Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 72 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 72Show 2550100all
MM22.9adopted
This Motion seeks to provide $1,500 in funding through Section 37 monies to the Fred Dowling Housing Co-op for the painting of a mural on the wall in Frankel Lambert Park which runs beside the CPR line between Shaw and Christie Streets. In 2018, Paula Gonzalez-Ossa, a local artist, led a team of artists in creating a mural in Frankel Lambert Park, in partnership with the local residents association, the Frankel-Lambert Outreach Committee. The artist is known for her signature graffiti art style, and for creating artwork which is reflective of the culture and diversity of the neighbourhood in which the art is based. Frankel-Lambert Outreach Committee represents residents from four housing cooperatives, Toronto Community Housing residences, a seniors' residence, and private homes that surround Frankel-Lambert Park. This year, Frankel-Lambert Outreach Committee and the Fred Dowling Housing Co-op are working with the original artist to expand the mural into a section of wall which is currently bare and frequently vandalized. In light of COVID-19, the intention of the mural is to provide neighbourhood beautification and a message of positivity and community togetherness. Section 37 funds have been secured and received from the development at 1443, 1445, 1451 Bathurst Street and 501 St. Clair Avenue West for public art and beautification and street enhancement projects. The use of the funds for the Frankel-Lambert mural from this development is consistent with the purpose for which the funds have been secured and complies with the Council approved Section 37 Guidelines. Prior to the funds being released from the City, the Fred Dowling Housing Co-op will be required to sign an Undertaking that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $1,500.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Funds) community benefits from 1443, 1445 and 1451 Bathurst Street and 501 St. Clair Avenue West (Source Account: XR3026-3700597) for a mural in Frankel Lambert Park (Cost Centre: NP2161). 2. City Council forward the $1,500.00 to Fred Dowling Housing Co-op, subject to the organization signing an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Non-Program on a one-time basis by $1,500.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Funds) community benefits from 1443, 1445 and 1451 Bathurst Street and 501 St. Clair Avenue West (Source Account: XR3026-3700597) for a mural in Frankel Lambert Park (Cost Centre: NP2161). 2. City Council forward the $1,500.00 to Fred Dowling Housing Co-op, subject to the organization signing an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
CC22.10adopted
30 and 44 Zorra Street - Zoning Amendment Application - Further Request for Direction
In October 28, 2015, a Zoning By-law Amendment was submitted in regards to the land municipally known as 30 and 44 Zorra Street. On May 26, 2017, City Council's failure to make a decision was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, now known as the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (the "LPAT"). On July 23, 2018, City Council adopted a recommendation from the City Solicitor to accept a settlement offer dated March 2, 2018 (the "Settlement Offer") from the applicant Zorra Developments Limited (the "Owner") and authorized the City Solicitor and appropriate City Staff to attend the LPAT hearing in support of the revised proposal of a 35-storey residential building, as detailed in the Settlement Offer. City Council also accepted an on-site parkland dedication, approved a development charge credit, and authorized the City Solicitor to enter into an agreement with the Owner pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act. The LPAT issued a decision on December 6, 2018 approving the revised proposal and identifying that the final order of the LPAT would be withheld until a clearance letter had been received by the LPAT from the City Solicitor addressing a number of outstanding items, including that the City Solicitor has advised the LPAT that the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is in a form satisfactory to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the City Solicitor; the Chief Engineer had confirmed that all engineering matters have been addressed; and the Section 37 agreement has been executed. On October 29th, 2019, the City Council adopted recommendations from the City Solicitor to support minor revisions to the proposal's residential unit count and vehicular parking count. As was instructed by City Council on July 23, 2018, the Section 37 agreement is to secure, amongst other things, the future conveyance for public road purpose of approximately 733.4 square metres of land to the City for the future extension of Caven Street. In order for the future extension of Caven Street to meet the City's standards, at such time as the City requires the future Caven Street to be dedicated as a public highway, the road must either form part of a through public road connection to the west or, if the western connection is not achieved, it will alternatively be required to terminate at a properly-designed DIPS turning basin. The approved proposal is to be accessed by way of the future extension of Caven Street. The purpose of this report is to request further instructions. City Planning and Corporate Real Estate Management have been involved in the preparation of this report.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020 adopted the following: 1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Attachments 2 and 3 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 3. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor were adopted by City Council and are now public, as follows: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to secure the future conveyance for public road purposes of approximately 733.4 square metres of land to the City for the future extension of Cavan Street (the "Caven Street Extension Lands") and the nominal licence on the terms and conditions set out in Confidential Attachment 2 in the Section 37 agreement. 2. City Council authorize the City to enter into a nominal licence agreement (the "Licence Agreement") with the Owner on the terms and conditions set out in Confidential Attachment 2 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor and such other terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor and City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management to execute the Licence Agreement on behalf of the City. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to complete the transaction under the Licence Agreement and administer the Licence Agreement, including paying any necessary expenses, if any, and amending and waiving terms and conditions, on such terms as the City Solicitor considers reasonable. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to attend the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal respecting the Zoning By-law Amendment appeal for 30, 44 Zorra Street in support of the minor revisions made to the proposed development as set out in Architectural Drawings, A100 to A501, prepared by Graziani + Corazza Architects and dated December 19, 2019. 5. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and City Staff to include the revised built form setbacks in Schedule B of the draft Zoning By-law to be submitted to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. 6. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and other City staff to take such necessary steps, as required, to implement City Council's decision. Confidential Attachments 2 and 3 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor are now public and can be accessed under Background Information (City Council). The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor remains confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 17, 2020) from the City Solicitor will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1, Confidential Attachment 2 and Confidential Attachment 3, to this report, if adopted by City Council. 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.
