Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 64 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 64Show 2550100all
BL30.1adopted
Introduction of General Bills and Confirming Bills
City Council will introduce General Bills and Confirming Bills.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, passed By-laws 412-2025 to 490-2025, subject to Section 226.9 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006.
CC30.1amended
Declaring the Office of Councillor, Ward 25 - Scarborough-Rouge Park Vacant and Filling the Vacancy
On May 8, 2025, Jennifer McKelvie (Councillor, Ward 25 - Scarborough - Rouge Park) notified the City Clerk in writing of her resignation from her position as a member of City Council effective May 9, 2025. The City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 prescribe rules and impose deadlines with respect to filling a vacancy in the office of a member of City Council. In accordance with the legislated requirements, the purpose of this report is to declare the office of Councillor, Ward 25 vacant and advise City Council of its two options for filling the vacancy (i.e. by appointment or by-election). The person appointed or elected to fill the vacancy will hold office for the remainder of the term, which ends on November 14, 2026.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council declare a vacancy in the Office of Councillor, Ward 25 - Scarborough-Rouge Park. 2. City Council fill the vacancy by requiring a by-election be held for Ward 25 - Scarborough -Rouge Park, as outlined in the draft bill in Appendix A to the report (May 12, 2025) from the City Clerk, and: a. approve an in-year budget adjustment to increase the 2025 Operating Budget for the City Clerk's Office by $550,000 gross and $0 net, fully funded from the Election Reserve Fund (XR1017) 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 Councillor, Ward 25 - Scarborough - Rouge Park. 2. City Council adopt one of the following two options to fill the vacancy: Option A - Appointment a. Fill the vacancy by appointing a person qualified to hold office in accordance with the following: 1. The City Clerk shall advertise the vacancy inviting any interested and qualified applicants to seek appointment to City Council; 2. The City Clerk is authorized to establish the deadline for submitting the required forms to the City Clerk; 3. Interested persons shall complete a Consent of Nominee and Declaration of Qualification and provide personal identification showing their name and qualifying address within the City of Toronto; 4. The City Clerk shall submit a report with the list of applicants for publication on the agenda of a special City Council meeting to be called by the Mayor; 5. Each applicant shall be provided the opportunity to address City Council for up to 5 minutes; 6. The order in which applicants address City Council shall be determined by lot drawn by the City Clerk when City Council begins its debate on the item; 7. Members of City Council shall be entitled to ask one question of each candidate; 8. City Council shall vote on the appointment by ballot in accordance with the Council Procedures; and 9. City Council shall enact a by-law confirming the appointment of the successful candidate to the office for the remainder of the term of the present Council. OR Option B - By-election b. Fill the vacancy by requiring a by-election be held for Ward 25 - Scarborough -Rouge Park, as outlined in the draft bill in Appendix A, and: 1. Approve an in-year budget adjustment to increase the 2025 Operating Budget for the City Clerk's Office by $550,000 gross and $0 net, fully funded from the Election Reserve Fund (XR1017) to reflect the funds required to conduct the by-election.
DM30.1amended
In December 2021, City Council allocated $2.912 million from the Toronto Water Capital Reserve (Resolution EX28.6) to the Scarborough Bluffs West (SBW) Project. The SBW study (the Project) will explore the enhancement and protection of sensitive shoreline and natural areas and opportunities for improved waterfront experience and access between the Eastern Beaches (Silver Birch Avenue) and Bluffer's Park along Lake Ontario. City Council also requested Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to include the Project as part of the 2022 Budget process and directed the City Manager to enter into an agreement with TRCA to complete the Project. The Project commenced on November 2, 2023 and following completion of several rounds of consultation through 2024, the Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) was released for public comment and agency review in July 2024. In fall 2024, after reviewing the Draft ToR, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) contacted the Project team to confirm whether all future design options would meet the recently updated 2024 Environmental Assessment regulations. These new rules require at least 1 km of altered shoreline and 4 hectares of lakefill for a Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (CEA) to be mandatory. The Project team explained that not all future design alternatives would meet these thresholds, given that the intent of the Project is to explore a wide range of reasonable options, including tableland solutions and/or shoreline solutions that could be less than 1 km in total length or 4 hectares of lakefill. Subsequently, the Project team requested to voluntarily continue with the CEA process to undertake the same high level of technical analysis and thorough public consultation that have been applied to other waterfront projects, and to conform to the requirements of the City's Official Plan. The Project team has received MECP approval to proceed with a Voluntary Agreement to continue through the CEA process, which requires execution from both TRCA and the City as co-proponents on the Project.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Manager on behalf of the City of Toronto to enter into the Agreement for the Application of the Environmental Assessment Act: Scarborough Bluffs West Project with the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority so that the Environmental Assessment for the project is subject to the rigour of a Comprehensive Environmental Assessment process under Part II.3 of the Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.18. 2. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Parks and Recreation, the Toronto Water and the Transportation Services, to report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee with the results of the completed Comprehensive Environmental Assessment indicated in Part 1 above, prior to submitting it to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the City Manager on behalf of the City to enter into an Agreement with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks as a co-proponent with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to apply the Environmental Assessment Act to the Scarborough Bluffs West Project.
IA30.1withdrawn
The Development of the Proposed Demonstrations By-law
Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Ward 9, Davenport, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry: I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry under Municipal Code Section 27-7.11 for the May 21, 2025, meeting of Toronto City Council. In anticipation of the discussion at the May 21 st Council meeting of a "Proposed Demonstrations By-law to Protect Vulnerable Institutions," I am writing with the hope that you may provide answers to some of the basic questions that many Councillors, members of the public, and civil society have raised. There are key outstanding questions about the process and implementation of a potential by-law. These include cost, legal risk, and overlap with existing laws and authorities. The proposed by-law touches on fundamental issues at the very core of our democratic society. It is a debate on issues not normally considered by a municipal government. This debate will no doubt be charged and having an established set of facts about potential cost, both of enforcement and of any legal challenges, as well as operational directives, will allow Councillors to focus their questions and proceed to a more elevated debate on the issue. I look forward to the answers to these questions and look forward to the discussion at Council. 1. What tools already exist (through the Criminal Code, municipal bylaws, municipal use of trespass notices, etc.) to achieve the stated goal of 'protecting vulnerable institutions?' How was the application of those other tools assessed and weighed against a proposed bylaw? 2. What tests have been employed to determine if the existing tools were insufficient to provide protection? What literature (including Charter analyses, court records, and expert opinions) has been used to make the assessment and to design the tests? 3. How have City of Toronto staff evaluated the likelihood of a legal challenge to a proposed demonstration bylaw and its alignment with protections under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms? 4. What are the legal opinions from the City Solicitor and any external legal advice (if applicable), in full, which have been provided to the City in the development of the proposed by-law? 5. What are the potential costs associated with the City of Toronto defending the bylaw against a Charter challenge? How have those costs been estimated? Are there additional non-monetary risks to factor into account? 6. What tests or analysis did staff use to determine the threshold for enforcement of the proposed bylaw? What ongoing tests will be employed to determine a need for enforcement? 7. Should the proposed demonstrations by-law come into force, who will authorize enforcement and what criteria are recommended to be used? 8. Which City Division is recommended to enforce the by-law? Has that Division confirmed they would have the necessary budgetary resources to enforce the by-law? 9. How has Toronto Police Service and/or the Toronto Police Service Board been involved in the development of the draft by-law? 10. What are the budgetary implications of enforcement of the bylaw? If exact costs cannot be estimated, what is the estimated range of the financial impact?
Item IA30.1 was ruled redundant by the Speaker at City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025.
