Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 105 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 105Show 2550100all
BL5.1adopted
Introduction of General Bills and Confirming Bills
City Council will introduce General Bills and Confirming Bills.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, passed By-laws 239-2023 to 306-2023.
CC5.1adopted
Declaring the Office of Mayor Vacant and Filling the Vacancy
This report outlines for City Council's consideration the requirements for filling the vacancy in the office of the Mayor as a result of John Tory's resignation. On February 15, 2023, Mayor John Tory provided the City Clerk with a resignation letter which indicated that his resignation from office would take effect as of 5 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023. The City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 together prescribe rules and impose deadlines with respect to filling a vacancy. Recent changes made by the Province of Ontario to the City of Toronto Act. 2006 require Council to fill a mayoral vacancy through a by-election, unless the vacancy occurs after March 31 in the year of a general election. Subject to Council declaring the office vacant and passing a by-law requiring a by-election, the City Clerk has set the following mayoral by-election dates: - Nominations will open on Monday, April 3 at 8:30 a.m. - Nominations will close on Friday, May 12 at 2 p.m. - Advance voting will take place from Thursday, June 8 to Tuesday, June 13 - By-election will be held Monday, June 26 The City Clerk will conduct the by-election in a similar manner to the October 24, 2022 general election.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council declare a vacancy in the Office of Mayor. 2. City Council require that a by-election be held to fill the vacancy in the Office of Mayor, as outlined in the draft bill in Appendix A to the report (March 17, 2023) from the City Clerk, and City Council direct that the by-law come into force on April 2, 2023. 3. City Council authorize the City Clerk to amend Purchase Order Number 6044628 with DataFix, Division of Comprint Systems Incorporated, and increase the value of the contract by $571,615, net of all taxes and applicable charges ($581,676, net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), increasing the total contract value from $2,599,235, net of all applicable taxes and charges ($2,644,982, net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) to $3,170,850, net of all taxes and applicable charges ($3,226,657, net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), and to extend the validity date until December 31, 2024, under the same pricing, terms and conditions of the existing agreement and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 4. City Council approve the in-year budget adjustment to amend the City Clerk's Office 2023 operating budget to reflect the funds required to conduct the by-election.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Clerk recommends that: 1. City Council declare a vacancy in the Office of Mayor. 2. City Council require that a by-election be held to fill the vacancy in the Office of Mayor, as outlined in the draft bill in Appendix A and direct that the by-law come into force on April 2, 2023. 3. City Council authorize the City Clerk to amend Purchase Order Number 6044628 with DataFix, Division of Comprint Systems Incorporated, and increase the value of the contract by $571,615, net of all taxes and applicable charges ($581,676, net of HST recoveries), increasing the total contract value from $2,599,235, net of all applicable taxes and charges ($2,644,982, net of HST recoveries) to $3,170,850, net of all taxes and applicable charges ($3,226,657, net of HST recoveries), and to extend the validity date until December 31, 2024, under the same pricing, terms and conditions of the existing agreement and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 4. City Council approve the in-year budget adjustment to amend the City Clerk's Office 2023 operating budget to reflect the funds required to conduct the by-election.
DM5.1adopted
This reports recommends that the City of Toronto state its intention to designate the property at 51 Panorama Court under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value and to grant authority to enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement. Located in the City of Toronto, on the south side of Panorama Court, northeast of the intersection of Kipling Avenue and Finch Avenue West, and west of the Humber River and conservation area along Islington Avenue, the property at 51 Panorama Court is the former County Branch of the Hospital for Sick Children (1928-1957) and later the provincially-owned Thistletown Regional Centre for Children and Adolescents (1957-2014). The property is located in Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown, a neighbourhood in north Etobicoke, which in the 19th century, was immediately north of the Town of Thistletown. Known colloquially as "Thistletown", the now 48-acre (originally 98-acre) property is an interrelated complex containing a main hospital building (Main Building) constructed in 1927-1928 to the designs of the renowned architectural partnership of Sproatt & Rolph, as well as landscaped elements, a designed circuitous drive, and associated views. The property was originally designed and completed in 1928 as a rural satellite branch of the Hospital for Sick Children, referred to as its County Branch, and closed in 1957. In 1957, the Government of Ontario purchased the site for use as a new mental healthcare facility for children and youth, and it was repurposed as the Thistletown Regional Centre for Children and Adolescents, effectively extending the property's use as a complex dedicated to children's healthcare with a child-focused approach to care and treatment until it closed in 2014. The surplus property has since remained vacant. Currently, the surplus Thistletown provincial property is being offered for sale to support Government of Ontario initiatives for creating more Long-Term Care Homes (Fixing Long-Term Care Act of 2021). The property will be sold on the open market with the requirement to develop and operate a minimum of 256 long-term care beds and recreational uses, with preference for affordable housing, veterans housing and/or seniors housing on-site. The property at 51 Panorama Court was listed on the City of Toronto's Inventory of Heritage Properties (now the Heritage Register) on May 6, 2014. On August 25, 2014, Amendments to the Reasons for Listing on the City's Inventory of Heritage Properties to include heritage landscape attributes and landmark uses was adopted by City Council. The property has cultural heritage value for its design value and association with the Hospital for Sick Children and Thistletown Regional Centre for its contribution to provincial mental healthcare for children and youth. The Government of Ontario has recognized Thistletown as a "provincial heritage property of provincial significance" and the property is included on the List of Provincial Heritage Properties maintained by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. Upon the transfer of the property out of provincial control and ownership, the Thistletown site will no longer be under provincial protection pursuant to Section B.3 of the Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties dated April 28, 2010, prepared pursuant to Section 25.2 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The authority for heritage protection will then reside with City Council and the property may be designated by the City of Toronto under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. Staff have completed the Research and Evaluation Report for the property at 51 Panorama Court and determined that the property meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act under design, associative and contextual values. As such, the property is a significant built heritage resource. In June 2019, the More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019 (Bill 108) received Royal Assent. Schedule 11 of this Act included amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act. The Bill 108 Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act came into force on July 1, 2021, which included a shift in Part IV designations related to certain Planning Act applications. Section 29(1.2) of the Ontario Heritage Act now restricts City Council's ability to give notice of its intention to designate a property under the Act to within 90 days after the City Clerk gives notice of a complete application. There is currently no planning application for the development of 51 Panorama Court. The future redevelopment of the lands will require a number of planning applications including a Plan of Subdivision (to create public roads), Site Plan Control, and a Plan of Condominium (depending on proposed tenure for the proposed uses). The property contains TRCA regulated lands and is subject to the City of Toronto's Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law. A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is required for all development applications that affect listed and designated properties and will be considered when determining how a heritage property is to be conserved. Designation also enables City Council to review proposed alterations or demolitions to the property and enforce heritage property standards and maintenance.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council state its intention to designate the property at 51 Panorama Court (the "Property") under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance: 51 Panorama Court (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 3 to the report (December 6, 2022) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to be effective upon the transfer of the Property by the provincial government and that notice of intention to designate be served on the new owner following the transfer of the Property. 2. If there are no objections to the designation, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. 3. City Council authorize the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement under Section 37 of the Ontario Heritage Act with the owner of 51 Panorama Court in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bill in Council authorizing the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement for the property at 51 Panorama Court.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council state its intention to designate the property at 51 Panorama Court (the "Property") under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance: 51 Panorama Court (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 3, to the report, December 6, 2022, from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to be effective upon the transfer of the Property by the provincial government and that notice of intention to designate be served on the new owner following the transfer of the Property. 2. If there are no objections to the designation, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. 3. City Council authorize the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement under Section 37 of the Ontario Heritage Act with the owner of 51 Panorama Court in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bill in Council authorizing the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement for the property at 51 Panorama Court.