MM22.10adopted
St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society is a non-profit housing organization that provides affordable, mixed-income housing in the City. The project at 25 Leonard Avenue was approved for $500,000 in capital funding and $454,000 in Open Door incentives by Council in October 2017. The City has also committed rent supplements to help create deeply affordable rental homes, at rent levels below the Average Market Rents over a 50 year period. The 22 new affordable rental homes, scheduled for occupancy in the summer of this year, will provide dignified housing for some of our most vulnerable and marginalized residents who are currently experiencing homelessness. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the need for access to permanent affordable homes is greater than ever to protect individual and public health. This Motion seeks Council's approval to transfer $102,250 to the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration's Operating Budget, on a one time basis, to provide funding to St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society, fully funded from Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits from the development at 1-11 Bloor Street West within Ward 11. This funding will help support completion of the affordable rental housing project at 25 Leonard Avenue which will modernize the existing 77 social housing units on the site and add 22 new affordable rental units.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to provide $102,250 in funding, inclusive of HST and disbursements, from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (Source Account: XR1058) to St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society to support the modernization of the existing 77 social housing units and the creation of 22 new affordable rental units at 25 Leonard Avenue in Ward 11, fully funded from the following development: a. 1-11 Bloor Street West, 768-784 Yonge Street, and 760-762 Yonge Street, secured for the procurement, design and construction of new affordable housing facilities, in the amount of $102,250.00 (Source Account: 22096). 2. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, by $102,250 gross, $0 net, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, for affordable housing at 25 Leonard Avenue funded from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058) subject to the following conditions: a. the transfer of the designated funds from XR3026 to XR1058; and b. St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society signing an agreement which governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to provide $102,250 in funding, inclusive of HST and disbursements, from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (Source Account: XR1058) to St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society to support the modernization of the existing 77 social housing units and the creation of 22 new affordable rental units at 25 Leonard Avenue in Ward 11, fully funded from the following development: a. 1-11 Bloor Street West, 768-784 Yonge Street, and 760-762 Yonge Street, secured for the procurement, design and construction of new affordable housing facilities, in the amount of $102,250.00 (Source Account: 22096). 2. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, by $102,250 gross, $0 net, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, for affordable housing at 25 Leonard Avenue funded from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058) subject to the following conditions: a. the transfer of the designated funds from XR3026 to XR1058; and b. St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society signing an agreement which governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
CC22.11adopted
At its meeting of October 8, 2013, Council approved the zoning by-law amendment application in this matter. The application proposed to construct a 45-storey mixed-use development with retail, cultural space and residential. It is comprised of a 29-storey tower atop a 16-storey base building that transitions to 14 storeys, then 4 storeys on George Street. The application proposed 767 residential units, 560 vehicular parking spaces and 786 bicycle parking spaces. Since the approval, the owner and City staff have met and have reviewed the said conditions of approval. http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.TE26.12 The purpose of this report is to seek further instructions from Council with respect to this file. Various departments assisted in the preparation of this report: Economic Development and Culture - Arts and Culture Services, Corporate Real Estate Management - Real Estate Services, and City Planning.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020 adopted the following: 1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 19, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 19, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 3. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 19, 2020) from the City Solicitor remain confidential as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 19, 2020) from the City Solicitor were adopted by City Council and are now public, as follows: 1. City Council authorize an amendment to the Section 37 Agreement dated October 7, 2013 and registered as AT3461149 on November 25, 2013, between 1293446 Ontario Inc. and the City of Toronto ("Agreement"), to delete section 8 (option clause) in its entirety 2. City Council direct that save and except for the deletion of section 8 in its entirety, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. 3. City Council direct that the amended Agreement be executed by the parties and registered on title under the same terms and conditions as the Agreement. The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 19, 2020) from the City Solicitor remains confidential in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1, if adopted by City Council. 3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 is to remain confidential as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
MM22.11adopted
This Motion seeks authorization to release $1,300 in Section 37 funds to Heritage Toronto for a heritage plaque to commemorate the history of 55 Lombard Street. 55 Lombard Street was built in 1925 as the St. James Parking Garage. It was designed in the Moderne style by Ross and MacDonald, the notable Canadian architectural firm that also designed Maple Leaf Gardens, Eaton's College Street and Union Station. It had space for 500 automobiles at a time when car ownership was rapidly increasing in Toronto. The St. James garage was one of Toronto's first purpose-built parking garages and it was notable for having retail units at street level. In 1927, the first Toronto LCBO store following the end of prohibition occupied one of the units facing Church Street. The building was restored and converted to residential use in 1982. A fundraising effort, led by a resident in the building, has over the last year generated $6,200 towards the goal of the cost of a Heritage Toronto plaque. The request is for the remaining $1,300 to bring the campaign to target. The proposed location of the plaque is on Lombard Street close to the main entrance to the building. The City has secured funds under Section 37 of the Planning Act with the owner of the development at 6-18 Church Street and 51-63 Front Street East (70 The Esplanade), authorized by site-specific Zoning By-law 58-2011(OMB). The Zoning By-law and Section 37 Agreement with the landowner provide that the funds shall be used for community benefits, including heritage conservation initiatives in this neighbourhood. Sufficient funds remain available in the Planning Act Reserve Account to produce and install the heritage plaque at this location. The use of these funds for this purpose complies with the By-law and agreement. As Heritage Toronto is a directly funded City agency and not an "outside party", no undertaking is required to be signed by Heritage Toronto to govern the use of the funds and financial reporting.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $1,300.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 6-18 Church Street and 51-63 Front Street East (70 The Esplanade) (Source Account: XR3026-3700344), for the production and installation of a heritage plaque at 55 Lombard Street (Cost Centre: HG0001).
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $1,300.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 6-18 Church Street and 51-63 Front Street East (70 The Esplanade) (Source Account: XR3026-3700344), for the production and installation of a heritage plaque at 55 Lombard Street (Cost Centre HG0001).
CC22.12adopted
At its meeting on December 9 and 10, 2015, City Council adopted the Dufferin Street Secondary Plan ("OPA 294"), a Secondary Plan that provides a planning framework for the potential redevelopment of the Dufferin Street Secondary Plan Area (all parcels fronting on Dufferin Street between Bridgeland Avenue to just south of Lawrence Avenue West), including policies on land use, built form, the public realm, mobility, infrastructure and community services and facilities. Council directed staff to use OPA 294 in the evaluation of all current and new development proposals falling within its boundaries. Council also adopted the Dufferin Street Urban Design Guidelines and endorsed the Dufferin Street Transportation Master Plan and Infrastructure and Stormwater Master Plan, as technical resources for City staff, to support the implementation of the Secondary Plan. Council directed staff to use the Dufferin Street Urban Design Guidelines, including the Dufferin Street Transportation Master Plan and the Infrastructure and Stormwater Master Plan in the evaluation of all new and current development proposals and public initiatives. On January 11, 2016, the Building Industry and Land Development Association ("BILD") appealed, on a plan-wide basis, the policies of OPA 294 related to the relationship between uses in Employment Areas and proximate sensitive land uses, to the Ontario Municipal Board (the "OMB"), now known as the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (the "LPAT"). BILD's Notice of Appeal alleged that OPA 294 was premature with respect to these matters, in advance of the OPA 231 policies respecting these same matters being finalized. The purpose of this report is to request further instructions with respect to BILD's appeal. City Planning has been involved in the preparation of this report.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020 adopted the following: 1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1, Confidential Attachment 2 and Confidential Appendix A to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 3. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor were adopted by City Council and are now public, as follows: 1. City Council accept the Settlement Offer dated March 4, 2020 in Confidential Attachment 2 to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to request the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal to modify and partially approve the Dufferin Street Secondary Plan, substantially in accordance with Appendix A to Confidential Attachment 2 to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to request that BILD's appeal of Official Plan Amendment 294 be allowed in part, on the basis of the requested modifications to and partial approval of Official Plan Amendment 294. 4. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor to take the necessary action to give effect to City Council's decision. Confidential Attachment 2 and Confidential Appendix A to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor are now public and can be accessed under Background Information (City Council). The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor remains confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 22, 2020) from the City Solicitor will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor .
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report. 2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1, and authorize the public release of Confidential Attachment 2, and Confidential Appendix A to this report, if adopted by City Council. 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.
