Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 86 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 76 to 86 of 86Show 2550100all
CC8.34adopted
This report recommends that City Council amend its decision of March 29, 30 and 31, 2022 (Item CC5.42 ) stating its intention to designate the property at 200 University Avenue (the subject property) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act (the Act). The City has received an objection to the notice of intention to designate on behalf of the property owner (GWL Realty Advisors) within the statutory time limit. Staff are recommending an amendment in response to this objection in order to clarify the Statement of Significance as adopted by City Council. Located on the southwest corner of Richmond Street West and University Avenue, the property at 200 University Avenue contains the Sun Life Building constructed in 1958-1961 and designed by John C. Parkin of John B. Parkin Associates, Canada's largest architectural firm at the time. The subject property is among the earliest examples of a modernist high rise building in Toronto to be entirely clad in metal and glass, with its glass and metal curtain wall set back from exposed perimeter support columns. As the first tall building to successfully challenge the early 20th century by-laws governing University Avenue from its prominent position at the point at which University Avenue becomes a grand ceremonial boulevard, the property is historically linked to the post-war phase of development along University Avenue. The property was listed on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register in 1991. 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 which included amendments to the listing and designation processes. The Bill 108 Amendments to the Act came into force on July 1, 2021. City Council has until August 3, 2023, 90 days from the date of the end of the objection period, to make a decision on this objection as per the timeline under the Act. Staff have reviewed the objections raised on behalf of the property owner and remain of the opinion that this property holds cultural heritage value or interest. The property meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act under all three categories of design and physical, historical and associative, and contextual values. Staff have re-examined the Statement of Significance (Reasons for Designation) for the property at 200 University Avenue, however, and recommend revision to provide clarification on the existing door types and use of granite on the east and west sides of the property. As the property has cultural heritage value or interest and meets the prescribed criteria pursuant to Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, staff are of the opinion that this property should be designated. Designation enables City Council to review proposed alterations for the property, enforce heritage property standards and maintenance, and refuse demolition.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council enact a by-law designating the property at 200 University Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act substantially in accordance with the Revised Statement of Significance: 200 University Avenue (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 3 to the report (July 4, 2023) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning in consideration of the objections received by the City Clerk. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bills in City Council designating the property at 200 University Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council enact a by-law designating the property at 200 University Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act substantially in accordance with the Revised Statement of Significance: 200 University Avenue (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 3 to the report (July 4, 2023) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning in consideration of the objections received by the City Clerk. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bills in City Council designating the property at 200 University Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
MM8.34adopted
As part of the GO Expansion Program, Metrolinx is undertaking the Steeles Avenue East Grade Separation Project. This project is reaching its final stages, with the completion of all major components. Metrolinx's Project Co. is expected to file for substantial completion in July 2023. Currently, City staff are collaborating with Metrolinx and Project Co. to address deficiencies identified during infrastructure inspections. Once the Grade Separation is completed and the City has accepted ownership and maintenance responsibility of the municipal components (e.g. the road and water infrastructure), the City will be required to make payments towards its share of the basic Grade Separation cost. Under the 2021 Revised Agreement in Principle with the Province, and under the GO Expansion Master Agreement with Metrolinx, the City and Metrolinx are responsible for contributing 15 percent and 85 percent, respectively, towards the basic grade separation cost of the Grade Separation (as per Items EX19.1 and EX16.4). Simultaneously, the City is in the process of finalizing the Steeles Avenue Boundary Road Agreement with The Regional Municipality of York ("York Region"). As per Items PW32.8 and PW25.7, it is intended that this agreement will include a provision for a 50-50 cost share for the widening of Steeles Avenue East between Kennedy Road to Ninth Line. Although the Boundary Road Agreement is nearing completion, its execution might not occur in time to allow for York Region's contribution of 7.5 percent towards the cost of the basic grade separation for Steeles Avenue East. Therefore, the City intends to establish an interim agreement with York Region to receive its contribution and ensure timely payments for the Grade Separation.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with The Regional Municipality of York on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Executive Director, Transit Expansion and the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services, to receive fifty percent of the City's share of the basic grade separation costs for the Steeles Avenue Grade Separation Project.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Nick Mantas, seconded by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with The Regional Municipality of York on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Executive Director, Transit Expansion and the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services, to receive fifty percent of the City's share of the basic grade separation costs for the Steeles Avenue Grade Separation Project.
