Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 44 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 44 of 44Show 2550100all
MM25.14adopted
The City has regulations in place for fireworks sales and discharge, under Chapter 466, Fireworks. Fireworks vendors are required to obtain a fireworks vendor's permit, issued by Municipal Licensing and Standards. Family fireworks are regulated through permits, conditions, and inspections, and are enforced by Toronto Fire Services. Without a permit, discharge of fireworks is only permitted on "designated holidays" (Victoria and Canada day), however, we are receiving more reports of people purchasing and discharging fireworks throughout the year. This is particularly problematic in waterfront parks with their abundance of wildlife, aquatic habitats, and in some areas with a dense residential population. Many municipalities have taken steps toward stricter regulations around fireworks including additional regulation around environmental protection. For example, the sale and the use of fireworks will no longer be permitted in Vancouver as of November 1, 2020. There are currently at least two active fireworks petitions in Toronto. This Motion seeks a review of Chapter 466, including but not limited to a jurisdictional scan, opportunities for increased education, potential for enhanced regulations in ecologically sensitive areas, and restrictions on fireworks sales both in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, in advance of the 2021 warm weather seasons.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, in consultation with relevant City divisions, to report to the General Government and Licensing Committee on the outcome of a review of Chapter 466, Fireworks, including a jurisdictional scan and consideration of increased education, enhanced environmental protections, and other regulation on fireworks sales and discharge.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mark Grimes, seconded by Councillor Gary Crawford, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, in consultation with relevant City divisions, to report to the General Government and Licensing Committee on the outcome of a review of Chapter 466, Fireworks, including a jurisdictional scan and consideration of increased education, enhanced environmental protections, and other regulation on fireworks sales and discharge.
MM25.15not adopted
Our Country's 19th century constitution, which constrains municipalities as merely "creatures of the province", was enacted when Canada was largely an agrarian society. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that Toronto, and other large cities in Canada, needs a new framework to thrive, and in many facets merely function, in a 21st century context. Most recently, the Province of Ontario has again meddled in municipal elections by banning Ranked Ballots in an omnibus Bill under the guise of protecting residents from COVID. Viewed in conjunction with cutting Council in the middle of an election, deemed a serious enough breach of local democracy to be reviewed by the Supreme Court, granting autonomy to choose how local residents elect their local officials is necessary to ensure that each level of government remains focussed on their respective purviews during this period of crisis. Of greater concern is the Province of Ontario's lag in granting Toronto's Medical Officer of Health's recommendation to place a temporary ban on indoor customers in restaurants, bars, and gyms. Experience from other jurisdictions has demonstrated that, given COVID-19 spreads exponentially, a seven day delay could end up leading to a significant increase in the number of local residents that will contract the virus and our sectors of our economy remaining closed longer than was necessary. Toronto must be granted control of public health to protect our residents during this pandemic. Toronto is also facing a fiscal crisis. Relying almost entirely on property taxes and unpredictable tools like the land transfer tax has left Toronto in a precarious situation for the past decade. These concerns have grown more acute during the pandemic with the City Manager recently providing a report stating that we are facing a $1.5 billion shortfall this year due to the pandemic. While the primary support to fill that gap must come from senior levels of government, the City needs new tools now to address our financial shortfall. Wresting control of land use planning and construction is also a top priority for Torontonians as well. The current Provincial Government has unilaterally vetoed years of staking ill-considered changes to the Planning Act at the expense of local communities. To make matters worse, the province also usurped control of the City's noise by-law by changing the City of Toronto Act to allow major construction projects from early in the morning until 10:00 p.m. during the height of the pandemic's first wave while people were being asked to stay home. Forced amalgamation and the denial of road tolls are just two previous examples of Queen's Park making decisions without proper consideration for local residents. While Provincial overreaches into the City of Toronto's affairs are certainly not new, the current Provincial Government has demonstrated a particularly reckless disregard for the rights and well-being of Torontonians. This Motion requests the Government of Canada to grant a charter to the City of Toronto that provides autonomy to make its own decisions in matters regarding local public health, municipal elections, financial matters, and land use planning and construction.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, did not adopt Motion MM25.15.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor John Filion, recommends that: 1. Council request the Government of Canada to provide a mechanism for the City of Toronto and other municipal governments to establish a City Charter that provides authority over specific municipal issues including, but not limited to, the following: a. local public health; b. municipal elections and governance; c. financial matters; and d. land use planning and construction matters.
MM25.16adopted
The "Towards Recovery and Building a Renewed Toronto" report identifies in Recommendations 31 and 32 the need to explore opportunities to intensify existing city owned lands, including for affordable housing and existing cultural centres. These are important recommendations that in many cases can be acted upon quickly to meet community needs. As a result, I would ask that City Council endorse this Motion so that we can start to act on these key recommendations.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Interim Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to identify a suite of City-owned properties in Scarborough, including the property known as 5183 Sheppard Avenue East, which is currently zoned under the Open Space category, and to report back to City Council by the first quarter of 2021 on the suitability and feasibility of these sites for development intensification, including affordable housing and renewed or expanded space for parks, cultural uses and community uses.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Cynthia Lai, seconded by Mayor John Tory, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Interim Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to identify a suite of City-owned properties in Scarborough, including the property known as 5183 Sheppard Avenue East, which is currently zoned under the Open Space category, and to report back to City Council by the first quarter of 2021 on the suitability and feasibility of these sites for development intensification, including affordable housing and renewed or expanded space for parks, cultural uses and community uses.
MM25.17adopted
The Underground Railroad soul food restaurant opened at 406 Bloor Street East in 1969, and later moved to 225 King Street East in April 1973. It was one of the City's first major restaurants to serve southern comfort food and it became a hot spot for Toronto's increasingly visible Black culture and visiting dignitaries and celebrities. The business was a joint venture between football players John Henry Jackson and Dave Mann (both American players for the Toronto Argonauts) and Torontonians Howard Matthews (whose wife was Broadway star and jazz and blues singer Salome Bey), and celebrated jazz drummer Archie Alleyne. The menu was a mix of soul food and Cajun, Creole, and West Indian dishes, such as fish gumbo, cornbread, southern fried chicken, hushpuppies, candied yams, and collard greens. The Underground Railroad was a major success and was popular with Torontonians, tourists, and celebrities alike: Harry Belafonte, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Isaac Hayes, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Robert Plant, Peter O'Toole, Lee Majors, O.J. Simpson, Magic Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Bishop Desmond Tutu all ate there, and many had their photos framed on the wall. At Christmas, the owners would serve turkey dinners to those who needed it and supported Black youth and Caribana during its early years. The Underground Railroad was forced to close in August 1988 and briefly re-opened on Church Street before shutting down permanently in August 1990. 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. As the original location at 406 Bloor Street is in Councillor Layton's Ward, a similar Motion recognizing that location is included in a separate Motion on the agenda.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $7,500.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 65-77 King Street East and 46 Colborne Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701019), for the production and installation of a heritage plaque at 225 King Street East (Cost Centre HG0001).