MM30.1adopted
Councillor Saxe seeks authority to provide a non-profit community housing provider, Kensington Market Community Land Trust, with Section 37 funds in the amount of $1,200,000.00 to help purchase a twenty-six (26) unit affordable rental housing building, which includes 10 commercial units and space for further housing, in Ward 11 University-Rosedale. The demand for affordable housing far exceeds the supply. Worse, existing affordable housing is being lost at an accelerating rate, especially in rapidly developing areas such as Ward 11. Kensington Market Community Land Trust is a successful, popular non-profit devoted to preserving affordable housing and commercial space in the Kensington Market area. It already owns and operates 12 affordable housing units and is acquiring two more this month plus a commercial unit. Kensington Market Community Land Trust has raised substantial funds for this third purchase, including private donations, a mortgage, a low-cost loan from a foundation, and $1,600,000 in previously approved funding under the City's Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition Program for eight (8) units of affordable rental housing. However, these funds are not sufficient to purchase the large twenty-six (26) rental housing unit building that Kensington Market Community Land Trust wishes to purchase. The Section 37 funding proposed by this Motion will fill the remaining financial gap and allow the purchase to close next month. The Section 37 funds will be used for the part of the building occupied by affordable housing.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for the Housing Secretariat by $1,200,000.00, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits, to be payable to Kensington Market Community Land Trust, subject to the funds being secured through an agreement as set out in Part 2 below. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and execute on behalf of the City a municipal capital facility agreement under the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition Program with Kensington Market Community Land Trust to secure the financial assistance referred to in Part 1, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to provide $1,200,000.00 in funding, inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax and disbursements, to Kensington Market Community Land Trust to fund the purchase of an affordable rental housing and commercial building in Ward 11 University-Rosedale, fully funded from Section 37 funds from the development at 27-37 Yorkville Avenue, 26-32 and 50 Cumberland Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701295) in Ward 11. 4. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor as a requirement within the agreement between the City and Kensington Market Community Land Trust.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for the Housing Secretariat by $1,200,000.00, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits, to be payable to Kensington Market Community Land Trust, subject to the funds being secured through an agreement as set out in Part 2 below. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and execute on behalf of the City a municipal capital facility agreement under the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition Program with Kensington Market Community Land Trust to secure the financial assistance referred to in Part 1, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to provide $1,200,000.00 in funding, inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax and disbursements, to Kensington Market Community Land Trust to fund the purchase of an affordable rental housing and commercial building in Ward 11 University-Rosedale, fully funded from Section 37 funds from the development at 27-37 Yorkville Avenue, 26-32 and 50 Cumberland Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701295) in Ward 11. 4. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor as a requirement within the agreement between the City and Kensington Market Community Land Trust.
RM30.1adopted
- O Canada - Moment of Silence
CALL TO ORDER: 9:39 a.m. Speaker Nunziata took the Chair and called the Members to order. The meeting opened with O Canada. Members of Council observed a moment of silence in memory of: Ruth Lockhart Abbott the Victims of Lapu Lapu Day Mass Casualty Incident, and the Victims of the 401 Highway Collision. Speaker Nunziata addressed Council as follows: I would like to take a moment on behalf of Council to acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of all the lands that we are on today. We do this to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility in improving relationships between nations and to deepening our own understanding of Indigenous peoples and their cultures. It is a moment to reflect on the importance of this land, which we each call home. We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. Speaker Nunziata advised Council of the following: For the benefit of those who are connected to the internet, the City Clerk has posted all of the agenda materials for today's meeting at toronto.ca/council .
CC30.2adopted
Office of the Integrity Commissioner - 2024 Annual Report
The Integrity Commissioner reports annually to City Council on the work of the Office. This Report for Action transmits to City Council the Commissioner's 2024 Annual Report.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council receive the 2024 Annual Report of the Office of the Integrity Commissioner for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Integrity Commissioner recommends that: 1. City Council receive the 2024 Annual Report of the Office of the Integrity Commissioner for information.
IA30.2received
Requesting a Fair Consultation Process Regarding the North York Centre Secondary Plan
Councillor Lily Cheng, Ward 18, Willowdale, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry: I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry under Municipal Code Section 27-7.11 for the May 21, 2025 meeting of City Council. A review of the North York Centre Secondary Plan is underway. As part of this review the City started to engage with the community to land on a vision to help shape the future of this neighbourhood. The engagement started in November 2023, with a focus on introducing the project and seeking input on existing conditions, issues, and opportunities for North York Centre. The North York at the Centre Secondary Plan consultation has prompted a number of concerns from community members regarding the survey, consultation and overall engagement approach. Feedback indicates that the survey was perceived as overly lengthy, technical, and difficult to navigate, with limited accessibility features such as support options or the ability to revise responses- factors that may have contributed to a low completion rate. Residents also expressed that public outreach was limited, and many felt insufficiently informed to participate meaningfully. Concerns were raised about the integrity of the process, including the low number of responses and perceptions of bias toward the City's Emerging Preferred Option, which some believe does not reflect the priorities of the broader community. Alternative options, particularly Alternative number 1, were viewed by some as more aligned with local values but were not given sufficient consideration. Residents have raised questions about how the Emerging Preferred Option was selected and by whom- whether it was the preference of the consultant (WSP), City staff, or the community. Clarification is sought on whether residents were given the opportunity to choose from multiple options and, if the Emerging Preferred Option was presented as reflecting resident preferences, what data or methodology was used to support that conclusion. There is a call for greater transparency regarding the decision-making process and how public input was incorporated into the selection of the Emerging Preferred Option. Residents called for greater involvement in the decision-making process by local representatives, such as Councillors, to ensure the process reflects genuine community input. Concerns were raised about loss of livable urban conditions, inadequate infrastructure planning, and the lack of transparency regarding zoning changes, such as in the Central Finch Area. In light of these concerns, we respectfully request extended consultation, greater transparency through consistent communication, and more inclusive engagement to ensure the process reflects the diverse voices of the community. Since the impact of the new North York at the Centre Secondary Plan will significantly increase the density of population along Yonge St and stretching much further to the east and west than our previous secondary plan, it is vital to ensure that the consultation process is fair and fulsome, with excellent communication to the public. I am asking the following questions to ensure our consultations are genuine and not masked information sessions so that community members' ideas and concerns are woven into the future iteration of the North York at the Centre Secondary Plan. 'Emerging Preferred Option' 1. Who selected the Emerging Preferred Option for North York at the Centre Secondary Plan presented to residents for consultation? Was the Emerging Preferred Option preferred by the consultant-WSP, City staff or residents? 2. If the Emerging Preferred Option was identified as the preference of residents, on the basis of what data was this conclusion drawn? 3. Were residents given the opportunity to choose an Emerging Preferred Option from among multiple options? 4. What method was used to capture this option as the preference over other options? 5. How was the Advisory Committee engaged in formulating the Emerging Preferred Option? What is the current buy-in of this advisory committee? Survey 1. How many survey responses were received? 2. What is an adequate number of survey results to demonstrate a fulsome consultation with Ward 18 constituents who will experience a doubling of their population over the next 30 years? 3. Users found the survey too long, overly technical, and not user-friendly, especially for the average citizen. Was the survey designed following established best practices? 4. Did the survey allow users to revise or revisit their responses while completing it? 5. Many users felt they lacked the necessary information to provide meaningful input. Did the survey offer clear explanations and accessible resources in plain language to help users respond effectively? 6. Many users felt insufficiently informed to provide meaningful input. Did the survey include sufficient explanations, resources in a simple language to support users to answer adequately? 7. Was there any advance notice provided about the estimated time required to complete the survey, given that it reportedly took up to two hours and may have contributed to low completion rates? 8. Was it abundantly clear to residents how they could access multilingual versions of the survey? In-Person Consultation Meetings 1. Why was the North York at the Centre Secondary Plan in-person consultation conducted in a drop-in format rather than a town hall format where all community members would have the opportunity to hear other community members' questions and staff answers in order to form a deeper and reasoned opinion on the desirability of the new North York at the Centre Secondary Plan for their neighbourhood? 2. What communication strategies were implemented between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the consultations to keep residents informed, increase their understanding of the plan, and prepare them for Phase 2? 3. What is the policy and process for receiving feedback at in-person meetings? How are the insights and learnings from conversations with constituents captured beyond sticky notes to inform part of the analysis?