MM8.35amended
This motion requests that City Council waive all additional municipal fees related to use of the public realm outside the fees set out in Chapter 441 associated with proposed traffic adjustments as a result of the temporary street closure for the Just for Laughs Street Festival from September 21 to September 25, 2023 Just for Laughs provides three days of music, stand-up comedy and other performance art, featuring up-and coming local artist and global headliners. Since the beginning of this term, Just for Laughs has been working with City staff in Transportation Services, Economic Development and Culture and Municipal Licensing and Standards, to help facilitate their planned street festival associated with their 2023 Comedy Festival. As was permitted last year, Just for Laughs has been working on a plan to close the portion of Front Street East between Yonge Street and Church Street, as well as a portion of Scott Street nearby, to accommodate a street festival that includes both Front Street East and the adjacent Berczy Park. This free-to-attend street festival will partially run alongside their indoor programming at theatres within the area, and will include a stage for music and performances. The 2022 street festival drew thousands of residents to the street festival event, and is supported by the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area for the positive economic impact it had for local businesses. Following the 2022 street festival and upon my election, my office has worked with Just for Laughs to have their street festival return for 2023. This has resulted in a significant number of changes to reduce the impact of the street festival on nearby residential buildings and , improved communications with residents and stakeholders. While often challenging work, Just for Laughs has been a good partner for the City. On June 23, 2023, City staff flagged with my office, citing significant traffic concerns as a result of the reduction of eastbound lanes through Ward 13. This verdict came after over six months of negotiation with Just for Laughs to accommodate their street festival, and without any prior communication of concerns with temporarily closing Front Street East. To continue to provide sufficient road capacity for eastbound vehicles, City staff have recommended several options to aid in managing traffic, specifically during the weekday afternoon Peak Period. This proposal would require additional signage, signal timing changes as well as traffic agents and/or paid-duty officers to help direct traffic during this period. The provisions set out in the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, specifies Just for Laughs (the applicant) would be responsible for these costs. Due to the dynamic nature of construction coordination, these situations are not always clear far in advance of a scheduled event. As a result, additional costs have never been discussed with Just for Laughs, and it would be appropriate to have fees associated with temporary changes outside the footprint of the event space accommodated by the City. Just for Laughs would be responsible for the fees associated with closing a portion of Front Street East as well as a portion of Scott Street. Aside from this waiver of additional costs, Just for Laughs is or would not be receiving any grants or in-kind services from the City for their 2023 street festival event. This matter is time sensitive and urgent as City Council approval is required to waive the fees that would otherwise be required under the City of Toronto Municipal Code, and its next regular meeting in October is not until after Just for Laughs's event this year.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to waive any additional fees associated with temporary traffic control adjustments outside the footprint of the Just for Laughs Street Festival. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to track Council-approved fee waivers to community events as grants in-kind, and to report on them through the open data portals under the grants data section, and in future reports concerning grants to City Council where relevant.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommeds that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to waive any additional fees associated with temporary traffic control adjustments outside the footprint of the Just for Laughs Street Festival.
