal Government to immediately reverse the decision to wind-down the Interim Housing Assistance Program and continue providing support for municipalities for 100 percent of the cost of providing shelter for refugees and asylum seekers, and that this request be included in the City of Toronto's priorities for the Federal election. 22. City Council request the Federal Government to restore funding for the Settlement Program to ensure no Local Immigration Partnership services close for service, and that this request be included in the City of Toronto's priorities for the Federal election. 23. City Council request the Federal Government to expand the definition of asylum claimant, as it relates to IHAP funding, to include those who have initiated a refugee claim and haven't completed it yet, and those who arrived to Canada with the intention to make a refugee claim and are preparing to make it. 24. City Council request the Federal Government to establish a dedicated, portable and time-limited housing benefit specific to refugee claimants, with enhanced levels in locations where claimants typically don't settle.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Mayor recommends that: 1. City Council consider the attached reports and communications on equitable access to Toronto's shelter and housing system.
DM28.2amended
In a decision issued May 13, 2021, the Ontario Land Tribunal approved a settlement in principle regarding the proposed redevelopment of the lands known municipally as 25 Fisherville Road. A final order issued on July 29, 2022, resulting in Zoning By-law Amendment 335-2024. Among other matters, this redevelopment (and two adjacent approvals) will result in the provision of new rental housing, a new public road and new public parkland. The various landowners are working collaboratively with the City to ensuring delivery of the new public road in a timely manner such that construction of the new rental housing can commence in 2025. The ultimate construction of the new public road will also include a new signalized intersection at Bathurst Street. Chapter 415 of the Toronto Municipal Code currently provides for conveyance of the new parkland to occur at the first above-grade building permit for redevelopment of the site. However, this timing would also require the new road to be open to the public, even though construction of the new public road, including the new signalized intersection, may not be complete prior conveyance of the public park into City ownership. Further, the lands to be conveyed as parkland may be required for construction of the new rental housing on the site. To facilitate construction of the new public road and expedite the development of much-needed new rental housing, the motion authorizes the parkland to be conveyed within thirty-six (36) months following issuance of the first above-grade building permit for the development. This approach will enable the new road to be available to the public and allow efficient construction of much-needed rental housing in the City.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct that the lands to be used for future public park and a future public street being secured as part of the development of 25 Fisherville Road, 6020 and 6030 Bathurst Street, and 6040 Bathurst Street and 5 Fisherville Road be permitted to be used for the stockpiling of any soils or materials, or as an interim construction staging area for the development and construction access subject to agreements with the City outlining the insurance requirements, extent of area and use permitted, tree removal and replacement (if any), duration, restoration plan and costs, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks and Recreation and the General Manager, Transportation Services. 2. City Council direct that any consideration to be paid by the owners of the lands known as 25 Fisherville Road, 6020 and 6030 Bathurst Street, and 6040 Bathurst Street and 5 Fisherville Road for the use of the future public park and a future public street in accordance with Part 1 above be nominal. 3. City Council approve the acceptance of the on-site parkland dedications referred to in Part 1 above subject to the owners transferring their respective parkland contributions to the City to the City in an acceptable environmental condition, free and clear, above and below grade, of all easements, encumbrances, and encroachments; and the Owner may propose the exception of encumbrances of tiebacks, if any, where such encroachments are deemed acceptable by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor; and such encumbrances will be subject to the payment of compensation to the City, in an amount as determined by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management. 4. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to enter into the City's standard form agreements, with insurance, release and indemnity and associated compensation to the City (in an amount as determined by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management) and in favor of the City, for construction staging, tieback installations and/or crane swings in respect of the future public park, if deemed appropriate by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation. 5. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to enter into the City's standard form agreements, with insurance, release and indemnity and associated compensation to the City (in an amount as determined by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management) and in favor of the City, for construction access in respect of the future public street, if deemed appropriate by the General Manager, Transportation Services. 6. City Council authorize and direct the necessary City staff to implement the directions of City Council as set out above.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. Notwithstanding Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 415, Development of Land, Section 28, Timing of conveyance or payment, City Council authorize that the conveyance of the on-site parkland (required parkland dedication of 397 square metres and parkland over-dedication of 133 square metres) in respect of the redevelopment of the lands known municipally as 25 Fisherville Road occur within thirty-six (36) months of the first above-grade building permit for the development.