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, received Administrative Inquiry from Councillor Lily Cheng, Ward 18, Willowdale, regarding Requesting a Fair Consultation Process Regarding the North York at the Centre Secondary, and Answer IA30.2a from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
MM30.2adopted
The Jose Rizal Memorial by F.B Caede in Earl Bales Park was gifted by the Philippine government to the City of Toronto in 1998 on the centennial of Filipino independence. The memorial's bronze bust honours Dr. Jose P. Rizal, a doctor, philosopher and poet whose writings influenced the nationalist movement that led to independence of the Philippines from Spain. Dr. Rizal is known as the foremost national hero of the Philippines, the father of Filipino independence, and is a symbol of deep national pride for the Filipino Canadian community in Toronto and Filipino communities around the world. Dr. Rizal is also said to have been the first Filipino to set foot on Canadian soil, on May 12, 1888. Earl Bales Park was chosen as the memorial site in 1998 as it is centrally located, easily accessed, and had hosted many Filipino community events. Proposed upgrades to the memorial include landscaping improvements to increase the monument's accessibility for casual visitors and during cultural celebrations and ceremonies. As part of the upgrades, the statue's bust and plaques will be rotated 180 degrees providing an opportunity to utilize the open area to the east of the monument as a point of orientation.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend Parks and Recreation's 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan to create a new capital sub-project known as the Jose Rizal Memorial Project in the Park Development project, with a project cost and cash flow of $60,000 gross and $0 debt in 2025, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 700, 702, 714 and 716 Sheppard Avenue West secured for improvements to park assets (Source Account: XR3026-3701248) for the purpose of asset improvements at the Jose Rizal Memorial in Earl Bales Park. 2. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Economic Development and Culture on a one-time basis by $15,000.00 gross and $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained in the development at 700, 702, 714 and 716 Sheppard Avenue West (Source Account: XR3026-3701248), to fund maintenance of the Jose Rizal Memorial in Earl Bales Park (Cost Centre: AH0033).
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers, recommends that: 1. City Council amend Parks and Recreation's 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan to create a new capital sub-project known as the Jose Rizal Memorial Project in the Park Development project, with a project cost and cash flow of $60,000 gross and $0 debt in 2025, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 700, 702, 714 and 716 Sheppard Avenue West secured for improvements to park assets (Source Account: XR3026-3701248) for the purpose of asset improvements at the Jose Rizal Memorial in Earl Bales Park. 2. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Economic Development and Culture on a one-time basis by $15,000.00 gross and $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained in the development at 700, 702, 714 and 716 Sheppard Avenue West (Source Account: XR3026-3701248), to fund maintenance of the Jose Rizal Memorial in Earl Bales Park (Cost Centre: AH0033).
RM30.2adopted
City Council will confirm the Minutes from the regular meeting held on April 23 and 24, 2025.
City Council confirmed the minutes from the regular meeting held on April 23 and 24, 2025.
CC30.3amended
On June 5, 2024, I notified the City of my intention to investigate whether Municipal Licensing and Standards' response to an Urgent Service Request at a multi-tenant home was fair and consistent with a human rights-based approach to housing. During this investigation, it was subsequently identified that the Housing Secretariat played a role in the City's response to the concerns of tenants living at this multi-tenant home. As a result, on March 4, 2025, I provided further notice to the City that this investigation would also examine the role of the Housing Secretariat's Eviction Prevention in the Community program with respect to the tenants at this property. This report makes 27 recommendations which are set out below. The City's administration has agreed to implement these recommendations. I am submitting my report, dated May 13, 2025, to City Council for consideration at its May 21-23, 2025, meeting.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct City staff to implement the Ombudsman's recommendations from his investigation report, An Investigation into the City's Response to a Vital Services Outage in a Multi-Tenant Home (May 13, 2025): Recommendation 1- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop guidance for staff on the types of situations where it may be acceptable to make an exception to the requirement that bylaw officers attend a Priority 1 service request within 48 hours, and that bylaw officers issue an Order within 48 hours of their attendance, as well as factors that should weigh against making exceptions. This guidance should be incorporated into the Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure. Recommendation 2- Municipal Licensing and Standards should incorporate guidelines into its General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure for when decisions and reasons should be communicated to complainants in writing, considering factors such as the complexity and urgency of the matter and the vulnerabilities of the affected parties. These guidelines should require Municipal Licensing and Standards to outline the results of the investigation and any relevant factors that informed the decision as set out in the Standard Operating Procedures and the bylaws. As part of this written communication, Municipal Licensing and Standards should include information about how to make a complaint. Recommendation 3- Municipal Licensing and Standards should update the General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure, the Notebooks and Case Management Standard Operating Procedure the Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure, and the Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure to make specific reference to the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy when enforcement action is contemplated and/or when officers may be expected to exercise discretion. Recommendation 4- In consultation with the Housing Secretariat, and as required by the Toronto Housing Charter, Municipal Licensing and Standards should revise its Standard Operating Procedures relevant to rental housing standards enforcement to consider impacts on the right to adequate housing, including preserving affordable housing under the HousingTO Action Plan. This revision process should include the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy, General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure, Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure, Remedial Action Standard Operating Procedure, and Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure. Recommendation 5- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a process in the Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure for responding to scenarios which fall under the exceptions in Municipal Code chapters § 629-32 and § 835-8. This revision should include guidelines on how to interpret these provisions, and outline the steps a bylaw officer should take to: 1) accurately determine the minimum time necessary to conduct repairs, 2) communicate deadlines for completing repairs to the landlord, including reminders and follow-ups, 3) reassess whether a bylaw breach exists if the landlord has not met deadlines, and 4) provide tenants with referrals to housing supports in the interim while the landlord is doing repairs. Recommendation 6- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a process for responding to vital service shutoffs ordered by utility providers and incorporate that process into the Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure. Recommendation 7- The processes referred to in Recommendations 5 and 6 should reiterate the need for a "proportionate and risk-based response" under the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy and explicitly state that evidence of impact on tenants should inform the level of urgency of Municipal Licensing and Standards' response. Recommendation 8- The processes referred to in Recommendations 5 and 6 should take the human right to adequate housing into account by prioritizing security of tenure, preservation of affordable housing units, and minimizing impacts on tenants. Recommendation 9- In consultation with Toronto's major utility providers, Municipal Licensing and Standards should identify a liaison within each organization whom staff can directly contact for information about vital service shutoffs and to troubleshoot complex cases. The Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure should be updated to set out the role of these liaisons and when Municipal Licensing and Standards staff should contact them. Municipal Licensing and Standards should assign a staff position to be responsible for regularly reviewing and updating this contact information to ensure it is up to date. Recommendation 10- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a file closure checklist for Priority 1 Service Requests to be completed by supervisors, to ensure that bylaw officers have followed Standard Operating Procedures, adhered to all applicable timelines, exercised discretion appropriately, and met all case management expectations. This checklist should be created and implemented by March 31, 2026. Recommendation 11- In consultation with supervisors and management, Municipal Licensing and Standards should revise its process for automatically generated reports and identify what information is necessary for supervisors to receive on a weekly basis, and how to present that information in a way that is useful for supervisors. Recommendation 12- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a written procedure for conducting monthly one-on-one check-ins between bylaw officers and supervisors, including expectations for what will be reviewed, how the check-in will be documented, and the process for addressing performance concerns. Supervisors should be trained on this procedure, and staff should be made aware of the check-in process. Recommendation 13- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop and implement a training plan to ensure that all bylaw officers working in rental housing standards receive training on the vital services bylaws. Municipal Licensing and Standards should ensure that all bylaw officers working in rental housing standards receive this training by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 14- Municipal Licensing and Standards should organize their policy database so that bylaw officers can easily access the policies and Standard Operating Procedures most relevant to their unit. This should