Economic and Community Development Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 11 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.
EC30.1not yet heard
The City of Toronto's Toronto Significant Events Investment Program, administered by the Economic Development and Culture Division, supports major events that have the ability to make a significant contribution to the economic and cultural vitality of the city. Just for Laughs Toronto submitted an application to Toronto Significant Events Investment Program, which has been reviewed by Economic Development and Culture staff, followed by a Peer Review Panel evaluation. The application has been determined eligible per the Toronto Significant Events Investment Program program criteria , being recommended for funding in the amount of $100,000 for costs related to organizing Just for Laughs' inaugural street festival in Toronto in 2022. The anticipated benefits and funding accountability measures are outlined in this report.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee approve the allocation of $100,000 from the Toronto Significant Events Investment Program to Just for Laughs 2022, pending the execution of a funding agreement between the Economic Development and Culture Division and Just For Laughs Toronto, an incorporated not-for-profit art cultural organization, that outlines all terms and conditions for the use of said funds.
EC30.2not yet heard
Changes to the Fairbank Village Business Improvement Area Board of Management
The purpose of this report is to make changes to the Fairbank Village Business Improvement Area Board of Management, in accordance with the requirements of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas. The Fairbank Village Business Improvement Area falls within two Community Council boundaries.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture recommends that: 1. City Council, in accordance with the City's Public Appointments Policy, appoint the following nominees to the Business Improvement Area Boards of Management set out below at the pleasure of Council, and for a term expiring at the end of the term of Council or as soon thereafter as successors are appointed: Fairbank Village: Kurt Konietzny 2. City Council remove the following directors from the Business Improvement Area Boards of Management set out below: Fairbank Village: Luisa Maria Cancelli
EC30.3not yet heard
Supports for Toronto's Business Improvement Areas to Create Pollinator Habitat
This report responds to City Council direction on the establishment of supports and guidelines for Toronto's Business Improvement Areas to create pollinator habitat. The report outlines the initiatives that the City will be undertaking in order to help Business Improvement Areas in Toronto adopt the guiding principles of the Pollinator Protection Strategy.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC30.4not yet heard
Report on Outstanding Noise Directives
Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 591, Noise (the Noise Bylaw) provides standards for noise, and applies to all properties in Toronto. Chapter 591 regulates episodic types of noise, which generally relate to the day-to-day activities of residents and businesses, including temporary events and construction. It must balance the desires of all residents to enjoy their homes and environments, and in a City as large and vibrant as Toronto, certain levels of noise are reasonable and reflect life in a densely populated city. This report responds to outstanding directives from Toronto City Council since amendments to the Noise Bylaw were adopted in 2019. These directives relate to the feasibility of restricting noise from two-stroke engine leaf blowers and similar equipment and strategies to reduce excessive vehicle noise in Toronto, including automated noise radar. The report also discusses ongoing operational improvements. A full review of the Noise Bylaw is expected in 2023. The review will assess the amendments made in 2019, including the effectiveness of the current decibel limits for amplified sound, trends in complaints and resolutions, and opportunities to strengthen enforcement. This provides sufficient time for broad public consultation, and to review a consecutive number of months of complaint data. The review was delayed due to the redirection of bylaw enforcement services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the suspension of responses to noise service requests in spring and summer 2020, and limitations imposed by the province on the City's authority to regulate noise during the pandemic. For example, limit(s) on the City's authority to regulate noise were in place from March 2020 to October 2021, meaning that 19 months of noise complaint data is limited. This report sets out several recommendations related to outstanding directives. To respond to excessive vehicle noise, Municipal Licensing and Standards conducts joint enforcement blitzes with Toronto Police Traffic Services. Municipal Licensing and Standards is taking action to enhance upcoming enforcement blitzes and will focus on problem areas based on service requests and in-field data. Given public concerns with excessive vehicle noise, City staff recommend that Council requests the Government of Ontario increase the fine amounts for modified exhausts and unnecessary vehicle noise under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, and assign demerit points to the offences. In addition, staff will be educating licensed car repair facilities of relevant prohibitions