Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 51 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 26 to 50 of 51Show 2550100all
CC12.10deferred
2706 Bayview Avenue - Request for Directions Regarding Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing
The purpose of this report is to seek instructions respecting the appeal of the Zoning By-law Amendment application for 2706 Bayview Avenue, currently before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (the "LPAT"). On December 21, 2016, the City of Toronto (the "City") received a Zoning By-law Amendment Application to permit the re-location of an existing single family detached dwelling and development of three, three-storey townhouse units on Bayview Avenue (the "Application"). The applicant also submitted an accompanying Site Plan application. On November 28, 2017, the applicant appealed the Application to the LPAT, citing City Council's failure to make a decision on the Application within the time prescribed by the Planning Act. The Site Plan application has not been appealed to date. Two pre-hearing conferences have since taken place before the LPAT. City Planning has been involved in the preparation of this report.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, deferred consideration of Item CC12.10 to the December 17 and 18, 2019 meeting of City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report. 2. If the confidential instructions in Confidential Attachment 1 are adopted, City Council authorize the public release of: a. the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1; and b. Appendices "A", "B" and "C" to Confidential Attachment 1. 3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
MM12.10amended
In response to rising global temperatures due to increasing greenhouse gases being emitted into the Earth's atmosphere, in 2019 the City of Toronto declared a climate change emergency. Toronto set its new greenhouse gases target to restrict global average temperature change to 1.5 degrees celsius, in accordance with the 2015 Paris agreement, which means achieving net zero carbon emissions before 2050, and by some calculations, as early as 2040. The response to the climate crisis requires bold action now, or enormous costs and impacts on quality of life will come later. Toronto must start building net zero buildings now! Buildings account for 52 percent of greenhouse gases emissions in Toronto. Toronto's corporate emissions from buildings accounts for 14 percent of corporate emissions. The Toronto Green Standard sets out that all new construction buildings be near Zero by 2030. The existing TransformTO goal is that all new City facilities be built to near-zero emissions by 2026. While the portion that comes from City owned buildings is small - we must lead by example. Toronto must ensure all buildings we build achieve our stated target of net zero before 2050. To that end, the design of projects currently in the capital budget that have building systems with a life expectancy beyond 2040, need to be reconsidered to ensure they are helping achieve our stated climate goals. It is much more cost-effective to implement net-zero design at the beginning of a project, rather than retrofit it after. Through this Motion, we hope to evaluate which new City of Toronto buildings could be advanced to net zero without incurring significant delay in project timelines and could readily be advanced to net zero with some additional investment. The Federal government campaigned on a commitment of net zero by 2050. We should explore all opportunities to collaborate with the Federal Government to help it meet its ambitious target and should investigate potential funding opportunities to assist the City of Toronto in advancing its TransformTO goal to net zero in the City's new buildings now.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, in consultation with all divisions and agencies, to report on the impacts of Toronto's Climate Emergency direction, as it pertains to new buildings in the City construction pipeline: a. for buildings already in the design or construction procurement phase, report back as part of the 2020 budget process with estimates of both the associated costs and any delays to ensure these buildings are net zero; and b. for buildings in the pre-design phase, report back during the design phase for any additional costs to achieve net zero emissions. 2. City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, in consultation with all divisions and agencies, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the third quarter of 2020 on the impacts of Toronto's Climate Emergency direction, as it pertains to investments in existing City buildings that are anticipated to have a lifespan beyond 2040 and identify the costs associated with implementing alternative net zero options. 3. City Council, as estimates of cost become available, request the Federal Government to provide ongoing funding to support the transition to net zero buildings, as part of a funding ask to support Toronto's commitment to be net zero.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, in consultation with all divisions and agencies, to report on the impacts of Toronto's Climate Emergency direction for net zero before 2050, as part of the 2020 budget process, such report to include developing a list of any proposed buildings whose equipment may contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (boilers, etc.) and whose anticipated useful life is beyond 2040, as well as what the costs and delays might be to ensure these buildings are net zero or could be made net zero in the future.
MM12.11adopted
An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence at the premises at 1371 Queen Street West to operate under the name of The Silver Dollar Room. The application is for an indoor area only. This Motion requests that City Council advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that this application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest unless certain conditions, addressing the concerns of the community, are attached to the licence. This establishment is located within a new residential building. There are concerns that an establishment with a liquor licence can cause noise and disturbance to residents within the building and in the immediate area. If conditions are put in place, these concerns may be mitigated. Under no circumstance should the establishment be granted a liquor sales licence without conditions attached. This Motion is deemed urgent as the deadline for filing objections is November 19, 2019.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for The Silver Dollar Room, 1371 Queen Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents unless conditions are placed on the licence and that the Registrar should issue a Proposal to Review the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary actions so as to give effect to this Motion, including adding conditions to any liquor licence issued for the Premises.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gord Perks, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for The Silver Dollar Room, 1371 Queen Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents unless conditions are placed on the licence and that the Registrar should issue a Proposal to Review the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary actions so as to give effect to this Motion, including adding conditions to any liquor licence issued for the Premises.
MM12.12adopted
Canada's constitution is a 19th century document written when our Country was largely an agrarian society. Toronto needs a new deal with senior levels of government that ensures we have the rights and abilities necessary for 21st century cities to thrive and achieve results for residents. Common in the United States and elsewhere, Charter Cities have supreme authority over "municipal affairs." Also referred to as "Home Rule", a Charter City's law concerning a municipal affair will trump a state law governing the same topic. A long history of events, including recent meddling in our local election the denial of highway tolls, and unilateral changes to our land use plans, has demonstrated that our City isn't able to fulfil basic functions residents expect of a municipal government without the looming threat of provincial interference. Toronto is Ontario's capital and will continue to contribute to our Province's success as a whole. However, it's time for Canada's largest city to have the tools it needs to effectively chart its own course to decide how we grow, get around, support each other, and improve our quality of life. A City Charter will also assist in making the division of roles and responsibilities between senior levels of government and City Hall more transparent and therefore more accountable to the public. Council has already supported a City Charter in principle. This Motion requests the City Manager to now provide a report on delivering more autonomy for Toronto's local government.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the City Manager to report to the Executive Committee in the second quarter of 2020 on options for the City of Toronto to have additional autonomy from senior levels of government, including a City Charter protected through a single-province constitutional amendment, that provides authority over "municipal issues" including, but not limited to, the following: a. municipal elections; b. municipal governance structure; c. local land use and zoning decisions; d. local fiscal matters including the ability to determine revenue sources, set tax rates, borrow funds, and allocate monies; and e. personnel decisions.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, recommends that: 1. City Council request the City Manager to report to the Executive Committee in the second quarter of 2020 on options for the City of Toronto to have additional autonomy from senior levels of government, including a City Charter protected through a single-province constitutional amendment, that provides authority over "municipal issues" including, but not limited to, the following: a. municipal elections; b. municipal governance structure; c. local land use and zoning decisions; d. local fiscal matters including the ability to determine revenue sources, set tax rates, borrow funds, and allocate monies; and e. personnel decisions.