IA28.2referred
Councillor Chris Moise, Ward 13, Toronto Centre, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry: I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry under Municipal Code S27-7.11 for the March 26, 2025 meeting of City Council to seek an update on 2024.EC13.8 - The City's Encampment Approach and Strategy. On June 26, 2024, City Council directed: 1. the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to report back through the 2025 Budget process on the costs for: a. up to three concurrent 24/7 Community Safety Teams for large encampments; and b. increasing shelter and respite capacity across the City, including temporary modular and micro-shelter options, required to fully accommodate everyone living in an encampment. 2. the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to prioritize the development of immediate rapid shelter program models that address the unique needs of people living in encampments through the Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, including exploring the use of micro-shelters and vacant or under-utilized City-owned lands for this purpose in consultation with the General Manager, Corporate Real Estate Management and Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO. At our May 2023 City Council meeting, homelessness was declared an emergency in the city, but shelter capacity and persistent encampments in City-owned parks continue to be a challenge. The City must do absolutely everything possible to mobilize temporary solutions while more permanent shelters and supportive/affordable housing are being built. Micro-shelters should be rapidly procured and installed in underutilized City-owned parking lots and land across the city. In this absence, micro-shelter type structures are being placed illegally in our parks without important safety and oversight considerations, further frustrating efforts to clear these spaces for use by the broader public. I am very concerned about our cyclical strategy where we wind down our temporary winter locations in the spring and people have nowhere else to go, so they encamp in our parks. We cannot go into another summer without a plan. No plan means our parks become the plan. I am requesting answers to the following questions from the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services: 1. What is the status of increasing shelter and respite capacity across the City, including temporary modular and micro-shelter options, required to fully accommodate everyone living in an encampment? 2. What are the limitations and barriers preventing staff from prioritizing the development of immediate rapid shelter program models? a. What are staff doing to overcome those limitations and barriers? 3. If there are zoning limitations, why haven't staff brought a report to City Council to request temporary exemptions and/or changes to our zoning by-law? 4. If there were funding limitations, has this funding been requested in the 2025 budget? 5. Have staff explored and/or applied for funding from the provincial and federal governments for the purposes of creating temporary shelter spaces as well as housing individuals living in encampments? a. In January 2025, the Provincial Government announced $20 million for municipalities to expand shelter capacity and create additional temporary accommodation spaces. b. In that same announcement they also committed $5.5 million to top up the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit to immediately free up emergency shelter spaces for people living in encampments by helping people living in shelters move into longer-term housing. 6. When will a staff report be coming to give all necessary authorities and budget to implement a micro-shelters pilot?
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, referred Administrative Inquiry IA28.2 from Councillor Chris Moise, Ward 13, Toronto Centre, regarding Micro-Shelters and Answer IA28.2a from the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to the Economic and Community Development Committee for consideration.