MM22.12adopted
This Motion seeks to release $3,200 of Section 37 funds to Heritage Toronto for a heritage plaque commemorating William (Billy) John McKay Jr. born in York, September 15, 1862 - April 15, 1943. William (Billy) McKay (1862-1943) was a farmer born in York Township. Between the World Wars, he helped establish the community of East York when he donated and sold significant portions of his land in the vicinity of Coxwell Avenue and Mortimer Avenue. The East York Municipal Building, R. H. MacGregor School and East York General Hospital were built on his former land. In the 1930's, however, tensions arose between Mr. McKay and East York, which saw his farm as an obstacle to the town's growth. Mr. McKay was determined to keep his property and rejected purchase offers. In old age, he became unable to maintain his farm and he died in Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital in 1943. The Township of East York assumed ownership of his property in 1939 and the land was subdivided into residential lots. McKayfield Road at Cosburn Avenue is named after him for his generous contributions to East York. Mr. McKay is most deserving of an historical plaque that celebrates his generous contributions to East York. Funds have been secured and received from the development at 201 Carlaw Avenue and 66 Boston Avenue for a range of community benefits. The enacting By-law for the development provides that the monies may be redirected at the discretion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the local Councillor, toward local park improvements, streetscape improvements, community facility improvements, public art, community gardens, pedestrian and cycling facilities, and heritage related improvements within Ward 30. The intended use of the funds comply with the purposes identified in the By-law. Since the plaque is intended to be installed in the East York Civic Centre, which is a hub for the community, the geographic proximity of the contributing developments is expandable. As Heritage Toronto is a directly funded City agency and not considered an "outside party", no undertaking is required to be signed by Heritage Toronto governing the use of the funds and financial reporting.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto by $3,200.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 201 Carlaw Avenue and 66 Boston Avenue (Source Account: XR3026- 3700038) to fund for a heritage plaque commemorating William (Billy) John McKay Jr. (Cost Centre: HG0001).
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto by $3,200.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 201 Carlaw Avenue and 66 Boston Avenue (Source Account: XR3026- 3700038) to fund for a heritage plaque commemorating William (Billy) John McKay Jr. (Cost Centre: HG0001).
CC22.13referred
Further direction from City Council is required on this matter, which has been appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). At its meeting on December 9, 2015, a Final Report on the results of the Tippett Road Area Regeneration Study (dated October 23, 2015) and Supplementary Report (dated December 7, 2015) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, were considered by City Council. Council adopted Item PG8.6 with amendments, and adopted Official Plan Amendment No. 309 to the City's Official Plan (OPA 309). OPA 309 was appealed to the former Ontario Municipal Board (now transitioned to the LPAT), by a number of appellants. The only remaining appeal to OPA 309 relates to the lands known municipally as 18 and 20 Champlain Boulevard. A ten (10) day hearing is scheduled at the LPAT, commencing on September 8, 2020. This report seeks instruction on a without prejudice settlement offer that has been submitted to the City. The City Solicitor seeks direction on this matter no later than the completion of the City Council meeting on June 29 and 30, 2020.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020 referred Item CC22.13 to the City Solicitor and directed the City Solicitor, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to continue discussions with the applicants toward a settlement and to report back on any settlement options directly to the July 28 and 29, 2020 meeting of City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Solicitor recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1. 2. If the City Solicitor's confidential recommendations are adopted by Council, then City Council authorize the public release of the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 (with the remainder of Confidential Attachment 1 to remain confidential as it contains information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, and Confidential Appendix 1 remaining confidential).
MM22.13adopted
This Motion seeks authorization to release $7,500 in Section 45 funds to Heritage Toronto for a heritage plaque to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Phillips Garment Factory fire to be installed at or near 447 Richmond Street West. On January 20, 1950, a flash fire swept through the basement premises of the Phillips Garment Factory at 447 Richmond Street West. Due to inadequate safety provisions, many of the windows and exits were sealed or barred, preventing workers from escaping. Nine of the eleven workers in the factory died of burns or smoke inhalation. The disaster led to greater scrutiny of working conditions and fire hazards in Toronto's garment factories. The City has secured funds under Section 45 of the Planning Act with the owner of the development at 650 King Street West and 95 Bathurst Street. The decision of the Committee of Adjustment (File A0356/08TEY) provides that the funds shall be used for heritage study on the King Street West Neighbourhood, for which a Heritage Conservation District Plan was recently completed and approved by City Council. Sufficient funds remain available in the Planning Act Reserve Account to produce and install the heritage plaque at this location. The use of these funds for this purpose complies with the By-law and agreement. As Heritage Toronto is a directly funded City agency and not an "outside party", no undertaking is required to be signed by Heritage Toronto to govern the use of the funds and financial reporting.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $7,500 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 45 community benefits obtained from the development at 650 King Street West and 95 Bathurst Street (Source Account: XR3028-4500051), for the production and installation of a heritage plaque to commemorate the Phillips Garment Factory fire to be installed at or near 447 Richmond Street West.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $7,500 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 45 community benefits obtained from the development at 650 King Street West and 95 Bathurst Street (Source Account: XR3028-4500051), for the production and installation of a heritage plaque to commemorate the Phillips Garment Factory fire to be installed at or near 447 Richmond Street West.
CC22.14adopted
Declaring a Vacancy in the Office of Councillor, Ward 22, Scarborough-Agincourt
The purpose of this report is to advise Council of the vacancy in the office of Councillor Karygiannis for Ward 22, resulting from the Court of Appeal decision of June 24, 2020. On November 6, 2019 the City Clerk served a notice of default on Jim Karygiannis pursuant to s. 88.23(3) of the Municipal Elections Act (the "Act"). This notice advised him that he had filed a financial statement that showed on its face that he had incurred expenses exceeding what was permitted. By operation of law, he had forfeited the office of Councillor for Ward 22. Mr. Karygiannis applied to the Superior Court of Justice seeking relief from forfeiture. The Superior Court granted him this relief on November 25, 2019, and he resumed the office of Councillor for Ward 22 at the time. The Superior Court of Justice decision was appealed by a member of the public and the Court of Appeal has set it aside, issuing a declaration that Mr. Karygiannis is subject to the penalties imposed by section 88.23(2) of the Act, which include the forfeiture of his seat as City Councillor for Ward 22. The Court of Appeal's decision was issued on, and is of force and effect as of, June 24, 2020. The report recommends that City Council declare Ward 22 vacant as required by the City of Toronto Act, 2006. The report further recommends that City Council defer making a decision as to whether to fill the vacancy by appointment or by passing a by-law requiring a by-election until the September 30, 2020 Council meeting, pursuant to authority established by Ontario Regulation 73/20, an Order made under section 7.1(2) of the Emergency Management and Civic Protection Act. The City Clerk will report further to the September 30, 2020 Council meeting with options to fill the vacancy including costs, timelines and pandemic considerations associated with those options.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020 adopted the following: 1. City Council declare a vacancy in the office of Councillor, Ward 22 - Scarborough Agincourt. 2. City Council defer making a decision as to whether to fill the vacancy by appointment or by passing a By-law requiring a by-election until the September 30, 2020 Council meeting, pursuant to authority established by Ontario Regulation 73/20, an Order made under section 7.1(2) of the Emergency Management and Civic Protection Act.
Staff recommendation as filed
The City Clerk recommends that: 1. City Council declare a vacancy in the office of Councillor, Ward 22 - Scarborough Agincourt. 2. City Council defer making a decision as to whether to fill the vacancy by appointment or by passing a by-law requiring a by-election until the September 30, 2020 Council meeting, pursuant to authority established by Ontario Regulation 73/20, an Order made under section 7.1(2) of the Emergency Management and Civic Protection Act.
