Economic and Community Development Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 14 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.
EC12.1amended
Jane-Finch Initiative - Community Development Plan and Updated Land Use Planning Framework
This report seeks City Council direction to commence a collaborative community planning initiative and associated resident, stakeholder, and Indigenous engagement processes in the Jane-Finch area. It also requests Council support to adopt the proposed approach to the initiative outlined in this report. The Finch Avenue West corridor is anticipated to undergo significant change and development in the coming years. An 11-kilometre, 18-stop light rail transit line (LRT) is under construction along the corridor running from the TTC's Finch West Station to Humber College, with expected completion in 2023. The LRT will provide convenient and reliable rapid transit to area residents, businesses, and institutions, bringing improved connections to the City's higher-order transit network for a part of the City that has been underserved. In December 2015, City Council directed staff to undertake planning studies for focus areas along the Finch Avenue West Corridor in advance of the opening of the new transit line. The intent was to leverage the public investment in transit infrastructure for the benefit of local communities. City Council identified the Keele-Finch area as the first priority for study. City Council approved the Jane-Finch area as a subsequent priority for a future planning study. In anticipation of this transit investment and the potential for growth and change in the area, several City divisions are seeking City Council direction to collaborate on a community planning exercise in 'Neighbourhood 24 - Black Creek' and 'Neighbourhood 25 - Glenfield-Jane Heights', centred on the intersection of Jane Street and Finch Avenue West (see study area map in Attachment 1). Through an engagement process that will allow residents to help shape the planning of their community, the purpose of the Jane-Finch Initiative is to align people- and place-focused initiatives into an integrated complete-community framework for the area. The initiative would involve three integrated streams of work: 1. comprehensive engagement; 2. a community development plan, including a local economic opportunities plan; and 3. an update to the land use planning framework. The community development plan and the updated land use planning framework would work in tandem to advance social equity and economic inclusion for current and future residents, manage future growth and development, and guide investment in infrastructure and services.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in collaboration with the heads of other key divisions, including Toronto Employment and Social Services, Transportation Services, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Children's Services, to undertake an engagement process with community members, including local residents, businesses, stakeholder groups, and Indigenous communities, to identify needs, priorities, and aspirations as part of the Jane-Finch Initiative. 2. City Council approve and direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in collaboration with other City staff, to implement the inter-divisional approach to the work and deliverables for the Jane-Finch Initiative outlined in Section 3 of the "Comments" section in the report (February 25, 2020) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the heads of other involved divisions, to report with a draft Community Development Plan for the Jane-Finch area and a summary of community input received by the fourth quarter of 2021. 4. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in collaboration with Social Development, Finance and Administration, Economic Development and Culture, Toronto Employment and Social Services, Transportation Services, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Children's Services, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and Toronto Water, and in consultation with the Toronto Public Library Board, the Toronto District School Board, and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, to report with a Proposals Report recommending land use policy directions for the Jane-Finch area and a summary of community input received by the fourth quarter of 2021. 5. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to establish a Jane-Finch Community Advisory Committee that is composed of a diverse and equitable representation of residents, stakeholders, and business representatives to provide community oversight and accountability in the creation of the engagement strategy and the development of a Community Development Plan and an updated Land Use Planning Framework for the Jane-Finch Initiative.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommend that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in collaboration with the heads of other key divisions, including Toronto Employment and Social Services, Transportation Services, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Children's Services, to undertake an engagement process with community members, including local residents, businesses, stakeholder groups, and Indigenous communities, to identify needs, priorities, and aspirations as part of the Jane-Finch Initiative. 2. City Council approve and direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in collaboration with other City staff, to implement the inter-divisional approach to the work and deliverables for the Jane-Finch Initiative outlined in Section 3 of the "Comments" section in this report. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the heads of other involved divisions, to report with a draft Community Development Plan for the Jane-Finch area and a summary of community input received by the fourth quarter of 2021. 4. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in collaboration with Social Development, Finance and Administration, Economic Development and Culture, Toronto Employment and Social Services, Transportation Services, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Children's Services, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and Toronto Water, and in consultation with the Toronto Public Library Board, the Toronto District School Board, and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, to report with a Proposals Report recommending land use policy directions for the Jane-Finch area and a summary of community input received by the fourth quarter of 2021.