MM12.13withdrawn
The purpose of this Motion is to ask the Toronto Parking Authority Board with the City Planning and City Parks, Forestry and Recreation Divisions to work toward a feasibility study making the Green P Parking lot at Castlefield Avenue and Duplex Avenue into a public park at ground level with the examination of the feasibility of building underground parking underneath the park. A large condominium development has been proposed for the adjacent property which includes the heritage Capitol Theatre at Yonge Street and Castlefield Avenue. There is a severe shortage of park space in this area. This parking lot was flagged by the Midtown in Focus Study as a possible future park site and perhaps we can build a park on the surface and, since there is a need for parking, it could be provided by constructing the parking facilities under the park.
Motion MM12.13 was withdrawn at City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Toronto Parking Authority Board, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to conduct a feasibility study on making the Green P Parking lot at Castlefield Avenue and Duplex Avenue into a public park, such study to include an examination of the feasibility of building underground parking underneath the park, and to report to the General Government and Licencing Committee on the results of the study.
MM12.14adopted
In the face of rapid growth and development in the Yonge and Eglinton area, it is paramount to invest in park spaces to maintain the vibrancy and liveability of the neighbourhood. There is currently a dire shortage of park space in the Yonge and Eglinton area. Moreover, the area will see a sharp increase in people moving into the neighbourhood, as the development pipeline projects roughly 25,000 additional residents in the next 5-10 years, many of whom, as condo and apartment dwellers, will be living without access to backyards and front yards. Former City Councillor Anne Johnston was a trailblazer and a champion for a liveable and accessible public realm for all. First elected to City Council in 1972, Anne served as a City of Toronto Councillor until 1985 and from 1988 to 1997, as a Metropolitan Toronto Councillor. After amalgamation in 1998, Anne served two terms as Councillor until 2003, fighting for her local midtown residents. Over the years, Anne championed various causes and foremost was her spearheading many local initiatives which included fighting for accessibility in public spaces, saving childcare centres, as well as advocating for seniors while serving as chair of the Toronto Seniors Assembly. Anne left behind a legacy as a passionate proponent dedicated to her City and specifically her North Toronto community, and naming this parkette in her memory would be a fitting tribute to this tireless champion.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the North York Community Council by end of the second quarter of 2020 on the feasibility of closing off a section of Helendale Avenue between Yonge Street and the rear of the Northern District Branch of the Toronto Public Library. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back by the end of 2020 on the feasibility of naming the closed off section of Helendale Avenue between Yonge Street and the rear of the Northern District Branch of the Toronto Public Library, and making this closed off portion into a park to be named the Anne Johnston Parkette in memory of the former City Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the North York Community Council by end of the second quarter of 2020 on the feasibility of closing off a section of Helendale Avenue between Yonge Street and the rear of the Northern District Branch of the Toronto Public Library. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back by the end of 2020 on the feasibility of naming the closed off section of Helendale Avenue between Yonge Street and the rear of the Northern District Branch of the Toronto Public Library, and making this closed off portion into a park to be named the Anne Johnston Parkette in memory of the former City Councillor.
MM12.15adopted
The purpose of this Motion is to increase public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our Indigenous history, and culture within the area of Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence, through the consideration of renaming Eglinton Park, also known as Pears Park (the Pears family owned the Pears Brickworks, which was situated on the present site) in honour of local resident Tom Longboat, one of Canada's most outstanding Indigenous athletes, as well as the significant Indigenous heritage of the land where Eglinton Park is situated. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world and home to approximately 100,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit, making it one of the largest Indigenous urban populations in Canada. Indigenous people's history can be traced back thousands of years, yet, there is very little visibility of these diverse and vibrant Indigenous communities in the City, despite Toronto being a city created on treaty and Indigenous land. The traditional keepers of the land, the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Anishnabeg have a relationship of 15,000+ years in the making. Yet, when we walk down our city streets, through our parks, and in our institutions, we are hard-pressed to see that history, culture and relationship reflected. Tom Longboat - Cogwagee was a member of the Onondaga Nation, was born at Six Nations of the Grand River. He began running competitively in his late teens and swiftly rose to international fame as a world champion long-distance runner. Between 1906 and 1909, he won a series of races including the Boston Marathon, the Toronto Ward's Marathon, and the World's Professional Marathon Championship at Madison Square Garden. He went on to break numerous world records, including a record one hour and eighteen minutes for the fifteen-mile race in 1912. Tom Longboat - Cogwagee served his country as a dispatch runner in France when he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces during the First World War and also volunteered for Service at the outbreak of World War II, and later settled in Toronto where he raised his family and worked for the City of Toronto's street-cleaning department from 1929 to 1944. He lived in a series of homes in North Toronto, including residences on Erskine Avenue and Roslin Avenue. Tom Longboat - Cogwagee was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1955 and is celebrated as being Canada's greatest long-distance runner and one of the world's most famous athletes in the early 20th Century. Moreover, Eglinton Park is a particularly significant site within the City's landscape of Indigenous history and presence. The area north-west of Eglinton Avenue West and Avenue Road (around St. Clemens Avenue and Roselawn Avenue) was a southern settlement of the people of the Huron-Wendat Nation since the 1400's. Renaming the Park would not only honour a great Canadian, athlete and War Veteran but would also honour the contributions of the Indigenous peoples of Toronto. Thoughtfully considering Indigenous naming is a part of the City of Toronto's broader efforts in Indigenous place-making. The Place-Making initiative emerges from ongoing work led by City staff, partner agencies and Indigenous leaders and activists to better reflect the City's commitment to truth and reconciliation in parks and the public realm, and catalyzed in a request from the former Parks and Environment Committee to develop an "Indigenous Place-Making Framework". Indigenous place-making looks different depending on the context of its surroundings and community. Each project is shaped uniquely by the communities interacting with it. As such, the following recommendation is not only an essential component of truth and reconciliation; it is also a necessary one.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to consult with the local community and key stakeholders and work with and seek the assistance of the Indigenous Affairs Office, to engage the Indigenous community and report to North York Community Council with recommendations by the second quarter of 2020 on the feasibility of renaming Eglinton Park in memory of Tom Longboat - Cogwagee, as well as installing the appropriate signage.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to consult with the local community and key stakeholders and work with and seek the assistance of the Indigenous Affairs Office, to engage the Indigenous community and report to North York Community Council with recommendations by the second quarter of 2020 on the feasibility of renaming Eglinton Park in memory of Tom Longboat - Cogwagee, as well as installing the appropriate signage.