MM28.2adopted
The applicant applied to the Committee of Adjustment requesting variances from City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 (Application A0948/24TEY), including variances to the maximum building depth, floor space index, maximum exterior main wall height, and minimum distance between main walls, and side and rear yard setbacks. Variances for parking location, number of buildings allowed on lot, and soft landscaping are also sought. The applicant seeks to construct a four-storey townhouse complex containing three buildings, for a total of 10 residential dwelling units. On February 4, 2025, the Toronto and East York District Panel of the Committee of Adjustment refused to grant the requested minor variances (Decision in Attachment 1). The applicant has appealed the refusal to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. In its report dated January 17, 2025, City Planning Staff opined that the number of residential buildings and proposed massing is not acceptable. The report states further concerns regarding infrastructure servicing, garbage pick-up, pedestrian safety and accessibility for emergency services. As a result, City Planning Staff recommended that the minor variance application be refused (Staff Report in Attachment 2). This motion will authorize and direct the City Solicitor to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body, along with appropriate City staff, in order to oppose the Appeal. This Motion will also authorize the City Solicitor to resolve the matter on behalf of the City in her discretion. This motion is time sensitive and urgent as the City Solicitor requires instructions to obtain party status in the Appeal and subsequently attend the hearing in opposition to the Appeal.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to seek party status at the Toronto Local Appeal Body and to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing, with appropriate City staff, in order to support the Committee of Adjustment's decision to refuse the Minor Variance application requested in Application A0948/24TEY, respecting 114 and 114R Baldwin Street and 75 Cecil Street. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the Appeal of the decision in Application A0948/24TEY, respecting 114 and 114R Baldwin Street and 75 Cecil Street and to resolve the matter on behalf of the City at the City Solicitor's discretion in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Director of Community Planning, Toronto East York District.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to seek party status at the Toronto Local Appeal Body and to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing, with appropriate City staff, in order to support the Committee of Adjustment's decision to refuse the Minor Variance application requested in Application A0948/24TEY, respecting 114 and 114R Baldwin Street and 75 Cecil Street. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the Appeal of the decision in Application A0948/24TEY, respecting 114 and 114R Baldwin Street and 75 Cecil Street and to resolve the matter on behalf of the City at the City Solicitor's discretion in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Director of Community Planning, Toronto East York District.
RM28.2adopted
City Council will confirm the Minutes from the regular meeting held on December 17 and 18, 2024, the special meeting held on December 20, 2024, the special meeting held on February 5, 2025 and the special meeting held on February 11, 2025.
City Council confirmed the minutes from the regular meeting held on December 17 and 18, 2024, and special meetings held on December 20, 2024, February 5, 2025, and February 11, 2025.
CC28.3amended
Results of Collective Bargaining Negotiations Between the City of Toronto and CUPE Local 79
The four collective agreements between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 79 and the City of Toronto expired on December 31, 2024. These bargaining units are comprised of staff commonly known as "inside workers". The parties began collective bargaining in December 2024 and concluded four tentative agreements on March 8, 2025. The tentative agreements are subject to individual ratification by the members of each bargaining unit. CUPE Local 79 has until March 24, 2025 to ratify the tentative agreements. Once the tentative agreements are ratified by the union, the City Manager will file a supplementary report with details about the tentative agreements for City Council's consideration and approval.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council ratify and approve the four Memoranda of Settlement between the City of Toronto and CUPE Local 79, in Confidential Attachments 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer. 2. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to make the necessary adjustments to the 2025 Non-Program Expenditure Budget and Operating Budgets of the Divisions to reflect provisions of the Memoranda of Settlement. 3. City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to make the necessary amendments to rates of pay, benefits and other issues identified as agreed changes in the Memoranda of Settlement. 5. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 and 2 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to labour relations or employee negotiations. 6. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer remain confidential at this time, as they relate to labour relations or employee negotiations. 7. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential labour relations information in Confidential Attachments 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer following ratification by City Council, and the creation of a final collective agreement, and the completion of all related proceedings, as confirmed by the Chief People Officer. Confidential Attachments 1 and 2 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer remain confidential in their entirety in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as they pertain to labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the City of Toronto, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization. Confidential Attachments 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer remain confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as they pertain to labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the City of Toronto, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization.. Confidential Attachments 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer will be made public following ratification by City Council, and the creation of a final collective agreement, and the completion of all related proceedings, as confirmed by the Chief People Officer. May 29, 2025 The Chief People Officer having confirmed that the conditions of release have been met, Confidential Attachments 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the supplementary report (March 24, 2025) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer are now public and can be accessed under Background Information (City Council).