be completed by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 15- Municipal Licensing and Standards should ensure that the revisions made to the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy, General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure, Notebooks and Case Management Standard Operating Procedure, Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure, Remedial Action Standard Operating Procedure, and Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure under Recommendations 1-12 are incorporated into training materials for its frontline staff and management working in rental housing enforcement. Bylaw officers working in rental housing enforcement should receive refresher trainings which address these revisions. Recommendation 16- The City, in its delivery of training on the human right to adequate housing, should ensure that all Municipal Licensing and Standards frontline staff and management who work in rental standards enforcement are trained on the Toronto Housing Charter and the human right to adequate housing by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 17- Eviction Prevention in the Community should develop a procedure for the services it delivers through Toronto Emergency Management's ("TEM") emergency response protocol. These procedures should define which Eviction Prevention in the Community services are available, eligibility criteria, response times, and guidelines for the use of discretion. Recommendation 18- The Eviction Prevention in the Community Program Model should be updated to include the services Eviction Prevention in the Community provides under the Toronto Emergency Management's emergency response protocol and refer to the relevant policies and procedures which guide the delivery of those services. Recommendation 19- The City should, in its upcoming revision of Toronto Emergency Management's Emergency Human Services Policy, formalize Eviction Prevention in the Community's role in delivering services. This revision should include information about when Eviction Prevention in the Community will become involved, eligibility criteria and referral information. Recommendation 20- The City should publish on its website basic information about Eviction Prevention in the Community's role in supporting tenants under Toronto Emergency Management's emergency response protocol. Recommendation 21- The Housing Secretariat should consult with Ombudsman Toronto in its upcoming review and revision of Eviction Prevention in the Community's policy framework to ensure consistency with the principles of administrative fairness and the right to adequate housing. Recommendation 22- Eviction Prevention in the Community should establish their own service standards for response times to service requests, in order to account for the urgency of Eviction Prevention in the Community's work. Recommendation 23- The Housing Secretariat should develop guidelines on exercising discretion in the delivery of Eviction Prevention in the Community services, including requirements for documenting discretionary decisions. Recommendation 24- The Housing Secretariat should ensure that all Eviction Prevention in the Community staff are trained on the Toronto Housing Charter and the human right to adequate housing by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 25- The Housing Secretariat should fulfil City Council's direction in CC2.1 - 2023 Housing Action Plan to provide recommendations to support multi-tenant home tenants in the event of unexpected closures, including any necessary requests for funding, bylaw changes, or the creation of new programs by December 31, 2025. The Housing Secretariat should consult with Municipal Licensing and Standards in the development of these recommendations. Recommendation 26- In implementing Recommendation 25, the City should consider whether to update or replace the Rooming House Emergency Response Plan. 2. The City Manager should provide a status update to the Executive Committee on the implementation of all these recommendations by November 1, 2025, and quarterly thereafter; additionally, the City Manager report to the Housing Rights Advisory Committee within a year. 3. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services to report to the September 25, 2025 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee, with: a. options and considerations for City staff on undertaking required work on Priority 1 service requests (including those related to lack of vital services) at the property owners' cost, if voluntary compliance has not been achieved in a timely manner; and b. an anonymized list of the 10 most recent Priority 1 service requests related to multi-tenant houses, listing publicly shareable details on what work was required, how the service request was resolved, and a summary of any disclosable information on whether the City considered carrying out required work, and reasons for why the City carried out or did not carry out the required work. 4. City Council request the City Manager to report to the September 25, 2025 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee on: a. how no heat, no power and no water was reported out by 311 as "Property Standards and Maintenance Violations"; b. description of previous work undertaken by WoodGreen and which is now delivered by EPIC; and c. what steps were taken with the manager, supervisor and bylaw enforcement officer involved in this investigation. 5. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services, the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth, and the Deputy City Manager, Community and Emergency Services to report to Planning and Housing Committee by December 31, 2025, on recommendations to support multi-tenant house tenants in the event of unexpected closures and/or circumstances that may render their homes uninhabitable, including availability of emergency temporary accommodations for displaced tenants, bylaw changes, creation of new programs, and associated funding requirements. 6. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services, in consultation with the Chief Procurement Officer, to ensure the City has engaged a roster of contractors who, if required, are able to carry out emergency repairs, mold and pest abatement, and other remediation to restore vital services and ensure multi-tenant houses and other rental properties are habitable in a timely manner. 7. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth and the Deputy City Manager, Community and Emergency Services to provide support for multi-tenant house tenants in the event of unexpected closures and/or circumstances that may render their home uninhabitable through expanded eligibility and additional investments for the Eviction Prevention in Community program and services of Toronto Emergency Management, and by leveraging the City's Specialized Program for Inter-divisional Enhanced Responsiveness (SPIDER) program. 8. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to: a. provide an annual report on enforcement action in all buildings under the purview of the Multi-Tenant Housing and RentSafe by-laws that includes a description of outcomes achieved by By-Law Enforcement Officers regarding by-law violations deemed "Priority One", including Vital Services, Property Standards or Heating Bylaw, and other violations that pose a risk to the health and safety of residents, including mould and pests; and b. ensure that By-Law Enforcement Officers file work orders independently for violations occurring in common areas and assist tenants to complete work orders regarding in-unit violations.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Ombudsman recommends that: 1. City Council direct City staff to implement the Ombudsman's recommendations from his investigation report, An Investigation into the City's Response to a Vital Services Outage in a Multi-Tenant Home (May 13, 2025): Recommendation 1- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop guidance for staff on the types of situations where it may be acceptable to make an exception to the requirement that bylaw officers attend a Priority 1 service request within 48 hours, and that bylaw officers issue an Order within 48 hours of their attendance, as well as factors that should weigh against making exceptions. This guidance should be incorporated into the Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure. Recommendation 2- Municipal Licensing and Standards should incorporate guidelines into its General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure for when decisions and reasons should be communicated to complainants in writing, considering factors such as the complexity and urgency of the matter and the vulnerabilities of the affected parties. These guidelines should require Municipal Licensing and Standards to outline the results of the investigation and any relevant factors that informed the decision as set out in the Standard Operating Procedures and the bylaws. As part of this written communication, Municipal Licensing and Standards should include information about how to make a complaint. Recommendation 3- Municipal Licensing and Standards should update the General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure, the Notebooks and Case Management Standard Operating Procedure the Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure, and the Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure to make specific reference to the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy when enforcement action is contemplated and/or when officers may be expected to exercise discretion. Recommendation 4- In consultation with the Housing Secretariat, and as required by the Toronto Housing Charter, Municipal Licensing and Standards should revise its Standard Operating Procedures relevant to rental housing standards enforcement to consider impacts on the right to adequate housing, including preserving affordable housing under the HousingTO Action Plan. This revision process should include the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy, General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure, Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure, Remedial Action Standard Operating Procedure, and Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure. Recommendation 5- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a process in the Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure for responding to scenarios which fall under the exceptions in Municipal Code chapters § 629-32 and § 835-8. This revision should include guidelines on how to interpret these provisions, and outline the steps a bylaw officer should take to: 1) accurately determine the minimum time necessary to conduct repairs, 2) communicate deadlines for completing repairs to the landlord, including reminders and follow-ups, 3) reassess whether a bylaw breach exists if the landlord has not met deadlines, and 4) provide tenants with referrals to housing supports in the interim while the landlord is doing repairs. Recommendation 6- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a process for responding to vital service shutoffs ordered by