MM12.16adopted
On October 23, 2019, the Committee of Adjustment Toronto and East York Panel refused the application for minor variances for the property municipally known as 49 Glenholme Avenue (the "Application"). The Notice of Decision is attached to this Motion. The property is located south of St. Clair Avenue West and west of Oakwood Avenue. It is currently occupied by a detached dwelling and is a through lot with frontage on both Glenholme Avenue and Springmount Avenue. The Application seeks to convert the detached garage at the rear of the existing detached dwelling into a residential dwelling unit by constructing a one-storey side addition and by altering the roof over the existing portion of the building. The proposed dwelling unit would front on Springmount Avenue. In a staff report dated October 16, 2019, City Planning recommended that the proposal be constructed in accordance with the plans submitted to the Committee, in the event of a decision to approve. The Committee refused the Application and the applicant has appealed the decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, along with appropriate City staff, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body and to retain outside consultants as necessary to support the application for minor variances (A0578/19TEY) with respect to 49 Glenholme Avenue.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Ana Bailão, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, along with appropriate City staff, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body and to retain outside consultants as necessary to support the application for minor variances (A0578/19TEY) with respect to 49 Glenholme Avenue.
MM12.17adopted
At its meeting held on October 2 and 3, 2019, City Council adopted Item TE8.11, with amendments, which recommended amendments to Zoning By-laws 438-86 and 569-2013 to permit redevelopment of 56 Yonge Street, 21 Melinda Street, 18 to 30 Wellington Street West, 187 to 199 Bay Street and 25 King Street West for a 65-storey office building and a 3-storey glass pavilion. The Bills enacting the amending Zoning By-laws are prepared for this meeting of Council. The applicant is requesting the maximum office gross floor area identified in the draft amending Zoning By-laws be increased from 315,000 square metres to 335,000 square metres based on recent survey of the existing office space below grade on the subject site. The increase in office gross floor area does not alter the building envelope or the overall 368,100 square metres of gross floor area provisions in the amending Zoning By-laws as part of Item TE8.11 adopted by City Council. As part of the increase in maximum office gross floor area to accommodate the existing office space below grade, the corresponding vehicular parking ratio of 0.11 spaces per 100 square metres of office space identified in the draft amending Zoning By-laws is being requested by the applicant to be revised to apply to above grade office space only. City Planning staff reviewed the requested changes and have no objections. Requires Re-Opening: This Motion requires a reopening of Item TE8.11 (October 2 and 3, 2019) only as it relates to office gross floor area and vehicular parking ratio.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend its decision on Item TE8.11 by: a. amending subsection 2.d) (i) of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 438-86 in Attachment 8 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: A maximum of 335,000.0 square metres of gross floor area may be occupied by office uses; and b. amending subsection 4. (F) i. of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 569-2013 in Attachment 9 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: A maximum 335,000 square metres of gross floor area may be occupied by office uses; and c. amending subsection 2 h) (i) of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 438-86 in Attachment 8 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: a minimum of 0.11 parking spaces per 100 square metres of gross floor area for office uses above ground; and d. amending subsection 4 (N) i. of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 569-2013 in Attachment 9 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: A minimum of 0.11 parking spaces per 100 square metres of gross floor area used for office uses above ground. 2. City Council determine that pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, no further notice is to be given in respect of the changes to the amending By-laws adopted as Item TE8.11.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council amend its decision on Item TE8.11 by: a. amending subsection 2.d) (i) of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 438-86 in Attachment 8 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: A maximum of 335,000.0 square metres of gross floor area may be occupied by office uses; and b. amending subsection 4. (F) i. of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 569-2013 in Attachment 9 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: A maximum 335,000 square metres of gross floor area may be occupied by office uses; and c. amending subsection 2 h) (i) of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 438-86 in Attachment 8 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: a minimum of 0.11 parking spaces per 100 square metres of gross floor area for office uses above ground; d. amending subsection 4 (N) i. of the draft Zoning By-law to amend By-law 569-2013 in Attachment 9 to the report (August 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to read as follows: A minimum of 0.11 parking spaces per 100 square metres of gross floor area used for office uses above ground; 2. City Council determine that pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, no further notice is to be given in respect of the changes to the amending By-laws adopted as Item TE8.11.
MM12.18adopted
A September 27, 2019 report from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to the General Government and Licensing Committee, as a part of Item 2019.GL8.20, warns: Members of the public should be aware of the potential harms of using vapour products ("vaping"), the addictive potential of vapour products containing nicotine, and the risk of vaping leading to subsequent tobacco cigarette smoking. There have been growing concerns about youth access to vapour products, heightened with recent examples of respiratory illnesses among vapour product users. The same report further advises: vapour product use by youth has increased significantly in Canada. From 2017 to 2018, there was a 74 percent increase in the proportion of youth reporting they had vaped in the past month; nicotine (including the nicotine in e-substances used in vapour products) is highly addictive and known to alter adolescent brain development; vapour product use has been strongly associated with subsequent tobacco cigarette smoking among youth and young adults; short-term health effects from vaping can include respiratory inflammation and throat irritation; long-term health effects of vaping are unknown; and while vapour products are an alternative to combustible cigarette smoking, there is limited evidence of vapour product use increasing the likelihood of smoking cessation. The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that in the United States of America as of November 13, 2019, there were 2,172 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury and forty-two deaths have been confirmed, with more deaths are under investigation. Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, it is against the law to sell or supply vapour products to minors. Despite all of this, ads promoting vaping have been placed in bus shelters adjacent to schools.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the City Solicitor and the Medical Officer of Health, to review the City's Street Furniture Agreement to ensure that all advertising resulting from that agreement complies with the letter and spirit of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. 2. City Council request the City Manager to review the City's advertising and promotions policies to ensure that they also comply with the letter and spirit of the Smoke Free Ontario Act, and request the City Manager to report to the General Government and Licensing Committee in 2020 on strategies to ensure compliance, such report to include consultation with the City's agencies on their advertising and promotions policies. 3. City Council forward this Item to the Board of Health.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the City Solicitor and the Medical Officer of Health, to review the City's Street Furniture Agreement to ensure that all advertising resulting from that agreement complies with the letter and spirit of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. 2. City Council request the City Manager to review the City's advertising and promotions policies to ensure that they also comply with the letter and spirit of the Smoke Free Ontario Act, and request the City Manager to report to the General Government and Licensing Committee in 2020 on strategies to ensure compliance, such report to include consultation with the City's agencies on their advertising and promotions policies. 3. City Council forward this Item to the Board of Health.