under the Highway Traffic Act related to vehicle modifications that contribute to excessive vehicle noise and will report back during the 2023 Noise Bylaw Review on progress of the above actions and an assessment of options to introduce a decibel limit for stationary motor vehicles. To respond to Council's request to assess the feasibility of automated noise radar equipment, Municipal Licensing and Standards undertook research on the equipment as well as consulted with jurisdictions that are conducting pilots. Through this research, it was determined that the equipment cannot accurately discern between sources of noise and is not reliable enough to be used as evidence in enforcing the bylaw. Municipal Licensing and Standards will continue to monitor the evolution of the equipment, and will report back with any developments. In response to various Council directives, City staff from Municipal Licensing and Standards , Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Transportation Services assessed options to restrict noise from two-stroke leaf blowers and other small-engine equipment. This report addresses the issue from the perspective of noise concerns and proposes several actions to respond to feedback from the public. This report recommends further restricting the time prohibition for power device noise by one hour and initiating public education efforts on proper equipment use and encouraging uptake of electric devices. Staff do not recommend a ban on two-stroke small engine equipment from a noise perspective. Compared to other noise categories, such as amplified sound and construction, complaints from leaf blowers and other equipment remain low. Municipal Licensing and Standards will explore the feasibility of including decibel limits for power devices during the Noise Bylaw Review in 2023. This report also includes a technical amendment to the "Loading and Unloading" section of the Noise Bylaw to include new provincial limitations to the City's authority to prohibit or regulate noise made in connection with deliveries to retail stores, restaurants, hotels/motels and distribution facilities. Public feedback via email was open between March 30, 2022 and April 20, 2022 regarding small-engine equipment and concerns with excessive vehicle noise in Toronto. This report was developed in consultation with Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Transportation Services, Environment and Energy, and Toronto Police Service.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards recommends that: Technical amendment 1. City Council add a provision to section 2.4 - Loading and unloading of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 591, Noise, to reflect new provincial limits on the City's authority, as follows: B. In accordance with section 115.1 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, Subsection A does not apply to the delivery goods to the following, except as otherwise authorized by a regulation made under that section: (1) Retail business establishments. (2) Restaurants, including cafes and bars. (3) Hotels and motels. (4) Goods distribution facilities. Vehicle noise: 2. City Council request the Government of Ontario to increase fines for violations of modified exhaust and excessive vehicle noise under the Highway Traffic Act, and that a violation result in demerit points. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to inform licensed car repair facilities, through educational communications, that muffler cut-outs, straight exhausts, gutted mufflers, Hollywood mufflers, by-passes or similar devices are prohibited under the Highway Traffic Act, and that all licensed establishments must comply with federal, provincial and local regulations as a condition of licensing. 4. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report back during the Noise Bylaw Review in 2023 regarding developments on motor vehicle noise (including complaint levels and locations, results of enforcement blitzes, and other actions noted in this report) as well as an assessment of additional options to support a reduction in motor vehicle noise, including setting a decibel limit for stationary motor vehicles (excluding emergency services). 5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to continue to monitor technology developments related to automated noise enforcement / noise radar, and to report back during the Noise Bylaw Review in 2023 on any developments. Leaf blowers/small engine equipment: 6. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 591, Noise, section 2.6 - Power devices, as follows: 1. Amend sub-section A, to further restrict when power devices can be used by extending the prohibition from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays that are not statutory holidays. 2. Amend sub-section B, which exempts golf courses and public parks, to exempt all City operations (including services contracted by the City). 7. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to initiate public education efforts, for the summer of 2022, about the appropriate use of lawn equipment such as leaf blowers. 8. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report back during the Noise Bylaw Review in 2023 regarding options for setting decibel limits for power devices. Timeline for Bylaw changes 9. City Council direct that the amendments to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 591, Noise, described in recommendation 1 come into effect immediately and the amendments in recommendation 6 come into effect July 1, 2022.