MM22.14amended
Ontario Line Update - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy
At its meeting of October 29 and 30, 2019, City Council adopted a number of recommendations regarding safety concerns and community impacts of the Ontario Line. Subsequently, at its January 29, 2020 meeting, Council took further steps to strengthen the Ontario Line's community consultation process including calling for a full, formal Transit Project Assessment Process and for that process to consider alternatives for the technology, station locations and alignment, including putting underground those sections proposed to be above ground in the Ontario Line Initial Business Case. Metrolinx has continued to work on the planning for the Ontario Line throughout our current public health crisis. Key Requests For Proposals are currently being developed. Metrolinx confirmed at an online Community Advisory Committee meeting on May 13, 2020 that they are not considering putting underground those sections proposed to be above ground in the Ontario Line Initial Business Case, as requested by City Council. A project of this magnitude will have a wide range of serious and potentially costly impacts on Toronto's residents and infrastructure. Given the public health and accompanying economic crisis enveloping Toronto and the entire world, an update on City Council's previous recommendations is needed immediately.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to report to the September 23, 2020 meeting of the Executive Committee with an update on the Ontario Line, including all previous City Council recommendations regarding the section of the proposed Ontario Line running above ground in a rail corridor. 2. City Council direct that prior to the September 23, 2020 meeting of the Executive Committee, the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office provide regular updates on the status of the proposed Ontario Line and the conditions requested by City Council to local Councillors in the wards in which the Ontario Line is to be built.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to report to the July 21, 2020 meeting of the Executive Committee with an update on the Ontario Line, including all previous City Council recommendations regarding the section of the proposed Ontario Line running above ground in a rail corridor.
MM22.15adopted
Predatory Lending - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy
Out of a concern for the very detrimental impact on the daily lives of a great number of residents, City Council has taken a number of steps to both regulate payday loan vendors (including installment lenders, title lenders, cash-for-gold, cheque-cashing operations) and attempt to ensure Torontonians have access to fair and feasible lines of credit. Typically this form of credit is used by the working poor because they do not have access to traditional banking services and have very limited financial options. A 2016 ACORN study of payday loan users found that 30 percent spend payday loans on food, 17 percent on housing, 16 percent on bills, 5 percent on "bank issues," and 5 percent on medical-related expenses. At its October 2, 2019 meeting, City Council voted to request the Province of Ontario to limit the annual interest rates for all payday loans to 30 percent annually and make several related requests of the Federal Government. The measures requested by City Council will not eliminate this industry but make it fairer. Currently, the effective interest rate on payday loans in Ontario is as high as 390 percent. Quebec capped payday loan rates at 35 percent. Toronto has roughly the same number of payday loan shops as it does Tim Hortons locations. As well, an ever increasing amount of the payday loan business is being done online making them even more profitable. The current economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this problem. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives produced a report in March 2020 that notes, "46 percent of working tenant households have less than one month of employment incomes savings." Many Torontonians are at risk of getting trapped in a debit spiral and the dire of consequence of that including homelessness. All three levels of government must take urgent action to address this situation as part of their response to COVID-19 and chartering our economic recovery from this crisis.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report to the September 14, 2020 meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee on any and all steps taken to respond to City Council's October 2019 decision on Item GL7.15, Update on the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing of Payday Loan Establishments, with respect to the following: a. options to restrict advertising from payday loan establishments in the City of Toronto; b. the feasibility of creating a minimum separation distance between payday loan establishments and between payday loan establishments and schools; and c. the feasibility of establishing a process for the local Councillor to object to the relocation of a payday loan establishment within the same Ward. 2. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services, and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to report back on their discussions with the financial services industry, including credit unions and the not-for-profit sector, on improving access to relevant financial products and services such as access to cash for Toronto residents, as directed by City Council in Item GL7.15, Update on the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing of Payday Loan Establishments to the July 21, 2020 meeting of the Executive Committee. 3. City Council request the City Manager and the Chief Recovery and Rebuild Officer to include all requests made of the Provincial and Federal governments by City Council as a part of Item GL7.15, Update on the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing of Payday Loan Establishments in their discussions with those governments and to highlight this issue at all of the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild's Outreach, Engagement and Research Table including but not limited to the Business Sector Financial Table; and to report back on all of City Council's requests on this issue to the September 23, 2020 meeting of the Executive Committee.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report to the September 14, 2020 meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee on any and all steps taken to respond to City Council's October 2019 decision on Item GL7.15, Update on the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing of Payday Loan Establishments, with respect to the following: a. options to restrict advertising from payday loan establishments in the City of Toronto; b. the feasibility of creating a minimum separation distance between payday loan establishments and between payday loan establishments and schools; and c. the feasibility of establishing a process for the local Councillor to object to the relocation of a payday loan establishment within the same Ward. 2. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services, and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to report back on their discussions with the financial services industry, including credit unions and the not-for-profit sector, on improving access to relevant financial products and services such as access to cash for Toronto residents, as directed by City Council in Item GL7.15, Update on the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing of Payday Loan Establishments to the July 21, 2020 meeting of the Executive Committee. 3. City Council request the City Manager and the Chief Recovery and Rebuild Officer to include all requests made of the Provincial and Federal governments by City Council as a part of Item GL7.15, Update on the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing of Payday Loan Establishments in their discussions with those governments and to highlight this issue at all of the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild's Outreach, Engagement and Research Table including but not limited to the Business Sector Financial Table; and to report back on all of City Council's requests on this issue to the September 23, 2020 meeting of the Executive Committee.
MM22.16adopted
In December 2017, Toronto City Council adopted regulations regarding short-term rentals that were designed to balance the need to protect existing housing stock and the quality of life in residential communities with the desire of Torontonians to partake in the short-term rental market. The City's Zoning By-Law amendment was appealed to the Local Planning and Appeal Tribunal. In November 2019, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal issued a ruling that dismissed the appeals and upheld City Council's adopted Zoning By-Law amendments for short-term rentals. Fairbnb Canada reported in February of 2020 that there were more than 23,000 short-term rental listings advertised on Airbnb's website pre-COVID-19. They advise that of these, 9,700 were non-compliant with the City's short-term rental by-laws and 7,300 of them being entire homes. Even if only half of these non-compliant entire homes would be returned to Toronto's housing stock, the report concluded, it would increase Toronto's vacancy rate from 1.3 percent to 2 percent, making accessing housing an easier task for households in the City. COVID-19 has made Toronto's housing and shelter needs more acute than ever. What was recognized as a housing crisis prior to the pandemic has been exacerbated into an increasingly dire situation for many of Toronto's tenants and the city's homeless population. It is to be expected that Toronto's housing crisis will become even worse once we enter the COVID-19 recovery phase and the Landlord and Tenant Board will resume the processing of eviction notices. For Toronto to use all its available tools to protect its residents from the ill-effects of the unregulated short-term rental market, it is important that the City's short-term rental by-laws and its registration and licensing system be implemented as soon as possible to ensure that as many housing units as possible will be available for long-term tenants.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report to the September 17, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee with a status update on the City's regulation of short-term rentals and enforcement.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report to the September 17, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee with a status update on the City's regulation of short-term rentals and enforcement.