IA5.1received
I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry (under Municipal Code S27-7.11) to obtain information and details of enforcement and actions planned by city staff and police services in response to the ongoing harassment and intimidation of the Jewish community in Toronto. Anticipated hate rallies in the coming weeks are cause for alarm. This enquiry also requests an update on the implementation of the City of Toronto Hate Sponsored Rallies Policy. On May 14-15, 2019, City Council adopted EX 5.3 Hate Sponsored Rallies. This policy gave the City of Toronto public service and police services the tools they need to discourage and respond to rallies and actions of harassment that demonize and threaten identifiable groups. Since that time there have been incidents of hate, notably roving mobs that have harassed and made threatening actions at members of the Jewish community at cultural events (such as Walk with Israel-May, 2022), synagogues (Or Chaim December 2022 and Shaarei Tifillah, February 2023) and Jewish restaurants (Taste of Israel, July, 2022 in Vaughan). As time goes on, these actions targeting the Jewish community and other groups have become more frequent and menacing. Hate rallies cost the City of Toronto millions of dollars in police services and other ancillary costs, block traffic, including emergency vehicles (full traffic blockage on Yonge Street in January and May, 2022), are in violation of the City of Toronto Anti-Discrimination Policy, permits policy, noise by law policy and various provisions of the Highway Traffic Act. But more important they prevent many from enjoying the peace and security that we value here in Toronto. In the coming weeks, hate rallies are planned in Toronto and beyond. The Al Quds event, which calls for the removal of the Jewish population from Jerusalem, Israel and threatened Jews with harm in the past, is planned on or about April 21, 2023 and another hate rally is planned for May, 2023 to coincide with a Toronto Jewish cultural event (Walk with Israel). Questions for the City Manager, City of Toronto and the Chief of Police, Toronto Police Services Board. What police and city staff responses are planned to enforce the City of Toronto Hate Sponsored Rallies policy either prior to the above mentioned events or in the aftermath should city bylaws, provincial statute or Criminal Code violations take place? Will Toronto police create a Toronto Police Service General Occurrence report for review by the Attorney General of Ontario for the potential prosecution of any hate inspired crimes committed? What actions will city staff take to recover the millions of dollars in costs incurred by the City of Toronto at these illegal events? In the four years since the Hate Sponsored Rallies policy was adopted, have City of Toronto staff issued trespass warning letters or pressed charges under the Trespass Act against any of the leaders or participants in past hate activity on city property?
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, received Administrative Inquiry IA5.1 from Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre, regarding an Update on Enforcement and Implementation of the City of Toronto Hate Sponsored Rallies Policy and Answer IA5.1a from the City Manager for information.
MM5.1adopted
Councillors and employees of the City of Toronto, among many other Torontonians, are members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) and rely upon OMERS to invest our retirement savings and to pay our future pensions. How OMERS invests these savings will have a major impact upon the financial value of our pensions, and also upon our quality of life and the liveability of our climate and planet. Those decisions are of particular importance to today's young people, who will bear the most serious consequences of climate chaos. Extensive legal analysis and ground-breaking litigation, such as McVeigh v. Retail Employees Superannuation Trust, have established that pension managers have fiduciary duties to invest in members' best long-term interests and to protect our retirement security in a liveable future in a stable climate. Past and present city Councillors and staff, and other Torontonians, therefore have a strong interest in whether, and how, OMERS is fulfilling these fiduciary duties.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council invite OMERS, in 2023, to present a climate strategy to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, which: a. is consistent with OMERS' net-zero commitment and with a stable climate, i.e. a planet in which global heating increases no further than 1.5 degrees; and b. demonstrates that it is fulfilling its climate-related fiduciary duties to members.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers, recommends that: 1. City Council invite OMERS, in 2023, to present a climate strategy to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, which: a. is consistent with OMERS' net-zero commitment and with a stable climate, i.e. a planet in which global heating increases no further than 1.5 degrees; and b. demonstrates that it is fulfilling its climate-related fiduciary duties to members.
RM5.1adopted
- O Canada - Moment of Silence
CALL TO ORDER: 9:44 a.m. Speaker Nunziata took the Chair and called the Members to order. The meeting opened with O Canada. March 29, 2023 Members of Council observed a moment of silence and remembered: Tseshaht First Nation, with the announcement of 17 unmarked graves at the site of a former school Amanda Bankier Arlene Gould Peter Herrndorff Evelyn I. Kendall Tony La Regina Gordon Spooner Margaret Meehan Angela Pannozzo Joe Virgona 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. Speaker Nunziata acknowledged that City Council was meeting on 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. Speaker Nunziata also acknowledged that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit. 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. This meeting is being held as a hybrid meeting. Members of Council, staff and the public are participating in today's meeting remotely and in person, and the meeting is being streamed live on YouTube. I'd like to welcome the public who are with us here today, and who are watching the meeting online. Speaker Nunziata acknowledged the new Anthem recording and video that started the meeting today. The Anthem was performed by artist Niibishens Trudeau of the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory and Brunswick House First Nation, near Sudbury, Ontario. The anthem is sung in English, French and Ojibway. Speaker Nunziata advised that the anthem video features images identified as part of the Places and Spaces project, and represents significant locations in every Ward across the City. March 30, 2023 Members of Council observed a moment of silence and remembered: Gabriel Magalhaes March 31, 2023 Members of Council observed a moment of silence and remembered: Former Mayor and Councillor Bruce Sinclair Vincenzo D'Andrea
CC5.2amended
Amendments to Existing Policies Related to Services to Members During an Election Period
The purpose of this report is to extend existing policies related to services to Members of Council after August 1 in an election year to candidates upon filing a nomination for the office of Mayor during a Mayoral by-election.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend the Use of Corporate Resources During an Election Period Policy and the Constituency Services and Office Budget Policy, to provide that the restrictions on services provided to Members of Council after August 1 in the year of a general election be applied to Council Members upon the earlier of: a. making a public declaration that they intend to seek election to the office of Mayor; or b. filing a nomination for the office of Mayor during a Mayoral by-election; such that if the Council Member withdraws their candidacy before election day, or makes a public declaration that they will not seek election for the office of Mayor, these restrictions shall no longer apply to that Council Member. 2. City Council direct that these restrictions will apply to such Council Members except to the extent that they limit the Council Members in the direct fulfillment of Council duties. 3. City Council request any Members of Council who seek election to the Office of Mayor, to consider donating their salaries to: a. a charity serving people experiencing homelessness; b. a mental health charity; or c. the City for the duration of the campaign.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Use of Corporate Resources During an Election Period Policy and the Constituency Services and Office Budget Policy, to provide that the restrictions on services provided to Members of Council after August 1 in the year of a general election be applied to Council Members upon filing a nomination for the office of Mayor during a Mayoral by-election.