MM12.19adopted
This Motion seeks authority to create a new capital sub-project in the Approved 2019-2028 Parks, Forestry and Recreation Capital Budget and Plan in the amount of $200,000 with 2020 cash flow for the purpose of capital improvements to the turf at York Stadium. The scope of work for the project includes stripping the existing turf, regrading with topsoil, and installing new sod, goalposts and line painting. Funds in the amount of $200,000 will be provided by the Toronto Catholic District School Board as consideration for the licensing of the York Stadium, as described below. This project will be undertaken by Parks, Forestry and Recreation. This Motion also seeks authority for the City of Toronto to enter into a license agreement with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for an initial term of ten years, with the option for the City to extend the license for a further ten years, allowing the use by the Toronto Catholic District School Board of York Stadium during school hours during the school year and the use of the York Stadium parking lot year-round. The Toronto Catholic District School Board will be responsible for fifty percent of all future operational maintenance costs and capital costs for the York Stadium sports field as well as for all operational maintenance and capital costs for the parking lot during the term of the agreement, in addition to the $200,000 that will fund the initial capital improvements described in the above paragraph.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend the Approved 2019-2028 Parks, Forestry and Recreation Capital Budget and Plan to create a new capital sub-project known as York Stadium Turf Improvements in the Outdoor Recreation Centre project, with a total project cost and 2020 cash flow of $200,000, funded by the Toronto Catholic District School Board for improvements to the turf at York Stadium. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to execute a license agreement with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for the Board's use of York Stadium during school hours, during the school year and the York Stadium parking lot year-round, with the Toronto Catholic District School Board to pay the City two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) as consideration; additionally, the license agreement will require the Toronto Catholic District School Board to pay fifty-percent of costs associated with future operational maintenance and future capital costs of York Stadium sports field and one hundred percent of the operational maintenance and capital costs associated with the York Stadium parking lot for the term of the license agreement; the license agreement will have an initial term of ten years, with the option for the City to extend the license for a further ten years; and the terms and conditions of the license agreement shall be satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor, and the license agreement shall be in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Approved 2019-2028 Parks, Forestry and Recreation Capital Budget and Plan to create a new capital sub-project known as York Stadium Turf Improvements in the Outdoor Recreation Centre project, with a total project cost and 2020 cash flow of $200,000, funded by the Toronto Catholic District School Board for improvements to the turf at York Stadium. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to execute a license agreement with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for the Board's use of York Stadium during school hours, during the school year and the York Stadium parking lot year-round, with the Toronto Catholic District School Board to pay the City two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) as consideration; additionally, the license agreement will require the Toronto Catholic District School Board to pay fifty-percent of costs associated with future operational maintenance and future capital costs of York Stadium sports field and one hundred percent of the operational maintenance and capital costs associated with the York Stadium parking lot for the term of the license agreement; the license agreement will have an initial term of ten years, with the option for the City to extend the license for a further ten years; and the terms and conditions of the license agreement shall be satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor, and the license agreement shall be in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.
MM12.20adopted
Cabbagetown Youth Centre, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1972 as the Cabbagetown Boxing Club, a boxing club designed to support neighbouring youth with sports and recreation opportunities. The Cabbagetown Youth Centre has been working to serve the Cabbagetown, St. Jamestown, and Regent Park neighbourhoods for 47 years. As a result of the loss of significant government grants, the Centre is facing imminent closure. The Cabbagetown Youth Centre will no longer be able to maintain their core programming. Over the years, the Cabbagetown Youth Centre has grown beyond their original location at 2 Lancaster Avenue. They are currently operating programming at Rose Avenue and Winchester Public Schools. In 2018, the Cabbagetown Youth Centre enrolled over 2,500 children and youth in their programming. The Cabbagetown Youth Centre offers the following programs: 1. After-four program: an after school program for children in junior kindergarten to fifth grade that provides educational, recreational, and social activities; 2. Cabbagetown Youth Centre Youth Programs Youth Empowerment and Support: an after school youth centered program that provides recreation and skill development and educational training; 3. Community Action Program for Children; and 4. Cabbagetown Youth Centre Boxing Club. Over the last few years, the Cabbagetown Youth Centre has been under serious financial constraints. The Centre's current 2020 budget projections indicate that without an increase in financial support, they will no longer be able to sustain their core programming. Most recently, Cabbagetown Youth Centre's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy grant ended in March 2019. This grant was integral to fulfilling funding gaps. The City of Toronto currently operates a number of programs designed to support our vision to address community safety, anti-poverty, and youth engagement initiatives. Programs include the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy, Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy, and the Community Healing Project. With equitable access to recreational services in the Downtown East being an ongoing concern, it is imperative that we review opportunities to increase support for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. There is a timely opportunity to strengthen the City's recreation for all vision through supporting the Cabbagetown Youth Centre's core programming. In addition, the Cabbagetown Youth Centre Board of Directors is prepared to transfer complete ownership of their real estate to the City as a long-term operational plan for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. The Cabbagetown Youth Centre states the current market value of their property is estimated at 3.6 million dollars.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to evaluate existing programming and the financial situation at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and report back to the January 15, 2020 meeting of the Budget Committee with interim funding options to support the Centre's core programs for the next year, in alignment with the City of Toronto's commitments to access to recreation facilities. 2. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the relevant City divisions, to review the feasibility, including estimated costs and timelines, of the transfer of ownership of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre to the City of Toronto and to establish the Cabbagetown Youth Centre as an Association of Community Centre and report back to the June 10, 2020 meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to evaluate existing programming and the financial situation at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and report back to the January 15, 2020 meeting of the Budget Committee with interim funding options to support the Centre's core programs for the next year, in alignment with the City of Toronto's commitments to access to recreation facilities. 2. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the relevant City divisions, to review the feasibility, including estimated costs and timelines, of the transfer of ownership of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre to the City of Toronto and to establish the Cabbagetown Youth Centre as an Association of Community Centre and report back to the June 10, 2020 meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee.