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $7,500.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 65-77 King Street East and 46 Colborne Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701019), for the production and installation of a heritage plaque at 225 King Street East (Cost Centre HG0001).
MM25.18adopted
Small businesses make up the vast majority of Toronto's economy and create hundreds of thousands of jobs across our City. The restaurant industry plays a crucial role in this context not only for our economic makeup, but also for the livelihoods of residents, families and communities. The restaurant industry has been amongst the most severely impacted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly due to substantially decreased diner and takeout volumes. Over the past week alone, overall diner volumes in Toronto were down almost 90 percent compared to the same time last year. A recent study also estimated that layoffs in the restaurant industry alone will be in the tens of thousands across our City. These statistics show the dire reality that restaurants across Toronto are facing. Throughout the pandemic, the restaurant industry has worked closely with us to curb the spread of COVID-19. Now, we must work to help support them. Restaurants Canada estimates that without the necessary supports, up to 40 percent of independent restaurants might not make it beyond March 2021. These impacts are felt the worst amongst our small owner/operators, as commissions are usually highest for them. By contrast, many of the larger restaurant chains leverage for a break on commission with food delivery services, a luxury that many "mom-and-pop" shops do not have. Over the past few months, we have heard from many small restaurant owners that are under tremendous pressure from the high commission fees being charged by the major food delivery service apps. Over the last few weeks, Premier Ford has created a $300 million fund that would help support our restaurant industry and has been calling on food service delivery companies to make changes that would support our small and independently owned restaurants during this difficult time. Mayor Tory has also repeatedly called on food delivery service companies to do their part. The Mayor and the City of Toronto have even partnered with Ritual and DoorDash to create a more affordable food delivery service option. While these are great steps in the right direction, we need the delivery industry to follow suit and make the necessary changes. Some major cities in North America have implemented temporary caps on the fees charged by food delivery service apps as an option to assist the restaurant industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Los Angeles temporarily capped the fees charged by delivery app companies to no more than 15 percent of the cost of the order, while San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Washington D.C. and Jersey City have passed similar orders. The City of Toronto does not have the municipal authority to regulate food delivery services companies or cap the fees that they charge. Therefore, I am recommending the City of Toronto to call on the Province of Ontario for further action to support our small businesses in the restaurant industry by placing a temporary cap on the commissions taken by food service delivery apps. This Motion is urgent as small/independently owned restaurants continue to face substantial financial hardships each and every day, and we as a government must be adaptive to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to implement a temporary cap on commissions for food service delivery companies.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Michael Ford, seconded by Mayor John Tory, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to implement a temporary cap on commissions for food service delivery companies.
MM25.19adopted
On December 16, 2019, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario posted notice that certain Development Charges Act, 1997 changes would come into effect on January 1, 2020. These changes included the requirement that development charges for rental housing development be paid in installments and collected in six equal annual payments over five years, starting from the date of occupancy. Permit Number 19-29298 BLD 00 BA for a rental housing proposal at 1906-1930 Weston Road was reviewed in accordance with the Development Charges Act. This permit application is for interior alterations resulting in the creation of thirteen (13) new rental dwelling units to the existing mixed use building containing retail/commercial uses and residential apartments. In accordance with the section 26.1 of the Development Charges Act, a development charge in the amount of $417,806.00 for the creation of the thirteen (13) rental dwelling units were deferred and will be required to be paid in instalments at first occupancy. The applicant for this project has requested to pay development charges earlier, on or before November 16, 2020, rather than having to pay in installments over six years starting from the date of occupancy. This Motion seeks Council authority to enter into a Development Charges Early Payment Agreement pursuant to Section 27 of the Development Charges Act for the rental housing portion of the proposal.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, or designate, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to enter into a Development Charges Early Payment Agreement pursuant to Section 27 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, to provide for the early payment of development charges respecting the rental portion of the development at 1906-1930 Weston Road to be calculated based on the date of issuance of the first building permit, being October 9, 2020, and payable and collected on or before November 16, 2020; the agreement to be in a form satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the City Solicitor, to include any provisions in the agreement, as deemed appropriate, to protect the City's financial interests related to this project. 3. City Council direct and authorize the appropriate City staff to take the necessary action to give effect to City Council's decision.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, or designate, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to enter into a Development Charges Early Payment Agreement pursuant to Section 27 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, to provide for the early payment of development charges respecting the rental portion of the development at 1906-1930 Weston Road to be calculated based on the date of issuance of the first building permit, being October 9, 2020, and payable and collected on or before November 16, 2020; the agreement to be in a form satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the City Solicitor, to include any provisions in the agreement, as deemed appropriate, to protect the City's financial interests related to this project. 3. City Council direct and authorize the appropriate City staff to take the necessary action to give effect to City Council's decision.
MM25.20adopted
An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence at the premises at 2228 Bloor Street West to operate under Village Juicery. The application is for an indoor area only. This Motion requests that City Council advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that this application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest unless certain conditions, addressing the concerns of the community, are attached to the licence. This establishment is located in close proximity to residential units. There are concerns that an establishment with a liquor licence can cause noise and disturbance to residents in the area. If conditions are put in place, these concerns may be mitigated. Under no circumstance should the establishment be granted a liquor sales licence without conditions attached. This matter is considered urgent as the deadline for objections is November 3, 2020.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Village Juicery, 2228 Bloor Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents unless conditions are placed on the licence and that the Registrar should issue a Proposal to Review the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary actions so as to give effect to this Motion, including adding conditions to any liquor licence issued for the Premises.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gord Perks, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Village Juicery, 2228 Bloor Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents unless conditions are placed on the licence and that the Registrar should issue a Proposal to Review the liquor licence application; 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary actions so as to give effect to this Motion, including adding conditions to any liquor licence issued for the Premises.
MM25.21adopted
Incredible economic hardships have been suffered by the small businesses along Eglinton Avenue, where 140 stores have closed due to the construction obstruction caused by the Provincial Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown LRT. The construction equipment which includes trailers, dump trucks, heavy equipment and cranes blocks access to stores and is taking away local on street parking. This has gone on for eight years and will probably continue for another two or three more years. It is urgent that the City does whatever it can to help keep the doors of these small businesses open.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Toronto Parking Authority to look at the feasibility of providing and expanding the Green P Parking Application Program to include a Free Parking Voucher for shoppers and residents who do not have access to the Green P Parking application.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Toronto Parking Authority to look at the feasibility of providing and expanding the Green P Parking Application Program to include a Free Parking Voucher for shoppers and residents who do not have access to the Green P Parking application.