DM5.2amended
Review and Consideration for a Housing Commissioner Role or Function at Ombudsman Toronto
On July 19, 2022, Toronto City Council approved EX34.7 - Review and Considerations for a Housing Commissioner Role or Function. Following its approval, Council requested that Ombudsman Toronto consider the May 2022 Maytree Consultant Report ("Crean and Maytree Report"), as well as the June 2022 City Manager's Report and Recommendations to Council ("City Manager's Report"), and provide Council with recommendations related to the resources and structure required for the office to focus on investigations and reports related to systemic housing discrimination and systemic hurdles in the City of Toronto's housing planning and service delivery roles, including the consideration of a dedicated Deputy Ombudsman, Housing. This report will outline the structure and identify the resources required to take on the proposed role, should Council provide its approval. Our review, requested by City Council, included an examination of Council's July 19, 2022 decision, the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, the Housing Charter, the Crean and Maytree Report, and the City Manager's Report. The Crean and Maytree Report notes that "a single action, individual or office may not be an effective way to advance Toronto's objectives outlined in the Housing Charter."[1] This was also the conclusion reached by the City Manager, who wrote in his June report that "a suite of actions delivered in concert with each other is more likely to achieve Council's goals." Providing Ombudsman Toronto with the resources to conduct systemic investigations and reports that focus on housing would be one of several activities the City has proposed to achieve its housing goals.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize Ombudsman Toronto to establish a dedicated unit within the office that will focus on investigations and reports related to systemic housing discrimination and systemic hurdles in the City of Toronto's housing planning and service delivery roles. The unit will report to the Ombudsman and be led by a Deputy Ombudsman, Housing, with appropriate staff. Ombudsman Toronto will report to Council on investigations undertaken by the unit and will make public related findings and recommendations. In addition, Ombudsman Toronto will report back to Council on all housing-related complaints handled by the unit, as part of its annual reporting to Council. 2. City Council direct the Ombudsman to develop a job description reflecting the appropriate duties and responsibilities of Deputy Ombudsman, Housing in line with the Role of a Housing Commissioner on page 32 of Attachment 1 to 2022.EX34.7, Headed "Review and Considerations for a Housing Commissioner Role or Function." 3. City Council direct the Ombudsman to ensure the work of the Deputy Ombudsman, Housing would have a strong focus on systemic reviews as well as systemic investigations. 4. City Council request the Ombudsman to create a hiring process for the role that takes full advantage of internal and external expertise related to the Right to Housing. 5. City Council request the City Clerk to advise Council on any procedural changes that would allow the Deputy Ombudsman, Housing to report directly to Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Ombudsman recommends that: 1. City Council authorize Ombudsman Toronto to establish a dedicated unit within the office that will focus on investigations and reports related to systemic housing discrimination and systemic hurdles in the City of Toronto's housing planning and service delivery roles. The unit will report to the Ombudsman and be led by a Deputy Ombudsman, Housing, with appropriate staff. Ombudsman Toronto will report to Council on investigations undertaken by the unit and will make public related findings and recommendations. In addition, Ombudsman Toronto will report back to Council on all housing-related complaints handled by the unit, as part of its annual reporting to Council.
MM5.2adopted
An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence at the premises at 1151 Davenport Road operating under the name Lambretta Pizzeria. The application is for an indoor area. This Motion requests that City Council advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that this application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest unless certain conditions, addressing the concerns of the community, are attached to the licence. This Premises is located in close proximity to residential units. There are concerns related to noise, litter, safety, and other potential disturbances to residents in the area. If conditions are put in place, these concerns may be mitigated. Under no circumstance should the establishment be granted a liquor sales license without conditions attached. This matter is considered urgent as the deadline for objections was March 16, 2023.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Lambretta Pizzeria, 1151 Davenport Road is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents unless conditions are placed on the licence, and that the Registrar should issue a Proposal to Review the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request that the Licence Appeal Tribunal provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and be directed to take all necessary actions so as to give effect to this Motion, including adding conditions to any liquor licence issued for the Premises, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Lambretta Pizzeria, 1151 Davenport Road is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents unless conditions are placed on the licence, and that the Registrar should issue a Proposal to Review the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request that the Licence Appeal Tribunal provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and be directed to take all necessary actions so as to give effect to this Motion, including adding conditions to any liquor licence issued for the Premises, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
RM5.2adopted
City Council will confirm the Minutes from the regular meeting held on February 7 and 8, 2023 and the special meeting held on February 15, 2023.
City Council confirmed the Minutes of Council from meeting 3 held on February 7 and 8, 2023, and special meeting 4 held on February 15, 2023.
CC5.3amended
Ombudsman Toronto Report: Investigation into the City's Processes for Clearing Encampments in 2021
Pursuant to section 170(2) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (COTA), the Ombudsman has concluded the report about its Investigation into the City's Processes for Clearing Encampments in 2021. We hereby table with City Council for its March 29, 2023 session the Investigation Report, dated March 24, 2023.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council accept the report from Ombudsman Toronto and direct City Officials to implement the report's recommendations. Ombudsman Toronto's Recommendations: 1. The City should ensure that the City division or group tasked with clearing encampments is properly resourced, has the required social services expertise needed to properly support people living in encampments, and works collaboratively with divisional partners. 2. The City should ensure that, if it decides it is necessary to clear an encampment, it prioritizes the needs of those living in the encampment, including providing vital social services to help with the transition. 3. The City should create a detailed plan outlining how the City will support access to physical and mental health services for those living in encampments. 4. The City should create a strategy for engaging with people living in encampments, including specific strategies for Indigenous communities, as well as Black, racialized, and equity-deserving groups. These strategies should include a clear definition of engagement. They should also seek and incorporate feedback from people living in encampments. 5. The City should proactively work to repair its relationships with community workers for the benefit of those living in encampments. 6. The City should provide the public with clear information about its response to encampments, including, but not limited to, the clearing process, the roles of City staff involved, how much notice will be provided, and the supports and services available to those living in encampments. If the City changes its mind about a clearing's compliance date, it should share that information with the people living in the encampment before the date listed on the Trespass Notice. If the City still plans to clear the encampment, it should inform those living in the encampment of the new date as soon as possible. 7. The City should communicate with encampment residents in clear, accessible, and plain language, and provide a dedicated resource for those living in encampments to ask questions or raise concerns with the City. 8. The City should use multiple communications channels and methods to ensure people living in encampments are informed in a timely way. 9. The City should finalize its review of the Dufferin Grove Park initiative and make it public as soon as possible, in order to make the initiative permanent. 2. City Council endorse the recommendations in the Ombudsman's report and, in so doing, confirm its support for the Dufferin Grove approach to dealing with encampments. 3. City Council commit to working with those who reside in encampments using human rights and culturally appropriate responses. 4. City Council ensure that encampment residents are provided safe indoor space proactively by City Staff. 5. City Council endorse the goal of no encampments in the City of Toronto. 6. City Council direct the appropriate City staff to report back to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2023 on: a. a revised mandate and strategic plan to guide the City's encampment response that is aligned with both the updated Encampment Interdepartmental Protocol and the realization of the progressive right to housing as outlined in the Toronto Housing Charter; b. the composition, leadership and mandate of the inter-divisional Encampment Working Group; c. clear procedures required in advance of any issuing of notices of eviction; d. minimum time threshold established between an issuing of a notice of eviction and associated procedures to move forward with a clearing; and e. policy grounds to authorize any encampment clearings. 7. City Council direct the City Solicitor to report in the fourth quarter of 2023 on the impact of the Ontario Superior Court finding that the action of the Region of Kitchener-Waterloo to evict an encampment violated Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 8. City Council request the Provincial Government to develop a regional approach to homelessness in the Greater Toronto Area including ensuring that local governments provide adequate shelter space for their residents. 9. City Council request the Federal and Provincial Governments to increase support for pathways out of homelessness.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Ombudsman recommends that: 1. City Council accept the report and direct City Officials to implement the report's recommendations.