MM22.17adopted
Homelessness remains a crisis in Toronto and a tent is not a safe and adequate form of housing. Prior to the pandemic, there were more than 7,000 people staying in our shelter system (shelters, 24-hour respite sites, hotels/motels). When COVID-19 arrived in Toronto with the intensity that we had observed in other jurisdictions beforehand, many residents unable to maintain physical distance in the City's crowded shelter and respite system, took their few belongings and walked out of the buildings to avoid the transmission of the coronavirus. Others have no place to go due to Provincial services like crisis beds and detox facilities that are no longer available or were discharged from correctional facilities without an adequate housing plan. They were given tents by activists and faith organizations, then settled into parks and other public spaces. At the start of the global pandemic, encampment clearing was paused due to the City's requirement to create physical distancing within the existing shelter and respite system. During these past few months of the COVID-19 public health crisis, the number and size of encampments grew across the entire City. The crisis of people living in unsuitable conditions continues to grow as homelessness overwhelms the region and existing municipal resources. When the crisis started in mid-March, City of Toronto staff worked non-stop to prioritize creating distance in the shelter system and managed to open and operationalize 33 temporary facilities in hotels, community centres, and other expanded facilities. This is on top of the 70 shelters and respite sites that the City and its partners operate. The result of their hard work has moved 3,000 people from existing crowded spaces into the new sites as well as permanent housing. With proper physical distancing achieved in the shelter system, the City of Toronto was able to turn their attention more fully to finding accommodations so everyone sleeping outdoors is offered a safer place inside. As of June 16, 2020, the City has moved an additional 265 individuals from encampments to indoor spaces, mostly hotel rooms and transitional housing. Subsequent to the individuals being moved, the encampments are cleared of waste and debris. Moving someone from a shelter or respite into a new space requires time, client choice, resources and has to be done with dignity. This starts with an individual assessment of each person to determine who is able to move, what supports they need, and what the appropriate place is for them to move to. Staff have described the complexity of securing space, outlining that for each new site activated, it requires: - Fire life safety inspections and site modifications to ensure adequate laundry and washroom facilities; - Contracts put in place for cleaning, catering, linens, laundry and security; and - Coordination of transportation to move people and their belongings. More than 300 additional City staff have been redeployed from other divisions and trained to work safely and effectively in shelters. Despite this herculean effort, our shelter systems saw over 600 positive cases of COVID-19 and four deaths, and the number and size of encampments grew across the entire City. The crisis of people living in unsuitable conditions continues to grow as homelessness overwhelms the region and existing municipal resources. While the exact number of people living in encampments in Toronto is unknown, some estimates have put the number at over 2,000. Even if the City of Toronto was able to re-house people in encampments at 100 people a week, it will still be months before people are moved into suitable living environments. In the meantime, people are living in abhorrent conditions, without access to running water, sanitation facilities. They are experiencing a spike in overdose deaths, violence, and fires. The encampments continue to reflect an increase in concerns about the safety and well-being of both the people living outdoors and the local community. We should all share these concerns, and urge the City, the Provincial and the Federal Governments to come together to take collective action to rapidly house the homeless. Issues contributing to homelessness, mental health and addictions are all within the legislative jurisdiction of the Provincial and Federal Governments. Without the active participation from the other orders of government, Toronto will be unable to meet the demand for affordable and supportive housing, an overdose epidemic, mental health and public safety issues. Without financial and other tangible support from the Provincial and Federal Governments, the crisis in Toronto is going to get much worse. The City of Toronto is heading into an even larger disaster with a multi-billion deficit looming overhead at the end of this year, of which $200 million is for unexpected COVID-19 spending to address the homelessness crisis. Further to this, the community centres and schools that were used for temporary space in our shelter system will be taken back for regular programming soon, the hotel rentals will expire shortly along with the contracts of interim housing - all without a substantive plan or funding to address the where people living in those sites will go afterwards. In 2019, the Federal Government brought into law that Canada recognizes housing as a fundamental human right. In the midst of this global pandemic, it is time that they honour that declaration, and support the cities who are on the front line of this humanitarian crisis.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council call upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to immediately establish an intergovernmental table to create emergency responses to the housing and homelessness crisis in Toronto exacerbated by the global health pandemic. 2. City Council call upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to immediately take action to provide the funding and policy/program tools required to augment services for homeless individuals and seek the support of community partners, including the Canadian Red Cross, in managing the harm inflicted by the housing and homelessness crisis, including supply of adequate water and sanitation supports at encampment sites until adequate new indoor accommodations are secured.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded byCouncillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council call upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to immediately establish an intergovernmental table to create emergency responses to the housing and homelessness crisis in Toronto exacerbated by the global health pandemic. 2. City Council call upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to immediately take action to provide the funding and policy/program tools required to augment services for homeless individuals and seek the support of community partners, including the Canadian Red Cross, in managing the harm inflicted by the housing and homelessness crisis, including supply of adequate water and sanitation supports at encampment sites until adequate new indoor accommodations are secured.
MM22.18amended
Our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic depends on access to affordable child care. Parents can only return to their jobs if they are able to find a child care spot for their children. This is especially true for women, who are more likely to be excluded from the workforce if they cannot access child care. The Ontario Government has introduced rules for the safe re-opening of child care facilities, and provided a plan to temporarily stabilize operators' finances. As a result, child care centres are estimated to begin re-opening at about 30 to 40 percent capacity. This means that there will be 60 to 70 percent less available spaces than before the pandemic, when access to child care in Toronto was already nearing crisis levels. The Province hasn't provided a plan for how they will find 60 to 70 percent more child care spaces, and ensure funding for these operators, just to get child care levels back to where they were last year. Moreover, many families have long struggled with accessing affordable child care in our City, facing multi-year waitlists and other barriers. Even a return to the status quo will continue to exclude many. Child care is a sound investment: for every $1 that the Quebec government spends on child care, it gets back $5 in economic stimulus. At the same time, it is essential for addressing gender inequity and tackling the pay gap, which in Canada means that today, women still earn 87 cents for each dollar earned by a man. Providing affordable child care creates jobs, reduces inequality, and ensures that working parents are empowered to make decisions about what's best for their family. That's why all levels of government must work together to create a national framework for child care that is truly affordable and accessible to all. We cannot move forward into full recovery without a National Child Care Strategy.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Government of Ontario to develop and release publicly a comprehensive plan to ensure child care access for the 60 to 70 percent of families who will be unable to find a space due to reduced capacity of centres. 2. City Council request the Government of Ontario to continue to provide stable and ongoing provincial funding for child care centres for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will ensure that they can continue to operate at reduced capacity in line with the provincial guidelines. 3. City Council request the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to develop a National Child Care Strategy to make child care more accessible for all families, which is essential to economic recovery.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Government of Ontario to develop and release publicly a comprehensive plan to ensure child care access for the 60 to 70 percent of families who will be unable to find a space due to reduced capacity of centres. 2. City Council request the Government of Ontario to continue to provide stable and ongoing provincial funding for child care centres for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will ensure that they can continue to operate at reduced capacity in line with the provincial guidelines. 3. City Council request the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to develop a National Child Care Strategy to make child care more accessible and affordable for low- and moderate-income families, which is essential to economic recovery.