MM8.36adopted
On October 27, 2020, City Council adopted Item PH17.8 "Lawrence Heights Phases 2 and 3 - Initial Development Proposal". Phases 2 and 3 contain community amenities including the new community centre in Phase 2 as well as new roads and infrastructure. The Lawrence Heights Community Centre is a pillar of the Revitalization Project, particularly in Phase 2a where it will be located, offering much needed community space and programming to those living in the Lawrence Heights community. This project will be a partnership between the City and Toronto Community Housing. The City has submitted an application for funding from the Federal Government through the Green and Inclusive Community Building program. In order for the new Community Centre to be ready for construction and to adhere to the Parks, Forestry, and Recreation timelines - with or without funding from the Green and Inclusive Community Building program - a Draft Plan of Subdivision application and a Rental Housing Demolition application must be submitted expeditiously to Toronto Building and City Planning for review and approval. This is in order to allow for time to work with relevant City departments and staff on the new roads and infrastructure required and to allow for the relocation of the current tenants as per the Tenant Relocation and Assistance Implementation Plan. For Phase 1 of the Lawrence Heights Revitalization, a fee exemption letter was issued to Toronto Community Housing from the Housing Secretariat, in order to have the application fees waived. However, the Housing Secretariat is unable to do so this time as these two applications have to be submitted in advance of a rezoning or site plan application in order to facilitate the road layout, servicing and rental housing relocations/demolition. These are necessary parts of the process to accelerate the design and construction of the community centre. The social housing units being demolished as part of this sub-phase (Phase 2a) will be replaced elsewhere within the Lawrence Heights Revitalization Project and tenants who are relocated will be offered replacement units once built. Some tenants will be able to move to replacement units already constructed in Phase 1. The estimated total cost associated with waiving the fees is $104,202.25 for the Draft Plan of Subdivision for Phase 2a and $39,945.02 for the Rental Housing Demolition application. As the Rental Housing Demolition application has already been submitted, it is anticipated that there will be a staff recommendation on the application in the fall of 2023. However, City Planning and Buildings cannot circulate the applications for review without payment of fees or an exemption thereof. This Motion should be deemed as an urgent item because of the various aforementioned timelines required for application submissions, related fees and subsequent staff reviews and reports.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Toronto Building to waive the fees associated with the Rental Housing Demolition application located at 3 and 5 Leila Lane and 31-109 Bagot Court (odd). 2. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to waive the fees associated with the Draft Plan of Subdivision for Phase 2a of the Lawrence Heights Revitalization Project for the area and units required for the Lawrence Heights Community Centre.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Toronto Building to waive the fees associated with the Rental Housing Demolition application located at 3 and 5 Leila Lane and 31-109 Bagot Court (odd). 2. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to waive the fees associated with the Draft Plan of Subdivision for Phase 2a of the Lawrence Heights Revitalization Project for the area and units required for the Lawrence Heights Community Centre.
MM8.37adopted
On July 13, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists called a strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers after the expiration of their current agreement. Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers membership is comprised of over 350 production entities including major United States studios, broadcast networks, certain cable networks and independent producers. This strike is concurrent to the Writers Guild of America strike, which started on May 2. These strikes are having a substantial impact on workers and businesses in Toronto's production industry. In 2022, the production industry drove a direct spend of $2.6 billion in Toronto and employed 35,000 residents. Of Toronto's total production volume, 70 percent is attributable to US productions. In the peak summer production season, Toronto typically has over 30 active productions. The City of Toronto Film Office is currently reporting 6 active productions or only 20 percent of the normal level. Many of these are domestic, as Canadian domestic production is unaffected by the strike. City Council recognizes the significant employment and economic impacts created by the strikes and the potential for lasting damage to Toronto's highly valued production industry if the strikes are prolonged. Reason for Urgency: Labour disruption has already commenced and action is required before the next regular business of City Council.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to support Toronto's production workers, creators, events, organizations, and businesses impacted by the strikes by: a. collaborating with local unions and not-for-profit partners, support on worker retention strategies and responding to evolving industry needs as the environment related to workforce becomes clear; b. working with other City divisions to explore financial supports available from other levels of government for individuals and companies affected by the strikes; c. supporting the Toronto International Film Festival by maintaining financial and logistical commitments, amplifying City of Toronto Film Office activations related to the festival, and engaging in ongoing consultation as impacts evolve; d. recognizing the importance of the domestic production industry by showcasing its value during Toronto International Film Festival and leveraging City assets to facilitate production; and e. ensuring Toronto's industry is enabled to engage fully in the reopening of the industry by partnering to support relevant workforce development activities, protecting and advancing the building and expansion of studio space, preparing to market Toronto as a production jurisdiction, and ensuring these initiatives are adequately resourced.