DM5.3deferred
Claim to Recover Damages - Toronto Police Service Data Centre
Background The Toronto Police Service operates a data centre ("the "Data Centre") that is located in a building owned by the City. Responsibilities for the Data Centre are shared; the Toronto Police Service is responsible for the data room and related systems and the City (through its Corporate Real Estate Division) is responsible for building operations including the mechanical and electrical systems, life safety equipment, overall building envelope, and general management of the building. The Data Centre houses computer hardware, software, and related equipment and technology to support network and information technology services for the Toronto Police Service. The location of the Data Centre and its functionality is confidential. Construction of the Data Centre commenced in August 2017. It was substantially complete by November, 2018 and turned over to the City to operate and maintain. Fit up of the Data Centre by Toronto Police Service with computer and network equipment was completed in September 2019. In early 2021, Toronto Police Service staff observed significant unexpected corrosion on computer hardware components and certain metal surfaces in the Data Centre. In order to mitigate against potentially catastrophic system failures, Toronto Police Service locked down the building while it explored options to relocate the data systems. By mid-2021, Toronto Police Service had moved all operations from the Data Centre to other locations and taken all of the computer equipment offline. Toronto Police Service determined that corrosion observed on some of the computer systems compromised the equipment's integrity and, therefore, created operational risks. Accordingly, Toronto Police Service determined that it was necessary to relocate staff and operations to another facility, pending the completion of its investigation into the causes of the corrosion, the implementation of appropriate measures to prevent future damage to its computer systems, and the replacement of the computer systems in the Data Centre. The Construction of the Data Centre In 2014, the Toronto Police Services Board recognized that its current disaster recovery data centre was at its maximum capacity and located too close to the main site to meet industry standards for business continuity purposes. For these reasons Toronto Police Service received approval as part of its 2015-2024 capital program to replace the existing data centre with a new facility that would meet its operational requirements. Following the approval of this construction project, the Toronto Police Services Board awarded MMM Group Limited ("MMM Group") with the architectural design and consulting services contract for the Data Centre. As part of its contractual work, MMM Group developed site selection criteria and reviewed suitable sites with the City of Toronto Real Estate Division. In 2016, the City acquired the property on which the Data Centre would ultimately be constructed. In July of 2016 the Toronto Police Services Board entered into a contract with Eastern Construction Company Limited for construction management and construction services for the Data Centre project based on the designs and specifications prepared by MMM Group. The Data Centre was designed to include, among other things, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that were capable of maintaining a consistent level of temperature and humidity within the Data Centre. These key heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems were manufactured by KyotoCooling North America LLC and Stulz Air Technology Systems Inc. and commissioned by Jones Lang LaSalle Real Estate Services, Inc. The Data Centre was substantially completed in November 2018 and the City contracted with Bouygues Energies and Services Canada Limited and Plan Group Inc. for the general maintenance of the Data Centre and ongoing maintenance of the mechanical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The Toronto Police Services Board entered into contracts with DP Environmental Service Inc. for specialized cleaning of the Data Centre computer equipment, preparing environmental assessments, and concrete sealing of the Data Centre subfloor. Confidential Attachment 1 contains legal advice from the City Solicitor with respect to ongoing investigation of the issues and legal action against the parties contracted to design and construct the building, to install heating and cooling and building management systems, and to clean and maintain the Data Centre. A statement of claim was issued on December 21, 2022 in order to recover the losses incurred as a result of the property damage, the anticipated costs to address the existing deficiencies that led to the damage, and associated costs to relocate staff and equipment while the investigation, design and construction work is undertaken.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, deferred consideration of Item DM5.3 to the May 10, 2023 meeting of City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1. 2. City Council direct that the confidential instructions in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor and that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety as it pertains to litigation and contains advice that is subject to litigation and solicitor-client privilege.
MM5.3adopted
Place Names in the Port Lands - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Ausma Malik
The Port Lands Flood Protection project is scheduled to be complete in 2024; Toronto will have a new Island that will, over time, be developed into a spectacular mixed-use waterfront community. Much of the Island is in public ownership and, when fully built out, will contain new streets, parks, and community infrastructure. City staff in the Waterfront Secretariat and the Indigenous Affairs Office have already engaged with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to identify an appropriate name for the segment of Cherry Street extending between Villiers and Commissioners Street, which must be renamed to accommodate the opening of the new Cherry Street alignment later in 2023; a staff report on this proposed naming of "old" Cherry Street will be submitted later in 2023. Given, the waterfront's historical, cultural and ongoing significance to Treaty partners and Indigenous communities the City can use the opportunity of re-naturalizing the Don River and the revitalization of the Port Lands to further advance truth, justice, reconciliation and placekeeping by renaming the Island and recommending names for the remainder of the existing and proposed civic assets. The Island's current name is a "working title" with no formal status, although it mimics Villiers Street, named after Villiers Sankey, City surveyor for Toronto from 1888 to 1905 and a Major of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. Naming of the Island and other civic assets in the community is an opportunity to advance aspects of the City's Reconciliation Action Plan , including: - Action 15. Support Indigenous Placekeeping, by "elevating Indigenous languages in placemaking and placekeeping initiatives" and "balancing the representation of the historic presence of treaty and rights holders with the diverse contemporary Indigenous population in the City" - Action 17. Support the Revitalization of Indigenous Languages I), "work with language speakers and Knowledge Carriers, and ensure that Indigenous language is given priority in the naming and renaming of City Streets, parks and other City assets." City staff should consider the City Council's recently approved Principles for Commemoration , which emphasize the importance of being informed by historical research, traditional knowledge, and community insights, as well as honouring Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and prioritizing commemorations significant to Indigenous peoples, Black communities, and equity-deserving groups, to undertake consultation and make recommendations relating to: a. a preferred formal name for the Villiers Island Precinct; b. recommendations for addressing the naming of other civic assets in the community including: a. Centre Street (a working name); b. Foundry Street (a working name); c. Old Munitions Streets (an existing street that will be re-aligned); d. New Munitions Streets (a working name); e. Trinity Boulevard (a working name); f. Villiers Park Street (a working name); g. Villiers Street (an existing street); h. River Park (a working name); i. Promontory Park (a working name); and j. Villiers Park (a working name); and c. a work plan with estimated costs to implement the recommendation above.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Director, Waterfront Secretariat, and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office to consult with Treaty partners and urban Indigenous communities, and report back to Executive Committee in the first quarter of 2024 with a proposed name for Villiers Island and an approach to naming civic assets in the Villiers Island Precinct, including public parks and streets.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Ausma Malik, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Director, Waterfront Secretariat, and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office to consult with Treaty partners and urban Indigenous communities, and report back to Executive Committee in the first quarter of 2024 with a proposed name for Villiers Island and an approach to naming civic assets in the Villiers Island Precinct, including public parks and streets.
RM5.3adopted
Introduction of Committee Reports and New Business from City Officials
Report of the Executive Committee from Meeting 3 on March 21, 2023 Submitted by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie Report of the Audit Committee from Meeting 1 on February 13, 2023 Submitted by Councillor Stephen Holyday, Chair Report of the Civic Appointments Committee from Meeting 4 on March 6, 2023 Submitted by Councillor Gary Crawford, Chair Report of the Economic and Community Development Committee from Meeting 2 on February 16, 2023 Submitted by Councillor Shelley Carroll, Chair Report of the General Government Committee from Meeting 2 on March 3, 2023 Submitted by Councillor James Pasternak, Chair Report of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee from Meeting 2 on March 20, 2023 Submitted by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, Chair Report of the Planning and Housing Committee from Meeting 2 on February 28, 2023 Submitted by Councillor Brad Bradford, Chair Report of the Etobicoke York Community Council from Meeting 3 on February 27, 2023 Submitted by Councillor Stephen Holyday, Chair Report of the North York Community Council from Meeting 3 on February 22, 2023 Submitted by Councillor James Pasternak, Chair Report of the Scarborough Community Council from Meeting 3 on February 24, 2023 Submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair Report of the Toronto and East York Community Council from Meeting 3 on February 23, 2023 Submitted by Councillor Gord Perks, Chair New Business submitted by City Officials.