utility providers and incorporate that process into the Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure. Recommendation 7- The processes referred to in Recommendations 5 and 6 should reiterate the need for a "proportionate and risk-based response" under the Bylaw Compliance & Enforcement Policy and explicitly state that evidence of impact on tenants should inform the level of urgency of Municipal Licensing and Standards' response. Recommendation 8- The processes referred to in Recommendations 5 and 6 should take the human right to adequate housing into account by prioritizing security of tenure, preservation of affordable housing units, and minimizing impacts on tenants. Recommendation 9- In consultation with Toronto's major utility providers, Municipal Licensing and Standards should identify a liaison within each organization whom staff can directly contact for information about vital service shutoffs and to troubleshoot complex cases. The Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure should be updated to set out the role of these liaisons and when Municipal Licensing and Standards staff should contact them. Municipal Licensing and Standards should assign a staff position to be responsible for regularly reviewing and updating this contact information to ensure it is up to date. Recommendation 10- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a file closure checklist for Priority 1 Service Requests to be completed by supervisors, to ensure that bylaw officers have followed Standard Operating Procedures, adhered to all applicable timelines, exercised discretion appropriately, and met all case management expectations. This checklist should be created and implemented by March 31, 2026. Recommendation 11- In consultation with supervisors and management, Municipal Licensing and Standards should revise its process for automatically generated reports and identify what information is necessary for supervisors to receive on a weekly basis, and how to present that information in a way that is useful for supervisors. Recommendation 12- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop a written procedure for conducting monthly one-on-one check-ins between bylaw officers and supervisors, including expectations for what will be reviewed, how the check-in will be documented, and the process for addressing performance concerns. Supervisors should be trained on this procedure, and staff should be made aware of the check-in process. Recommendation 13- Municipal Licensing and Standards should develop and implement a training plan to ensure that all bylaw officers working in rental housing standards receive training on the vital services bylaws. Municipal Licensing and Standards should ensure that all bylaw officers working in rental housing standards receive this training by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 14- Municipal Licensing and Standards should organize their policy database so that bylaw officers can easily access the policies and Standard Operating Procedures most relevant to their unit. This should be completed by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 15- Municipal Licensing and Standards should ensure that the revisions made to the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy, General Investigations Standard Operating Procedure, Notebooks and Case Management Standard Operating Procedure, Priority Response Standard Operating Procedure, Remedial Action Standard Operating Procedure, and Vital Services Standard Operating Procedure under Recommendations 1-12 are incorporated into training materials for its frontline staff and management working in rental housing enforcement. Bylaw officers working in rental housing enforcement should receive refresher trainings which address these revisions. Recommendation 16- The City, in its delivery of training on the human right to adequate housing, should ensure that all Municipal Licensing and Standards frontline staff and management who work in rental standards enforcement are trained on the Toronto Housing Charter and the human right to adequate housing by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 17- Eviction Prevention in the Community should develop a procedure for the services it delivers through Toronto Emergency Management's ("TEM") emergency response protocol. These procedures should define which Eviction Prevention in the Community services are available, eligibility criteria, response times, and guidelines for the use of discretion. Recommendation 18- The Eviction Prevention in the Community Program Model should be updated to include the services Eviction Prevention in the Community provides under the Toronto Emergency Management's emergency response protocol and refer to the relevant policies and procedures which guide the delivery of those services. Recommendation 19- The City should, in its upcoming revision of Toronto Emergency Management's Emergency Human Services Policy, formalize Eviction Prevention in the Community's role in delivering services. This revision should include information about when Eviction Prevention in the Community will become involved, eligibility criteria and referral information. Recommendation 20- The City should publish on its website basic information about Eviction Prevention in the Community's role in supporting tenants under Toronto Emergency Management's emergency response protocol. Recommendation 21- The Housing Secretariat should consult with Ombudsman Toronto in its upcoming review and revision of Eviction Prevention in the Community's policy framework to ensure consistency with the principles of administrative fairness and the right to adequate housing. Recommendation 22- Eviction Prevention in the Community should establish their own service standards for response times to service requests, in order to account for the urgency of Eviction Prevention in the Community's work. Recommendation 23- The Housing Secretariat should develop guidelines on exercising discretion in the delivery of Eviction Prevention in the Community services, including requirements for documenting discretionary decisions. Recommendation 24- The Housing Secretariat should ensure that all Eviction Prevention in the Community staff are trained on the Toronto Housing Charter and the human right to adequate housing by December 31, 2025. Recommendation 25- The Housing Secretariat should fulfil City Council's direction in CC2.1 - 2023 Housing Action Plan to provide recommendations to support multi-tenant home tenants in the event of unexpected closures, including any necessary requests for funding, bylaw changes, or the creation of new programs by December 31, 2025. The Housing Secretariat should consult with Municipal Licensing and Standards in the development of these recommendations. Recommendation 26- In implementing Recommendation 25, the City should consider whether to update or replace the Rooming House Emergency Response Plan. Recommendation 27- The City should provide a status update on the implementation of all these recommendations by November 1, 2025, and quarterly thereafter.
MM30.3adopted
Since 2009, artists from The Box Murals Project have painted over 600 murals on Bell Canada outdoor utility boxes in over 50 communities throughout Toronto, Southern Ontario and Quebec. The Box Murals Project is an innovative collaboration between private businesses, community organizations, local artists and local governments that benefits all members of the community. Residents in Davenport have identified a number of utility boxes for which they have requested public art. The funds released by this motion will support this initiative.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Non-Program by $18,080 gross, $0 net, for the purpose of providing one-time capital funding to the Box Murals Inc. to complete eight murals on Bell Canada utility boxes at the locations listed below in Ward 9 Davenport, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits collected from 1800-1818 St. Clair Avenue West and 383, 423 and 425 Old Weston Road (Source Account: XR3026-3701151) for local area amenity improvements (Cost Centre: NP2161): a. 85 Rowntree Avenue; b. 109 Rowntree Avenue; c. 129 Prescott Avenue; d. 177 Caledonia Road (three boxes); e. 289 Harvie Avenue; and f. 1282 St. Clair Avenue West. 2. City Council direct that the $18,080 be forwarded to the Box Murals Inc. upon the signing of an Undertaking that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Councillor Amber Morley, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Non-Program by $18,080 gross, $0 net, for the purpose of providing one-time capital funding to the Box Murals Inc. to complete eight murals on Bell Canada utility boxes at the locations listed below in Ward 9 Davenport, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits collected from 1800-1818 St. Clair Avenue West and 383, 423 and 425 Old Weston Road (Source Account: XR3026-3701151) for local area amenity improvements (Cost Centre: NP2161): a. 85 Rowntree Avenue; b. 109 Rowntree Avenue; c. 129 Prescott Avenue; d. 177 Caledonia Road (three boxes); e. 289 Harvie Avenue; and f. 1282 St. Clair Avenue West. 2. City Council direct that the $18,080 be forwarded to the Box Murals Inc. upon the signing of an Undertaking that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
RM30.3adopted
Introduction of Committee Reports and New Business from City Officials
Report of the Executive Committee from Meeting 23 on May 13, 2025 Submitted by Mayor Olivia Chow, Chair Report of the Board of Health from Meeting 24 on May 5, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Chris Moise, Chair Report of the Civic Appointments Committee from Meeting 25 on May 2, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Lily Cheng, Chair Report of the Corporations Nominating Panel from Meeting 16 on April 29, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Paula Fletcher, Chair Report of the Economic and Community Development Committee from Meeting 20 on May 6, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair Report of the General Government Committee from Meeting 21 on May 12, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair Report of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee from Meeting 21 on May 7, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Mike Colle, Vice-Chair Report of the Planning and Housing Committee from Meeting 21 on May 8, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Gord Perks, Chair Report of the Etobicoke York Community Council from Meeting 22 on April 30, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Stephen Holyday, Chair Report of the North York Community Council from Meeting 23 on April 30, 2025 Submitted by Councillor James Pasternak, Chair Report of the Scarborough Community Council from Meeting 22 on May 1, 2025 Submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair Report of the Toronto and East York Community Council from Meeting 22 on May 1, 2025 Submitted by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Vice-Chair New Business from City Officials
Committee Reports and New Business were presented to City Council for consideration.