MM22.19amended
Under the leadership of the Mayor, the Medical Officer of Health and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, the City of Toronto urged Landlords and Owners of multi-tenanted buildings to adopt new health and safety measures and a rigorous cleaning routine to reduce the risk of residents from COVID-19. Unfortunately, several months later, those that were applauding the City's initiative to protect tenants from COVID-19 are now reporting that very little has been done to implement these critical guidelines. In a recent poll, the Federation of Metro Toronto Tenants' Associations found that 55 percent of Landlords had provided any new cleaning practices to address COVID-19. Moreover, in response to COVID-19 concerns in their community, residents of Crescent Town engaged in a building clean-up and posted signage throughout the complex last week encouraging residents to practice social distancing and hygiene. The Landlord took down the signs within a few days. It has become clear that Landlords are not voluntarily complying with the guidelines established by the City to protect tenants. This is particularly concerning in light of recent data released by Toronto Public Health showing that the majority of new "sporadic" or community cases are occurring in low-income neighbourhoods with a significant percentage of racialized people that must work outside of the home in congregate settings. These areas tend to be dominated by high rise apartments. Social distancing is difficult in vertical communities. That's why it's critical that rigorous hygiene and cleaning regimens are in place. That's why this Motion seeks to make the guidelines for health and safety in apartment buildings mandatory to protect tenants.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings, to require an owner or operator of an apartment building to do the following, until October, 2020: a. provide Hand Hygiene Stations or Alcohol-based hand sanitizer in all essential common area rooms that remain open such as laundry areas; b. close non-essential common areas such as gyms and playrooms, and other high traffic areas, to be consistent with provincial restrictions and that these common areas remain closed until provincial restrictions are lifted to permit gyms and indoor playrooms to be re-opened; c. as part of the cleaning plan required under Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings include a schedule for cleaning of frequently touched surfaces in common areas, including doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, toilet handles, counters, hand rails, touch screen surfaces and keypads, with common household cleaners and disinfectants twice daily, and when visibly dirty, and comply with the schedule starting July 15, 2020; and d. post Toronto Public Health signage, as recommended by the Medical Officer of Health.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council temporarily amend the RentSafe By-law to require landlords to: a. provide Alcohol-based hand sanitizer in all essential common areas that remain open such as laundry areas; b. close non-essential common areas such as gyms and playrooms, and other high traffic areas to be consistent with provincial restrictions and that these common areas remain closed until provincial restrictions are lifted to permit gyms and indoor playrooms to be re-opened; c. routinely clean frequently touched surfaces in common areas, including doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, toilet handles, counters, hand rails, touch screen surfaces and keypads, with common household cleaners and disinfectants; d. ensure that the building is properly organized to accept deliveries of essential goods like medications and food for residents to avoid non-essential trips outside and facilitate quarantines; e. post Toronto Public Health signage: "what is physical distancing"; "physical distancing on elevators"; and "shared laundry areas" in relevant common areas.; and f. when showing units or suites for sale/lease, keep a safe distance of 2 metres (6 1⁄2 feet) from the resident, wash hands with soap and water, and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before and after the visit.
MM22.20adopted
The Provincial Government needs to provide support for tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to lost income because of the COVID-19 crisis. Renters and Landlords in Ontario are in need of assistance to ensure that they are not in financial ruin when the crisis is over. It is unacceptable that renters have been completely left out of provincial support plans in Ontario. Even with Federal Government income assistance, far too many tenants are being forced to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. The average rent for a new 1-bedroom is now $2,250, more than the $2,000 monthly Canada Emergency Response Benefit payment from the federal government. While eviction orders are frozen during the course of the pandemic, far too many renters have had their housing threatened during this pandemic as Landlords are still allowed to proceed with eviction notices (N4s). The Province's formal advice for tenants to "speak to your landlord about whether rent can be postponed or if other payment arrangements can be agreed to" has not proven effective. To make matters worse, the Province has moved forward with Bill 184 which, if passed, will make it easier for Landlords to evict tenants once the Landlord and Tenant Board resumes operation. To support tenants and provide surety to Landlords, this Motion requests the Premier to provide a clear strategy that includes: • Rent forgiveness for vulnerable tenants: Offset payments for Landlords to forgive rent for tenants who now qualify for federal income supports. Deferrals could lead to mass evictions and financial ruin when the COVID-19 crisis is over. • Ban COVID-19 Evictions and Eviction notices: No one should lose their housing due to job loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, while eviction orders have been suspended, landlords are still allowed to file eviction notices and are "entitled to collect compensation from a tenant for each day an eviction order is not enforced," according to the Province. If allowed to continue, this measure will leave a threat of eviction over the heads of tenants; exacerbating a public health and financial crisis. • No Rent Increases: Many Landlords are still issuing Guideline and even Above the Guideline Rent Increases (AGIs). There should be a pause on these increases during the course of the pandemic. Many renters have done their part by staying home - the Province must now do their part to support tenants.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Government of Ontario to provide offset payments to Landlords to forgive rent for tenants that have qualified for federal income supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Government of Ontario to provide offset payments to Landlords to forgive rent for tenants that have qualified for federal income supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MM22.21adopted
Construction is a critical industry in Toronto. It creates jobs, with many corollary benefits that are part of a strong economy. Without exaggeration, now more than ever it is critical to make sure our construction industry can thrive as we begin the post-COVID-19 recovery period. For the duration of the COVID-19 shutdown no new Committee of Adjustment applications were accepted or approved. Committee of Adjustment meetings resumed on June 3, 2020, but at a reduced capacity. There are currently 1,250 active Committee of Adjustment applications, which can only be expected to increase now that property owners and developers can submit applications again. Typically, each Committee of Adjustment panel reviews an average of 40 applications per hearing, meeting twice per month. Currently this capacity is reduced to 20 applications, with plans to bring it up to 30, as the system for virtual hearings is refined. With current capacity, and facing a deluge of applications that couldn't be submitted from March through to the start of June, we are facing a growing backlog. According to the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), Toronto will lose 10,000 jobs per year due to reduced construction activity and intensity in the multi-family sector. BILD reports that financial implications in construction from the impact of COVID-19 include a loss or delay beyond 2021 of approximately $850 million in government revenues, including $52.5 million in lost municipal Land Transfer Tax revenues. There are three major causes of the building slowdown: COVID-19 related disruptions to the supply chain, worksite slowdowns relating to COVID-19 safety protocols, and the suspension of planning and building applications by municipalities. The City can support the resumption of the construction industry, and all of the economic benefits it brings to Toronto by finding ways to increase our capacity for processing and approving applications. The review of Planning Applications at the City is done on a full cost recovery basis. Therefore, with no increase in expenses we can scale up all operations that support the application process, from preliminary consultations to the Committee of Adjustment approval. This is a high-impact, practical measure to support Toronto's economy as we enter the Recovery and Rebuild period.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to consult with staff and Committee of Adjustment chairs immediately on a plan to clear the application backlog by the end of 2020; the plan, including financial impacts, should also identify steps in the application review process where backlogs occur, and identify measures to resolve them. 2. To support the clearing of the application backlog by the end of 2020, City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to City Council, through the Planning and Housing Committee in September 2020, on increasing the capacity of the Committee of Adjustment by: a. increasing the staff complement for processing and/or reviewing applications; and b. appointing additional Committee of Adjustment members in order to create either additional panels or expand existing panels, enabling them to meet more frequently. 3. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to identify and expedite the implementation of action items from the "End-to-End Review of the Development Review Process" that will have immediate and near-term impact in improving capacity for processing Committee of Adjustment applications. 4. City Council direct that Committee of Adjustment Chairs be invited to speak to the Planning and Housing Committee when the Chief Planner and Executive Director's report is before the Committee.
Staff recommendation as filed
Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to consult with staff and Committee of Adjustment chairs immediately on a plan to clear the application backlog by the end of the end of 2020; the plan, including financial impacts, should also identify steps in the application review process where backlogs occur, and identify measures to resolve them. 2. To support the clearing of the application backlog by the end of 2020, City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to City Council, through the Planning and Housing Committee in September 2020, on increasing the capacity of the Committee of Adjustment by: a. increasing the staff complement for processing and/or reviewing applications; and b. appointing additional Committee of Adjustment members in order to create either additional panels or expand existing panels, enabling them to meet more frequently. 3. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to identify and expedite the implementation of action items from the "End-to-End Review of the Development Review Process" that will have immediate and near-term impact in improving capacity for processing Committee of Adjustment applications. 4. City Council direct that Committee of Adjustment Chairs be invited to speak to the Planning and Housing Committee when the Chief Planner and Executive Director's report is before the Committee.