EC30.5not yet heard
Updates to Chapter 349, Animals
Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals, establishes rules and regulations for responsible pet ownership, pet licensing, prohibited animals, responses to domestic animal and wildlife issues, and the provision of shelter care in Toronto. Municipal Licensing and Standards' Toronto Animal Services is responsible for administering and enforcing Chapter 349. Chapter 349 first came into effect in 1999 and has been amended several times since, including the introduction of the UrbanHensTO pilot, changes to the list of prohibited animals, and changes to Dangerous Dog regulations including the establishment of the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal. This report recommends amendments to update and modernize the By-law, to help Toronto Animal Services meet its mandate of ensuring public safety and the welfare of Toronto's wildlife and domestic animal population. Toronto is considered a progressive leader in this area and it is important to continuously improve our approach as well as assess developments and best practices in animal and wildlife management in an urban setting. The following amendments to Chapter 349, Animals, are proposed: - Prohibiting the intentional feeding of wildlife to address concerns with animal welfare and reduce instances of human-wildlife conflicts, - Limiting the number of guinea pigs and rabbits that are permitted in and about a dwelling unit to a combined maximum of four, to address animal welfare challenges that arise when a large number of these animals are kept as pets, - Limiting the number of domestic pigeons kept to thirty on any property in the city, with allowances for an increase in the numbers of pigeons to fifty during breeding season (April - October), - Increasing the length of time within which a person must remove dog excrement on their own property to "up to 24 hours" to provide a more realistic timeframe for the dog owners, - Removing the authority to impound certain cats, to help reduce cat populations in City shelters, - Clarifying that a person is not permitted to allow their pet to be at-large in the City, apart from cats and pigeons, - Improving outdoor animal shelter requirements by requiring compliance with the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, - Technical amendments to improve operational and enforcement efforts. There are also proposed amendments to Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, to amend existing fees and establish a new fee to allow Toronto Animal Services to charge fees for the impounding and protective care of domestic animals other than cats and dogs, and for prohibited animals. Municipal Licensing and Standards consulted with key stakeholders about the current state of pet ownership in the city and to understand how Torontonians interact with urban wildlife, which helped inform the recommendations of this report. Staff will develop and undertake an education campaign to ensure that the public understands the new and existing regulations around animals, guidance for reducing human-wildlife conflict, and information about pet licensing requirements. This report also provides a number of updates related to Toronto Animal Services and responds to outstanding Council directives, including an update on pet licensing, responses to directives to assess the feasibility of a permitted animal list, the feasibility of regulating dog kennels through licensing, and an update on the regulation of cosmetic surgeries for pets. This report was prepared in consultation with Legal Services, Toronto Public Health, the Indigenous Affairs Office, City Planning, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards recommends that: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals as follows: Feeding of Wildlife A. Establish the following definitions: i. FEED - Providing food to, or leaving food for consumption by, wildlife, but does not include: a. keeping compost in accordance with City by-laws; b. keeping food in a bird feeding device in compliance with this Chapter; c. providing water to a domestic animal; or d. growing fruits and vegetables in gardens. ii. BIRD FEEDING DEVICE - Any instrument, tool, appliance or thing meant or intended to hold food for birds. iii. SONGBIRD - A bird belonging to the oscine division in ornithology. iv. WILDLIFE - An animal that belongs to a species that is wild by nature, but does not include a. domestic animals; or b. a feral or stray cat. B. Add a new subsection 349-10.1 as follows: No person shall feed or attempt to feed wildlife, or permit the feeding of wildlife on their property, except: i. An officer, licensed trapper, authorized wildlife rehabilitator or employee of a licensed pest management operator or exterminator leaving food as bait to catch wildlife as part of their professional duties; ii. A person feeding wildlife as part of a research program undertaken by a university, college, government research body or wildlife research institution; iii. A person fishing in accordance with a valid provincial licence; iv. A person participating in a cultural, religious or spiritual practice outdoors, provided the person cleans all food from the outdoor location at the conclusion of the practice; or v. A person feeding songbirds as follows: a. the food intended for the songbirds is placed in a bird feeding device that is sufficiently above grade so as to not attract or be accessible to wildlife; b. the bird feeding device is located on private property, and the property owner or occupant has given permission for the installation and use of the bird feeding device; c. any food spilled from the bird feeding device is removed in a timely manner such that it does not attract other wildlife; and d.the bird feeding device is kept in sanitary condition and in good working order. Pet Rabbits and Guinea Pigs C. Add a provision that no person shall keep more than four rabbits and/or guinea pigs, or a combination of both, in and about any dwelling unit within the city. D. Add a provision that the limit on the number of rabbits and/or guinea pigs shall not apply to individual members of a rescue group who are keeping rabbits and/or guinea pigs for or on behalf of that rescue group. E. Add a provision that any person keeping more than four rabbits and/or guinea pigs as of December 1, 2022 may continue to keep those rabbits and/or guinea pigs until they have died, except where a person was lawfully keeping more than 10 rabbits and/or guinea pigs as of December 1, 2022 that person may keep no more than 10 of those rabbits or guinea pigs, or a combination of both, until they have died. Pigeons F. Amend section 349-25 by: i. Deleting the word "stray" from subsection A; and G. Amend section 349-25 by adding a provision that a person shall keep no more than 30 pigeons on any property in the city between November 1 of one year to March 31 of the subsequent year, or no more than 50 pigeons from and including April 1 to and including October 31 in any year. Outdoor Animal Shelter Standards H. Amend section 349-7 to require a person having the custody or control of an animal kept outside for any continuous period exceeding thirty minutes to ensure the animal enclosure provided in accordance with that section complies with any applicable standards under the Provincial Animal Welfare Standards Act, 2019, or its regulations. Dog Excrement I. Amend section 349-18 so that an owner of a dog shall remove excrement left by the dog on the property of the owner within 24 hours, instead of immediately as required on other properties. Seizure and Impounding of Cats; Animals at Large J. Remove section 349-20A so that the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards may no longer impound cats that are causing damage or creating a nuisance. K. Add a new section 349-6D as follows: D. No owner of an animal other than a cat or a pigeon shall cause or permit the animal to be at large in the city. Issuance of Notices, Violations and Orders L. Amend section 349-15B by substituting "may" for "shall" so that it now reads "Where the Executive Director has reason to believe that a dog has engaged in a dangerous act against a person or domestic animal, an officer may:" to allow officer discretion in dangerous dog investigations. M. Update Article X, Offences, Entry to Inspect, to clarify the ability of the City of Toronto to issue orders for compliance and take remedial action consistent with the authorities in the City of Toronto Act, 2006, and other by-laws, including clarity on the process to serve orders or other notices or documents, including service by registered mail and e-mail. 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards by adding the fees in the table below: Ref No. Service Fee Description Category Fee Basis Fee Annual Adjustment NEW Shelter and Care Impound fee for seized prohibited animal Full Cost Recovery Actual cost to house prohibited animal + Administrative Fee Actual cost to house prohibited animal + $140.00 No NEW Shelter and Care Fee charged when the pet owner surrenders other domestic animal (weighs 45kg or greater) City Policy Per Animal $59.06 Yes 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Appendix C - Schedule 12, Municipal Licensing and Standards by amending the fees in the below table: Ref No. Service Fee Description Category Fee Basis Fee Annual Adjustment 81 Pet Licence Issuance NEW Impound Fee Cat/Other Domestic Animal Market Based 1st 24 Hours or Part Thereof $30 No 82 Pet Licence Issuance NEW Impound Fee Cat/Other Domestic Animal Market Based Subsequent Per Diem $10 No 104 Shelter and Care NEW Fee charged when the pet owner surrenders other domestic animal (weighs less than 45 kg) City Policy Per Animal $35.43 Yes 112 Shelter and Care NEW Protective Care (Dog/Cat/Other Domestic Animal) City Policy 1st 24 Hours or Part Thereof $40 No 114 Shelter and Care NEW Protective Care Cat/Other Domestic Animal) City Policy Subsequent per Diem per Animal $10 No 4. City Council direct that the amendments in recommendation 1 come into force on the following dates: a. The amendments in recommendations 1 C, D, and E respecting rabbits and guinea pigs take effect December 1, 2022; b. The amendments in recommendation 1 F respecting pigeons take effect December 1, 2022; c. The amendments in recommendations 1 A and B respecting feeding wildlife take effect April 1, 2023; d. All other amendments take effect immediately. 5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to include, as part of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division's 2023 operating budget submission, additional staff resources required arising from the recommendations in this report. 6. City Council direct the City Solicitor to prepare the necessary bill(s) required to give effect to Council's decision and to make any necessary minor substantive or stylistic refinements as may be identified by the City Solicitor. 7. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back in the Third Quarter 2023 to the appropriate standing committee(s) on the following: a. A review of possible amendments to Chapter 545, Licensing, to introduce a new pet establishment business licence class to regulate all businesses for the sale of, grooming, training, daycare or the overnight boarding of animals, but not including veterinarian practices, with this review to include: i. A review of best practices that pet shops, kennels and other pet establishments must maintain to meet animal welfare standards; ii. Standards to reduce nuisance issues that may arise with neighbouring properties; and iii. Consultation with industry stakeholders, animal welfare experts, Business Improvement Areas, resident associations, pet owners, and the general public. b. A review of the Zoning By-law regulations of kennels and pet services in relation to any proposed pet establishment or kennel business license.
EC30.6not yet heard
Implementing Centralized Intake for Social Assistance in Toronto
In May 2021, Toronto Employment and Social Services reported to Council with details of Ontario's plan for Social Assistance Renewal and Employment Service Transformation. There are three broad areas of change. First, Social Assistance Renewal will result in significant changes to provincial and municipal roles for social assistance - both Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program. It is initially focused on realigning functions between the Province and municipalities to provide more efficient, person-centered supports for clients. Second, Employment Service Transformation will integrate Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program employment services into Employment Ontario and establish Employment Service System Managers for each delivery region. Toronto Employment and Social Services will provide a report back to Council on Employment Service Transformation in July 2022. Finally, Human Services Integration is the Province's long-term vision which is intended to ensure all low-income residents (not just those in receipt of social assistance) can access caseworker support and a range of local human services. There are no current timelines for this phase of change and Toronto Employment and Social Services will report back to Council as more details are available. This report addresses a critical and initial element of the Social Assistance Renewal plan - the Centralized Intake process - which aims to improve the client experience when applying or reapplying for Ontario Works by leveraging a new user-centric online application and automated, risk-based eligibility verification process. Centralized Intake is designed to simplify the Ontario Works application process for clients and reduce administration, allowing caseworkers more time to support clients while also automating and strengthening program integrity elements at the application stage. Centralized Intake was launched in a phased approach with prototype sites established across the Province beginning in Fall 2020. Following close collaboration with the Province and extensive planning with regard to design and implementation, Toronto's Centralized Intake prototype was launched February 28, 2022. Prior to the introduction of Centralized Intake, the 3 channels to apply for Ontario Works (in-person, online and phone) were all managed by the City. The initial introduction of Centralized Intake saw the administration of online applications move from the City to the Province. Notably, eligibility requirements have not changed. The future vision of the Province is that both online and phone applications will be managed by the Province, while in-person will continue to be the responsibility of municipalities. The transition of the City's phone channel for Ontario Works applications will proceed at a future date, to be determined by the Fourth Quarter 2022. This report focuses on the first phase of change (the centralization of the online channel to the Province). It provides an initial overview of the implementation of Centralized Intake and sets the foundation for future broader changes and impacts. There are no anticipated impacts on funding or staffing, and residents applying for assistance will continue to have the choice of which application channel best suits their needs. Many will benefit from a simpler, more user-friendly online system, with a streamlined first payment process. Staff will report back in the First Quarter 2023 with further updates on the implementation of Social Assistance Renewal, as well as the next phase of Centralized Intake, the transition of phone applications to the Province and the implications for the City's Application and Support Centre (which is housed within Social Development, Finance and Administration) and Human Services Integration initiative.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager of Toronto Employment and Social Services, in consultation with the Executive Director of Social Development, Finance and Administration, to report back in the First Quarter 2023 on the next phase of Social Assistance Renewal, including timelines, roles and budget related to the shift towards the Provincial benefits administration and program risk management, along with an update on the implementation of Centralized Intake in Toronto, including the centralization of Ontario Works phone applications.
EC30.7not yet heard
Review of an Enhanced Emergency Cooling Centre System
At its meeting on January 21, 2022 the Economic and Community Development Committee made a number of recommendations related to emergency cooling centres, including recommending that the City: - consider operating emergency cooling centres once again in 2022 - use data to inform the geographic locations of cooling centres - consider if emergency cooling centres could also be used to provide shelter during other types of weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding Based on environmental and jurisdictional scans as well as data on emergency cooling attendance usage, the Toronto Heat Relief Network was implemented at the direction of City Council. The Heat Relief Network is comprised of over 300 locations across Toronto that provide residents with access to space to stay cool throughout the summer, including when Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a heat warning. The City was not able to promote the Heat Relief Network in 2020 or 2021 due to the provincial direction to implement COVID-19 public health measures that resulted in many of the Heat Relief Network sites being closed and/or operating under reduced hours. Given that these protective measures have been lifted and are not anticipated to be enacted during this year's hot weather season (from May 15 - September 30), the City is able to resume promoting the Heat Relief Network in 2022. This report provides additional information on the City's 2022 Heat Relief Strategy, which includes the resumption of promoting the Heat Relief Network. Further, the report does not recommend that the City develop an enhanced cooling centre system as it relates to other forms of inclement weather. This report also includes a Heat Relief Strategy process flow that identifies the various City divisions as co-owners of the Heat Relief Strategy, with the Heat Relief Strategy partner's coordination residing in the Office of Emergency Management.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services and the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC30.8not yet heard
Update on Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement for Ontario
This report provides an information update to City Council on the status of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan and the agreement signed by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. It also summarizes the key elements of the Ontario-Federal agreement including its phased approach to meeting objectives over five years, eligibility criteria to participate in the new system, and the flow of funding and implementation timelines.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Children's Services recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
EC30.9not yet heard
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 outlining how the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration division can improve administration of the centralized waiting list for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing. At this meeting, City Council requested that Shelter, Support and Housing Administration report quarterly to the Economic and Community Development Committee with updates on progress on the recommendations including the implementation of the new choice-based model for access to rent-geared-to-income housing and the managements of vacancies within Toronto Community Housing Corporation. The purpose of this report is to provide Economic and Community Development Committee with updates related to: - Progress on recommendations made by the Auditor General; - Implementation of the new choice-based housing access model; and - Management of Toronto Community Housing Corporation unit vacancies. This will be the final status update on the recommendations from the Auditor General's Opening Doors to Stable Housing report. The Housing Secretariat has made significant efforts to advance the recommendations and with the recent implementation of the Choice-based Housing Access System, 30 of the 34 recommendations are now fully implemented. The final four recommendations well-advanced, on track, and projected to be completed early in the third quarter of this year, which will bring the Audit follow-up to a close.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, recommends that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.