MM25.22adopted
This Motion seeks authority to extend the construction funding agreement for James Canning Gardens. Under the Section 37 Agreement for 587 to 599 Yonge Street, 2 to 4 Dundonald Street, 7 to 9 Gloucester Street, the Developer, The Clover on Yonge Inc., was required to design and construct park improvements to James Canning Gardens. The proposed park improvements were tendered by the Developer and the value exceeded the Developer's Section 37 requirement and additional funds in the amount of $381,000 were required for the park to be completed as designed. At the July 23, 2018 City Council meeting, Council adopted MM44.87 to allow the City to enter into a construction funding agreement (the "Agreement") with the Developer. In addition, the 2018 Parks, Forestry and Recreation Capital Budget was amended to add $381,000, with cash flow in 2019, fully funded by the following sources: $233,011.58 from the Section 37 for 17 Dundonald Street (source account: XR3026-3700746) and $147,988.42 from the Section 37 for 40 Wellesley Street East (source account: 3700720). The park reconstruction began in late 2018, continuing throughout 2019. The contractor had originally planned to remobilize in Spring, 2020. However, before the work could be completed, the Developer ran into financial difficulties. On March 27, 2020, a receiver-manager was appointed over all of the assets, undertakings and properties of several companies, including the Developer (the "Debtor Companies"). On April 7, 2020, the City Clerk was served with a Statement of Claim against the Developer and others that was brought by the contractor doing the park improvements on James Canning Gardens (the "Lien Action"). The Lien Action indicated that the contractor had not been paid for construction work already completed on the park. As the owner of the parklands, the lawsuit included the City as a defendant and the contractor registered a lien on title to the parklands. On June 22, 2020, proceedings began under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act to restructure the Debtor Companies in an effort, among other things, to preserve the viability of various development projects. As a result of the restructuring, which is still ongoing, the contractor has recently resolved its claim against the Developer, the Lien Action has been discontinued, and the lien has been removed from title. However, due to delays related to the insolvency, the park was unable to be completed before the Agreement expired on August 31, 2020. The contractor has now remobilized in the park as of late September 2020. The extension of the Agreement is required so that park construction can be completed. This Motion is urgent as additional funds are required in order for the Developer to pay the contractor so that there is not a work stoppage.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to extend the funding Agreement with The Clover on Yonge Incorporated to August 31, 2021 or such later date as may be approved by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, on terms satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to extend the funding Agreement with The Clover on Yonge Incorporated to August 31, 2021 or such later date as may be approved by the General Manager, on terms satisfactory to the General Manager and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
MM25.23adopted
Over 40 reported shooting incidents in the Lawrence Heights Community have occurred over the last year, including the tragic shooting death of Shane Shannon Stanford who was murdered in a drive by shooting on October 7, 2020. This, despite the tireless efforts of the residents of Lawrence Heights Community and the various agencies working in the Lawrence Heights like the Unison Community Health Centre, Pathways for Education program, Toronto Community Housing Corporation Security and residents groups and despite the successful completion of the residents continue to face non-stop shootings in their community which endangers lives of the residents on the daily basis. Despite the creation of the New Neighbourhood Policing Program launched this year, the community continues to face non-stop threats to its safety and security from non-stop drive-by shooting. Given this ongoing escalation of violence that threatens the Lawrence Heights Community these recommendations are being made to Toronto City Council.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council support the creation of a Lawrence Heights Community Safety and Security Task Force to deal with this immediate safety issues, escalation of violence, and shootings in Lawrence Heights. 2. City Council direct that the Task Force should include the following, but not be limited to: City of Toronto's Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, the Mayor or his representative, Toronto Police Services, Toronto Community Housing and Tenant Representatives, the Toronto District School Board Superintendent and Principals from John Polanyi Secondary School, Lawrence Heights Middle School and Flemington Elementary School, Toronto Community Services including Social Development Finance and Administration's Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit, the local City Councillor, Lawrence Allen Centre Rio Can, the Lawrence Heights Revitalization Development partner and representatives of the Lawrence Heights Community including the Lawrence Heights Inter-Organization Network (LHION), the Lawrence Heights Community Safety Network, the Lawrence Heights Parent's Association and change makers.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor Mark Grimes, recommends that: 1. City Council support the creation of a Lawrence Heights Community Safety and Security Task Force to deal with this immediate safety issues, escalation of violence, and shootings in Lawrence Heights. 2. The Task Force should include the following, but not be limited to: City of Toronto's Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, the Mayor or his representative, Toronto Police Services, Toronto Community Housing and Tenant Representatives, the Toronto District School Board Superintendent and Principals from John Polanyi Secondary School, Lawrence Heights Middle School and Flemington Elementary School, Toronto Community Services including Social Development Finance and Administration's Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit, the local City Councillor, Lawrence Allen Centre Rio Can, the Lawrence Heights Revitalization Development partner and representatives of the Lawrence Heights Community including the Lawrence Heights Inter-Organization Network (LHION), the Lawrence Heights Community Safety Network, the Lawrence Heights Parent's Association and change makers.
MM25.24adopted
With traffic patterns changing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our local streets and highways have seen a significant increase in unsafe street racing. These activities have been reported across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with various action campaigns to address the issue. In Toronto, these activities continue unabated and present significant traffic safety risks as well as excessive noise at all hours of the night. This Motion requests the City Manager convene an action table with relevant stakeholders from across the region to develop a more coordinated approach for meaningfully addressing this illegal activity. This Motion is urgent as it relates to health and safety on local streets and highways.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to convene an action table with appropriate stakeholders to address the significant increase in street racing on local streets and highways from a safety, noise, and traffic perspective.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Shelley Carroll, seconded by Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to convene an action table with appropriate stakeholders to address the significant increase in street racing on local streets and highways from a safety, noise, and traffic perspective.