MM22.22adopted
This Motion requests that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning report on what new Planning strategies and frameworks that should be incorporated into our Planning processes so the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic are considered in all future Planning for the City of Toronto. The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on the City of Toronto and its residents from employment, transportation, housing, public health, and life style. With the new realities in place including an 85 percent drop in Toronto Transit Commission ridership, as a result of people working from home and fear of contacting the virus on crowded buses, subway cars and platforms, plus the new physical distancing rules now required by Toronto Public Health, it is crucial that the City's Planning process addresses these.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee in the first quarter of 2021 on what new planning strategies and frameworks should be incorporated into the City's planning processes so the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are considered in all future planning for the City of Toronto.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee in the first quarter of 2021 on what new planning strategies and frameworks should be incorporated into the City's planning processes so the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are considered in all future planning for the City of Toronto.
MM22.23adopted
I am asking that the York Beltline Trail be connected from Marlee Avenue to Allen Road creating a continuous York Beltline Trail connection from West to East of the Allen. The York Beltline is one of the significant cycling and walking trails in the City of Toronto. At 9 kilometres in length, it currently extends from west of Allen Road all the way to Mount Pleasant Road. In consideration of the local community and other residents having expressed great interest in having the York Beltline expanded from West of Allen Road to Marlee Avenue, creating a continuous connection for pedestrians and cyclists alike. I therefore ask that City Staff report back on feasibility of a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Allen Road.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider the feasibility and potential timing of a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Allen Road to connect the York Beltline Park and Kay Gardner Beltline Park between Elm Ridge Drive and Aldburn Road so as to form a continuous 9 kilometres long park and to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the fourth quarter of 2021, as part of a planned report on the implementation progress and next near-term implementation plan of the Cycling Network Plan.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider the feasibility and potential timing of a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Allen Road to connect the York Beltline Park and Kay Gardner Beltline Park between Elm Ridge Drive and Aldburn Road so as to form a continuous 9 kilometres long park and to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the fourth quarter of 2021, as part of a planned report on the implementation progress and next near-term implementation plan of the Cycling Network Plan.
MM22.24adopted
This Motion will give the City Solicitor authority with appropriate City staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to support and defend the Committee of Adjustment's decision approving a minor variance sought in an application by Shelter, Support and Housing Administration respecting 233 Carlton Street (Application A1274/19TEY). Shelter, Support and Housing Administration sought a variance to Zoning By-law 569-2013 in order to permit the increase of the permitted floor space index of an existing three-storey building being converted to be used as a 24-hour drop-in centre providing supportive and social services. Community Planning had no concerns with the proposed variance. On February 26, 2020, the Toronto and East York District Panel of the Committee of Adjustment granted the variance. On March 13, 2020, the Appellant appealed the Decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. The Appeal, which will be considered by the Toronto Local Appeal Body, seeks to have the requested variance overturned. At this time, the Toronto Local Appeal Body has not scheduled a hearing for this matter and, given the emergency related to COVID-19, the Toronto Local Appeal Body has suspended the scheduling of matters until after May 29, 2020.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to support the application by Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and defend the decision of the Committee of Adjustment decision to approve the minor variance requested in Application A1274/19TEY regarding 233 Carlton Street. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution regarding the appeal and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to resolve the matter on behalf of the City in the City Solicitor's discretion after consulting with the Ward Councillor and with the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to support the application by Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and defend the decision of the Committee of Adjustment decision to approve the minor variance requested in Application A1274/19TEY regarding 233 Carlton Street. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution regarding the appeal and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to resolve the matter on behalf of the City in the City Solicitor's discretion after consulting with the Ward Councillor and with the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.
MM22.25adopted
At its meeting of July 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 30, 2018, City Council adopted Item EY32.9, which approved the amendment of former City of York Zoning By-law 1-83 for the lands at 10 Wilby Crescent to permit the development of a 22-storey apartment building by a non-profit corporation as owner. Item 2018.EY32.9 also required that the owner enter into a Section 37 Agreement securing certain community benefits and that certain pre-conditions be fulfilled before the Bills enacting the Zoning By-law Amendment can be brought to City Council for enactment. Part 3.b.ii of Item 2018,EY32.9 requires the owner to construct a cul-de-sac at Wilby Crescent, secured as a legal convenience in the Section 37 Agreement for the development. The cul-de-sac is to operate as a public road. However, a piece of the cul-de-sac land is situated to the west of the existing road allowance on part of the applicant's lands. The purpose of the Motion is to authorize the City to accept the conveyance by the applicant of certain lands comprising part of the cul-de-sac that are outside the existing road allowance. City Council's direction in Item 2018.EY32.9 only directed that the cul-de-sac is to be constructed by the applicant but it did not provide explicit authority to accept conveyance of lands from the applicant that are necessary to complete the cul-de-sac. We require direction that the applicant may convey the lands to the City. The Motion is urgent due to the need to avoid undue delay for the applicant.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend its decision on Item EY32.9, adopted on July 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 30, 2018, by adding the following Part 3.b.ii.1: 1. conveyance of lands to the City for the cul-de-sac that are not within the existing road allowance. 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 Zoning By-law Amendment for 10 Wilby Crescent.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Mark Grimes, recommends that: 1. City Council amend its decision on Item EY32.9, adopted on July 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 30, 2018, by adding the following Part 3.b.ii.1: 1. conveyance of lands to the City for the cul-de-sac that are not within the existing road allowance; 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 Zoning By-law Amendment for 10 Wilby Crescent.