MM12.21amended
Homelessness is a crisis in our City. On any given night, over 8,000 people rely on our shelters, emergency respites, overnight drop-ins, and Out of the Cold programs to find a safe place to spend the night. Since 2016, the City has added 2,500 hundred beds to our emergency system. Our low-barrier, emergency respite spaces have grown from 150 to 800, operating year-round. Yet each and every night, our shelter system is at, or over, capacity. During the first weeks of 2018 alone, we saw four Torontonians lose their lives on our streets. This year, during the height of our first snowstorm on Monday November 11th, we lost another community member who died in a bus shelter near the Ferry Docks. Homelessness is a crisis, and we must respond. The stark reality facing those without adequate homes is a multi-year wait for supportive housing and 181,000 people on the waitlist for affordable housing. We must ensure that everyone has a safe place to sleep, each and every night. But, we must also create a path out of our shelter system, and into stable and supportive housing for the thousands who need it. Supportive housing is a crucial component in addressing the growing crisis of homelessness in our City, and Council has identified it as a priority many times in the past number of years. In March 2018, City Council approved my Motion to adopt a target of building 18,000 new supportive housing units over the next 10 years, 1,800 per year, to help people transition out of the shelter system, and into more stable and permanent housing. This is now the City of Toronto's target. Then in January 2019, City Council approved my Motion for staff to report to the March 2019 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee on options for an aggressive supportive and transitional housing build plan in Toronto. In an update report, it was indicated that instead, a plan would be included in the Housing Opportunities plan this fall. However to date, no plan has been considered by Committee or Council. And, our target for building 1,800 new supportive housing units a year, adopted in 2018, remains unmet. While we must continue to ask our Provincial and Federal partners for urgent assistance, the City must make new supportive housing a priority. When faced with the capital repair backlog crisis at Toronto Community Housing, Council committed through our Close the Housing Gap campaign to one-third of the funding needed to address the $2.6 billion capital repair backlog. Now, the City must commit to one-third of the funding needed to meet our Council-approved new supportive housing target, and renew our urgent request that the Provincial and Federal governments do the same. We cannot wait. Without new supportive housing this crisis will only continue to grow. And, we will continue to see tragedies unfold on our streets.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services to report to the February 12, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee with a plan to create 600 units of supportive housing on an annual basis starting in 2020 through the following means: a. conversion of existing units; b. housing units in the private market; and c. units included in new construction, including Housing Now projects. 2. City Council call on the Provincial and Federal Governments to each commit to providing funding to meet the Council-approved target of building 18,000 new units of supportive housing over the next 10 years, 1,800 per year, to assist in addressing the City of Toronto's growing homelessness crisis. 3. City Council call on the Provincial Government to commit to providing new operating funding for 18,000 new units of supportive housing over the next 10 years, 1,800 per year, to assist in addressing the City of Toronto's growing homelessness crisis.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services to include in the 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets: a. one-third of the capital funds, which could include the value of City-owned land, required to meet the Council-approved target of building 1,800 new supportive housing units a year for 10 years starting in 2020; and b. any operating dollars and/or staff positions required to support the build program. 2. City Council call on the Provincial and Federal Governments to each commit to providing one-third of the capital funding to meet the Council-approved target of building 18,000 new units of supportive housing over the next 10 years, 1,800 per year, to assist in addressing the City of Toronto's growing homelessness crisis. 3. City Council call on the Provincial Government to commit to providing new operating funding for 18,000 new units of supportive housing over the next 10 years, 1,800 per year, to assist in addressing the City of Toronto's growing homelessness crisis. 4. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services to report to the January 22, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee on: a. the steps required to meet the Council-approved target of building 1,800 new supportive housing units in 2020; and b. a bridging strategy to move 1,800 households into stable housing while the new build program is being rolled out, including resources required to expand any programs needed to accomplish this such as eviction prevention, housing allowance program streams, and community partnerships.
MM12.22adopted
The Bay-Cloverhill and Church-Wellesley Neighbourhoods have seen and will continue to experience an unprecedented amount of growth over the next five years, along with necessary investments to replace ageing infrastructure. This has made it challenging to coordinate projects with public and private parties that often need to occupy the same right-of-way and use the same arterial roadways for the delivery of their construction materials. Toronto is committed to achieving pedestrian and road safety through initiatives like Vision Zero. There are 24 projects already underway or commencing within the next six months, that we are aware of, within the small geographic area between Bay Street, Bloor Street, Jarvis Street and College Street/Carlton Street. To achieve our vision, these projects require the coordination of multiple City divisions, private developers, local stakeholders and residents to ensure the safety of pedestrians and minimize the traffic impacts on local and arterial roads remains our top priority. Those projects include: 1. The College Station Revitalization project, which is adding a second entrance/exit and making the station fully accessible, will reduce Yonge Street to two lanes starting in mid-2020 and is scheduled for completion in 2023. 2. 1 Bloor Street West 3. 587-599 Yonge Street 4. 501 Yonge Street 5. 484 Yonge Street 6. 81 Wellesley Street East 7. 70-72 Carlton Street 8. 50 Bloor Street West 9. 1075 Bay Street 10. 27 Grosvenor Street/26 Grenville Street 11. 2 Bloor Street West 12. 10 St. Mary Street 13. 33 Isabella Street 14. 601-613 Yonge Street 15. 10-16 Wellesley Street West 16. 20-26 Maitland Street 17. 475 Yonge Street 18. 2 Carlton Street 19. 68-70 Charles Street East 20. 55-63 Charles Street East 21. 572 Church Street 22. 552 Church Street 23. 506-516 Church Street 24. 625-637 Yonge Street
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager,Transportation Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to immediately form a monthly working group with membership to include Engineering and Construction Services, Transportation Services, Toronto Hydro, the Toronto Transit Commission, the Bay Cloverhill Community Association, the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association, the Church Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area, the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area, Castlepoint Developments, Edenshaw Developments, Lanterra Developments, Tricon Capital, Cresford Developments, MOD Developments, Aragon Developments, Fieldgate Urban, Greywood Developments, ONE Properties, Canderel, CentreCourt, Greenwin Holdings Inc., Mizrahi Developments, KingSett Properties, Northam Realty, Plaza Corp, Aspen Ridge Homes, Enbridge Gas, the Ward Councillor and any additional stakeholders as required to facilitate the timely coordination of planned and future infrastructure and development in the area bounded by Bay Street, Bloor Street, Jarvis Street and College Street/Carlton Street.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager,Transportation Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to immediately form a monthly working group with membership to include Engineering and Construction Services, Transportation Services, Toronto Hydro, the Toronto Transit Commission, the Bay Cloverhill Community Association, the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association, the Church Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area, the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area, Castlepoint Developments, Edenshaw Developments, Lanterra Developments, Tricon Capital, Cresford Developments, MOD Developments, Aragon Developments, Fieldgate Urban, Greywood Developments, ONE Properties, Canderel, CentreCourt, Greenwin Holdings Inc., Mizrahi Developments, KingSett Properties, Northam Realty, Plaza Corp, Aspen Ridge Homes, Enbridge Gas, the Ward Councillor and any additional stakeholders as required to facilitate the timely coordination of planned and future infrastructure and development in the area bounded by Bay Street, Bloor Street, Jarvis Street and College Street/Carlton Street.