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council directs the General Manager of Economic Development and Culture to support Toronto's production workers, creators, events, organizations, and businesses impacted by the strikes by: a. collaborating with local unions and not-for-profit partners, support on worker retention strategies and responding to evolving industry needs as the environment related to workforce becomes clear; b. working with other City divisions to explore financial supports available from other levels of government for individuals and companies affected by the strikes; c. supporting the Toronto International Film Festival by maintaining financial and logistical commitments, amplifying City of Toronto Film Office activations related to the festival, and engaging in ongoing consultation as impacts evolve; d. recognizing the importance of the domestic production industry by showcasing its value during Toronto International Film Festival and leveraging City assets to facilitate production; and e. ensuring Toronto's industry is enabled to engage fully in the reopening of the industry by partnering to support relevant workforce development activities, protecting and advancing the building and expansion of studio space, preparing to market Toronto as a production jurisdiction, and ensuring these initiatives are adequately resourced.
MM8.38adopted
Currently, the City's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program (the "Program") provides eligible registered property owners of an existing single-family residential, duplex, or triplex property within the City of Toronto, a subsidy of up to $3,400 per eligible property for the eligible installation of flood protection devices, subject to all the terms and conditions of the Program. In May of 2023, Council adopted zoning by-law amendments recommended by City Planning to permit multiplex residential dwellings (duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes) to facilitate more low-rise housing options across the City. Given the City's priority to increase housing choice and access, the Program eligibility criteria should be reviewed to determine whether it is feasible to expand eligibility to include registered property owners of existing residential fourplexes, subject to meeting the other Program eligibility criteria.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Toronto Water, to review the feasibility of expanding the eligibility criteria of the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program (the "Program") to include registered property owners of existing residential fourplexes within the City of Toronto, subject to meeting the other Program eligibility criteria, and to report back on the feasibility of same and any relevant considerations to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the end of 2023.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Toronto Water, to review the feasibility of expanding the eligibility criteria of the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program (the "Program") to include registered property owners of existing residential fourplexes within the City of Toronto, subject to meeting the other Program eligibility criteria, and to report back on the feasibility of same and any relevant considerations to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the end of 2023.
MM8.39adopted
Public access has been drastically reduced to Fairbank Memorial Park near Dufferin and Eglinton due to construction of the Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer. While this infrastructure upgrade is necessary to prevent basement flooding across a large portion of Toronto, the loss of park and recreation space until 2026 is a tough pill to swallow for a community that is still impacted by the ongoing Metrolinx Crosstown project. Toronto Water requires the majority of the park to use as a launch site for the project's tunnel boring machine. However, the baseball diamond site at the south of the park is not required. Unfortunately, the wider community is unable to use the one portion of the park not impacted by construction as the diamond remains locked outside of permitted hours. This motion requests City Staff to provide public access to the baseball diamond at Fairbank Memorial Park during non-permitted hours and to post appropriate signage.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to provide public access to the fenced baseball diamond in Fairbank Memorial Park during non-permitted periods and post appropriate signage regarding hours of use and the requirement to keep dogs on leashes.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry & Recreation to provide public access to the fenced baseball diamond in Fairbank Memorial Park during non-permitted periods and post appropriate signage regarding hours of use and the requirement to keep dogs on leashes.
MM8.40adopted
In June 2023, City Council approved a Section 37 payment for urgent bike infrastructure on Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Spadina. That motion contained an error, which has caused distress to some constituents. This motion will correct that error.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council reopen MM7.39 to replace the words "neighbouring residents' association" with the word "community".