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
IA28.3withdrawn
Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry: I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry under Municipal Code S27-7.11 for the March 26, 2025 meeting of City Council. In February 2025, the City of Toronto experienced the largest snow accumulation since January 2022. After every major storm event, there is an opportunity to review our response and make improvements. To evaluate our response and constructively guide the development of new recommendations, I am requesting answers to the following questions: 1. Downtown Sidewalk Plowing a. When did City Council pass the motion to start plowing downtown sidewalks? b. When was the sidewalk plowing pilot conducted, what were the results, and when did plowing of all downtown sidewalks commence? c. What sidewalks in the City are cleared by in-house staff? (Please include maps.) i. How many kilometers are cleared mechanically? ii. How many kilometres are cleared manually? d. For the February 2025 major snow events, what day was the first pass of all downtown sidewalk plowing completed? Was all equipment working? What additional rounds were conducted? 2. Service Requests a. What was the number of snow related 311 service requests, by ward and complaint category (sidewalk, road, windrow, snow plowing vs removal), for: i. January 2022 major snow event; and ii. February 2025 major snow events. b. What was the average response/resolution time for 2022 and 2025? c. What were the 311 blackout times for the 2022 and 2025 events? 3. Snow Removal a. What percentage of snow removal is done by in-house vs. external contractor? b. What criteria is used to initiate snow removal operations? c. What is the criteria used for prioritization of snow removal routes? d. What is the prioritization in each ward? (Please include maps) e. How long does snow removal operations take with existing resources and what is the cost? f. What would be involved in developing a service standard for snow removal? g. What is the cost of having the equipment and personnel on stand-by all winter? 4. Contracts a. What audits of the winter maintenance program and contracts has already been undertaken? b. What are the key differences between the current and previous winter maintenance services contracts? c. Were there any incidents during the February 2025 event that will result in the city being able to fine a contractor? Has the contract management approach been reviewed by the Auditor? d. Do all vehicles have GPS tracking? 5. Extreme Weather Response a. What new measures were implemented as part of the City's commitment to continuous improvement following the 2022 winter storm? b. How many cars were ticketed or towed in 2025 vs 2022? I would also like to extend my thanks to all the contract and in-house personnel who worked many hours plowing and removing snow from our streets this February.
Item IA28.3 was ruled redundant by the Speaker at City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025.
MM28.3adopted
Paul Martel Park has long been a valued green space for the local community, providing opportunities for recreation, gathering, and urban nature appreciation. Recognizing the importance of Indigenous place-keeping and cultural programming, this motion seeks to continue building the City's ongoing partnerships with Indigenous groups to enhance the park's role as a site for Indigenous-led training, gardening, and cultural education. This motion aligns with the City's ongoing commitments to equity, cultural recognition, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that Paul Martel Park continues to serve as a vibrant and inclusive space for all residents.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to negotiate and sign on behalf of the City a nominal fee Licence Agreement with the Indigenous People Garden Incorporated, to facilitate Indigenous participant training and gardening at Paul Martel Park, for a one-year term renewable at the General Manager's discretion for up to an additional two one-year terms (three years total), on terms and conditions acceptable to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to negotiate and sign on behalf of the City a nominal fee Licence Agreement with the Indigenous People Garden Incorporated, to facilitate Indigenous participant training and gardening at Paul Martel Park, for a one-year term renewable at the General Manager's discretion for up to an additional two one-year terms (three years total), on terms and conditions acceptable to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
RM28.3adopted
Introduction of Committee Reports and New Business from the Mayor and City Officials
Report of the Executive Committee from Meeting 21 on March 19, 2025 Submitted by Mayor Olivia Chow, Chair Report of the Audit Committee from Meeting 8 on February 12, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Stephen Holyday Report of the Civic Appointments Committee from Meeting 23 on March 17, 2025 Submitted by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Vice-Chair Report of the Economic and Community Development Committee from Meeting 18 on February 26, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair Report of the General Government Committee from Meeting 19 on February 25, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair Report of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee from Meeting 19 on February 27, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, Chair Report of the Planning and Housing Committee from Meeting 19 on March 18, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Gord Perks, Chair Report of the Etobicoke York Community Council from Meeting 20 on February 19, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Stephen Holyday, Chair Report of the North York Community Council from Meeting 21 on February 19, 2025 Submitted by Councillor James Pasternak, Chair Report of the Scarborough Community Council from Meeting 20 on February 20, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair Report of the Toronto and East York Community Council from Meeting 20 on February 20, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Chris Moise, Chair New Business from the Mayor and City Officials
Committee Reports and New Business were presented to City Council for consideration.