MM12.23adopted
On September 12, 2019, the Committee of Adjustment North York Panel refused the application for minor variances for the property municipally known as 326 Manor Road East. The Notice of Decision is attached to this Motion. The applicant appealed the Decision of the Committee of Adjustment to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. A hearing has been scheduled for January 16, 2020. The purpose of this Motion is to direct the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body to uphold the Decision of the Committee of Adjustment and to retain outside consultants, if necessary.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City staff, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing in respect of 326 Manor Road East to oppose the application for minor variances requested through Application A0482/19NY. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants, as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached, to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, after consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Jaye Robinson, seconded by Councillor Gary Crawford, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City staff, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing in respect of 326 Manor Road East to oppose the application for minor variances requested through Application A0482/19NY. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants, as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached, to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, after consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
MM12.24adopted
The applicant applied to the Committee of Adjustment (Application A0137/19SC) (the "Application") to construct a new two-storey detached dwelling. The Application requests variances with respect to the rear deck, building height, height of exterior main walls, building length, building depth, lot coverage, front yard landscaping, driveway vehicle access, floor space index and front platforms. At its hearing on August 22, 2019, the Committee of Adjustment allowed the Application (the "Decision"). The Notice of Decision is attached. A neighbouring resident has appealed the Decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. This Motion will authorize the City Solicitor, and appropriate City Staff or outside consultants, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to oppose the proposed minor variances requested in the Application. This Motion will also give the City Solicitor authority to negotiate a settlement of the appeal and retain outside consultants as necessary. This matter is time sensitive and urgent as the Decision has been appealed and the City Solicitor requires instructions to attend the hearing in opposition of the proposal.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City Staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing for 16 Anson Road to oppose the application for minor variances requested through Application A0137/19SC. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached, to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, and in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gary Crawford, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City Staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing for 16 Anson Road to oppose the application for minor variances requested through Application A0137/19SC. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached, to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, and in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
MM12.25adopted
On November 7, 2019, the Committee of Adjustment (the "Committee") refused two Minor Variance applications brought by the owner of 36 Clissold Road for the following variances: lot frontage, lot area, lot coverage, gross floor area, side yard setback, soffit height, maximum height for exterior main walls and maximum dwelling height on each lot (the "Applications"). A copy of the Committee's decision is attached. The Applications proposed to construct two new detached dwellings on undersized lots with an attached garage on each part. A previous Committee Consent application (B0031/18EYK) for 36 Clissold Road is currently adjourned at the Toronto Local Appeal Body and awaiting the necessary Minor Variance appeals for joint consideration. A copy of the Committee's decision refusing the consent application is attached. On November 18, 2019, the owner appealed the Committee's decision to refuse the Applications to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. In a report (October 28, 2019) from the Director, Community Planning Etobicoke York District, Community Planning Staff opposed the proposed Applications and recommended their refusal. A copy of the Planning report is attached. Planning Staff opined that the proposed lots and variances would result in a development that does not respect and reinforce the existing physical character of the neighbourhood and thus, is not in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and Zoning By-laws. In a memorandum (October 23, 2019) from the Supervisor, Tree Protection and Plan Review, Urban Forestry Staff also opposed the Applications and recommended their refusal. A copy of the Urban Forestry report is attached. Urban Forestry Staff opined that the approval of the proposed variances may result in the construction of a driveway that will require the removal a healthy and By-law-protected City-owned Norway Maple Tree. Urban Forestry staff also stated that the Official Plan contains policies specifically to the protection, preservation and enhancement of trees.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate City Staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing to support the Committee of Adjustment's decision to refuse the minor variances requested in Applications A0484/19EYK and A0485/19EYK respecting 36 Clissold Road. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to negotiate a settlement of the appeal of the decision in Applications A0484/19EYK and A0485/19EYK respecting 36 Clissold Road and authorize the City Solicitor to settle the matter on behalf of the City at the City Solicitor's discretion after consultation with the Ward Councillor and with the Director of Community Planning, Etobicoke York District.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mark Grimes, seconded by Councillor Frances Nunziata, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate City Staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing to support the Committee of Adjustment's decision to refuse the minor variances requested in Applications A0484/19EYK and A0485/19EYK respecting 36 Clissold Road. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to negotiate a settlement of the appeal of the decision in Applications A0484/19EYK and A0485/19EYK respecting 36 Clissold Road and authorize the City Solicitor to settle the matter on behalf of the City at the City Solicitor's discretion after consultation with the Ward Councillor and with the Director of Community Planning, Etobicoke York District.
MM12.26adopted
Recently the Ontario Member of Provincial representative of Brampton West, MPP Amarjot Sandu has submitted a Private Member's Bill requesting that the current Provincial Government eliminate the mandatory written test on air brake systems. The retesting is currently required every 5 years when the truck operator renews their licence. The President of the Ontario Truck Driving School has been quoted to advise that "the air brake system is something very crucial", and that each operator must undergo a number of tests every 5 years in order to renew their commercial driver's licence which all are important to keep our roads safe. Taking away the regulation would not provide any assurance that drivers remain updated in order to keep our roads safe. In light of all the work the City of Toronto is currently undergoing with Vision Zero and measures to slow down motorists it is not beneficial for the Province of Ontario to contemplate removing safety regulations for commercial truck drivers. If anything, we have seen an increase in accidents on our highways and local roads. The City of Toronto needs to send a strong message that we do not support the elimination of the mandatory written test on air brake systems. https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5366640?__twitter_impression=true This Motion is an urgent matter as a Private Member's Bill on this matter was recently submitted.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to request the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation not to eliminate the mandatory written test on air brake systems, so that the current regulation requiring all Ontario Commercial Truck Operators to rewrite the air brake systems test when renewing their licence every 5 years remains intact. 2. City Council request the Province of Ontario to review the current licencing requirements to ensure that all Ontario Commercial Truck Operators undergo periodic safety training.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to request the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation not to eliminate the mandatory written test on air brake systems, so that the current regulation requiring all Ontario Commercial Truck Operators to rewrite the air brake systems test when renewing their licence every 5 years remains intact. 2. City Council request the Province of Ontario to review the current licencing requirements to ensure that all Ontario Commercial Truck Operators undergo periodic safety training.
MM12.27adopted
At its meeting on October 29 and 30, 2019, City Council adopted Item EC8.5, headed "Resourcing the Regent Park Social Development Plan". The item included a supplementary report from the Acting Executive Director, Social Development Finance and Administration titled Resourcing the Regent Park Social Development Plan: Update on Investments, Employment and Training. The report was requested by the Committee and went straight to City Council. As a result, it was not fully considered as part of the Economic and Community Development Committee's deliberations on Item EC8.5. The supplementary report provides valuable insights into the City and Toronto Community Housing Corporation's efforts to foster job creation as part of the Regent Park revitalization. The report notes strengths and weaknesses of the current approach. For example, there is the suggestion that there may be shortcomings in the tracking of the results of the project. To improve Toronto Community Housing's revitalization plans and similar job creation efforts, this report needs the thorough consideration best afforded in a committee setting. As City Council has already considered Item EC8.5, the Item must be re-opened before the Economic and Community Development Committee can give consideration to the supplementary report. This Motion is urgent as moving forward on this now will allow for both a committee review of the report that never went to the Committee and for the rest of the Item's recommendations to be acted on in a timely fashion. REQUIRES RE-OPENING: Item EC8.5 - adopted by City Council on October 29 and 30, 2019.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council forward the supplementary report (October 28, 2019) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, submitted on Item EC8.5, to the Economic and Community Development Committee for consideration at its January 14, 2020 meeting and report back to City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Ana Bailão, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson, recommends that: 1. City Council forward the supplementary report (October 28, 2019) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, submitted on Item EC8.5, to the Economic and Community Development Committee for consideration at its January 14, 2020 meeting and report back to City Council.