MM25.25adopted
The lands municipally known as 103 Overbrook Place are being developed as a proposed 20 suite addition to the existing retirement residence located on the municipal lands described as 147-151 Elder Street. The residence is known as 147 Elder Street and currently operates as a 50 suite retirement home catered to seniors afflicted with Dementia and other cognitive impairments (147 Elder Street). 147 Elder Street has a 20 year track record of delivering best-in-class care to seniors suffering from dementia and has an offering that is unique to the Toronto area. Due to the large demand from seniors afflicted with Dementia, the residence has long had a waitlist that we are unable to satisfy at our current size. The completion of the 20 suite expansion will allow us to offer our services to help serve this waitlist and the many more who will need this type of service in the years to come. The pandemic has further exacerbated the need for this type of service as it takes pressure off hospitals and long-term care homes by providing a residential setting where residents are safe and cared for. The project has satisfied zoning approvals and has received notice of approval conditions from city planning staff with all major pre-approval conditions either satisfied or expected to be satisfied within short order. The project received notice of development charges in September 2020 and entered into a development charge deferral agreement. Given the small size of the project, and inevitable delays and cost pressures from the pandemic, it is critical for the project to pay the development charges prior to the November 1, 2020 increase.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council permit the execution of an amending development charge agreement between the City of Toronto and Sage 147 Elder Realco, the owner of 103 Overbook Place, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, to allow all of the development charges for the 103 Overbrook Place Building Permit (File 20 186427 BLD 00 BA), to be paid within the 14 days subsequent to the issuance of an above grade building permit with the rate that the development charge is to be calculated with the rate in place on the day that the above grade building permit is issued.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that: 1. City Council permit t he execution of an amending development charge agreement between the City of Toronto and Sage 147 Elder Realco, the owner of 103 Overbook Place, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, to allow all of the development charges for the 103 Overbrook Place Building Permit File 20 186427 BLD 00 BA), to be paid within the 14 days subsequent to the issuance of an above grade building permit with the rate that the development charge is to be calculated is the rate in place on the day that the above grade building permit is issued.
MM25.26adopted
Restaurants and Insurance - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy
Big challenges continue for the hospitality sector as many insurance premiums are being hiked and policies cancelled while these establishments are simply trying to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Longstanding establishments which have operated for years without a single claim are now being asked to pay exorbitant fees for their insurance. Policies have not been renewed because of concerns about patrons contracting COVID-19. Some insurance premiums have been raised to such a degree it makes it impossible for these struggling small businesses to afford insurance. Despite the closures in Stage 1 and the most recent operating restrictions, restaurants and the hospitality industry have paid their insurance premiums with no rebates, deferrals or adjustments. Business insurance is considered a prerequisite of a commercial lease. For the restaurant and hospitality industry to continue even limited operations restricted to take out and delivery commercial insurance is required to stay in business. For the restaurant and hospitality industry to survive, immediate Provincial assistance is needed to ensure the insurance industry supports its long standing partners who, with no action to curtail premiums, are now facing business failure. The is an urgent situation as there is a small window for the Province to act on these critical insurance matters before more main street businesses and suppliers can no longer survive. Many Toronto restaurants are being forced to close due to the insurances issues noted above and it is imperative that the Provincial Government act immediately.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to immediately put forward legislation which would stop insurance companies from terminating existing policies to restaurant owners and the hospitality sector. 2. City Council request the Province of Ontario to immediately put forward legislation that pauses the rate of increase on existing commercial insurance policies for restaurant owners and the hospitality sector until the pandemic is over.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to immediately put forward legislation which would stop insurance companies from terminating existing policies to restaurant owners and the hospitality sector. 2. City Council request the Province of Ontario to immediately put forward legislation that pauses the rate of increase on existing commercial insurance policies for restaurant owners and the hospitality sector until the pandemic is over.
MM25.27adopted
On October 15, 2020, the North York Panel of the Committee of Adjustment (the "Committee") approved and modified a Minor Variance application brought by the owners of 57 Florence Avenue (Application A0364/20NY). The modified variances approved by the Committee are for maximum permitted building height. A copy of the Committee's decision is attached. The Application proposes to construct a new dwelling on the lot. On October 22, 2020, the owner appealed the Committee's decision to modify the Application, to the Toronto Local Appeal Body.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate City Staff to attend at the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing to support the Committee's decision and oppose the owner's appeal respecting Application A0364/20NY for 57 Florence Avenue. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to negotiate a settlement of the appeal of the decision in Application A0364/20NY respecting 57 Florence Avenue and, if a resolution is reached, authorize the City Solicitor to settle the matter on behalf of the City at the City Solicitor's discretion after consultation with the Ward Councillor, and with the Director of Community Planning, North York District.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor John Filion, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate City Staff to attend at the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing to support the Committee's decision and oppose the owner's appeal respecting Application A0364/20NY for 57 Florence Avenue. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to negotiate a settlement of the appeal of the decision in Application A0364/20NY respecting 57 Florence Avenue and, if a resolution is reached, authorize the City Solicitor to settle the matter on behalf of the City at the City Solicitor's discretion after consultation with the Ward Councillor, and with the Director of Community Planning, North York District.
MM25.28adopted
At its meeting of July 28 and 29, 2020, Toronto City Council adopted Item TE16.2, approving draft Zoning By-laws Amendments to Zoning by-laws 569-2013 and 438-86 for 625 Runnymede Road, 274 St. John's Road and 40 Fisken Avenue, to permit a five story long term care addition to the existing four storey Runnymede Health Care Centre. It has come to City Planning's attention that there is a minor error in the Zoning By-laws. As such, Zoning By-laws 642-2020 and 643-2020 should be amended. This is an urgent matter since the by-law was enacted many months ago and further delay may cause hardship to the applicant.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend Zoning By-laws 642-2020 and 643-2020 for the lands at 625 Runnymede Road, 274 St. John's Road, and 40 Fisken Avenue in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendments attached as Attachments 1 and 2 respectively to the report (October 27, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendments as may be required. 3. City Council determine that the changes contained within the revised By-laws are minor, technical in nature, and reflective of the original proposal and plans considered by City Council, and, pursuant to subsection 34(17) of the Planning Act, no further public notice is required in respect of the proposed amendment to the Zoning By-laws.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gord Perks, seconded by Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the following recommendations in the report (October 27, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning: 1. City Council amend Zoning By-laws 642-2020 and 643-2020 for the lands at 625 Runnymede Road, 274 St. John's Road, and 40 Fisken Avenue in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendments attached as Attachments 1 and 2 respectively to the report (October 27, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendments as may be required. 3. City Council determine that the changes contained within the revised By-laws are minor, technical in nature, and reflective of the original proposal and plans considered by City Council, and, pursuant to subsection 34(17) of the Planning Act, no further public notice is required in respect of the proposed amendment to the Zoning By-laws.
MM25.29amended
The City of Toronto entered into a lease agreement and opened a shelter at the Holiday Inn located at 30 Norfinch Drive on May 17, 2020.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to report through the Economic and Community Development Committee to the December 16 and 17, 2020 City Council meeting on the process that was used to establish the shelter at 30 Norfinch Drive.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Anthony Perruzza, seconded by Councillor Frances Nunziata, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to report to the November 25, 2020 City Council meeting on the process that was used to establish the shelter at 30 Norfinch Drive.