CC30.4received
Status Update on City Activities Related to the Therme Spa Project
The purpose of this report is to advise that the City Manager will be submitting a report to City Council for its meeting on May 21, 22, and 23, 2025, to respond to MM29.11: Taking a Stand to Protect Ontario Place and Our City's Public Waterfront, which requested staff to report to the next meeting of City Council with a status update on all City activities related to the Therme spa project.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, received the Item for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
MM30.4adopted
The not-for-profit Heliconian Club is a key network for women living and working in the arts. It also plays an active role in wider community initiatives and maintains an outreach program. It was founded in 1909 as a place for women working in the arts to meet, exchange ideas, and develop as artists, and these needs continue today. The home of the club is the Heliconian Hall, a National Heritage Site at 35 Hazelton Avenue in Yorkville. The Hall is a valued, welcoming space for creative women in the literary world and in other artistic disciplines. It was built in 1876 when Yorkville was a rural village on Toronto's outskirts. First a church, then headquarters of a painters' union, the building became the Heliconian Hall in 1923. The building is an excellent example of the rare Carpenter's Gothic architectural style, with a simple board and batten exterior, Victorian rose window, and carved rafters in a high vaulted ceiling. The Heliconian Hall is one of the few buildings of this style remaining in southern Ontario. It was designated a Toronto historic site in 1990 and a National Historic Site in 2008; a plaque was erected outside the building in 2011. Its beautiful acoustics continue to make it one of Toronto's most cherished small concert halls, regularly used as a performance venue and art gallery. After 150 years, the Hall requires substantial renovations and accessibility upgrades. These section 37 funds, combined with contributions from neighbouring residents' associations, will allow construction of three accessible washrooms, and will make the Hall eligible to apply for federal restoration funds.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $20,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 50-60, 62 and 64 Charles Street East and 47 and 61 Hayden Street (Source Account: XR3026-3700671) secured for cultural space, to be used to construct new accessible washrooms at the historic Heliconian Club (Cost Centre: NP2161). 2. City Council direct that the $20,000 be forwarded to the Heliconian Club upon the signing of an Undertaking by the Heliconian Club that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2025 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $20,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 50-60, 62 and 64 Charles Street East and 47 and 61 Hayden Street (Source Account: XR3026-3700671) secured for cultural space, to be used to construct new accessible washrooms at the historic Heliconian Club (Cost Centre: NP2161). 2. City Council direct that the $20,000 be forwarded to the Heliconian Club upon the signing of an Undertaking by the Heliconian Club that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
RM30.4received
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.
CC30.5amended
Proposed By-law Amendment to Provide Access to Social Infrastructure
In December 2024, City Council directed the City Manager in consultation with the City Solicitor, applicable City divisions, the Toronto Police Service and other applicable stakeholders, to report to City Council in the first quarter of 2025, informed by public consultations and a constitutional legal expert opinion on the Charter Rights implications from the City Solicitor, with a proposed bylaw, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable institutions such as places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions, that supports the City's commitment to keeping Torontonians safe from hate and protects Charter rights that address impacts of demonstrations that target people based on their identity as prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Since that time, staff have been advancing work on a proposed bylaw in response to Council direction. The City Manager's Office and Legal Services worked closely together, in consultation with the Toronto Police Service, and informed by feedback from City divisions with applicable subject-matter expertise, such as Corporate Real Estate Management (Corporate Security), Municipal Licensing and Standards, Social Development, Strategic Public and Employee Communications, and Transportation Services. City staff were mindful of the various needs and priorities in undertaking this work, including respecting Charter rights, applying a reconciliation and equity lens, keeping Toronto safe for all, and taking a balanced and measured approach that considers all diverse perspectives and options to respond to Council's direction and support informed decision-making. City staff conducted a jurisdictional scan reviewing applicable bylaws and legislation to support the development of a proposed bylaw. A literature search was also conducted to identify relevant and available research to support City staff's work. Additional factors unique to Toronto that were considered include the City's sprawl and density, its built environment including public right-of-way widths, the City's role in bylaw administration and enforcement, and Toronto's diversity. The City undertook a multi-pronged approach for public consultation to maximize opportunities for public input and enable broad participation and inclusive representation. The consultation approach prioritized inclusivity, safety, access and privacy. Third-party consultant services were procured to support the consultation and facilitate the comfort and safety of all participants in providing input to the City. The consultation gathered input and feedback through the following methods: - Survey: an anonymous online survey was available between March 17, 2025 and May 1, 2025 - Written Submissions: comments via email were accepted between March 17, 2025 and May 1, 2025 - Public Sessions: two virtual public sessions took place on April 22, 2025 and April 30, 2025 - Community-Focused Discussion Sessions: small group discussions took place with individuals from and organizations representing Indigenous, Black, equity-deserving groups, 2SLGBTQ+, racialized communities, newcomers, youth, seniors, as well as legal and civil liberties groups, human rights organizations, faith-based groups, environmental sector, unions and labour organizations, public transit and climate justice advocates Key themes from the public consultation included: - Polarization of opinion in terms of strong support for or strong opposition to a potential proposed bylaw - Concern about potential infringement of rights protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms - Support for demonstrations in Toronto - Ability for the City to explore and/or utilize other existing enforcement tools to address concerns about demonstrations - Lack of clarity around the definition of "vulnerable institutions" Based on learnings from the jurisdictional scan, research and diverse feedback received through the public consultation process, City staff recommend amending the Streets and Sidewalks By-law to include new provisions as outlined in Attachment 5. The proposed bylaw amendment affirms that the City's streets and sidewalks are for all, and that residents should not be impeded from access to social infrastructure and its programs and services. The proposed bylaw amendment leverages and builds upon an existing City by-law to ensure access to social infrastructure by prohibiting certain activities and conduct on City property. The proposed by-law amendment would direct staff to establish an Access Area prohibiting specific behaviours which prevent access to prescribed Social Infrastructure for a 180-day period upon a request from the Owner (property owner or operator) that meets listed criteria. By scoping the application of the proposed bylaw amendment to specified locations where prohibited actions have occurred and times in relation to the locations' operations, the bylaw amendment aims to protect access to the Social Infrastructure while limiting the potential impairment on Charter rights. A request-based approach would enable Owners of specified locations to request an Access Area, in which prohibitions under the proposed bylaw amendment would apply to respond to access barriers and mitigate impacts on the community, based on the circumstances at a point in time. The proposed bylaw amendment would apply to prescribed Social Infrastructure, defined as a Childcare Centre, a Place of Worship or a School, to mitigate barriers to access where identifiable communities and children (i.e. minors) gather. An established Access Area would cover any City property that is within 20 metres from the boundaries of the property on which the prescribed Social Infrastructure is located. The 20-metre distance reflects consideration of a reasonable