MM12.28referred
Congestion and gridlock are top of mind for Torontonians. Time spent in traffic costs us all in many different ways. It keeps us away from our families. It adds to stress. It could contribute to the increased number of accidents. It also creates pollution. Since 2013, a number of initiatives have been introduced through the Infrastructure and Environment Committee to address increasing gridlock. These include the Congestion Management Plan (there was also a plan for the downtown) and looking at ways to identify and improve the 10 worst intersections in the City. After his election, Mayor John Tory made it a priority to take steps to operationalize the Congestion Management Plan. He focused on practical actions such as moving cars and especially courier trucks out of no stopping zones during rush hour, better coordination of transportation capital programs, and shortening the duration of long term lane closures by developers and construction companies. However, residents continue to wait in traffic. They feel that it is getting worse. It's time to look at the numbers and see if our Congestion Management Plan is making a difference.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, referred Motion MM12.28 to the General Manager, Transportation Services for consideration in an updated Congestion Management Plan, scheduled to be introduced in the Spring of 2020.
Staff recommendation as filed
Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to undertake an evaluation of delays in travelling, congestion and gridlock using a baseline year of 2013 or 2014 by using existing studies, including external data and studies commissioned by the Toronto Board of Trade and the University of Toronto, to, among other things, determine whether congestion and gridlock is getting better or worse. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, consultation with the Toronto Board of Trade and the University of Toronto, to take into account international best practices and develop a Dashboard made available to the public that quantifies, and identifies the scope and scale of gridlock and congestion issues; such dashboard to distinguish and identify congestion and gridlock indexes for the downtown, suburbs and major expressways. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to establish benchmarks for acceptable traffic delays in Toronto. 4. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to City Council through the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on these issues no later than July 2020.
MM12.29adopted
On November 6, 2019, the Minister of Finance released Bill 138, Plan to Build Ontario Together Act. Bill 138 proposes to amend 40 statutes, among other matters, it proposes amendments to Bill 108 affecting the Planning Act and Development Charges Act. The report (November 25, 2019) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning highlights opportunities to request further amendments to Bill 138 that will allow the City to meet its obligations under the Provincial Policy Statement to plan for strong, sustainable and resilient communities.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Manager, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and other City Officials, as appropriate, to provide input to the Province on Bill 138 on policy and financial matters and any associated regulations. 2. City Council forward the report (November 25, 2019) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning,to the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Minister of Finance for their consideration. 3. City Council request the Province to include legislative authority to register agreements on title to the land to which it applies for in-kind contributions, allowing the municipality to enforce the provision of the agreement against the owner, and any and all subsequent owners of the lands. 4. City Council request the Province to include legislative authority to register priority lien agreements against the land to which it applies for Development Charges deferrals, allowing the municipality to enforce the provision of the agreement against the owner, and any and all subsequent owners of the land, including the requirement for adequate security. 5. City Council request the Province to reinstate a municipality's authority to apply the Inclusionary Zoning provisions of the Planning Act more broadly than in Protected Major Transit Station and Minister ordered Development Permit System areas. 6. City Council request the Province to remove the provision for appeal rights of the municipality's Community Benefits Charge by-law and use the forthcoming Community Benefits Charge Regulation to provide transparency on the components and maximum value of the charge and required consultation. 7. City Council request the Province to remedy the fundamental structural issues of using a land value tool to address cost recovery based services for the 'soft' Development Charges and Section 37 portions of the Community Benefits Charge by-law and to retain separate provisions for parkland dedication under the Planning Act, in order to ensure revenue neutrality for municipalities. 8. City Council request that proclamation of amendments to the Development Charges Act occurs no sooner than the Community Benefits Change by-law coming into full force and effect to maintain the Province's stated objectives of revenue neutrality for municipalities and that growth-pays-for-growth. 9. City Council request the Province to provide for the minimum of two years from the date of the proclamation of the new Community Benefits provisions in the Planning Act for municipalities to bring a Community Benefits Charge by-law into force.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Ana Bailão, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that City Council adopt the following recommendations in the report (November 25, 2019) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning: 1. City Council authorize the City Manager, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and other City Officials, as appropriate, to provide input to the Province on Bill 138 on policy and financial matters and any associated regulations. 2. City Council forward the report (November 25, 2019) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning,to the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Minister of Finance for their consideration. 3. City Council request the Province to include legislative authority to register agreements on title to the land to which it applies for in-kind contributions, allowing the municipality to enforce the provision of the agreement against the owner, and any and all subsequent owners of the lands. 4. City Council request the Province to include legislative authority to register priority lien agreements against the land to which it applies for Development Charges deferrals, allowing the municipality to enforce the provision of the agreement against the owner, and any and all subsequent owners of the land, including the requirement for adequate security. 5. City Council request the Province to reinstate a municipality's authority to apply the Inclusionary Zoning provisions of the Planning Act more broadly than in Protected Major Transit Station and Minister ordered Development Permit System areas. 6. City Council request the Province to remove the provision for appeal rights of the municipality's Community Benefits Charge by-law and use the forthcoming Community Benefits Charge Regulation to provide transparency on the components and maximum value of the charge and required consultation. 7. City Council request the Province to remedy the fundamental structural issues of using a land value tool to address cost recovery based services for the 'soft' Development Charges and Section 37 portions of the Community Benefits Charge by-law and to retain separate provisions for parkland dedication under the Planning Act, in order to ensure revenue neutrality for municipalities. 8. City Council request that proclamation of amendments to the Development Charges Act occurs no sooner than the Community Benefits Change by-law coming into full force and effect to maintain the Province's stated objectives of revenue neutrality for municipalities and that growth-pays-for-growth. 9. City Council request the Province to provide for the minimum of two years from the date of the proclamation of the new Community Benefits provisions in the Planning Act for municipalities to bring a Community Benefits Charge by-law into force.
MM12.30amended
In mid-November 2019, an online query referencing the word "Scarborough" entered in the Google search engine brought to the computer screen a map of Toronto's Scarborough community, accompanied by a signature image of a partially demolished house. Similar searches of other municipalities, even those battling urban decay and high levels of violent crime, brought up images of attractive modern buildings and skylines. When Councillor Thompson and the Mayor raised the issue publicly, Google told the news media that the image was selected not by a person, but by an automated algorithm. They removed the photo from the signature image position, leaving only the map. They offered no apology for the slight. The appearance of an image of urban blight to represent Scarborough is symptomatic of the kind of geographic bigotry that has plagued the community for decades. Scarborough is not now, nor has it ever been, a community of broken houses and desolate places. It is one of the City's most dynamic and vibrant communities and one of the best places in Toronto to live. No place in the City better represents Toronto's motto of "diversity is our strength" than Scarborough. It is our most successful arrival City for immigrants, not from just one country or region, but from around the world. People come here from far and wide to live together, work together, celebrate together and thrive together. Its communities of new Canadians and old Canadians volunteer together and engage together to serve their neighbourhoods and the City at large. The association of a partially demolished building with Scarborough reinforces negative misperceptions of the community and damages local morale. It is essential for City Council to defend the dignity of Scarborough, and its other vibrant communities when they are unfairly depicted as places of decay.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Mayor to write to senior executives of Google Canada to express Council's disappointment in their search engine's inappropriate depiction of Scarborough, request a public apology to the people of Scarborough for choosing a demeaning and misleading photo to represent their community, and request that Google post a photograph in its place that is in keeping with the images used for other municipalities. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Photo Laureate as appropriate, to engage with photographers and the arts community to develop a photographic project or contest in Scarborough that encourages the public to take and submit their best photographs of Scarborough, its scenic places and its communities; to launch such a project in the Spring of 2020; and to display the final images at an exhibition at the Scarborough Civic Centre in the Fall of 2020.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Michael Thompson, seconded by Mayor John Tory, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Mayor to write to senior executives of Google Canada to express Council's disappointment in their search engine's inappropriate depiction of Scarborough, request a public apology to the people of Scarborough for choosing a demeaning and misleading photo to represent their community, and request that Google post a photograph in its place that is in keeping with the images used for other municipalities. 2. City Council request the City Manager to engage the Photo Laureate of Toronto to develop a photographic project or contest in Scarborough that encourages the public to take, and submit their best photographs of Scarborough, its scenic places and its communities; to launch such a project in the Spring of 2020; and to display the final images at an exhibition at the Scarborough Civic Centre in the Fall of 2020.