MM25.30adopted
Late Friday, October 23, 2020, we learned that the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, issued three Minister's Zoning Orders affecting three sites in the West Don Lands. These Minister's Zoning Orders were issued without notification to our offices or formally to City Planning staff and were discovered by chance by a member of City Planning. The Province did not provide information about their implementation to either our offices nor to City staff prior to them becoming in-force. The Province's unilateral decision to permit significant intensification on the properties, including one site that has not even been the subject of a formal application, sidesteps municipal governance, public consultation and the right to appeal options. Even though the Province has aggressive legislative powers to cut City Council in half during an ongoing election or reverse electoral reforms by banning the ranked ballot system, it does not mean they should do it. Especially not without communicating with the City first and even providing us the courtesy of announcing their intention with explanation. Until the Ford Government, Minister's Zoning Orders were rarely used as exhibited by former governments including other Conservative ones. When such reaching powers were used, it was only in extraordinary circumstances. The West Don Lands has long been planned for growth, utilizing public land to create a new complete community with thousands of new affordable housing units, transit and new parkland and public realm. The area, adjacent to the Don River, is home to significant brownfield assets that are being unlocked as new flood protection and remediation efforts are completed. Over the past 15 years since Waterfront Toronto began planning this new community in collaboration with the City, it has always represented a good faith effort from all levels of government to engage with residents and each other to master plan this community. On Thursday, October 22, 2020, three provincial sites received Minister's Zoning Orders from the Province, under the titles O. Reg. 594/20, O. Reg. 595/20 and O. Reg. 596/20: O. Reg. 596/20 for Blocks 3, 4 and 7 (373 Front Street East and 90 Mill Street): a zoning by-law amendment application to permit two 9 to 13-storey buildings and one 11-storey building with 870 residential units, 261 of which are affordable, and a 465 square metre community space. A final report on this application was to be before City Council this meeting. The Minister's Zoning Order is similar to the recommended approval that was before the City. O. Reg. 594/20 for Block 20 (125R Mill Street): Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment application to facilitate a 45-storey and 32-storey mixed-use towers atop a 6-storey podium, with 661 residential dwelling units, 198 of which are affordable. An application was submitted on June 2, 2020, with review under way by City staff and a public consultation had been scheduled for November 2, 2020. The Minister's Zoning Order has added additional density, approximately 3,400 m2 of additional gross floor area, to the site than what has been submitted by the developer. O. Reg. 595/20 for Blocks 17 and 26 (approximately 153 to 185 Eastern Avenue). The site of the Dominion Foundry Complex, and per Waterfront Toronto's West Don Lands Block Plan and Design Guidelines, the largest concentration of heritage buildings to be preserved within the Precinct. No application has even been submitted to the City on this site. The Minister's Zoning Order permits up to three buildings, with one up to 141 metres in height and with a maximum residential gross floor area of 74,810.45 square metres for the entire site. A unit count is not provided, but likely represents hundreds of new units. Whether any units would be affordable is unknown. Minister's Zoning Orders are a tool that the Province can invoke to either quickly provide permissions to allow development to proceed or in some cases freeze development permissions. As a result, the Order will take the place of municipal zoning. The City and the Province have collaborated recently to use them to respond to crises that require immediate attention, such as the Modular Housing Initiative as part of the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan. Through the use of an Minister's Zoning Order, new housing units were able to come online in an expedited fashion. In those instances, the City brought the request forward to the Province after review by City Staff and after engaging with stakeholders. This was not a unilateral decision; due diligence was performed by both the City and the Province prior to the Minister's Zoning Order being enacted. Much of the West Don Lands is provincially-owned land, including the three sites in question, and there is little doubt that these Minister's Zoning Orders may permit some new affordable housing units to be brought online in a more expedient manner. However, the timing of all three Minister's Zoning Orders is extremely problematic. For Blocks 3, 4 and 7 (373 Front Street East and 90 Mill Street), the application, which had received significant public consultation, was about five days away from receiving City approval. From speaking with the applicant, this Minister's Zoning Order was issued to pre-emptively prevent a potential third-party appeal from neighbouring residents. If there was a concern about a third-party appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal slowing down this development, the Province could have waited to see first how City Council dealt with the application prior to enacting the Minister's Zoning Order and/or to wait to see if an appeal is received. For Block 20 (125R Mill Street), an application for the site was under review. City staff have not finalized their review and have not provided comments to the applicant, and no consultation with the community had occurred as yet. Issues that staff had identified to be resolved in their preliminary report include, but are not limited to, the appropriateness of two towers in this location, built-form concerns, the need for additional community uses and rail safety mitigation measures. Most critically for Blocks 17 and 26 (153 to 185 Eastern Avenue), there is a significant amount of intensification that has been approved for the site with no technical studies to determine the impacts on this site or the surrounding community, including potential impacts on significant on-site heritage resources due to the presence of the Dominion Foundry Complex. There was no recent conversation with the City about the potential of this site, nor with the community. Any future discussion about this site is now hampered due to the approvals in the Minister's Zoning Order. For Block 20 and Blocks 17 and 26 particularly, the City is now in a position where having not had the chance to properly review and consult with the public on either site, there is a significant chance that these Minister's Zoning Orders create an undesirable condition and planning precedents that we are now forced to live with. This is not collaboration, due diligence or good planning. These Minister's Zoning Orders go beyond the potential built form impacts however. Both of the applications at Blocks 3, 4 and 7 and Block 20 were to create section 37 benefits for the local community, and any future applications at Blocks 17 and 26 would almost certainly have been subject to a similar review of community benefits. The issuing of the Minister's Zoning Orders from the Province has now brought into doubt the City's ability to collect these and future community benefits. Unless an alternative means of securing community benefits is provided, the Province has downloaded this cost for future benefits such as streetscape and park improvements that may have been secured with these developments onto the backs of all taxpayers. It should be noted that we are not alone in bringing forth the concern of using Minister's Zoning Orders to fast track development. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has been frequently issuing Minister's Zoning Orders since the last provincial election on a scale and frequency that is historically unprecedented. Through Bill 197, the government has further enhanced the ability of the Minister of Municipal Affairs to utilize Minister's Zoning Orders. Both the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Ontario Farmland Trust have raised concerns about Minister's Zoning Orders putting farmland at risk. Environmental Defence, an environmental advocacy group, has raised concerns about Minister's Zoning Orders that will allow new development on wetlands. This is not about usurping good outcomes. It's about ensuring that Minister's Zoning Orders go through a process that is transparent and ensures the City and its residents are consulted and that outcomes are mutually agreed upon by both the City and the Province. If the Province is considering using a Minister's Zoning Order, it should be to reach an expected outcome similar to what City Council would have adopted. To achieve this, creating a framework with the Province is necessary. This Motion is urgent as left unresolved, the Province may choose to issue further Minister's Zoning Orders for other sites in Toronto without the proper collaboration with the City.