CC28.4amended
Update on Electric Ferries Shoreside Infrastructure and Ferry Terminal Improvement Projects
The purpose of this report is to advise that the City Manager will be submitting a report that provides an update on the Electric Ferries Shoreside Infrastructure and Jack Layton Ferry Terminal improvement projects to City Council for its meeting on March 26, 27 and 28, 2025.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Manager and their designate, as appropriate, to increase the upset limit of the Delivery Agreement for the Shoreside Infrastructure Project, with Toronto Port Lands Company by an additional $10,323,635 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($10,485,091 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), revising the current Delivery Agreement upset limit from $41,800,000 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($42,535,680 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) to $52,123,635 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($53,020,771 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), representing an increase of $7,573,945 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($7,687,006 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) for the charging and docking improvements to be delivered through the Project and an increase of $2,749,690 net of applicable taxes and charges ($2,798,085 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) for necessary dock wall repairs and modifications at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. 2. City Council direct the Toronto Port Lands Company, in consultation with relevant City Divisions and Waterfront Toronto to deliver on the City's behalf the project management, design, construction and other necessary components of the Interim Terminal Improvements Project, consistent with the docking and terminal plan from the 2015 winning team of the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal Innovative Design Competition, pursuant to the Delivery Agreement, dated November 28, 2024, between the City of Toronto and the Toronto Port Lands Company for the Shoreside Infrastructure Project, in the budgeted amount of $4,500,000 net of applicable taxes and charges ($4,579,200 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) and, conditional on approval by the City Manager, direct that Toronto Port Lands Company negotiate, enter into and execute any agreements as necessary with Waterfront Toronto to support the delivery of the Interim Terminal Improvements Project. 3. City Council amend Parks and Recreation's 2025 Capital Budget and 2026-2034 Capital Plan for the Ferry Fleet Replacement and Shoreside sub-project (account CPR126-45-08) in the Special Facilities project, in the amount of $2,687,006 gross and $0 debt, increasing project cost and cash flow commitments in 2027, fully funded by Development Charges (XR2114) for the Shoreside Infrastructure Project.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
IA28.4received
Councillor Stephen Holyday, Ward 2, Etobicoke Centre, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry: I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry under Municipal Code S27-7.11 for the March 26, 2025 meeting of City Council. I am requesting answers to the following questions: 1. What is the current status of the Sankofa Square signage? 2. If the signs are in production, what is the total cost to produce them? What is the anticipated total cost including installation? 3. When are they expected to be installed? 4. What happened to the original Yonge-Dundas Square signs? Were they preserved, or disposed of? Who has them now and where are they?
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, received Administrative Inquiry IA28.4 from Councillor Stephen Holyday, Ward 2, Etobicoke Centre, regarding Sankofa Square Signage, and Answer IA28.4a from the City Manager, for information.