perimeter that achieves the intended objective of protecting access to the prescribed Social Infrastructure, while being minimally impairing on Charter rights and operationally practicable in relation to Toronto's built environment. Should Council adopt the proposed bylaw amendment, it could provide Bylaw Enforcement Officers supported by Toronto Police Service with an additional mechanism to assist them in enabling safe access to social infrastructure. As part of an education-first approach, the proposed bylaw amendment could also be used as an educational tool to promote proactive and voluntary compliance. The proposed by-law amendment also contains a provision requiring that enforcement staff would provide notice of bylaw contravening activity prior to laying any charges. This would allow persons to voluntarily comply with the by-law prior to being subject to any further enforcement action. The bylaw would permit By-law Enforcement Officers to escalate from education to enforcement when education has not been effective in stopping the prohibited activities. Further, with a clear statutory prohibition in place, police would be able to utilise the Trespass to Property Act more easily. If adopted by Council, the City Manager's Office will support Transportation Services to administer the proposed bylaw amendment as part of the transition to prepare for the new bylaw provisions coming into effect. Transportation Services will be responsible for the administration of the proposed bylaw amendment, including the intake, processing and review of requests, liaison with stakeholders, complaints/appeals process and public notice requirements. This report recommends the proposed by-law amendment come into effect on July 2, 2025. If adopted by Council, as of July 2, 2025, the City will begin accepting requests for Access Areas. Information on the request process will be communicated as part of the public education, communication and outreach campaign as recommended below. To ensure the public is aware, understands the new regulations that would be coming into effect and how the bylaw would be enforced, a comprehensive multi-lingual public education and communications campaign, in collaboration with the Toronto Police Service, is recommended. The Customer Experience Division would also be engaged to ensure residents are provided with the required information and assistance through 311 Toronto. Targeted engagement and outreach to Owners of the prescribed Social Infrastructure will be conducted to ensure they understand the bylaw's application and request process for an Access Area. Through the public consultation process and directed engagement with Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving communities, the City received feedback expressing the critical importance of demonstrations and the potential negative impact on freedom of expression and civic engagement. While the proposed bylaw amendment would not prohibit peaceful gatherings, protests or demonstrations, including any such activities that occur as part of a labour union strike, information pickets and/or activities related to labour disputes, the City recognizes that the existence of bylaw provisions of this nature may result in community members feeling like they are unable to peacefully demonstrate. Targeted engagement and outreach to these groups will be conducted to ensure comprehensive communication of the bylaw amendment's application and implementation, in consultation with Social Development.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, substantially in accordance with the proposed by-law amendment attached as Attachment 5 to the report (May 13, 2025) from the City Manager, as amended by Parts 2 to 11 below. 2. City Council amend the proposed by-law amendment to provide access to social infrastructure by deleting all references to "20 metres" and replacing them with "50 metres". 3. City Council amend the proposed by-law by adding the following definition to section 743-54, as defined in section 102 (1) of the Courts of Justice Act: LABOUR DISPUTE - a dispute or difference concerning terms, tenure or conditions of employment or concerning the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of employment, regardless of whether the disputants stand in the proximate relation of employer and employee. 4. City Council amend section 743-55 A (1) of the proposed by-law by deleting the word "disapproval" and replacing it with the word "discouragement" so that it now reads as follows: A. While in an Access Area, no person shall: (1) perform or attempt to perform an act of discouragement concerning a person's attendance at, use of, or attempts to attend or use Social Infrastructure. 5. City Council amend section 743-55 B (2) of the proposed by-law by adding the words "including where the Childcare Centre, Place of Worship or School is co-located with other uses" so that it now reads as follows: (2) the times when the Social Infrastructure adjacent to the Access Area is being used by the Owner for the primary purposes of its operation as a Childcare Centre, Place of Worship or School, including where the Childcare Centre, Place of Worship or School is co-located with other uses. 6. City Council amend the proposed by-law by deleting section 743-55 (D), and replacing it with the following: D. For greater certainty, Subsection A applies only to those activities as set out in section 743-55 A and does not prohibit peaceful gatherings, protests or demonstrations, including any activities that occur as part of a labour union strike, information pickets and/or activities related to labour disputes, as defined in section 743-54, including secondary or primary picketing. 7. City Council amend the proposed by-law by deleting clause 743-56 (A) and replacing it with the following: 743-56 (A). The General Manager shall establish an Access Area for Social Infrastructure if the City receives a request from an Owner of Social Infrastructure in a form prescribed by the General Manager in which the owner attests that they reasonably believe an activity listed in subsection 55A may occur on any City Property located within 50.0 metres f rom the boundaries of the property on which their Social Infrastructure is located. 8. City Council amend the proposed by-law by deleting clause 743-56 E. 9. City Council amend section 743-56 of the proposed by-law to provide that the term of an access area and the term of renewal of an access area be increased from 180 days to one year. 10. City Council amend section 743-58 D of the proposed by-law by adding the words "supported by a Police Officer as needed" after the words "Enforcement Officer" so that it now reads as follows: D. An Enforcement Officer, supported by a Police Officer as needed, who finds a contravention of this Article may make one or more orders requiring discontinuance of the contravening activity or to do work to correct the contravention under section 384 or 385 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006. 11. City Council amend the proposed by-law to provide that an Enforcement Officer may request assistance from a Police Officer to respond to alleged contraventions of this Article. 12. City Council direct that the proposed by-law amendment come into force on July 2, 2025. 13. City Council direct the City Manager to manage in-year costs for staffing and resourcing for the administration of the proposed bylaw amendment within the 2025 Operating Budget, and include future staffing and resourcing required through future budget processes. 14. City Council request the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, the Chief and General Manager Toronto Paramedic Services, and the Executive Director, Toronto Emergency Management to work with the property owner, upon the establishment of an Access Area, to establish a safe access plan as needed, including a threshold for implementation, to be guided and enforced by local by-laws. 15. City Council forward the Item for information to the Toronto Police Service Board. 16. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (May 16, 2025) from the City Solicitor remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation or potential litigation that affects the City of Toronto. Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (May 16, 2025) from the City Solicitor remains confidential in its entirety in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation or potential litigation that affects the City of Toronto.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Manager recommends that: 1. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, substantially in accordance with the proposed by-law amendment attached as Attachment 5 to this report. 2. City Council direct that the proposed by-law amendment come into force on July 2, 2025. 3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to manage in-year costs for staffing and resourcing for the administration of the proposed by-law amendment within Transportation Services' 2025 Operating Budget, and include future staffing and resourcing required through future budget processes. 4. City Council forward this item for information to the Toronto Police Service Board.