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council express its displeasure with the actions taken by the Province through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with regards to the issuing of O. Reg. 594/20, O. Reg. 595/20 and O. Reg. 596/20 without consultation with local residents, City Planning or with City Council, and send a copy of this Motion to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to the Planning and Housing Committee in the first quarter of 2021 with recommendations on a potential framework for the use of the Minister's Zoning Orders in the City of Toronto, with terms that set forth key considerations and principles which the Province should apply when determining the appropriate use of the Minister's Zoning Orders in the City of Toronto to reach an expected outcome, including, but not limited to: a. the ability to collaborate with City staff and officials in advance of the issuing of these Orders when possible, including public consultation where feasible; b. the ability to be consistent with and/or in conformity with Provincial policies and legislation, including the Provincial Policy Statement, The Growth Plan and the Ontario Heritage Act where feasible; c. continuing to ensure that Site Plan matters remain with the City; d. continuing to balance local planning policy, including the Official Plan and technical considerations in order to support complete communities and good planning; e. the ability to provide the City with the opportunity to provide input into the procurement process; and f. ensuring that there is a mechanism for ensuring revenue neutrality and the collection of appropriate community benefits in the event that section 37 or community benefit charges become inapplicable due to a Minister's Zoning Order. 3. City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to confirm an alternative process for the City to collect or be compensated for existing negotiated and future community benefits that may have been impacted due to O. Reg. 594/20, O. Reg. 595/20 and O. Reg. 596/20.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council express its displeasure with the actions taken by the Province through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with regards to the issuing of O. Reg. 594/20, O. Reg. 595/20 and O. Reg. 596/20 without consultation with local residents, City Planning or with City Council, and send a copy of this Motion to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to the Planning and Housing Committee in the first quarter of 2021 with recommendations on a potential framework for the use of the Minister's Zoning Orders in the City of Toronto, with terms that set forth key considerations and principles which the Province should apply when determining the appropriate use of the Minister's Zoning Orders in the City of Toronto to reach an expected outcome, including, but not limited to: a. the ability to collaborate with City staff and officials in advance of the issuing of these Orders when possible, including public consultation where feasible; b. the ability to be consistent with and/or in conformity with Provincial policies and legislation, including the Provincial Policy Statement, The Growth Plan and the Ontario Heritage Act where feasible; c. continuing to ensure that Site Plan matters remain with the City; d. continuing to balance local planning policy, including the Official Plan and technical considerations in order to support complete communities and good planning; e. the ability to provide the City with the opportunity to provide input into the procurement process; and f. ensuring that there is a mechanism for ensuring revenue neutrality and the collection of appropriate community benefits in the event that section 37 or community benefit charges become inapplicable due to a Minister's Zoning Order. 3. City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to confirm an alternative process for the City to collect or be compensated for existing negotiated and future community benefits that may have been impacted due to O. Reg. 594/20, O. Reg. 595/20 and O. Reg. 596/20.
MM25.31adopted
Gun violence continues to devastate families and impact communities across Toronto. Just this weekend, a 21 year old member of the east end community was violently shot and killed in an LCBO parking lot. We have seen 195 shooting-related deaths in 2020 so far. The Federal government took important steps in May 2020 to ban some 1,500 models of assault weapons through Orders in Council. This action should be congratulated and has received the support of anti-gun violence advocates across Toronto. In the October 2020 Speech from the Throne, the government indicated its intentions to continue their work to tackle gun violence. Community groups such as Danforth Families for Safe Communities in the east end as well as residents across the city in communities shaken by these crimes are calling on municipalities to do their part to ensure quick, decisive action on gun violence. This issue needs immediate attention. This Motion is urgent given the immediate and devastating impacts of gun violence for the families and communities impacted.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council thank the Federal Government on last May's Orders in Council that prohibit some 1,500 models of assault weapons in Canada. 2. City Council express its support for the Federal Government's commitment to complete and make permanent the ban on assault weapons by adopting a bill to this effect in the near future. 3. City Council request the Federal Government to continue urgently pursuing a ban on the sale of handguns in the City of Toronto and reiterate the requests for gun reform made under Item EX6.7 - City Powers to Regulate Firearms and Ammunition and Update on Related Initiatives, considered at the June 18 and 19, 2019 meeting of City Council.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Brad Bradford, seconded by Mayor John Tory, recommends that: 1. City Council thank the Federal Government on last May's Orders in Council that prohibit some 1,500 models of assault weapons in Canada. 2. City Council express its support for the Federal Government's commitment to complete and make permanent the ban on assault weapons by adopting a bill to this effect in the near future. 3. City Council request the Federal Government to continue urgently pursuing a ban on the sale of handguns in the City of Toronto and reiterate the requests for gun reform made under Item EX6.7 - City Powers to Regulate Firearms and Ammunition and Update on Related Initiatives, considered at the June 18 and 19, 2019 meeting of City Council.
MM25.32adopted
The Rapid Housing Initiative was announced by the Government of Canada on September 21, 2020. Rapid Housing Initiative will deliver $1 billion in grant funding nationally to rapidly create new affordable rental housing in response to the urgent housing needs of vulnerable and marginalized individuals. This funding will be delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Rapid Housing Initiative will cover the construction of modular housing, as well as the acquisition of land, and the conversion of existing buildings to affordable housing. On October 27, 2020, the Government of Canada announced program allocations, including $203,265,729 for the City of Toronto, subject to meeting the program criteria and timelines. The City's allocation is required to create a minimum of 417 units of new permanent affordable housing. This funding will be transferred to the City in full upon the successful execution of an agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Quick execution of the agreement is needed in order for the funding to be transferred before the end of the calendar year. In addition, City staff will need to move rapidly to develop and submit an investment plan before November 27, 2020, outlining the capital projects that will be built/secured with the Rapid Housing Initiative allocation in order to confirm the take-up of funds. Due to the tight timelines to execute the required agreements, and begin work to deliver the Rapid Housing Initiative program, staff are recommending Council's approval of the recommendations in this report. This report also recommends Council approval of approximately $59 million in pre-approved City Open Door incentives to support the creation of up to 800 affordable rental units under the program, to maximize the Rapid Housing Initiative opportunity and exceed the minimum unit requirement set out under the Rapid Housing Initiative . Staff will report back to City Council in January 2021 with a progress update and to seek any additional authorities required to acquire or develop the new affordable rental units within the federal 12-month program timeframe. The Rapid Housing Initiative program will help support the City's 24-month housing recovery plan aimed at delivering 3,000 affordable and supportive homes for vulnerable and marginalized individuals experiencing homelessness. However, as the Rapid Housing Initiative is a capital only program, ongoing provincial government operating funding (housing benefits and support services funding) will be required to create supportive housing opportunities that will help address chronic homelessness which is a key priority for all governments. Supportive housing is critical to addressing the housing and health needs of residents, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized, and helping them to exit homelessness and improve their quality of life.