Committee Reports and New Business were presented to City Council for consideration.
CC5.4adopted
Report on Councillor Josh Matlow's Tweets Criticizing City Staff
The Integrity Commissioner investigated two complaints about Councillor Josh Matlow made by City staff under the Code of Conduct for Members of Council (the "Code of Conduct"). The first complaint was made by former City Manager Chris Murray about a Tweet from Councillor Matlow on June 16, 2022. Commenting about information he received from the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation ("PFR"), Councillor Matlow Tweeted: I don't appreciate being lied to. Nor should you. All park bathrooms were not opened by May 24 this year. That's unquestionably untrue. The second complaint was made by then Interim City Manager Tracey Cook. On July 19, 2022, Councillor Matlow Tweeted: I believe the mayor & council chose the very wrong person to serve our city as Acting City Manager. I refuse to ignore Tracey Cook's decisions to omit facts regarding SmartTrack, and her approach to the violent encampment clearings. I can't support this choice in good conscience. The investigations were terminated on August 19, 2022 because of the municipal election but recommenced, upon request, after voting day (October 24, 2022). As the complaints both involved Councillor Matlow's public treatment of City staff, within a short period of time, the Integrity Commissioner joined the complaints for purposes of reporting his findings and recommendations to Council. The appended report considers whether Councillor Matlow violated: - Article XI (Conduct at Council and Committee Meetings) - Article XII (Conduct Respecting Staff) - Article XIV (Discreditable Conduct) - Article 17 (Reprisals and Obstruction) Based on the evidence referenced in the report, the Integrity Commissioner found: - Councillor Matlow's conduct did not violate Article XI (Conduct at Council and Committee Meetings). - Councillor Matlow's conduct towards Ms. Romoff violated Article XII (Conduct Respecting Staff) and Article XIV (Discreditable Conduct). - Councillor Matlow's conduct towards Ms. Cook did not violate Article XII (Conduct Respecting Staff) but did violate Article XIV (Discreditable Conduct) and Article 17 (Reprisals and Obstruction).
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council adopt the findings that Councillor Matlow has violated the Code of Conduct. 2. City Council reprimand Councillor Matlow and suspend the remuneration paid to him in respect of his services as a member of Council for a period of 10 days, commencing May 1, 2023.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Integrity Commissioner recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the findings that Councillor Matlow has violated the Code of Conduct; 2. City Council reprimand Councillor Matlow and suspend the remuneration paid to him in respect of his services as a member of Council for a period of 10 days, commencing May 1, 2023. In recommending this, the Integrity Commissioner notes: - Two previous Integrity Commissioner reports have found Councillor Matlow breached Article XII (Conduct Respecting Staff) for similar conduct, and in the second instance Council imposed a reprimand. - Councillor Matlow has escalated his criticism of specific City staff to social media and, in the case of Ms. Cook, has engaged in subsequent reprisal.
MM5.4adopted
The Beech Hall Housing Co-operative located in Mount Dennis has for more than forty years successfully operated and provided affordable non-profit rental housing for seniors in 127 homes located in sixteen city owned low-rise buildings. The original intentional community of Beech Hall was built by the Borough of York Housing Company in 1950 government support and funding to provide affordable bachelor and one-bedroom homes for seniors in Mount Dennis and the Borough. On January 4, 1980, the Co-operative entered into a forty-five year lease with the former Borough of York Housing Company Limited for the purposes of saving the buildings from demolition and continuing to provide affordable non-profit rental housing for low-income seniors within a vibrant livable community. On December 2, 2016 and December 7, 2017, the Co-operative entered into Agreements with City of Toronto through the Toronto Renovates Program to secure federal/provincial funding of approximately five million dollars to undertake major capital works to all sixteen buildings, including improved lighting, installation of new intercom systems, new windows, exterior below surface waterproofing, and installation of accessibility ramps. The Co-operative has successfully managed their business and maintained the municipal asset since 1980. However, with less than two years left on the original lease, they are anxious about securing a long-term future for the Co-operative and current and future residents. Given that the current lease expires on January 3, 2025, the Co-operative has contacted city officials and requested that the process begin to negotiate a new long-term lease at below market so as to continue with certainty their operations in providing affordable non-profit housing for seniors. As the property and buildings are a municipal asset, the Co-operative has also requested the city's assistance in addressing the issue of securing necessary property insurance against flooding, including necessary funding to implement any required flood protection measures within the sixteen buildings. The Co-operative has also requested, as part of entering into a new long-term lease, that the city provide financial assistance to help support modernizing individual units upon resident turn-over. This Motion requests that the appropriate city officials continue to work with the Co-operative and their representatives and report and make recommendations to the Planning and Housing Committee no later than their meeting on November 30, 2023. The recommendations to include provisions for a new long-term lease at below market value, the resolution of the issue of flooding and appropriate property insurance coverage, and the approach and funding for the modernization of units on resident turn-over.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO to bring a policy framework to the April 27, 2023 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee, and as part of City Council's 2023 Housing Action Plan, to guide the renewal of ground leases with non-profit housing providers (including co-ops) on City-owned land, to support their long-term financial and operating viability including exploring opportunities and sources of capital and operating funding. 2. City Council request the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to prioritize the renewal of Beech Hall Co-operative, by the end of March 2024, subject to City Council approval of the new policy framework referenced in Part 1 above, and to support Beech Hall Co-operative to develop a plan for the modernization of residential units within the sixteen buildings. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, as part of the lease negotiations, to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to engage with Beech Hall Co-operative to find a mutually agreeable solution to the Co-operative's challenges to obtain comprehensive property insurance. 4. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to work collaboratively with the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto and the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association and the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation in supporting the long-term sustainability of non-profit and co-operative housing developments which are subject to expiring long-term leases on public land.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO to bring a policy framework to the April 27, 2023 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee, and as part of Council's 2023 Housing Action Plan, to guide the renewal of ground leases with non-profit housing providers (including co-ops) on City-owned land, to support their long-term financial and operating viability including exploring opportunities and sources of capital and operating funding. 2. City Council request the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to prioritize the renewal of Beech Hall Co-operative, by the end of March 2024, subject to Council approval of the new policy framework referenced in Recommendation 1 above, and to support Beech Hall Co-operative to develop a plan for the modernization of residential units within the sixteen buildings. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, as part of the lease negotiations, to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to engage with Beech Hall Co-operative to find a mutually agreeable solution to the Co-operative's challenges to obtain comprehensive property insurance. 4. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to work collaboratively with the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto and the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association and Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation in supporting the long-term sustainability of non-profit and co-operative housing developments which are subject to expiring long-term leases on public land.
RM5.4received
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.