MM30.5adopted
In 2014, Section 37 funds were set aside from the development at 43, 49, and 51 Gerrard Street West and 695 Bay Street for improvements to properties owned and operated by the Toronto Community Housing Corporation. These funds have been left dormant ever since. Since her election, Councillor Saxe has been working with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation to identify appropriate uses for these funds. In 2023, Toronto Community Housing Corporation agreed to install free public Wi-Fi in common areas at the Toronto Community Housing Building at 250 Davenport Road, and Council approved the release of Section 37 funds accordingly. The Wi-Fi eventually installed at 250 Davenport has been a resounding success, and residents of other Toronto Community Housing Corporation buildings are eager to have access to the same. After extensive negotiations, Toronto Community Housing Corporation and ConnectTO have now agreed to install free public Wi-Fi in common areas in five other Toronto Community Housing Corporation buildings in Ward 11. Access to high-speed internet makes a major difference in Torontonians' lives, enabling greater economic mobility and social inclusion. Expanding access to Wi-Fi to hundreds of Toronto Community Housing Corporation residents in Ward 11 will help bridge the digital divide, and demonstrates Councillor Saxe's commitment to serving Toronto Community Housing Corporation residents.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for Technology Services by $243,335.49 gross, $0 debt, on a one-time basis, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the developments at 43, 49, and 51 Gerrard Street West and 695 Bay Street (Source Account: XR3026-3700752), secured for capital improvements to Toronto Community Housing properties, to be used by Toronto Community Housing Corporation at its properties at 341 Bloor Street West, 25 Elm Street, 177 Pendrith Street, 6-28 Henry Street and 133-147 Beverly Street to provide tenants with free, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi in common spaces (WBS: CIT047-14).
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for Technology Services by $243,335.49 gross, $0 debt, on a one-time basis, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the developments at 43, 49, and 51 Gerrard Street West and 695 Bay Street (Source Account: XR3026-3700752), secured for capital improvements to Toronto Community Housing properties, to be used by Toronto Community Housing Corporation at its properties at 341 Bloor Street West, 25 Elm Street, 177 Pendrith Street, 6-28 Henry Street and 133-147 Beverly Street to provide tenants with free, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi in common spaces (WBS: CIT047-14).
RM30.5received
Members of Council may file petitions.
No petitions were filed during the Routine Matters portion of the meeting.
CC30.6adopted
Appointment of a Public Member as Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body
At its meeting on May 7, 2025, the Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body considered Item XV4.1 and made a recommendation to City Council. Summary from the report (April 28, 2025) from the City Clerk: The Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body will conduct interviews and recommend to City Council, one candidate as Chair for appointment to the Toronto Local Appeal Body.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council appoint Nazila Atarodi West as Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body for a term of office ending on May 24, 2029, and until a successor is appointed. 2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the Decision Letter (May 7, 2025) from the Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body remain confidential in its entirety as it relates to personal matters about an identifiable individual who is being considered for appointment as Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body. Confidential Attachment 1 to the Decision Letter (May 7, 2025) from the Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body remain confidential in its entirety in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as they relate to personal matters about an identifiable individual who is being considered for appointment as Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Clerk transmits the Decision Letter from the Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body. The Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body recommends that: 1. City Council appoint Nazila Atarodi West as Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body for a term of office ending on May 24, 2029, and until a successor is appointed. The City Clerk further recommends that: 2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the Decision Letter (May 7, 2025) from the Nominating Panel - Toronto Local Appeal Body remain confidential in its entirety as it relates to personal matters about an identifiable individual who is being considered for appointment as Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body. Candidate's biography: Nazila Atarodi West Nazila Atarodi-West has over 24 years of experience in architecture, urban design, and interior design. She served three terms on the Committee of Adjustment for North York and Toronto East York Panels (2016-2025). Nazila holds Master's degrees in both Urban Design and Architecture. She is the recipient of the University of Toronto's Gordon Cressy Leadership and Arbor Awards. Her leadership roles include serving as Director of a Toronto based design firm and serving as Vice President of a condominium corporation.
MM30.6deferred
In December 2024, The City of Toronto unveiled the sites of six new shelter locations that are planned to be developed in accordance with the City's 10-year Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, approved by Council in November 2023. The City has delegated the public consultation process to the Community Engagement Facilitator Public Progress team. They have been tasked with providing ongoing shelter updates, responding to questions and working collaboratively with the City and local community members. In coordination with Toronto Shelter and Supportive Services, City staff recently determined that addressing planning entitlement matters through a collective approach for the six sites, as opposed to a site-by-site process. Community consultation sessions and public engagement campaigns have taken on a generalized approach which does not appropriately reflect the needs and concerns of local communities which will be impacted by the six new proposed shelters.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, deferred Item MM30.6 to the June 25, 26 and 27, 2025, meeting of City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Parthi Kandavel, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to arrange individual public consultations for each planned new shelter location and work with the local Councillor to coordinate dates and select the desired public consultation format (in-person or virtual).
RM30.6received
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 May 21, 2025. Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow to address City Council to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Toronto Paramedic Services during Toronto Paramedic Services Week. Mayor Chow addressed City Council and gave remarks to celebrate 50 years of life-saving services by the Toronto Paramedic Services. Mayor Chow welcomed guests who were present in the Council Chamber including past and current members of the Toronto Paramedic Services, introduced a short video presentation on the 50 years since the amalgamation of multiple ambulance services in Toronto and presented Toronto Paramedic Services Chief Bikram Chawla with a commemorative scroll. Chief Bikram Chawla addressed City Council. Mayor Chow, during the afternoon session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that she has appointed Councillor Paul Ainslie as the Deputy Mayor for Scarborough and Councillor Paula Fletcher as Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. Councillor Fletcher, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed students from Newfoundland, on an exchange program through the Eastview Community Centre, who were present in the Council Chamber.
CC30.7deferred
This report responds to City Council's request for options available to City Council in situations where incorrect facts or incorrect legal advice is presented to City Council by an Accountability Officer.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council defer consideration of Item CC30.7 until such time the Chief People Officer has completed the review on human rights which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
MM30.7adopted
The Downsview Lands Community Voice Association and Councillor James Pasternak, in consultation with Transportation Services Division, have designed a decorative street sign to mark the boundaries of one of Toronto's most prominent neighbourhoods. The installation of these signs will enhance the attractiveness of the community for local residents and help commemorate the City's aviation heritage of the former Canadian Forces Base Downsview Airport for future generations. Approximately 375 decorative signs will be purchased and installed. The Motion seeks authorization to amend the 2025 Capital Budget of Transportation Services, to include additional Section 37 Planning Act Reserve Funds of $63,488.25, which shall be utilized to purchase and install branded street name signs for the Downsview Neighbourhood Improvement Area. Funds have been secured through Section 37 benefits from the development at 30 Tippett Road - South Lands, for the purpose of undertaking local area streetscape improvements in Ward 6. The funds have been received by the City from this development and the monies identified above have not been spent or remain uncommitted to satisfy this Motion.
City Council on May 21 and 22, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for Transportation Services, Signs and Markings Unit (CTP725-03) by $63,488.25 gross, $0 debt, on a one-time basis, to fabricate and install branded street name signs for the Downsview neighbourhood, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from 30 Tippett Road (South Lands) (Source Account: XR3026-3701109), collected for public realm improvements in Ward 6.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Anthony Perruzza, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for Transportation Services, Signs and Markings Unit (CTP725-03) by $63,488.25 gross, $0 debt, on a one-time basis, to fabricate and install branded street name signs for the Downsview neighbourhood, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from 30 Tippett Road (South Lands) (Source Account: XR3026-3701109), collected for public realm improvements in Ward 6.
RM30.7amended
City Council will review the Order Paper.
May 21, 2025: City Council adopted the May 21, 2025, Order Paper as amended and all other items not held on consent. May 22, 2025: City Council adopted the May 22, 2025, Order Paper.