EC12.2adopted
City Council authority is required for the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA), to receive funding and enter into funding agreements with other levels of government for housing and homelessness programs and to spend that funding in accordance with the agreements and program guidelines. This report seeks to update the authority of the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA), under the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 169, Officials, City, Article 6, to enter into agreements with other levels of government for the purposes of receiving funding for housing and homelessness programs in Toronto; and to enter into agreements with community agencies to spend federal and provincial grant funding, in accordance with the City Council-approved SSHA Service Plan and federal and provincial program requirements and guidelines. Municipal Code Chapter 169, Article 6, currently gives the General Manager, SSHA, authority to receive and spend only Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) funding. This authority was granted in 2001 and is out-of-date, as SCPI has been replaced by Reaching Home and does not include the new provincial Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative and Home for Good programs.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council delegate authority to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in accordance with a City Council-approved Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Service Plan, to: a. submit applications to any government or agency for funding related to housing and homelessness services; b. enter into agreements with other levels of government and government agencies for the purposes of receiving funding for housing and homelessness services in Toronto; and c. enter into agreements with other entities, including City divisions, federal or provincial agencies, community organizations, private entities, or individuals, to spend federal and provincial funding in accordance with the federal and provincial program requirements and guidelines; and that the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 169, Officials, City, be amended accordingly.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration recommends that: 1. City Council delegate authority to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in accordance with a City Council-approved Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Service Plan, to: a. submit applications to any government or agency for funding related to housing and homelessness services; b. enter into agreements with other levels of government and government agencies for the purposes of receiving funding for housing and homelessness services in Toronto; and c. enter into agreements with other entities, including City divisions, federal or provincial agencies, community organizations, private entities, or individuals, to spend federal and provincial funding in accordance with the federal and provincial program requirements and guidelines; and that the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 169, Officials, City, be amended accordingly.
EC12.3adopted
The Human Services Integration (HSI) project is a cross-divisional partnership that integrates and streamlines the delivery of the City's key income-based assistance services: rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance, child care fee subsidies, and Ontario Works benefits. Program integration creates administrative efficiencies and improves service delivery for clients by consolidating multiple services into a single point of access and supporting a holistic view of client needs. The first phase of the project was the establishment of an integrated Application and Support Centre (ASC) within the HSI Office, which will process applications and provide supports to clients across the City's three income-based programs. Full implementation of this system will require the collection of personal information required for various benefit applications. City Council has delegated the City's power and authority as the designated Service Manager under the Housing Services Act, 2011 (the HSA) to the General Manager of the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) division, including the authority to collect personal information for the purposes of determining RGI eligibility. Legal Services has advised that the HSA allows City Council to delegate its powers and duties as Service Manager to City staff in more than one division. However, a delegation cannot be made without City Council's explicit approval. To further the City's objective of increasing service integration and simplifying the service experience for clients, this report recommends that City Council authorize the General Manager, SSHA, to delegate authority to City staff in other divisions to collect personal information for the purposes of determining eligibility for RGI, housing allowance benefits, or alternate forms of assistance administered by SSHA as the Service Manager.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to sub-delegate to any person or class of persons employed by the City of Toronto, the General Manager's delegated authority to exercise the Service Manager's powers and duties with respect to the collection, use, disclosure, and safeguarding of privacy of personal information and for a person's access to their personal information for the purpose of determining eligibility for rent-geared-to-income, housing allowance benefits, or alternate forms of assistance authorized under the Housing Services Act, 2011 and eligibility for housing benefits under any other housing program administered by the General Manager for, or on behalf of, the City.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to sub-delegate to any person or class of persons employed by the City of Toronto, the General Manager's delegated authority to exercise the Service Manager's powers and duties with respect to the collection, use, disclosure, and safeguarding of privacy of personal information and for a person's access to their personal information for the purpose of determining eligibility for rent-geared-to-income, housing allowance benefits, or alternate forms of assistance authorized under the Housing Services Act, 2011 and eligibility for housing benefits under any other housing program administered by the General Manager for, or on behalf of, the City.
EC12.4adopted
2019 Fourth Quarter Status Report on Audit Recommendations: Opening Doors to Stable Housing
The Auditor General's report, Opening Doors to Stable Housing: An Effective Waiting List and Reduced Vacancy Rates Will Help More People Access Housing, was adopted by City Council on July 16, 2019, along with 34 recommendations for the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) division on the administration of the waiting list for subsidized housing. As detailed in the Management Response, SSHA agrees with and is working towards achieving all of the Auditor General's recommendations. City Council requested that SSHA report quarterly to the Economic and Community Development Committee with information on improvements made to the waiting list, including the accuracy of waiting list data, the average number of offers required to fill a vacancy, and how long units stay vacant. SSHA was also requested to report quarterly with updates on progress in implementing the choice based housing access model and advancing the Auditor General's recommendations (Attachment A). This report provides the information requested for the fourth quarter of 2019.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received the report (February 24, 2020) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC12.5amended
This report provides an update on the City's support for Toronto's food and beverage sector. Over 60,000 people are employed in the food and beverage manufacturing sector in the Greater Toronto Area, and there are more than 2,000 food and beverage manufacturing companies in the Toronto CMA and over 1,000 in Toronto alone (Source: Statistics Canada). In consultation with industry partners, City staff commissioned an outside consultant, through a competitive Request for Quotations (RFQ) process, to develop a road map to support the growth of the sector over the next 10 years (see Attachment 1). Three key action items in this road map are: 1. the creation of an inter-divisional working group to strengthen the economic vitality of the sector; 2. the formation of an industry advisory group made up of food and beverage manufacturing stakeholders; and 3. the development of a sub-committee of the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance that will deal wholly with food and beverage manufacturing issues faced in the Golden Horseshoe. Over the next number of years, staff from Economic Development and Culture will be working with industry stakeholders to move these action items forward. The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, will assist with convening an inter-divisional working group to develop a coordinated approach to addressing issues facing the sector, such as odour complaints from nearby constituents, zoning applications for urban vertical farms, noise mitigation issues, and hydro- and water-related shutdowns due to maintenance repairs, among others. These are examples of priority issues shared with staff at stakeholder consultation meetings in 2019 that could be addressed through the collaborative efforts of City divisions.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Directed the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report in the third quarter of 2021 with an update on the progress of the inter-divisional working group in support of the food and beverage sector. 2. Requested the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to re-engage the Food and Consumer Products of Canada on the concept of a food and beverage manufacturing campus in Toronto that works with post-secondary institutions and report in the second quarter of 2021.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report to the Committee in the third quarter of 2021 with an update on the progress of the inter-divisional working group in support of the food and beverage sector.
EC12.6adopted
Between November 6 and 17, 2019, Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong led a mission to China. He was joined by Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson and Councillor Cynthia Lai and supported by staff from the Economic Development and Culture Division (EDC). Two companies also participated on the mission and four companies exhibited at the 2019 China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen (see Attachment 1 for a list of participating companies). The main focus of the mission was to strengthen bilateral relationships with key international markets, to promote Toronto's strengths as Canada's financial and economic capital and a hub for academia and research, and to encourage investment in multiple sectors including food processing and technology. The delegation visited the cities of Changsha, Zhuzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen. Meetings included: building relationships with local organizations, Global Affairs Canada, Trade Commissioners Services, local government officials, and various channel partners who can assist in expanding trade opportunities for Toronto-based companies. The visit also included participating in the China Hi-Tech Fair, the largest technology fair in China. This mission was aligned with and supports City Council's objective to enhance Toronto's international engagements and economic trade activity in priority markets, as stated in the International Trade Funding Report, adopted in February 2017. This report provides a high-level summary of the mission to China, with highlights of the key activities that occurred during the mission and planned follow-up from the mission.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Received the report (February 21, 2020) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC12.7adopted
Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area (BIA) Minor Expansion
The purpose of this report is to recommend a minor expansion of the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area (BIA) boundaries to include the property at 15 Charles Street East, the Anndore House hotel.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council designate the area outlined in Attachment 1 to the report (February 12, 2020) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, as the amended Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area under the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas. 2. City Council direct the Chief Information Officer to prepare designation By-law maps of the area outlined in Attachment 1 to the report (February 12, 2020) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and to submit them to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council grant the City Solicitor authority to amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas, as necessary, to reflect the expanded boundaries of the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. City Council designate the area outlined in Attachment 1 as the amended Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area under the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas. 2. City Council direct the Chief Information Officer to prepare designation By-law maps of the area outlined in Attachment 1 and to submit them to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council grant the City Solicitor authority to amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas, as necessary, to reflect the expanded boundaries of the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area.
EC12.8adopted
Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) - 2020 Operating Budgets - Report 3
This report brings forward Business Improvement Area (BIA) annual Operating Budgets for approval by City Council as required by the City of Toronto Act, 2006. City Council approval is required to permit the City to collect funds through a special tax levy on the commercial and industrial properties within the respective BIA boundaries. There are currently 83 established BIAs in the City of Toronto. The approval by City Council of the 2020 Operating Budgets for 83 BIAs takes multiple phases. City Council previously approved the 2020 Operating Budgets for 55 BIAs through Reports 1 and 2 at its meetings on December 17-18, 2019 and January 29, 2020, respectively. One BIA, Historic Queen East, is inactive. Included in this Report 3 is the 2020 Operating Budgets for 24 BIAs for City Council approval. Three BIAs remain outstanding subject to the BIAs' Board of Management and General Membership decisions. City staff will bring forward a final report at the next opportunity to conclude the approval of the 2020 Operating Budgets for the BIAs. The recommendation in this report reflects the Board-adopted 2020 Operating Budgets by the respective BIAs' Boards of Management and General Membership. Complete budgets and supporting documentation have been reviewed by City staff to ensure that the 2020 Operating Budgets for BIAs reflect Council's approved policies and practices.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council adopt and certify the 2020 recommended Operating Budgets and Levy requirements of the following Business Improvement Areas: Business Improvement Area 2020 Operating Budget ($) 2020 Levy Funds Required ($) Albion Islington Square 263,680 195,863 Baby Point Gates 95,834 71,303 Bloor Annex 311,370 296,387 Danforth Village 529,355 251,360 Eglinton Hill 50,123 28,483 Emery Village 3,808,557 2,661,313 Gerrard India Bazaar 358,500 165,923 Korea Town 173,158 77,164 MarkeTo District 131,830 106,000 Midtown Yonge 195,012 185,214 Mimico Village 43,814 31,857 Mirvish Village 120,046 68,649 Mount Dennis 66,958 32,772 Ossington Avenue 117,793 69,496 Queen Street West 500,087 306,733 Regal Heights Village 170,635 72,660 Sheppard East Village 212,110 191,517 The Eglinton Way 443,857 314,934 Upper Village 186,410 112,225 Uptown Yonge 266,070 252,097 Weston Village 260,739 143,713 Wilson Village 850,239 279,565 Wychwood Village 101,161 36,161 Yonge + St. Clair 756,175 539,415 Total 10,013,513 6,490,804
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer recommends that: 1. City Council adopt and certify the 2020 recommended Operating Budgets and Levy requirements of the following Business Improvement Areas: Business Improvement Area 2020 Operating Budget ($) 2020 Levy Funds Required ($) Albion Islington Square 263,680 195,863 Baby Point Gates 95,834 71,303 Bloor Annex 311,370 296,387 Danforth Village 529,355 251,360 Eglinton Hill 50,123 28,483 Emery Village 3,808,557 2,661,313 Gerrard India Bazaar 358,500 165,923 Korea Town 173,158 77,164 MarkeTo District 131,830 106,000 Midtown Yonge 195,012 185,214 Mimico Village 43,814 31,857 Mirvish Village 120,046 68,649 Mount Dennis 66,958 32,772 Ossington Avenue 117,793 69,496 Queen Street West 500,087 306,733 Regal Heights Village 170,635 72,660 Sheppard East Village 212,110 191,517 The Eglinton Way 443,857 314,934 Upper Village 186,410 112,225 Uptown Yonge 266,070 252,097 Weston Village 260,739 143,713 Wilson Village 850,239 279,565 Wychwood Village 101,161 36,161 Yonge + St. Clair 756,175 539,415 Total 10,013,513 6,490,804
EC12.9amended
Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal 2019 Annual Report
The City of Toronto has the authority to issue a Dangerous Dog Order under the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals. Dog owners who receive a Dangerous Dog Order, and do not agree, can appeal this designation to the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal (the Tribunal). The Tribunal is a new adjudicative board and local board of the City of Toronto under the authority of the City of Toronto Act, 2006. The Tribunal provides an independent review of Dangerous Dog Orders issued by Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) under Section 349-15.1 of the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals. The Tribunal has the authority to: a. confirm the determination of a Dangerous Dog Order; or b. rescind the determination of a Dangerous Dog Order and exempt the owner from all requirements of the Dangerous Dog Order. Tribunal hearings are conducted in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, 1990 and the Tribunal's rules of procedure. MLS issued 93 Dangerous Dog Orders in 2019. Of these, 17 Orders were appealed to the Tribunal. In accordance with its governance structure, the Tribunal must submit an annual report on its work to the appropriate standing committee. Attached to this report is the Tribunal Chair's 2019 Annual Report.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Directed the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to review the 2019 Annual Report from the Chair, Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal, and report as part of the broader review of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2020, on the feasibility of: a. implementing a reduced appeal fee for low-income households; and b. allowing the Tribunal to reassess a Dangerous Dog Order at a later date and rescind the Dangerous Dog Order designation.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive the 2019 Annual Report from the Chair, Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal, in Attachment 1 for information.
EC12.10adopted
Ontario Green Screen - Sustainability Initiatives in the Motion Picture Industry
At its meeting on February 3, 2020, the Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board considered Item FB4.2, Ontario Green Screen.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Directed the Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries, to report to the next meeting of the Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board on April 14, 2020 on current green initiatives already underway in the City of Toronto as well as the top ten park and public realm locations that could be considered for power drops.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee direct the Film Commissioner and Director, Entertainment Industries, to report to the next meeting of the Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board on April 14, 2020 on current green initiatives already underway in the City of Toronto as well as the top ten park and public realm locations that could be considered for power drops.
EC12.11adopted
At its meeting on February 11, 2020, the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee considered Item FA2.6, Draft Work Plan for the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee 2019-22.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Requested the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to invite City officials, together with representatives from l'Université de l'Ontario français, to present to the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee in 2020 on the City's role in the implementation and start-up phase of the project. 2. Requested the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to provide an overview of current partnerships with other cities and countries, including any Memorandums of Understanding currently in place, at the June 12, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee. 3. Requested the General Manager, Senior Services and Long-Term Care, to provide an overview of existing services to the French-speaking communities in Toronto at the June 12, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee, such overview to include information about the new provincial pilot program for designation under the French Language Services Act with Entité 4.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to invite City officials, together with representatives from l'Université de l'Ontario français, to present to the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee in 2020 on the City's role in the implementation and start-up phase of the project. 2. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to provide an overview of current partnerships with other cities and countries, including any Memorandums of Understanding currently in place, at the June 12, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee. 3. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Senior Services and Long-Term Care, to provide an overview of existing services to the French-speaking communities in Toronto at the June 12, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee, such overview to include information about the new provincial pilot program for designation under the French Language Services Act with Entité 4.
EC12.12adopted
City-Owned Spaces for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Music Organizations
At its meeting on February 20, 2020, the Toronto Music Advisory Committee considered Item MA3.1, City-Owned Spaces for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Music Organizations.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to develop the terms of a pilot program for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) music organizations to use City-owned spaces at lower than market value and report to the September 24, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to develop an inventory of City-owned properties suitable for tenancy by DIY (Do-It-Yourself) music organizations at lower than market value and report to the September 24, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Toronto Music Advisory Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to develop the terms of a pilot program for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) music organizations to use City-owned spaces at lower than market value and report to the Toronto Music Advisory Committee at their meeting in September 2020. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to work with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to develop an inventory of City-owned properties suitable for tenancy by DIY (Do-It-Yourself) music organizations at lower than market value and report to the Toronto Music Advisory Committee at their meeting in September 2020. 3. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with staff in Revenue Services, City Planning, Municipal Licensing and Standards, and other relevant City staff, to report to the Toronto Music Advisory Committee on May 13, 2020 with an initial exploration of possible financial mechanisms to help create opportunities for Do-It-Yourself event organizers to gain temporary, pop-up access to vacant commercial and industrial properties. 4. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to provide an update on the status of the Do-It-Yourself pilot program at the May 13, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee.
EC12.13adopted
Strategies for Assisting Live Music Venues - Update
At its meeting on February 20, 2020, the Toronto Music Advisory Committee considered Item MA3.2, Strategies for Assisting Live Music Venues.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Requested the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to provide an update on the status of the strategies for assisting live music venues at the May 13, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Toronto Music Advisory Committee recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to provide an update on the status of the strategies for assisting live music venues at the May 13, 2020 meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee.
EC12.14adopted
Earlier this year, my office was approached by The Survivors Fund, which requested that the City of Toronto join a number of corporate sponsors in supporting their upcoming gala fundraiser event through a financial commitment. As described on their website, "the gala dinner is targeting to raise over $200,000 in net dollars to be used in 2020 to provide interest-free loans to survivors of human trafficking and/or domestic violence." According to the organizers, every interest-free loan that helps a survivor to access appropriate housing saves the City of Toronto $3,000 per month over five months - or, in other words, frees up beds in our shelter system for others who need them. Supporting the survivors of human trafficking is an established goal of City Council. Most recently, in June 2019 (2019.EC5.4), City Council endorsed a number of staff recommendations to improve the ability of City programs and services to identify and assist survivors of human trafficking, prioritizing the safety, well-being, and human rights of the person being trafficked or at risk of trafficking. The City and Province also provide funding to a number of community partners to prevent human trafficking and support survivors, as outlined in the appendices of that staff report. At the time, I connected The Survivors Fund with the General Manager of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to explore opportunities for collaboration. However, it is now my understanding that there is no clear system in place at the City of Toronto for receiving, evaluating, and responding to requests for support from these kinds of community initiatives. In the absence of an established process, I am requesting that City staff undertake an immediate review of the request from The Survivors Fund with all relevant divisions and provide a formal response to that organization well in advance of their fundraising event taking place on April 25, 2020.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Requested the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, in consultation with relevant City divisions, to undertake an immediate review of the request from The Survivors Fund and to provide a formal response to the organization prior to their fundraising event on April 25, 2020.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Joe Cressy recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, to undertake an immediate review of the request from The Survivors Fund with all relevant divisions and provide a formal response to that organization well in advance of their fundraising event taking place on April 25, 2020.