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that: 1. City Council reopen MM7.39 to replace the words "neighbouring residents' association" with the word "community".
MM8.41adopted
This Motion requests authority from City Council to enable the Beach Business Improvement Area to install a parklet on the north side of Queen Street East, west of Beech Avenue. This request is the result of conversations between my office, the Beach Business Improvement Area and the local businesses along this stretch of Queen Street East who have identified the need for an additional seating area to accommodate families and other patrons during the busy summer season. The Business Improvement Area requires an exemption from platform requirements for the 2023 summer season in order to move forward with the installation. This matter is time sensitive and urgent as this is a seasonal program and City Council approval is required in advance of the summer recess.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council exempt the curb lane public parklet permit area fronting but not affiliated with 2232 Queen Street East, from the requirements of Section 742-10.4. B(6) and B(7) and Section 742-10.4 C(1) and C(3) of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 742, Sidewalk Cafés, Parklets and Marketing Displays, for the 2023 CaféTO season but require the affected permit holders to do the following during that period: a. install a temporary ramp in their permit area which provides for safe access to the permit area from the sidewalk in accordance with the requirements of Section 742-10.4 C(2).
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Brad Bradford, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, recommends that: 1. City Council exempt the curb lane public parklet permit area fronting but not affiliated with 2232 Queen Street East, from the requirements of Section 742-10.4. B(6) and B(7) and Section 742-10.4 C(1) and C(3) of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 742, Sidewalk Cafés, Parklets and Marketing Displays, for the 2023 CaféTO season but require the affected permit holders to do the following during that period: a. install a temporary ramp in their permit area which provides for safe access to the permit area from the sidewalk in accordance with the requirements of Section 742-10.4 C(2).
MM8.42adopted
At its meeting of June 14, 2023, Toronto City Council adopted Item TE5.8 approving draft zoning by-laws for 500 Macpherson Avenue subject to certain pre-conditions to be fulfilled. In the time since the City Council meeting, Staff has discovered that the schedules attached to the report contained draft Zoning By-laws for a different address. As such, the draft Zoning By-law Amendments attached to the report from City Planning staff dated May 5, 2023 should be replaced by the Zoning By-law Amendments attached to this Motion. The report itself contained sufficient information and material to enable the public and Council to understand correctly the zoning proposal that was being considered. No changes have been made to the application. Reason for Urgency: This is an urgent matter because the details of the Zoning By-law must be corrected in order for the development to move forward in a timely manner. REQUIRES RE-OPENING: City Council Item 2023.TE5.8 (June 14, 2023)
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend its previous decision on Item 2023.TE5.8 by replacing the draft Zoning By-law Amendments attached as Attachments 6 and 7 to the report (May 5, 2023) from the Acting Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District with the draft Zoning By-law Amendments attached to Item MM8.42 as Attachments 1 and 2. 2. City Council determine that no further notice is required in respect of the proposed by-law, pursuant to Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Dianne Saxe, recommends that: 1. City Council amend its previous decision on Item 2023.TE5.8 by replacing the draft Zoning By-law Amendments attached as Attachments 6 and 7 to the report (May 5, 2023) from the Acting Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District with the draft Zoning By-law Amendments attached to this motion as Attachments 1 and 2. 2. City Council determine that no further notice is required in respect of the proposed by-law, pursuant to Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act.
MM8.43adopted
As approved unanimously by City Council in Item CC8.2, the City of Toronto is facilitating the generosity and good will from residents and organizations in Toronto to support refugees and asylum seekers arriving in our city.
City Council on July 19 and 20, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Manager or designate to accept financial and in-kind donations for shelter and other forms of support for refugees, refugee claimants, and asylum seekers including donations over $50,000 but otherwise subject to the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy.
Staff recommendation as filed
Mayor Olivia Chow, seconded by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the City Manager or designate to accept financial and in-kind donations for shelter and other forms of support for refugees, refugee claimants, and asylum seekers including donations over $50,000 but otherwise subject to the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy.