Economic and Community Development Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 9 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.
EC16.1amended
Interim Shelter Recovery and Infrastructure Implementation Plan
The purpose of this staff report is to bring forward an implementation action plan for the City's COVID-19 response for homelessness services for the next 12 months, as part of critical second wave planning efforts to ensure the shelter system is positioned to respond effectively if there is a resurgence of COVID-19 this fall. The shelter recovery strategy supports the City's broader COVID-19 resurgence plan, which includes supporting vulnerable populations as one of five key priority areas for ensuring preparedness for future resurgences of COVID-19. The report also provides information on Shelter, Support and Housing Administration's 2021 Shelter Infrastructure Plan. This includes a progress update on Council's direction to add 1,000 new permanent shelter beds and updates on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on planned shelters and how current investments can be leveraged to support recommendations of the Task Force. The implementation plan is based on learning and experience from the first six months of our pandemic response within the shelter system, and the advice of the Interim Shelter Recovery Task Force convened in partnership with the United Way. During the first wave of COVID-19, system partners have been learning and working together at an accelerated rate to address urgent need. This experience has highlighted that our continued success in effectively responding to COVID-19, and protecting vulnerable individuals in our community, is dependent on the collaboration across the homelessness service sector, strong partnership with the health sector and enhanced regional collaboration. Through the experience of the past 6 months, it has become clear that the solutions to homelessness and the spread of COVID-19 are one and the same. Safe and adequate housing is the best defense against spread of the virus. It has also become clear that while COVID-19 has affected everyone, it has had a greater impact on those in our community who face greater health inequities, including people experiencing homelessness and housing instability, women experiencing domestic violence, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals. Going forward, our recovery strategy needs to consider these social determinates of health and include distinct approaches to confronting systemic barriers and discrimination that increases both the risks of homelessness and the risks to the virus.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Federal and Provincial Governments to: a. work with the City of Toronto prior to re-opening the border to develop a coordinated approach to new refugee claimant arrivals; and b. continue to provide temporary accommodation for refugee claimant arrivals at the border or place of entry until they have a permanent housing plan in place. 2. City Council reiterate its request to the Federal and Provincial Governments to develop a regional response, in advance of the border reopening, to place new refugee claimant arrivals in interim housing where there is capacity. 3. City Council request the Federal and Provincial Governments to recognize that permanent solutions to ending chronic homelessness are not possible without increased, long-term funding commitments and to provide ongoing, long-term funding for the operating funding needed to meet the City's supportive housing targets of 1,800 new supportive housing units every year for 10 years, as well as the recently-approved 24-month plan to create 1,000 new permanent modular homes, 1,000 new homes through acquisitions, renovations, and "shovel-ready" projects, and 1,000 additional new portable and flexible Canada-Ontario Housing Benefits to help households secure housing available for rent in Toronto and across the region. 4. City Council request the Provincial Government to ensure that appropriate primary health care, harm reduction, overdose prevention, and mental health services are available to support individuals who are homeless during the pandemic and beyond and to provide the resources required to implement the shelter health services framework developed in partnership with the City of Toronto in 2018 in order to provide a coordinated and consistent approach to health services across the shelter system. 5. City Council request the Provincial Government to provide ongoing and sustainable funding for the mental health case management and harm reduction supports needed to support individuals experiencing homelessness with complex needs, which the City of Toronto is providing on an interim basis at some temporary response shelter locations to meet immediate needs. 6. City Council request the Provincial Government to end the practice of discharging individuals directly from provincial health and corrections facilities into homelessness and ensure that all individuals have a housing plan in place upon release and to work with municipalities to coordinate discharge plans to address housing and community safety in advance of release. 7. City Council urge the Ontario Ministry of Health and the relevant Local Health Integration Networks to provide the necessary resources and supports for proactive, regular, and accessible mobile COVID-19 testing in shelter and respite settings. 8. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to receive funding and enter into new or amend existing agreements, subject to the approval of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration's 2021 Operating Budget, to continue to provide the City of Toronto's response for the homelessness service system as outlined in the implementation plan in Attachment 1 to the report (September 28, 2020) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration. 9. City Council approve the 2021 Shelter Infrastructure Plan in Attachment 2 to the report (September 28, 2020) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to enter into new or amend existing agreements, as required, to open and operate shelters outlined in the 2021 Shelter Infrastructure Plan. 10. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to enter into new or amend existing agreements, as required, to maintain or add required respite spaces and shelter beds and respond to urgent or unanticipated needs to relocate shelters or 24-hour respite sites and 24-hour drop-ins. 11. City Council direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to continue to deliver an enhanced outreach strategy that focusses on ensuring the safety of those in encampments, increasing opportunities for permanent housing and access to safe indoor spaces, providing essential supports, and that "Streets to Homes" continue to work with interdivisional and community partners on the City's comprehensive approach to encampments using both human rights and public health approaches grounded in evidence-based practices that promote client and community safety. 12. City Council direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to develop plans to rapidly scale up the permanent housing and shelter capacity response for the 2020-2021 winter season, if required for safe physical distancing to accommodate unanticipated demand on the shelter and housing system during the pandemic. 13. City Council direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in partnership with Corporate Real Estate Services and the Housing Secretariat, to conduct a portfolio review of the existing shelter system to identify existing shelter locations suitable for conversion to supportive housing and provide authority, subject to the approval of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration's 2021 Operating Budget, to use existing shelter operating funding for housing supports at those sites. 14. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to convert existing and planned funding through the 1,000 beds initiative to create supportive housing units and report to the Planning and Housing Committee with additional details on a plan to activate and operate affordable and supportive rental housing at these sites, including any requests for Open Door incentives to support the development of the sites. 15. City Council recognize the importance of preventing people from becoming homeless and request the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to accelerate ongoing work toward the expansion of the Toronto Rent Bank Program and the Eviction Prevention in the Community Program and bring recommendations to City Council as soon as possible.
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 receive funding and enter into new or amend existing agreements, subject to the approval of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration's 2021 Operating Budget, to continue to provide the City's response for the homelessness service system as outlined in the implementation plan in Attachment 1. 2. City Council approve the 2021 Shelter Infrastructure Plan in Attachment 2 and authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to enter into new or amend existing agreements, as required, to open and operate shelters outlined in the 2021 Shelter Infrastructure Plan. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to enter into new or amend existing agreements, as required, to maintain or add required respite spaces and shelter beds and respond to urgent or unanticipated need to relocate shelters or 24-hour respite sites and 24-hour drop-ins. 4. City Council direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in partnership with Corporate Real Estate Services and the Housing Secretariat, to conduct a portfolio review of the existing shelter system to identify existing shelter locations suitable for conversion to supportive housing and provide authority, subject to the approval of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration's 2021 Operating Budget, to use existing shelter operating funding for housing supports at those sites. 5. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to convert existing and planned funding through the 1,000 beds initiative to create supportive housing units and report to the Planning and Housing Committee with additional details on a plan to activate and operate affordable and supportive rental housing at these sites, including any requests for Open Door incentives to support the development of the sites. 6. City Council request the Provincial Government to ensure appropriate primary health care, harm reduction, overdose prevention, and mental health services are available to support individuals who are homeless during the pandemic and beyond and to provide the resources required to implement the shelter health services framework developed in partnership with the City in 2018 in order to provide a coordinated and consistent approach to health services across the shelter system. 7. City Council request the Federal and Provincial Governments to: a. work with the City prior to re-opening the border to develop a coordinated approach to new refugee claimant arrivals; and b. continue to provide temporary accommodation for refugee claimant arrivals at the border or place of entry until they have a permanent housing plan in place. 8. City Council reiterate its request to the Federal and Provincial Governments to develop a regional response, in advance of the border reopening, to place new refugee claimant arrivals in interim housing where there is capacity. 9. City Council request the Provincial Government to end the practice of discharging individuals directly from provincial health and corrections facilities into homelessness and ensure all individuals have a housing plan in place upon release and to work with municipalities to coordinate discharge plans to address housing and community safety in advance of release.
EC16.2amended
Applegrove Community Complex Operations - Update
Applegrove Community Complex is a 7,911 square feet Association of Community Centres site which has served the Greenwood-Coxwell area since 1979. Applegrove Community Complex offers community development, family and child, child and youth and adult programming within the catchment area that runs from Jones Avenue to Woodbine Avenue and from Lake Ontario to the Railway tracks north of Gerrard Street. Applegrove Community Complex currently operates out of the Duke of Connaught School at 60 Woodfield Road. Given current and anticipated development projects in the area, including the redevelopment of 1555-1557 Queen Street East and the Housing Now site at 1638 Queen Street East, there is a predicted increase in the number of students in the area, which could create pressure on the ongoing availability of space in the school. The purpose of this report is to report back on the expected impact of these pressures on Applegrove Community Complex's space and present options to ensure more secure tenure in the future. City staff recommend that a permanent site within a City-owned facility should be identified for Applegrove Community Complex.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to identify alternative suitable sites for Applegrove Community Complex both within the City's existing portfolio and within possible new redevelopment sites that are located in the Community Complex's service area currently contemplated by either Toronto Community Housing or CreateTO and to identify any other potential properties included within Applegrove's catchment area.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to identify alternative suitable sites for Applegrove Community Complex both within the City's existing portfolio and within possible new redevelopment sites that are located in the Community Complex's service area currently contemplated by either Toronto Community Housing or CreateTO.
EC16.3adopted
In June 2019, City Council directed the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to implement a points-based system to assist recipients of the Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology (IMIT) incentive in meeting the Local Employment Requirement of the program. Council further directed staff to report back on the results of the first year of this pilot program by the fourth quarter of 2020 and, based on results, consider implementing changes on a permanent basis. This report provides an update on steps taken to develop and apply the points-based system. It also explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the implementation of these employment plans by IMIT recipients and their tenants, and the ability of staff to report on process and outcomes. The report recommends that City Council extend the timeline for staff to report back on the pilot program results. By extending the trial period during which these results can be assessed, staff and Council will be in a better position to identify opportunities for further improvement.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to extend the pilot program and report on the results of the new Local Employment Requirement of the Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology (IMIT) program by the fourth quarter of 2022.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to extend the pilot program and report on the results of the new Local Employment Requirement of the Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology (IMIT) program by the fourth quarter of 2022.
EC16.4amended
Feasibility of Mitigation Efforts to Prevent Misadventures at the Scarborough Bluffs
The Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, is reporting back to the Economic and Community Development Committee on a process to review and implement potential measures concerning misadventures along the Scarborough Bluffs including cost recovery measures for rescues. Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Municipal Licensing and Standards, and Toronto Fire Services will continue to work collaboratively to develop proactive strategies to prevent these misadventures. The responsibility for promoting safety and preventing misadventures of the Scarborough Bluffs relies on the efforts of multiple City divisions working in collaboration. Current mitigation efforts include signage and fencing, public education focused on increasing awareness of safe park usage, and by-law enforcement. In the event the aforementioned measures fail to prevent misadventures, Toronto Fire Services responds. This report has identified that while possible, it is not recommended to implement fees for rescue efforts on a cost recovery basis arising from misadventures at the Scarborough Bluffs. Toronto Fire Services strongly believes that this would impact the public's view and trust in emergency services and may result in individuals hesitating to call for assistance for fear they will be subject to a fee. After the October 16, 2019 Economic and Community Development Committee meeting, staff identified and evaluated potential mitigation options to reduce misadventures. Through this review, a number of recent changes were identified that will allow for enhancements to the existing mitigation strategies.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Requested the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to provide signage and education materials in traditional Chinese language to promote safety and prevent misadventures at the Scarborough Bluffs.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC16.5amended
The purpose of this report is to request authority from City Council for the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services (TFS), to exercise the optional five (5) separate one (1) year periods with Innotex Inc., in accordance with the terms and conditions as set out in the Request for Proposal 3806-15-0012 for the provision of firefighter's Structural Bunker Suits with a potential cost over the five (5) option years of $6,874,119 net of HST recoveries. At its January 31, 2017 meeting, City Council authorized the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Innotex Inc. (Innotex), being the highest overall scoring proponent meeting the requirements of Request for Proposal (RFP) for the supply and delivery of firefighter's Structural Bunker Suits for five (5) years from the date of award to December 31, 2021, with the option to renew the contract, at the discretion of the Economic and Community Development Committee, with the consideration of including the Social Procurement Policy, if applicable, into the renewals for an additional optional five (5) separate one (1) year periods. The City's Social Procurement Policy (SPP) was in the development stage during the RFP process and consequently the RFP did not include the provisions that would eventually be outlined in the SPP. The SPP was adopted by City Council on May 3, 4, and 5, 2016 and came into effect as of January 1, 2017. The City reached out to Innotex Inc., who has, in the spirit of the SPP, committed to engage organizations or agencies in their region to develop, implement, and maintain a program to help people experiencing economic hardship. It is critical for the Division to have the option of exercising the additional five (5) separate renewal terms to ensure the existing contract is in place for the continued supply and delivery of Structural Bunker Suits. The absence of a contract is not an option as it would significantly risk the health and safety of firefighters.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, to exercise the additional optional five separate one-year renewal terms with Innotex Inc., at the discretion of the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, for the supply and delivery of firefighter's Structural Bunker Suits. 2. City Council request the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, and the Chief Procurement Officer to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee at the end of 2022 with an update on the social procurement aspects of the contract with Innotex Inc. for the provision of firefighter's Structural Bunker Suits.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that: 1. City Council authorize the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, to exercise the additional optional five separate one-year renewal terms with Innotex Inc., at the discretion of the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, for the supply and delivery of firefighter's Structural Bunker Suits.
EC16.6amended
Support for Artists and Musicians during the COVID-19 Pandemic
At its meeting on September 24, 2020, the Toronto Music Advisory Committee considered Item MA6.1, Support for Artists.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Government of Canada to ensure that adequate financial support continues to be accessible for self-employed and gig workers.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Toronto Music Advisory Committee recommends to the Economic and Community Development Committee that: 1. City Council request the Government of Canada to: a. ensure that adequate financial support continues to be accessible for self-employed and gig workers; and b. extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy at current funding levels for music-industry employers and workers. 2. City Council request the City Manager to include recommendations to support affordable housing and a universal basic income for musicians in the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild's final report. 3. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to explore developing further online resources for artists through the Toronto Music Office, Film and Entertainment Industries, and report to the next meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee. 4. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the Toronto Music Office, Film and Entertainment Industries, to consult with the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and the Medical Officer of Health to explore how the City of Toronto's COVID-19 shelter, housing, and Toronto Public Health response could align with the Toronto Music Advisory Committee's efforts to support live music venues and musicians.
EC16.7amended
Current Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Live Music Venues in Toronto
At its meeting on September 24, 2020, the Toronto Music Advisory Committee considered Item MA6.2, Current Impacts on Live Music Venues.
The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Government of Canada to develop a permanent Canadian Live Music Fund to stimulate event activity and ensure the future viability and success of Canada's live music sector and drive economic impact. 2. City Council request the Government of Ontario to: a. provide long-term financial support for live music venues and music companies working in live music; b. apply fair and more flexible reopening guidelines established for other businesses and venues to live music venues, while ensuring all necessary and rigorous health protocols are accounted for and in place; c. convene a meeting to discuss insurance concerns from live music venues; and d. institute an immediate ban on evictions for music businesses. 3. City Council make permanent the inclusion of live music venues as a category of the Creative Co-Location Facilities Tax Subclass. 4. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report to the next meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee on the feasibility of spearheading a group insurance program for live music venues with industry organizations such as the Canada Live Music Association.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Toronto Music Advisory Committee recommends to the Economic and Community Development Committee that: 1. City Council request the Government of Ontario to: a. provide long-term financial support for live music venues and music companies working in live music; b. apply fair and more flexible reopening guidelines established for other businesses and venues to live music venues, while ensuring all necessary and rigorous health protocols are accounted for and in place; c. convene a meeting to discuss insurance concerns from live music venues; d. institute an immediate ban on evictions for music businesses; and e. enforce mandatory participation in the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (OCECRA) Program for property owners. 2. City Council request the Government of Canada to: a. extend the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Program and make it more effective for live music venue tenants by: 1. making participation mandatory for property owners; and 2. allowing more flexibility in eligibility threshold for ceasing operations/70 percent decline in revenues and allowing businesses that have not already applied to do so in future for retroactive benefits. b. develop a permanent Canadian Live Music Fund to stimulate event activity and ensure the future viability and success of Canada's live music sector and drive economic impact. 3. City Council make permanent the inclusion of live music venues as a category of the Creative Co-Location Facilities Tax Subclass. 4. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report to the next meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee on the feasibility of spearheading a group insurance program for live music venues, such report to include a proposal for: a. working with industry organizations such as the Canadian Live Music Association that could implement and administer the program; and b. underwriting the policy by assuming risk and guaranteeing coverage of unpaid fees.
EC16.8adopted
Toronto's Nighttime Economy - Update
At its meeting on September 24, 2020, the Toronto Music Advisory Committee considered Item MA6.3, Toronto's Nighttime Economy.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Requested the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report to the next meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee with an overview of the process and timelines for updating the Toronto Music Strategy.
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 report to the next meeting of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee with an overview of the process and timelines for updating the Toronto Music Strategy.
EC16.9amended
Understanding the Impact of Proposed Provincial Changes to Childcare on Toronto Families
On October 2, the Ontario Government released proposed changes to child-care regulations that would allow operators to group infants and toddlers together, reduce staff-to-child ratios for some age groups, and lower qualification requirements for staff. Further, the province is holding consultations on creating a registry for unlicensed childcare providers, which is a risky proposal given the need for our children to be in safe, licensed spaces. These changes were announced quietly, on the Government's website in the middle of a pandemic. It's critical that, as the largest city in the province, we are able to consult with childcare providers, parents, and other stakeholders about the potential impacts of the changes and to have staff report back to Council in time for the City to take a position on the regulations. We know that high quality, safe, accessible child care is essential for parents to participate in the workplace; generates positive child outcomes; and is a key tenet of poverty reduction. It is important to examine the changes through these measures to understand the potential impacts on children and families in Toronto. These proposed amendments to the Child Care and Early Years Act are being brought forward as a result of a scheduled five-year review of the Act. Stakeholders, including the City of Toronto, have until November 20, 2020 to submit feedback. If changes are approved they would come into effect in 2021. The previous government proposed similar changes in 2016 but withdrew them in response to widespread opposition from parents, advocates and academics. As part of the process in 2016, City staff submitted a draft response to the Province by their deadline and then went to Committee and Council with their final recommendations based on consultation with parents and childcare providers and on analysis of the impact of the changes. In the end, City Council supported the staff recommended response that current ratios and group sizes be maintained; and that future proposals be further developed through engagement with the childcare sector and recreation sector, including after school care providers ( http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2016.CD11.4 ). We suggest that a similar thorough process is undertaken in this case.
The Economic and Community Development Committee: 1. Requested the General Manager, Children's Services, and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry, and Recreation, to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in November 2020 with a draft response for the City of Toronto to the Government of Ontario on the proposed regulatory amendments to the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, which were released by the Ministry of Education in a consultation document on October 2, 2020, including proposed changes, impacts, and consultations with child care providers, parents, and other stakeholders.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Joe Cressy and Councillor Mike Layton recommend that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee request the General Manager, Children's Services, and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry, and Recreation, to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in November or December 2020 with a draft response for the City of Toronto to the Government of Ontario on the proposed regulatory amendments to the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, which were released by the Ministry of Education in a consultation document on October 2, 2020, including proposed changes, impacts, and consultations with child care providers, parents, and other stakeholders.