EC30.10not yet heard
The purpose of this report is to request authority from the Economic and Community Development Committee to amend Blanket Contract Number 47023417 issued to R Courier for the provision of courier services for the distribution and transportation of vaccine and non-medical supplies from the central distribution and storage warehouse to mass immunization clinics across the City of Toronto. This report requests an amendment to increase the contract value by $700,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax ($712,320) net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), increasing the contract value from $500,000 to $1,200,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax ($1,221,120) net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) and also to extend the Contract from June 30, 2022 to December 31, 2022. On March 23, 2020 the Mayor declared a state of emergency for the City of Toronto due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Toronto Public Health's COVID-19 pandemic response involves the timely transfer of documents between Toronto Public Health, individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and other health care providers. In addition, Toronto Public Health supports the rapid transfer and distribution of vaccines to City run mass and mobile immunization clinics and also supports the distribution of vaccines to other vaccination partners. As such, courier services play a vital part in Toronto Public Health achieving its key objectives of preventing loss of life, preserving the capacity of the healthcare system and minimizing the social and economic impacts of COVID-19. The amendment to Blanket Contract Number 47023417 is required in order to continue providing these services as part of Toronto Public Health Division continuing COVID-19 response. The Economic and Community Development Committee's approval is required in accordance with City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing, where the current request exceeds the Chief Procurement Officer's authority of the cumulative five year commitment limit for each vendor under Article 7, Section 195-7.3(D) of the Purchasing By-law or exceeds the threshold of $500,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax allowed under staff authority as per City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71, Financial Control, Section 71-11.1.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Procurement Officer, Purchasing and Materials Management recommend that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee, in accordance with Section 71-11.1C of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control) authorize an amendment to Blanket Contract Number 47023417 issued to R Courier for the provision of courier services for the distribution and transportation of vaccine and non-medical supplies from the central distribution and storage warehouse to mass immunization clinics across the City of Toronto. by an additional $700,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax ($712,320 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), revising the current contract value from $500,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax ($508,800 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) to $1,200,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax ($1,221,120 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) and also to extend the Contract from June 30, 2022 to December 31, 2022.
EC30.11not yet heard
The purpose of this report is to request approval to amend the existing contract Number 47022988, issued to Ecotex Healthcare Linen Services LLP ("Ecotex") as a result of the City-wide Request for Proposal Number 0105-19-0127 Doc2101183619, for the provision of linen laundering services by a total amount of $726,251 (excluding all taxes and charges) or $739,033 (net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) for the period up to and including the separate, optional one-year renewals, to the expiry date ending February 28, 2025. This City-wide call was awarded as separate contracts to Senior Services and Long-Term Care, Children's Services and Toronto Paramedic Services. Currently, most linen used by Paramedics in the course of patient care is deposited at hospitals for pick-up and laundering by the various hospitals' contracted vendors. In many cases, the hospital vendor is Ecotex. Coincidentally, the remaining used linen (from Paramedic stations) is also laundered by Ecotex, but directly under the above-mentioned contract that was independently awarded by the City in February 2020 following a competitive bid process. Prior to the City contract award, Toronto Paramedic Services used the authority under Schedule A of the City's Financial Control Bylaw, Chapter 71 ("Emergency Hospital Linen Services"), to pay for all City-wide linen laundry services, including stations and hospital sites. Following the City award to Ecotex in February 2020, Toronto Paramedic Services was invoiced at the lower rate for both hospital and station-based laundry services. An amendment to City contract number 47022988 with Ecotex is requested to increase the contract capacity to account for hospital laundry volumes for Toronto Paramedic Services linen. Given the reduced pricing already being provided by Ecotex, the requested amendment would result in a cost avoidance of $100,980 annually. The requested additional capacity will be in accordance with the same, relevant terms and conditions of the original Request for Proposal Number 0105-19-0127 Doc2101183619.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief, Toronto Paramedic Services and the Chief Procurement Officer, Purchasing and Materials Management recommend that: 1. The Economic and Community Development Committee, in accordance with Section 71-11.1.C of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control), grant authority to the Chief Procurement Officer to amend Toronto Paramedic Services' contract for the provision of linen laundering services, by an additional amount of $726,251 excluding all taxes and charges ($739,033 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), increasing the current City-wide value from $9,246,668 to $9,972,920 excluding all taxes and charges ($9,409,410 to $10,148,443 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).