City Council on October 27, 28 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, to enter into a Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and/or related agreement(s) and amendments with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of Canada or any other federal entity necessary for the receipt and expenditure of funding under the Rapid Housing Initiative on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 2. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to develop an Investment Plan (the "Investment Plan"), outlining units that can be available for occupancy within twelve (12) months, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and any related program guidelines, and authorize its submission, and any subsequent updates, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation by November 27, 2020. 3. City Council approve the receipt of the Rapid Housing Initiative program funds, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and any related agreements, directives or program guidelines. 4. City Council approve an allocation of $203,265,729 (net $0) fully funded from the Rapid Housing Initiative to the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058) to be overseen by the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and used to support the acquisition by the City of real estate interests suitable for the Rapid Housing Initiative, the purchase of modular housing, related pre-development and pre-construction costs (e.g. community engagement, planning, communications, environmental site assessments, cost consultant reports, permits, architectural or engineering reports, appraisals, legal/closing costs related to acquisition of land and buildings) and all other costs permitted under the Rapid Housing Initiative to secure and develop affordable housing, in each instance on terms satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management. 5. City Council increase the Approved 2020 Capital Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration by $203,265,729 (net $0) fully funded from the Rapid Housing Initiative to enable staff to begin project commitments, with the final cash flow adjustments between 2020 and 2021 to be requested through the third quarter variance report following completion of the Investment strategy. 6. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, as appropriate, to enter into agreements or other suitable arrangements with City divisions, agencies, the Government of Ontario and/or its agencies, community agencies, private entities and/or individuals to allocate and deliver the Rapid Housing Initiative funding in accordance with the program guidelines. 7. City Council exempt up to 800 affordable rental homes to be developed through the Rapid Housing Initiative from development charges, planning and permit fees, parkland dedication and property taxes. 8. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to approve the acquisition by the City of real estate interests suitable for the Rapid Housing Initiative, and to approve related pre-development and pre-construction costs (e.g. environmental site assessments, cost consultant reports, permits, architectural or engineering reports, appraisals, legal/closing costs related to acquisition of land and buildings), in each instance on terms satisfactory to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and provided that all related expenditures are to be funded through the capital funding that is advanced to the City under the Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement. 9. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and/or the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, to execute the agreements relating to the acquisitions referenced in Part 8 above, and any ancillary agreements and documents on behalf of the City of Toronto. 10. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to inform local Councillors in advance of any intention to purchase or develop properties using the Rapid Housing Initiative funding in advance of any address being publicly released and to work with local Councillors on communication and community engagement. 11. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to administer and manage all transactions in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, including the provision of any consents, approvals, waivers, and notices, provided that they may, at any time, refer consideration of any such matters (including their content) to City Council for consideration and direction. 12. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and/or the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and enter into any necessary non-competitive agreements, including those with a value exceeding $500,000 for which Council approval would normally be required under Chapter 195, Purchasing, for the provision of professional services needed to complete the acquisition of suitable real estate interests and to carry out any necessary pre-development and pre-construction matters for the development of affordable housing under the Rapid Housing Initiative, provided that: a. non-competitive procurement is necessary to meet the timelines of the Rapid Housing Initiative; b. the costs are eligible for and will be funded through the Rapid Housing Initiative; and c. the terms and conditions of any such agreements are acceptable to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 13. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to negotiate and enter into any necessary non-competitive retainers, including those with a value exceeding $500,000 for which Council approval would normally be required under Chapter 195, Purchasing, for the provision of legal services needed to complete the acquisition of suitable real estate interests for the development of affordable housing under the Rapid Housing Initiative, provided that: a. non-competitive procurement is necessary to meet the timelines of the Rapid Housing Initiative; b. the costs are eligible for and will be funded through the Rapid Housing Initiative; and c. the terms and conditions of any such retainers are acceptable to the City Solicitor. 14. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to work with the non-profit sector and include their eligible priority projects for consideration by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the Projects Stream. 15. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report to the Planning and Housing Committee in January 2021 on the number of properties and affordable rental units acquired through the Rapid Housing Initiative, allocation to priority groups and impact on addressing chronic homelessness in the City. 16. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to prioritize the review of sites identified as part of the Rapid Housing Initiative, including sites suitable for the construction of modular housing, land acquisitions, and the conversion of existing buildings to affordable housing, and identify ways to expedite the necessary building and planning approvals. 17. City Council authorize the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO to act as the City's agent and to submit applications required to obtain required planning approvals for sites identified under the Rapid Housing Initiative. 18. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to compensate CreateTO on a direct cost-recovery basis for provision of the following goods and services to be performed by CreateTO and its contractors, with prior approval from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat for such expenses: a. preparing the identified sites for construction, including undertaking necessary environmental studies and remediation, community consultations, planning and other consultant studies to support expedited delivery of the identified sites for modular supportive housing and creation of new housing through acquisition and conversion/restoration; and b. entering into and administering the contract or any other agreements required to be entered into with the manufacturer of modular units for the manufacture and installation of the modular units and/or with appropriate entitles to undertake conversion/restoration of properties acquired through the Rapid Housing Initiative. 19. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to issue a Request for Proposals and to select non-profit housing providers to operate the affordable and supportive housing units to be developed under Rapid Housing Initiative. 20. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and execute on behalf of the City, municipal housing facility agreements (the City's "Contribution Agreement") for up to 99 years with the non-profit housing providers selected through the competitive process referred to in Part 19 above, or a related corporation, to secure the financial assistance being provided and to set out the terms of the operation of the new affordable rental housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 21. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to negotiate and enter into any agreements with the non-profits housing providers selected, for any operating funding that may be available, including, but not limited to rent supplement or grant funding agreements, on terms and conditions agreed to by the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 22. City Council authorize severally each of the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to execute, on behalf of the City, any security or financing documents required by the non-profit housing providers, including any postponement, confirmation of status, discharge or consent documents where and when required during the term of the municipal housing facility agreement, as required by normal business practices, and provided that such documents do not give rise to financial obligations on the part of the City that have not been previously approved by City Council. 23. City Council request that the Province of Ontario provide ongoing operating funding, including funding for housing benefits and mental health and addiction services, to ensure the units created under the Rapid Housing Initiative results in new supportive housing opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized individuals, including people experiencing homelessness.