MM28.4adopted
Scrivener Square Nominee Inc. is seeking to contribute design and construction administration services, by outstanding Canadian park design firm Claude Cormier and Associates, for playground enhancement and park improvements at Pricefield Road Park, located at 50 Pricefield Road in University-Rosedale. This in-kind donation is valued at up to $620,000. City staff will be working in collaboration with the donor to deliver this project. As a part of that process, staff will continue to engage with the Ward Councilor and local community. In accordance with Sections 3.8 and 3.9 of the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy, Council approval is required for donations of $50,000 or more that are designated for specific purposes. This motion is time-sensitive, as the design phase of the playground enhancement and park improvements project is scheduled to commence in Spring 2025, with the anticipation for construction commencement in 2026.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to accept an in-kind donation of up to $620,000.00 from Scrivener Square Nominee Inc. (the donor) for design and construction administration services by Claude Cormier and Associates for playground enhancement and park improvements at Pricefield Road Park. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to negotiate and execute an in-kind donation agreement with the donor, on terms and conditions acceptable to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and in compliance with all City policies applicable to capital projects.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to accept an in-kind donation of up to $620,000.00 from Scrivener Square Nominee Inc. (the donor) for design and construction administration services by Claude Cormier and Associates for playground enhancement and park improvements at Pricefield Road Park. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to negotiate and execute an in-kind donation agreement with the donor, on terms and conditions acceptable to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and in compliance with all City policies applicable to capital projects.
RM28.4received
Members of Council will declare interests under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Members of Council declared interests under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
CC28.5amended
Recruitment for the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services
The purpose of this report is to advise that the City Manager will be submitting a report with an update on the recruitment for the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services position, to City Council before its meeting on March 26, 27 and 28, 2025.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council appoint Kate Bassil to the position of Deputy City Manager, Community and Emergency Services for the City of Toronto, with such appointment to be effective April 22, 2025, subject to written acceptance of the terms and conditions of a contract of employment offered by the City. 2. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to take the necessary action to give effect to City Council's decision, including the introduction in City Council of the necessary bill to appoint Kate Bassil as Deputy City Manager, Community and Emergency Services. 3. City Council authorize the public release of the Curriculum Vitae Summary of Kate Bassil in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (March 19, 2025) from the City Manager upon City Council's approval of the appointment. 4. City Council appoint Denise Andrea Campbell to the position of Deputy City Manager, Community Development and Social Services for the City of Toronto, with such appointment to be effective April 22, 2025, subject to written acceptance of the terms and conditions of a contract of employment offered by the City. 5. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to take the necessary action to give effect to City Council's decision, including the introduction in City Council of the necessary bill to appoint Denise Andrea Campbell as Deputy City Manager, Community Development and Social Services. 6. City Council authorize the public release of the Curriculum Vitae Summary of Denise Andrea Campbell in Confidential Attachment 2 to the report (March 19, 2025) from the City Manager upon City Council's approval of the appointment. The following curriculum vitae summary for Kate Bassil is now public: EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 2013 - Present City of Toronto Chief of Staff, City Manager's Office (2022 - Present) Director, Strategic Policy and Planning, Deputy City Manager's Office (2022) Director, Executive Administration, City Manager's Office (2020 - 2022) Associate Director, Strategy and Preventive Health, Toronto Public Health (2017 - 2020) Acting Director, Healthy Public Policy, Toronto Public Health (2017) Manager, Healthy Public Policy, Toronto Public Health (2013 - 2017) 2010 - 2013 Mount Sinai Hospital, Senior Epidemiologist, Department of Pediatrics 2008 - 2010 Simon Fraser University Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Doctor of Philosophy, Epidemiology (Environment and Health), Dalla Lana School of Public Health (University of Toronto) Master of Sciences, Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (University of Toronto) Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Oxford BOARD AND VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT Adjunct Appointment, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (2010-2023) The following curriculum vitae summary for Denise Andrea Campbell is now public: EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 2004 - Present City of Toronto Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration (2019 - Present) Director, Social Policy, Analysis and Research, Social Development, Finance and Administration (2014-2018) Director, Community Resources, Social Development, Finance and Administration (2009-2014) Manager, Community Development (2006-2008) Community Development Officer (2005-2006) Community Development Worker (2004-2005) 1998 - 2004 African Union, JW McConnell Foundation, D-Code Program Director, The Students Commission EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Master of Voluntary Sector Management, McGill University Bachelor of Political Science (Honours), University of Toronto, University of Ottawa HONOURS AND AWARDS Lieutenant Governor's Medal of Distinction in Public Administration (2024) Harry Jerome Award - Professional Excellence (2024) Toronto Life's 50 Most Influential People (2021) Herstory in Black Top 100 (2017) Women Who Inspire Us (2016) Black in Canada (2010) Who's Who in Black Canada (2002) Black Canadians in History Poster and Education Curriculum (2001) Women In Canadian History Poster and Curriculum (2000)