MM12.31adopted
At its meeting held on July 16, 17 and 18, 2019, City Council adopted without amendment Item SC7.22, headed "Turn Prohibitions - East Avenue" and, in so doing, prohibited eastbound left turns at all times on East Avenue and the private access located 60 metres north of Golders Green Avenue. However, this turn prohibition was intended to be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. In order to correct this error, a re-opening and amendment of Item SC7.22 is required. Transportation Services staff have been consulted regarding the above and have no concerns with the requested amendment. REQUIRES RE-OPENING: Scarborough Community Council Item SC7.22 entitled "Turn Prohibitions - East Avenue" as adopted by City Council on July 16, 17 and 18, 2019, only as it relates to Part 2 of City Council's decision.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council delete Part 2 of City Council's decision on Item SC7.22 and replace it with the following new Part 2: 2. City Council prohibit eastbound left turns from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, at East Avenue and the private access located 60 metres north of Golders Green Avenue.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council delete Part 2 of City Council's decision on Item SC7.22 and replace it with the following new Part 2: 2. City Council prohibit eastbound left turns from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, at East Avenue and the private access located 60 metres north of Golders Green Avenue.
MM12.32adopted
Cannabis production, authorized under federal medical cannabis licences, is occurring at locations that are counter to the best interests of the surrounding neighbourhoods and local communities. One example is found at a property in Ward 21 located adjacent to a housing complex. Cannabis is being produced at this property under several medical cannabis personal-use licences which, in total, allow for over 1,600 cannabis plants. Neighbours and City staff were unaware that the production was occurring until interior air from the property began venting into the housing complex's driveway. Residents living on that side of the building were no longer able to open their windows because of the pungent odour. At my request, Municipal Licensing and Standards' Cannabis Enforcement Unit led an inspection of this location along with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Building, and the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority. As a result of this inspection, ventilation was addressed through the installation of carbon filters, a zoning notice of violation was issued by Municipal Licensing and Standards, and an Order to Comply was issued by Toronto Building for a contravention under the Ontario Building Code Act. If Federal regulations covering personal use medical cannabis are not tightened, such situations will continue to emerge. Current Health Canada regulations do not require applicants to provide a zoning certificate confirming that facilities meet Zoning By-Law and setback requirements before licences are granted. In addition, the regulations under the Cannabis Act permit an exceptionally large number of plants to be grown at a single location. By presenting the City's concerns to Health Canada now, the City can get ahead of this problem before it gets out of hand.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request Health Canada to amend regulations under the Cannabis Act to: a. ensure that all cannabis production facilities adhere to municipal zoning regulations prior to the issuance of a registration certificate; b. ensure that personal medical cannabis production does not occur commercially, including considering setting limits on the maximum number of plants per premise for personal use medical cannabis production; and c. ensure medical documents submitted to Health Canada for the purposes of growing medical cannabis are valid, including a mechanism to identify and validate documents that prescribe a particularly large amount of cannabis for medical purposes.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Michael Thompson, seconded by Councillor Michael Ford, recommends that: 1. City Council request Health Canada to amend regulations under the Cannabis Act to: a. ensure that all cannabis production facilities adhere to municipal zoning regulations prior to the issuance of a registration certificate; b. ensure that personal medical cannabis production does not occur commercially, including considering setting limits on the maximum number of plants per premise for personal use medical cannabis production; and c. ensure medical documents submitted to Health Canada for the purposes of growing medical cannabis are valid, including a mechanism to identify and validate documents that prescribe a particularly large amount of cannabis for medical purposes.
MM12.33adopted
Last week, tenants of a new build in Ward 5 received notice of rent increases. For month-to-month tenancy, their rent would increase by over 25 percent; six percent for year-long leases. Through my efforts and advocacy by the building's tenants' association, the decision to apply an exorbitant 25 percent rent increase was reversed however, tenants will still be facing a six percent rent increase. How was this possible? On November 15, 2018, the Government of Ontario announced reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 ('the Act') exempting new rental units from rent control. Landlords of new rental units would no longer have to adhere to the rent increase guidelines stipulated under Sec. 120(1) of the Act. For 2019, the rent increase guideline was 1.8 percent; for 2020 it will be 2.2 percent. With the provincial reforms, tenants in new rental units are not protected from rent increases in excess of these guidelines. Approximately 50 percent of households in Toronto are renters. This number is expected to grow. Without limits to rent increases many Torontonians will be at risk of being priced out of their homes. We must demand better protection for current and future tenants. While the City of Toronto cannot implement rent control, we can and should ensure that when financial incentives are provided for the construction of affordable housing as was the case with the building in Ward 5, all residential units, including those at market rent, are protected from unfair rent increases. This Motion is urgent as there are many City initiatives underway to incentivize the development of affordable housing in Toronto.
City Council on November 26 and 27, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to reinstate rules limiting rent increases, as prescribed in Sec. 120 (1) of the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, for all new rental units occupied for residential purposes. 1. City Council request the City Manager to report to the January 22, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee on requiring that landlords in new developments, where incentives from the City of Toronto have been provided, be prevented from increasing rents by more than the Guideline, as prescribed in Sec. 120 (1) of the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and that no further Requests for Proposals for Housing Now sites be issued until the report is received.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to reinstate rules limiting rent increases, as prescribed in Sec. 120 (1) of the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, for all new rental units occupied for residential purposes. 1. City Council request the City Manager to report to the January 22, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee on requiring that landlords in new developments, where incentives from the City of Toronto have been provided, be prevented from increasing rents by more than the Guideline, as prescribed in Sec. 120 (1) of the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and that no further Requests for Proposals for Housing Now sites be issued until the report is received.