CC5.5amended
Intergovernmental Advocacy Efforts on Toronto's Refugee Claimant Shelter Response
The City of Toronto is facing ongoing challenges and occupancy issues in the shelter system. Toronto has exhausted its resources and is unable to support an ongoing, dedicated response to refugee claimant (asylum seeker) arrivals in our shelter system without adding to our operating budget gap and/or making cuts to the capital budget. The City continues intergovernmental advocacy for tri-level collaboration to address the current surge of arrivals, and to develop a formal inter-governmental strategy for dealing with unplanned and sudden large-scale asylum seeker arrivals. This advocacy is ongoing. In order to provide accurate and updated information, a supplementary report with additional details will be provided.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Government of Canada to extend funding for shelter for asylum seekers in Toronto through the Interim Housing Assistance Program beyond March 31, 2023, and for program funds to be delivered via pre-established and sustainable budgets. 2. City Council reiterate its requests to the Federal and Provincial Governments to establish and implement an intergovernmental and cross-departmental strategy for large scale asylum seeker arrivals; create or improve capacity in locations across Ontario to provide shelter as well as other supports to asylum seekers in their journey to claim refugee protection; and provide additional dedicated allocations as part of the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit to support opportunities for permanent housing. 3. City Council reiterate its requests to the Federal Government to urgently implement measures to ensure that the processing of refugee protection claims is brought to the legislated timelines.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
MM5.5adopted
On February 27, 2023, Oshawa City Council adopted a motion in support of The City of Montreal's motion of February 20, 2023 in support of a high-speed train instead of a high-frequency train. The federal government recently made an important decision to modernize the rail network in the Quebec-Toronto corridor. The federal government is instead aiming for a high-frequency train project rather than a high-speed train project, which will only slightly reduce the travel time between the major cities located in this corridor and therefore make the project much less attractive to the population. If Canada wants to significantly reduce its green house gas emissions and reach its targets promised to the international community, significant sums will have to be invested in public transit, particularly in rail transportation; and, The high-speed train could make the Montreal-Toronto trip in 2 hours and 18 minutes and Montreal-Québec in 1 hour and 13 minutes, which would allow real competition with air transport and automobile transport, in terms of efficiency, comfort, and speed. The population residing in the Quebec-Toronto corridor represents approximately one third of the total population of Canada, which is an ideal population density for the establishment of a high-speed train system; and, The high-speed train could have enormous leverage effects for the economic and cultural development of the major cities located in this corridor, notably Montreal. Over the next ten years, Quebec and Ontario alone plan to spend $56 billion on their road network, an amount that represents approximately twice the cost of a high-speed train between Quebec and Toronto; and, Canada is the only G7 country that does not yet have a high-speed train system.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council express its support for the City of Montreal's motion of February 20, 2023, in support of a high-speed train program instead of a high-frequency train, as follows: Motion for High Speed Rail in the Quebec-Toronto Corridor Whereas the Federal Government has recently made an important decision to modernize the rail network in the Quebec-Toronto corridor; Whereas the Federal Government is aiming for a High Frequency Rail project rather than a High Speed Rail project, which will only slightly reduce the travel time between the major cities located in this corridor and will therefore make the project much less attractive for the population; Whereas the High Speed Rail project offers a higher level of service reliability than High Frequency Rail by not sharing, even if only occasionally at city entrances, the rail network with CN and CP commercial service as suggested for High Frequency Rail; Whereas that High Speed Rail would offer the greatly reduced travel times compared to current train times, it would allow real competition with air and automobile travel in terms of efficiency, comfort and speed; Whereas if Canada is to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and meet its targets promised to the international community, significant investments in public transit, including rail transit, will be required; Whereas the population residing in the Quebec City-Toronto corridor represents approximately one third of the total population of Canada, an ideal population density for the implementation of a high-speed rail system; Whereas the High Speed Rail could have enormous leverage effects for the economic and cultural development of the major cities located in this corridor, notably by improving the efficiency of travel as well as by reinforcing the attractiveness of Montreal, and its economic, cultural, commercial and tourist relations with other cities; Whereas Canada is the only G7 country that does not yet have a high-speed rail system; Whereas the presence of a high-speed train in downtown Montreal would contribute greatly to the revival of downtown Montreal, its influence and its long-term resilience; Whereas this infrastructure would attract more people to the downtown area, notably by increasing its potential to attract business and leisure tourism, while promoting development and strengthening of ties between businesses and head offices in different cities; It is proposed by Craig Sauve, City Councillor for the District of Saint-Henri-East-Little Burgundy- Point-Saint-Charles-Griffintown and Seconded by Serge Sasseville, City Councillor for district of Peter-McGill, and by Sophie Mauzerolle, Executive Committee Member responsible for Transportation and Mobility; That Montreal City Council ask the Government of Canada to opt for a High Speed Rail system within the framework of its project to modernize the rail network in the Quebec-Toronto corridor; That this project include the location of a stop in downtown Montreal, and that its planning be carried out taking into account urban integration, mobility analyses, environmental and social impacts, among other things; That a copy of this motion be sent to the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra; to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc; as well as to the members of the House of Commons representing a riding located on the territory of the City of Montreal. 2. City Council join the City of Oshawa, whose resolution is in Attachment 2 to Member Motion MM5.5, in endorsing and pledging support for the City of Montreal's Motion of February 20, 2023, moved by Craig Sauvé, Conseiller de la Ville du district de Saint-Henri-Est-Petite-Bourgogne-Pointe-Saint-Charles-Griffintown and seconded by Serge Sasseville, Conseiller de la Ville du district de Peter-McGill. 3. City Council forward this Item to the Prime Minster of Canada; the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Federal Minister of Transport; the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities; Members of the House of Commons; the Premiers of Ontario and Quebec; the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation; the Honourable Geneviève Guilbault, Quebec Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility; the City of Montreal; each Municipality and Region on the Toronto-Montreal Rail Corridor; Martin R. Landry, President and Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail; Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN Rail; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council express its support for the City of Montreal's motion of February 20,2023 in support of a high-speed train program instead of a high-frequency train. 2. City Council join the City of Oshawa in endorsing and pledging support for the City of Montreal's Motion of February 20, 2023 (moved by Craig Sauvé, Conseiller de la Ville du district de Saint-Henri-Est-Petite-Bourgogne-Pointe-Saint-Charles--Griffintown and seconded by Serge Sasseville, Conseiller de la ville du district de Peter-McGill) in Attachment 1 to this Motion. 3. City Council forward this Item to the Prime Minster of Canada, the federal Minister of Transport, The Honorable Omar Alghabra, the federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, The Honorable Dominic LeBlanc, members of the House of Commons, the Premiers of Ontario and Quebec and the Ontario Minister of Transportation, Caroline Mulroney, the Quebec Minister of Transportation, Geneviève Guilbault, the City of Montreal, each Municipality and Region on the Toronto-Montreal Rail Corridor, Martin R. Landry, Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail, Tracy Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, CN Rail, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
RM5.5received
Members of Council may file petitions.
No petitions were filed during the Routine Matters portion of the meeting.