MM22.26adopted
The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal rendered a decision on April 23, 2019, approving in principle the application to amend Zoning By-law 438-86 and Zoning By-law 569-2013 to permit the development of a 19-storey mixed-use building on the development site located at 149, 151, 153, 155 and 157 Bathurst Street, currently occupied by three rental dwelling units, following City Council's adoption of the applicant's settlement offer on July 23, 2018 (Item 2018.E34.29). The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal withheld its final order of approval until confirmation that certain conditions requested by Council are met. One of the conditions of final approval requested by Council is that the owner submit a detailed construction management plan to the satisfaction of the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, and thereafter implement the plan during the course of construction. Since the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal's decision, the Development Site has been acquired by Allied Properties REIT, an adjacent property owner. The new owner is seeking to finalize the approval. At this time, however, the new owner does not intend to proceed with the construction of the approved 19-storey mixed-use building. Rather, it wishes to consolidate the Development Site with its adjacent holdings and submit a new application for the larger site. In light of the above, this Motion proposes to expedite the issuance of the final order of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal by requiring the new owner, as a condition of the issuance of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal's final order, to submit an interim construction management plan addressing only the demolition of the existing residential buildings on the Development Site. This Motion also proposes that, in the event the construction of the 19-storey mixed-use building proceeds as approved, a detailed construction management plan be secured at a later stage, through the Site Plan Approval process.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend Item TE34.29 by: a. deleting Part 3.c. Part to be deleted: 3.c. the owner has submitted a construction management plan to the satisfaction of the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, and thereafter shall implement the plan during the course of construction; the Construction Management Plan will include, but not be limited to, the size and location of construction staging areas, location and function of gates, information on concrete pouring, lighting details to ensure that safety lighting does not negatively impact adjacent residences, construction vehicle parking and queuing locations, refuse storage, site security, site supervisor contact information, a communication strategy with the surrounding community, vibration monitoring for the integrity of neighbouring buildings, and any other matters requested by the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor. and adopting instead the following: 3.c. the owner has submitted an Interim Construction Management Plan addressing the proposed demolition of the existing residential buildings at 149 - 157 Bathurst Street to the satisfaction of the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor. The Interim Construction Management Plan will include, but not be limited to, the location of site fencing, vehicle access, signage and flag person staging; and b. adopting the following new Part 10: 10. City Council direct the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to ensure that the applicant has submitted a Construction Management Plan to the satisfaction of the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, through the Site Plan Approval process, and thereafter has implemented the plan during the course of construction; the Construction Management Plan will include, but not be limited to, the size and location of construction staging areas, location and function of gates, information on concrete pouring, lighting details to ensure that safety lighting does not negatively impact adjacent residences, construction vehicle parking and queuing locations, refuse storage, site security, site supervisor contact information, a communication strategy with the surrounding community, vibration monitoring for the integrity of neighbouring buildings, and any other matters requested by the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council amend Item TE34.29 by: a. deleting Part 3.c. Part to be deleted: 3.c. the owner has submitted a construction management plan to the satisfaction of the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, and thereafter shall implement the plan during the course of construction; the Construction Management Plan will include, but not be limited to, the size and location of construction staging areas, location and function of gates, information on concrete pouring, lighting details to ensure that safety lighting does not negatively impact adjacent residences, construction vehicle parking and queuing locations, refuse storage, site security, site supervisor contact information, a communication strategy with the surrounding community, vibration monitoring for the integrity of neighbouring buildings, and any other matters requested by the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor. and adopting instead the following: 3.c. the owner has submitted an Interim Construction Management Plan addressing the proposed demolition of the existing residential buildings at 149 - 157 Bathurst Street to the satisfaction of the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor. The Interim Construction Management Plan will include, but not be limited to, the location of site fencing, vehicle access, signage and flag person staging; and b. adopting the following new Part 10: 10. City Council direct the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, to ensure that the applicant has submitted a Construction Management Plan to the satisfaction of the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, through the Site Plan Approval process, and thereafter has implemented the plan during the course of construction; the Construction Management Plan will include, but not be limited to, the size and location of construction staging areas, location and function of gates, information on concrete pouring, lighting details to ensure that safety lighting does not negatively impact adjacent residences, construction vehicle parking and queuing locations, refuse storage, site security, site supervisor contact information, a communication strategy with the surrounding community, vibration monitoring for the integrity of neighbouring buildings, and any other matters requested by the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
MM22.27adopted
At its meeting of July 16, 2019, City Council adopted Item TE7.21, 440, 444, 450 and 462 Front Street West; 425, 439, 441 and 443 Wellington Street West; 6 - 18 Spadina Avenue and 1 and 19 Draper Street - Part Lot Control Exemption Application - Final Report, regarding the part lot control application made for The Well development to facilitate the sale of the different components of the development. Following the enactment of the bills for the Part Lot Control By-law, the applicant would be required to obtain the prior written consent of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, or designate, to transfer or charge any part of the lands subject to the Part Lot Control By-law. The subject lands must be within a registered plan of subdivision prior to the enactment of the Part Lot Control By-law. Since City Council's adoption of the item and its recommendations, the applicant has been working to satisfy conditions outlined in the Notice of Draft Plan of Subdivision for the site. There remain two outstanding conditions regarding the final design of street lighting to the satisfaction of Toronto Hydro. Nonetheless, by letter from Toronto Hydro to the applicant, dated January 27, 2020 Toronto Hydro has confirmed it does not object to the release of the final plan of subdivision for registration because the applicant has been actively working to provide an acceptable street lighting design. Toronto Hydro also notified the applicant, in the same letter, that it has not waived satisfaction of the requirements in the two outstanding conditions and the applicant is still responsible for satisfying Toronto Hydro in these matters. The final design of the street lighting has not been approved by Toronto Hydro. As a result, City Planning is requesting that City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, or designate, to use their discretion to withhold granting prior written consent to transfer or change any part of the subject lands if, in the opinion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the applicant has not made sufficient progress in satisfying Toronto Hydro at the time the applicant makes a request for the prior written consent of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to transfer or charge any part of the lands subject to the Part Lot Control By-law. No changes are being proposed to the development proposal itself.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, or designate, to withhold granting prior written consent to transfer or change any part of the subject lands at 440, 444, 450 and 462 Front Street West; 425, 439, 441 and 443 Wellington Street West; 6 - 18 Spadina Avenue and 1 and 19 Draper Street if, in the opinion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the applicant has not made sufficient progress in satisfying Toronto Hydro in respect of the matters outlined in Toronto Hydro's letter to the applicant, dated January 27, 2020, at the time the applicant makes a request for prior written consent from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to transfer or charge any part of the lands subject to the Part Lot Control By-law.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, or designate, to withhold granting prior written consent to transfer or change any part of the subject lands at 440, 444, 450 and 462 Front Street West; 425, 439, 441 and 443 Wellington Street West; 6 - 18 Spadina Avenue and 1 and 19 Draper Street if, in the opinion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the applicant has not made sufficient progress in satisfying Toronto Hydro in respect of the matters outlined in Toronto Hydro's letter to the applicant, dated January 27, 2020, at the time the applicant makes a request for prior written consent from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to transfer or charge any part of the lands subject to the Part Lot Control By-law.
MM22.28adopted
The owner of lands municipally known as 470, 490 and 530 Wilson Avenue in the City of Toronto (the "Subject Site") settled an appeal with the City of the owner's Zoning By-law Amendment application in July 2018 in respect of a proposal to redevelop the Subject Site (see Council Agenda Item 2018.CC44.35). As part of that settlement, the Owner will be dedicating an approximately 973 square metre on-site parkland dedication at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Faywood Boulevard, to satisfy parkland dedication requirements. During below-grade construction of the development, tiebacks will be inserted into the lands that will be conveyed to the City as parkland. The tiebacks will be de-stressed prior to conveyance of the parkland to the City but will remain physically on the lands. There is currently no Council Authority to direct the staff to accept the conveyance of the parkland encumbered by the de-stressed tiebacks. This authority is recommended by way of this Motion. This Motion is urgent because the owner is proceeding with construction and requires resolution of its parkland dedication requirements to enable the timely issuance of building permits and dedication of the parkland.
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council approve the acceptance of on-site parkland dedication set out in the settlement of the Zoning Amendment Application for 470, 490 and 530 Wilson Avenue subject to the owner transferring the parkland to the City free and clear, above and below grade, of all easements, encumbrances, and encroachments; the owner may propose the exception of encumbrances of tiebacks and such other encumbrances, if any, where such encumbrances are deemed acceptable by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor, and such encumbrances would be subject to the payment of compensation to the City, in an amount as determined by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Director, Real Estate Services.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council approve the acceptance of on-site parkland dedication set out in the settlement of the Zoning Amendment Application for 470, 490 and 530 Wilson Avenue subject to the owner transferring the parkland to the City free and clear, above and below grade, of all easements, encumbrances, and encroachments; the owner may propose the exception of encumbrances of tiebacks and such other encumbrances, if any, where such encumbrances are deemed acceptable by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor, and such encumbrances would be subject to the payment of compensation to the City, in an amount as determined by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Director, Real Estate Services.