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
MM28.5adopted
This Motion will give the City Solicitor authority to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body to oppose the appeal of the Committee of Adjustment's decision to refuse part of the minor variance application at 137 Teddington Park Avenue (A0533/24NY). This Motion will also authorize the City Solicitor to resolve the matter on behalf of the City, at the City Solicitor's discretion, after consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Director of Community Planning, North York District. The applicant applied to the Committee of Adjustment requesting four minor variances from City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013, to legalize and maintain the as-built landscape features, at 137 Teddington Park Avenue. On January 16, 2025, the Committee of Adjustment approved on condition two of the minor variances in the Application and refused the other two minor variances. A copy of the Committee of Adjustment's decision is attached as Attachment 1. The applicant has appealed the refusal to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. The first minor variance that was refused proposed rear yard soft landscaping of 30 percent, where the minimum required under By-law 569-2013 is 50 percent. The second minor variance that was refused proposed front yard landscaping of 35 percent, where the minimum required under By-law 569-2013 is 60 percent. Planning Staff opined that the proposed rear yard soft land scaping and front yard landscaping were not consistent with the existing pattern of development in the neighbourhood and limited opportunities for stormwater management at the site. A copy of the Planning Staff Report dated January 9, 2025, is attached as Attachment 2. This Motion is time sensitive and urgent as the Application has been appealed to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. Thus, the City Solicitor requires instructions to attend the hearing for this matter.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body as a party to oppose the appeal of the Committee of Adjustment's decision regarding 137 Teddington Park Avenue (A0533/24NY). 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal regarding 137 Teddington Park Avenue (A0533/24NY), and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to settle the matter on behalf of the City, at the City Solicitor's discretion, after consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Director of Community Planning, North York District.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body as a party to oppose the appeal of the Committee of Adjustment's decision regarding 137 Teddington Park Avenue (A0533/24NY). 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal regarding 137 Teddington Park Avenue (A0533/24NY), and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to settle the matter on behalf of the City, at the City Solicitor's discretion, after consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Director of Community Planning, North York District.
RM28.5received
Members of Council may file petitions.
No petitions were filed during the Routine Matters portion of the meeting.
CC28.6amended
Review of Councillor Remuneration
The purpose of this report is to advise that the City Manager and the Chief People Officer will be submitting a report related to a review of Councillor remuneration to City Council before its meeting on March 26, 27 and 28, 2025.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council approve an increase to Ward Councillors' base salary to $170,588.60 (inclusive of 2025 actual Consumer Price Index adjustment), effective January 1, 2025. 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 223, Remuneration for Council Members, to require the Chief People Officer to review Council Members' remuneration and report directly to City Council at the beginning of each City Council term, with data to support a continued application of a 75th percentile benchmark for salary. 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 223, Remuneration for Council Members, to permit a First Deputy Mayor to be compensated at the rate of the Mayor in situations where the Office of the Mayor becomes vacant in accordance with section 204 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, for a period of 30 days or more, until such time as a Mayor is elected. 4. City Council approve an in-year 2025 Operating Budget transfer of $0.957 million gross and net from the City's Corporate Non-Program Expenditure Budget to the City Council Budget for the increase to Ward Councillors' salary.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager and the Chief People Officer recommend that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
MM28.6adopted
Under current City of Toronto by-laws, owners of derelict buildings are required to keep them boarded up and fenced, and can be required to take additional measures if the buildings are structurally unsound, i.e., threatening to fall down. However, the city takes no other action when buildings are left vacant and derelict, no matter for how many years or decades. Such buildings are breeding grounds for pests and potential fire hazards. They depress property values and degrade the community around them, and they prevent the constructive reuse of their sites despite the urgent need for additional housing. For example, Ward 11 contains multiple buildings that have been derelict for many years, such as 106 Huron Street, 268 Augusta Avenue, 15 Glen Morris Street, and 737 Bloor Street West. As long as they are boarded up and fenced, staff advise that they can do nothing to remedy such long-standing eyesores without additional authority from City Council.
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building and the Executive Director, Finance Shared Services, to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee on existing and potential tools to address vacant and derelict buildings, including enhancing processes for interdivisional information sharing about known vacant properties, as part of the Phase 2 report on the Property Standards Review planned in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building and the Executive Director, Finance Shared Services, to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee on existing and potential tools to address vacant and derelict buildings, including enhancing processes for interdivisional information sharing about known vacant properties, as part of the Phase 2 report on the Property Standards Review planned in the fourth quarter of 2025.
RM28.6received
Presentations, Introductions and Announcements
Various presentations and announcements will be made at the City Council meeting.
Various presentations, introductions and announcements were made to City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025. March 26, 2025 Councillor Fletcher, during the morning session of the meeting, made remarks in memory of the late Paul Bronfman, welcomed his son, Johnathan Bronfman, who was present in the Council Chamber, and offered condolences to him and his family. Councillor Thompson, during the morning session of the meeting, updated Members of Council about the shooting in his Ward on March 7, 2025, at the Piper Arms Pub. Councillor Morley, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council of the 2025 Smart Cities Summit in Taiwan that she and Councillors Cheng, Chernos-Lin, Kandavel, and Myers recently attended. Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged Mayor Chow's birthday earlier this week, and wished the Mayor a happy belated birthday. Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed students from the Doctor Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, University of Toronto, who were present in the Council Chamber. Mayor Chow, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised Members of Council of the appointment of a new president of the University of Toronto, Doctor Melanie Woodin. March 27, 2025 Mayor Chow, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council of a fire incident at 275 Bleecker Street on February 15, 2025, recognized the extraordinary efforts of Toronto Fire Services and everyone who supported them, and welcomed members of Toronto Fire Services who were present in Council Chamber alongside James Reed, President of the Toronto Professional Firefighters' Association and Sean Baird, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation. Councillor Moise, during the morning session of the meeting, thanked Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Police, Toronto Paramedic Services, Toronto Community Housing Corporation and community partners in St. James Town, as well as the Toronto District School Board for their work and assistance during the fire incident at 275 Bleecker Street on February 15, 2025. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged that March 20 was Nowruz, marking the arrival of spring and the Persian new year, and advised Members of Council of the third annual Willowdale Nowruz celebration that took place earlier this month. Councillor Myers, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council of a tragic accident in his Ward, where 15-year old student Christina Huang was killed by a driver while crossing the street, and offered condolences to Christina's family, classmates and community. Councillor Perruzza, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Municipal Government Relations students from Seneca College who were present in Council Chamber. Councillor Bradford, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed grades 4 and 5 students from Presteign Heights Elementary School, who were present in Council Chamber. Councillor Fletcher, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed students from St. Patrick Secondary School who were present in Council Chamber. Councillor Colle, during the afternoon session of the meeting, recognized a member of his staff, Caroline Duffy, who will be moving on to a new position in the Parks department. Councillor Colle, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed two of his former staff members, Sean Gadon and Bruce Davis, who were present in Council Chamber. Councillor Colle, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that Monday March 31, 2025, is the International Transgender Day of Visibility.