CC5.6amended
Terms of Reference for the Housing Rights Advisory Committee for 2022-2026 City Council Term
This report recommends the adoption of the Terms of Reference, including mandate and membership, for a new Council Advisory Body to advise Council on the City's progressive realization of the right to adequate housing, for the 2022-2026 term of Council. Background On December 17, 2019, Toronto City Council considered PH11.5 and adopted a revised Housing Charter and the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan ("HousingTO Plan"), in which it committed to the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing. At that time, City Council directed the City Manager to report back on a Housing Commissioner role/function, and that report in July 2022, Item EX34.7 , included the findings from 3rd party experts Crean and Maytree, who were engaged by the City Manager. On July 19, 2022, when considering Item EX34.7 , City Council directed the City Manager, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to report to City Council by the end of the first quarter of 2023, with a proposed Terms of Reference for a new Council Advisory Body, to support the City's goals set out in the Toronto Housing Charter and HousingTO Plan for the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing, within its jurisdiction. At that time, City Council also requested Toronto's Ombudsman to consider both the Crean and Maytree and City Manager's reports that were transmitted to Council as part of EX34.7 and report back with considerations for a dedicated Deputy Ombudsman, Housing. Role of the Toronto Ombudsman On February 7, 2023, the Ombudsman reported to City Council ( CC3.1 ) on his consideration of resources and structures for a dedicated Deputy Ombudsman, Housing as requested by Council. City Council deferred consideration of this item and requested the Toronto Ombudsman bring a report to the March 2023 Council meeting with additional information including the relationship of the Ombudsman's Office to the other actions that were directed by City Council when it considered EX34.7 . It is anticipated the Ombudsman's report will be before Council at the same meeting when this report is considered. Terms of Reference for the Housing Rights Advisory Committee Proposed Terms of Reference for the Housing Rights Advisory Committee is provided as Attachment 1 to this report. The Housing Rights Advisory Committee is intended to be a dedicated mechanism to represent the views of those with living/lived experience of housing precarity and homelessness, housing advocates, academics and service providers, as well as to inform policies, programs and decision-making of City Council as it pertains to furthering the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing. The proposed mandate and membership are outlined in Attachment 1 as well as on pages 6 and 7 of this report. In developing the Terms of Reference for the Housing Rights Advisory Committee, staff consulted with the Toronto Ombudsman. Implementation of Directions from EX34.7 In addition to this report and the anticipated report from the Ombudsman, information on the implementation of the suite of actions directed by Council in EX34.7 are provided in Attachment 2 to this report. The City Manager and Ombudsman are engaged in discussions to coordinate the implementation of a number of these actions.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council adopt the Terms of Reference for the Housing Rights Advisory Committee in Attachment 1 to the report (March 22, 2023) from the City Manager, as amended by Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 below, and direct that all meetings of this body be held in accordance with the Simplified Rules of Procedure for Advisory Bodies in Item 2023.EX2.1 adopted by City Council at its meeting on February 7 and 8, 2023. 2. City Council amend the Terms of Reference for the Housing Rights Advisory Committee to include "Independently monitor progress" of the City's Housing Programs as laid out in Page 32 of Attachment 1 to 2022.EX34.7, headed "Review and Considerations for a Housing Commissioner Role or Function - July 19th 2022". 3. City Council amend the Terms of Reference to: a. include the position of the Chair of the Housing Rights Advisory Committee as a separate role; and b. require the Chair to be appointed by City Council on the recommendation of the Civic Appointments Committee. 4. City Council amend the Terms of Reference to provide for the separate recruitment for the Chair of the Housing Rights Advisory Committee through the Public Appointments process and that the City Manager, in consultation with the City Clerk, include the Chair of the Housing Rights Advisory Committee in the list of members of bodies to which the policy applies in their forthcoming report on the City's Remuneration Policy. 5. City Council require the Housing Rights Advisory Committee to meet a minimum of four times a year at the direction of the Chair and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat. 6. City Council amend Section C, Part 1 of the Terms of Reference so that it now reads as follows: C.1. The Advisory Committee will provide its advice to City Council through the Executive Committee. 7. City Council: a. add two full-time equivalent positions to the Affordable Housing Secretariat to support the work of the advisory committee and to advance the Right to Housing b. amend the 2023 operating budget by transferring the funding for 2 of the 8 approved new positions in the Ombudsman's Office to the Affordable Housing Secretariat.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the Terms of Reference for the Housing Rights Advisory Committee in Attachment 1 of this report and direct that all meetings of this body be held in accordance with the Simplified Rules of Procedure for Advisory Bodies adopted by City Council at its meeting on February 7 and 8, 2023.
MM5.6deferred
A basic principle that underlies the administration of fines and penalties is that there should be a proportionality between the offence and the fine or penalty. This helps preserve faith in the administration of justice. The fine for fare evasion on the Toronto Transit Commission is $195 ($235 once the other fees are added) and can rise over $400. The offence represents a loss of $3.25. In comparison, the offence for parking in a parking machine space without paying, or exceeding the time limit is $30. While the basis of each fine cannot be directly compared, the difference in fines between transit riders and drivers is quite stark and gives rise to a question of whether these fine amounts achieve the underlying objectives as part of the overall administration of justice. Ensuring that requested fine amounts are reviewed and reconsidered periodically would help restore confidence that the City is treating people fairly.
City Council on March 29, 30, and 31, 2023, deferred Item MM5.6 to the May 10, 11, and 12, 2023 meeting of City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, recommends that: 1. City Council express its support for the principle of fairness in fines related to City services. 2. City Council direct the City Manager to request the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to consider taking immediate steps to reduce the ticket for non-payment of fares to a rate more in line with other city fines related to transportation. 3. City Council direct the City Manager to report directly to Council on this matter to the May 10, 2023 meeting of City Council.
RM5.6received
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 29, 30, and 31, 2023. March 29, 2023 Speaker Nunziata called upon Deputy Mayor McKelvie to address City Council for a presentation to place the water vessel that was gifted to Council at the first meeting of City Council on November 23, 2022. Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged the anthem, and recognized the International Decade for Indigenous Languages and Indigenous Languages Day on Friday, March 31, 2023. Deputy Mayor McKelvie recalled the first meeting of City Council on November 23, 2022 when Elders Garry and Tina Sault and presented the Water Vessel to City Council. Deputy Mayor McKelvie welcomed Elder Garry Sault and Fire Keeper Geoff Daybutch to the Chamber. Deputy Mayor McKelvie recounted the instructions given to Council to keep and shine the water vessel and presented the shined water vessel to City Council that will be on permanent display in the Chamber. The Deputy Mayor reiterated City Council's commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous people living in what is now Toronto and the ongoing work needed to restore relations with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people. On behalf of City Council, Deputy Mayor stated she looked forward to working with Indigenous communities as they continue to make progress towards Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation. Deputy Mayor McKelvie invited Elder Garry Sault to address City Council. Elder Garry Sault addressed City Council and spoke about Indigenous teachings and the importance of ceremony. Elder Garry Sault commended Council for the untarnished state of the water vessel that was part of the Queen's Jubilee. He commented on the continued need for reconciliation in Canada and thanked City Council. Deputy Mayor McKelvie thanked Elder Garry Sault for his words. Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, called up Deputy Mayor McKelvie to address City Council. Deputy Mayor McKelvie congratulated Speaker Frances Nunziata on receiving the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Long-Standing Service Recognition certificate. Deputy Mayor McKelvie introduced a video from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Steve Clark, in which Minister Clark congratulated Speaker Nunziata on her long career in representing her constituents, and wished her all the best. Deputy Mayor McKelvie addressed City Council in recognition of Speaker Frances Nunziata's long and storied career, and listed several career highlights. Deputy Mayor McKelvie commended Speaker Nunziata for her many accomplishments and remarked on her compassion, integrity and dedication to her constituents, and presented Speaker Nunziata with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Long-Standing Service Recognition certificate. Speaker Nunziata addressed City Council and commented about the challenges she faced as one of the only women in municipal politics. Speaker Nunziata commented on her persistence and perseverance in the last 35 years, and she thanked her constituents for the support and friendship they have given her over the years and through the number of elections she has won, and recognized some of her constituents in the chamber. Speaker Nunziata thanked her constituents and City Council. Deputy Mayor McKelvie recognized the third cohort of the Women4ClimateTO program and commented on the Women4ClimateTO project. Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged Heather Taylor, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, as a fellow champion of the program. Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged the program's mentees, and outlined their projects, and welcomed mentees Ellise Gasner, Julia Morgan, Lisa Chen, and Natalie Duncan to the Chamber. Deputy Mayor McKelvie thanked the Mentors for sharing their knowledge with the mentees, and asked Council to thank everyone involved. March 30, 2023 Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Patricia McCarney, Chief Executive Officer of the World Council on City Data to address City Council. Patricia McCarney congratulated the City of Toronto for receiving the Platinum Certification for ISO 37120 (building high calibre data) by the World Council on City Data. Ms. McCarney commended the City of Toronto on achieving this status and acknowledged that Toronto was a Global First as a Foundation City, as one of the first to be certified under this standard. Ms. McCarney acknowledged the work City staff has done to reach this standard and congratulated the City on its commitment to standardized and comparable city data. Ms. McCarney presented the certificate to Deputy Mayor McKelvie, Paul Johnson, City Manager, and Heather Taylor, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Deputy Mayor McKelvie thanked Patricia McCarney and the World Council on City Data for the award and congratulated City staff who worked hard to reach this certification standard. Deputy Mayor McKelvie commented on the importance of the City's data and how it is being used around the world to work towards sustainable futures. Deputy Mayor McKelvie thanked City staff for their dedication. Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, called up Deputy Mayor McKelvie to address City Council. Deputy Mayor McKelvie, on behalf of City Council, congratulated Team Canada on winning the 2022 Davis Cup, the World Cup of tennis. Deputy Mayor McKelvie welcomed Michael Downey, President, Tennis Canada; Frank Dancevic, Team Captain; Jim Boyce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Tennis Association; and Diane Weatherby, Chair of the Board, Ontario Tennis Association and President, Charlottetown Tennis Club. Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged that this was Canada's first win of the Davis Cup and commended the players for their talent, drive and grit. Deputy Mayor McKelvie commented on the bright future of men's tennis in Canada, and acknowledged the women of Team Canada who are currently competing in the Miami Open. Deputy Mayor McKelvie congratulated Team Canada and invited Frank Dancevic and Michael Downey to speak. Michael Downey gave a brief history of the Davis Cup trophy and the Davis Cup tournament. Mr. Downey listed the countries that Team Canada defeated in the tournament. Mr. Downey acknowledged Jim Boyce also competed with Team Canada as a Davis Cup player. Mr. Downey welcomed Frank Dancevic, Team Captain and Junior Davis Cup Captain and invited him to speak. Frank Dancevic thanked City Council for inviting them to celebrate their win. Mr. Dancevic acknowledged the pride he felt on behalf of Team Canada and thanked the Ontario Tennis Association for their support. Mr. Dancevic recognized the fan support they have received. Mr. Dancevic thanked Tennis Canada for seeing the future of world class tennis players. Mr. Dancevic acknowledged the work that had occurred over the years to make Team Canada a number one team. He recalled a few of the highlights of the tournament and commended Team Canada for pushing through and winning the Davis Cup. Mr. Dancevic thanked City Council for their support. Mayor McKelvie invited City Council to visit the Members Lounge to see the Davis Cup. March 31, 2023 Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called up Deputy Mayor McKelvie to address City Council. Deputy Mayor McKelvie congratulated the Women's Hockey team, the Toronto Six, for their win of the Isobel Cup Championship. Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged how many champions Toronto has had this year. Deputy Mayor McKelvie welcomed Sami Jo Small, President, Toronto Six, Angela James, General Manager, Toronto Six, and many of the players to the Chamber. Deputy Mayor McKelvie acknowledged that the Toronto Six was the first Canadian team to win the Isobel Cup. Deputy Mayor McKelvie recognized the inspiration the team provided to girls playing hockey everywhere, and on behalf of City Council she thanked the Toronto Six for representing Toronto in the 2023 Isobel Cup. Deputy Mayor McKelvie invited Sami Jo Small to speak. Sami Jo Small thanked Deputy Mayor McKelvie and City Council for having the Toronto six to the Chamber. Ms. Small commended the players present in the Chamber and acknowledged their resilience and perseverance. Ms. Small commented on a few highlights of the tournament and acknowledged how important it was to celebrate women's hockey. Ms. Small recognized the members of the Toronto Six present in the Chamber, listed some of their individual accomplishments in the tournament and thanked them for their hard work. Ms. Small thanked City Council for its support. Councillor Bravo, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged a fatal fire that occurred in her ward on Wednesday, and thanked the first responders for their actions. City Council observed a moment of silence for the resident who perished in the fire. Councillor Colle, during the morning session of the meeting, asked City Council to recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility and support transgender citizens of Toronto. Councillor Thompson, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized the retirement of reporter Austin Delaney. Councillor Thompson commended him for his integrity and professionalism, and thanked him for 40 years of outstanding journalism at CTV and on behalf of City Council, wished him well in his retirement. Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged that this would be the last meeting for Kelly McCarthy, Deputy City Clerk before she goes on maternity leave. Speaker Nunziata congratulated Ms. McCarthy on her pregnancy and wished her well. Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised Council of a hate crime at the Islamic Centre Mosque in her ward, with hateful graffiti sprayed on the mosque. Speaker Nunziata affirmed to the Mosque and all other mosques that the City of Toronto will not tolerate hate crimes. Speaker Nunziata thanked the Members of Council and the divisions who have responded to help remove the graffiti.
CC5.7adopted
Appointment of Members to the Tribunals Nominating Panel
The purpose of this report is to appoint public members to the Tribunal Nominating Panel. City Council established the Panel in December 2018 to make recommendations to Council on the appointment of public members to the City's nine quasi-judicial tribunals.
City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council appoint the following nine individuals to the Tribunals Nominating Panel, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending March 31, 2027, and until successors are appointed: - Abena Buahene - Patricia Foran - Teng-Teng Amy Go - Asiya Hirji - Anna Kinastowski - Dr. Lilian Ma, as Chair - Kenneth Richard - Daphne Simon - Voy Stelmaszynski
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Clerk recommends that: 1. City Council appoint the following nine individuals to the Tribunals Nominating Panel, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending March 31, 2027, and until successors are appointed: - Abena Buahene - Patricia Foran - Teng-Teng Amy Go - Asiya Hirji - Anna Kinastowski - Dr. Lilian Ma, as Chair - Kenneth Richard - Daphne Simon - Voy Stelmaszynski
MM5.7deferred
Micro-mobility Couriers - by Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll
Couriers using motor-assisted micro-mobility vehicles, (including electric-assist bicycles, but not including motorized wheelchairs), provide valuable delivery services, without causing air pollution or congestion. Unfortunately, a minority of such couriers create safety hazards for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users by flagrantly ignoring traffic rules, travelling at high speeds and riding on sidewalks. Attempts to enforce traffic rules against such couriers has not been effective in discouraging this behaviour, partly because neither the couriers nor their vehicles bear clear identification. Accordingly, it is difficult to identify and locate offenders. This creates a culture of impunity, which further encourages illegal and hazardous behaviour. An essential step to overcoming this culture of impunity, and to facilitate enforcement, is to be able to reliably identify offending couriers. It is also the responsibility of the courier companies to better educate their couriers, and to set terms of employment that encourage legal compliance.
City Council on March 29, 30, and 31, 2023, deferred Item MM5.7 to the May 10, 11, and 12, 2023 meeting of City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council request the City Solicitor, in consultation with the General Manager, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the General Manager, Transportation Services and the General Managers of other City divisions as appropriate, to report back to the June 5, 2023 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on options for requiring motor-assisted micro-mobility vehicles (except motorized wheelchairs) to bear a unique identifier when being used for commercial purposes on a public thoroughfare. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the General Manager, Transportation Services and the General Managers of other City divisions as appropriate to ask courier companies to educate their delivery staff on the rules of the road and the importance of compliance. 3. City Council request the Toronto Police Services Board to request the Toronto Police Service to increase enforcement of illegal behaviour by micro-mobility couriers, particularly those who ride vehicles on sidewalks.