Staff recommendation as filed
Mayor John Tory, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão, recommends that City Council adopt the following recommendations in the report (October 28, 2020) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management: 1. City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, to enter into a Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and/or related agreement(s) and amendments with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of Canada or any other federal entity necessary for the receipt and expenditure of funding under the Rapid Housing Initiative on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 2. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to develop an Investment Plan (the "Investment Plan"), outlining units that can be available for occupancy within twelve (12) months, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and any related program guidelines, and authorize its submission, and any subsequent updates, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation by November 27, 2020. 3. City Council approve the receipt of the Rapid Housing Initiative program funds, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and any related agreements, directives or program guidelines. 4. City Council approve an allocation of $203,265,729 (net $0) fully funded from the Rapid Housing Initiative to the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058) to be overseen by the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and used to support the acquisition by the City of real estate interests suitable for the Rapid Housing Initiative, the purchase of modular housing, related pre-development and pre-construction costs (e.g. community engagement, planning, communications, environmental site assessments, cost consultant reports, permits, architectural or engineering reports, appraisals, legal/closing costs related to acquisition of land and buildings) and all other costs permitted under the Rapid Housing Initiative to secure and develop affordable housing, in each instance on terms satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management. 5. City Council approve an increase to the 2020 Capital Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration of $203,265,729 (net $0) fully funded from the Rapid Housing Initiative to enable staff to begin project commitments, with the final cash flow adjustments between 2020 and 2021 to be requested through the third quarter variance report following completion of the Investment strategy. 6. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, as appropriate, to enter into agreements or other suitable arrangements with City divisions, agencies, the Government of Ontario and/or its agencies, community agencies, private entities and/or individuals to allocate and deliver the Rapid Housing Initiative funding in accordance with the program guidelines. 7. City Council exempt up to 800 affordable rental homes to be developed through the Rapid Housing Initiative from development charges, planning and permit fees, parkland dedication and property taxes. 8. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to approve the acquisition by the City of real estate interests suitable for the Rapid Housing Initiative, and to approve related pre-development and pre-construction costs (e.g. environmental site assessments, cost consultant reports, permits, architectural or engineering reports, appraisals, legal/closing costs related to acquisition of land and buildings), in each instance on terms satisfactory to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and provided that all related expenditures are to be funded through the capital funding that is advanced to the City under the Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement. 9. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and/or the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, to execute the agreements relating to the acquisitions referenced in Part 8 above, and any ancillary agreements and documents on behalf of the City of Toronto. 10. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to inform local Councillors in advance of any intention to purchase or develop properties using the Rapid Housing Initiative funding in advance of any address being publicly released and to work with local Councillors on communication and community engagement. 11. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to administer and manage all transactions in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, including the provision of any consents, approvals, waivers, and notices, provided that they may, at any time, refer consideration of any such matters (including their content) to City Council for consideration and direction. 12. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and/or the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and enter into any necessary non-competitive agreements, including those with a value exceeding $500,000 for which Council approval would normally be required under Chapter 195, Purchasing, for the provision of professional services needed to complete the acquisition of suitable real estate interests and to carry out any necessary pre-development and pre-construction matters for the development of affordable housing under the Rapid Housing Initiative, provided that: a. non-competitive procurement is necessary to meet the timelines of the Rapid Housing Initiative; b. the costs are eligible for and will be funded through the Rapid Housing Initiative; and c. the terms and conditions of any such agreements are acceptable to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 13. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to negotiate and enter into any necessary non-competitive retainers, including those with a value exceeding $500,000 for which Council approval would normally be required under Chapter 195, Purchasing, for the provision of legal services needed to complete the acquisition of suitable real estate interests for the development of affordable housing under the Rapid Housing Initiative, provided that: a. non-competitive procurement is necessary to meet the timelines of the Rapid Housing Initiative; b. the costs are eligible for and will be funded through the Rapid Housing Initiative; and c. the terms and conditions of any such retainers are acceptable to the City Solicitor. 14. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to work with the non-profit sector and include their eligible priority projects for consideration by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the Projects Stream. 15. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report to the Planning and Housing Committee in January 2021 on the number of properties and affordable rental units acquired through the Rapid Housing Initiative, allocation to priority groups and impact on addressing chronic homelessness in the City. 16. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to prioritize the review of sites identified as part of the Rapid Housing Initiative, including sites suitable for the construction of modular housing, land acquisitions, and the conversion of existing buildings to affordable housing, and identify ways to expedite the necessary building and planning approvals. 17. City Council authorize the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO to act as the City's agent and to submit applications required to obtain required planning approvals for sites identified under the Rapid Housing Initiative. 18. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to compensate CreateTO on a direct cost-recovery basis for provision of the following goods and services to be performed by CreateTO and its contractors, with prior approval from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat for such expenses: a. preparing the identified sites for construction, including undertaking necessary environmental studies and remediation, community consultations, planning and other consultant studies to support expedited delivery of the identified sites for modular supportive housing and creation of new housing through acquisition and conversion/restoration; and b. entering into and administering the contract or any other agreements required to be entered into with the manufacturer of modular units for the manufacture and installation of the modular units and/or with appropriate entitles to undertake conversion/restoration of properties acquired through the Rapid Housing Initiative. 19. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to issue a Request for Proposals and to select non-profit housing providers to operate the affordable and supportive housing units to be developed under Rapid Housing Initiative. 20. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and execute on behalf of the City, municipal housing facility agreements (the City's "Contribution Agreement") for up to 99 years with the non-profit housing providers selected through the competitive process referred to in Part 19 above, or a related corporation, to secure the financial assistance being provided and to set out the terms of the operation of the new affordable rental housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 21. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to negotiate and enter into any agreements with the non-profits housing providers selected, for any operating funding that may be available, including, but not limited to rent supplement or grant funding agreements, on terms and conditions agreed to by the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 22. City Council authorize severally each of the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to execute, on behalf of the City, any security or financing documents required by the non-profit housing providers, including any postponement, confirmation of status, discharge or consent documents where and when required during the term of the municipal housing facility agreement, as required by normal business practices, and provided that such documents do not give rise to financial obligations on the part of the City that have not been previously approved by City Council. 23. City Council request that the Province of Ontario provide ongoing operating funding, including funding for housing benefits and mental health and addiction services, to ensure the units created under the Rapid Housing Initiative results in new supportive housing opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized individuals, including people experiencing homelessness.