General Government and Licensing Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 17 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.
GL7.1received
Toronto Parking Authority Overview
The Acting President and Chief Financial Officer, Toronto Parking Authority, and the Vice President, Parking Strategy, Policy, Planning, and Technology, Toronto Parking Authority, will give a presentation on Toronto Parking Authority Overview.
The General Government and Licensing Committee received the item for information.
GL7.2adopted
Apportionment of Property Taxes - September 4, 2019 Hearing
This report deals with nine apportionment applications made by, or to, the Treasurer pursuant to Section 322 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006. Under this section, Council is authorized to recover unpaid property taxes on land that has been severed and therefore no longer exists by apportioning those outstanding taxes onto the newly-created parcels that arise from the severance. The legislation requires that Council make its decision after holding a public meeting, at which applicants and/or property owners may appear or make representations regarding the apportionment application. Council has delegated authority to hear and make final decisions in respect of these matters to the General Government and Licensing Committee. Staff have mailed Notices of Hearing to affected taxpayers advising of the upcoming September 4, 2019 General Government and Licensing Committee Hearing.
The General Government and Licensing Committee: 1. Approved the apportionment of property taxes in the amounts identified in Appendices A and B to the report (August 20, 2019) from the Controller under the columns entitled "Apportioned Tax" and "Apportioned Phase-in/Capping."
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. The General Government and Licensing Committee approve the apportionment of property taxes in the amounts identified in Appendices A and B under the columns entitled "Apportioned Tax" and "Apportioned Phase-in/Capping."
GL7.3amended
Cancellation, Reduction, or Refund of Property Taxes - September 4, 2019 Hearing
This report deals with tax appeal applications made to the Treasurer pursuant to Sections 323 and 325 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (COTA). Section 323 permits Council to cancel, reduce, or refund taxes in cases when, during the year, a property undergoes changes such as when it is destroyed by fire or demolished, becomes exempt from taxation, or is reclassified due to a change in use. Under Section 325 of the COTA, taxpayers can request a cancellation, reduction, or refund of taxes when an error in the assessment roll is identified which results in an overcharge. The legislation requires Council to make its decision after holding a public meeting at which the applicants and/or property owners may express any concerns. Council has delegated authority to hear and make final decisions in respect of these matters to the General Government and Licensing Committee. Staff have mailed Notices of Hearing to affected taxpayers advising of the General Government and Licensing Committee's upcoming meeting and consideration of this staff report.
The General Government and Licensing Committee: 1. Approved the individual tax appeal applications made pursuant to Section 323 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, resulting in tax reductions (excluding phase-in/capping amounts) outlined in the Detail Hearing Report marked as Appendix A to the report (August 20, 2019) from the Controller, excluding the following applications: Ward Number Appeal Number Property Address 11 20190245 251 College Street 11 20190247 481 University Avenue 11 20190240 720 Spadina Avenue 17 20190242 67 Citation Drive 2. Approved the individual tax appeal applications made pursuant to Section 325 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, resulting in tax reductions (excluding phase-in/capping amounts) identified in the Detail Hearing Report marked as Appendix B to the report (August 20, 2019) from the Controller.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. The General Government and Licensing Committee approve the individual tax appeal applications made pursuant to Section 323 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, resulting in tax reductions (excluding phase-in/capping amounts) identified in the Detail Hearing Report marked as Appendix A. 2. The General Government and Licensing Committee approve the individual tax appeal applications made pursuant to Section 325 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, resulting in tax reductions (excluding phase-in/capping amounts) identified in the Detail Hearing Report marked as Appendix B.
GL7.4adopted
This report provides information on the status of payments in lieu of taxes (PILTs) requested from federal, provincial, and municipal properties and identifies PILT payments from all levels of government that remain outstanding as at December 31, 2018. The status of outstanding PILTs is reported to Council annually in accordance with a recommendation from the Auditor General in 2015 (see Item AU4.3, Improving Controls Over Property Tax Assessments and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILTs). PILTs are voluntary payments made to the City of Toronto by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments and agencies to compensate the City for municipal services it delivers to their properties. In most cases, government agencies pay the full amount of PILTs that the City requests. There may, however, be outstanding PILT amounts requested from federal, provincial, or municipal bodies that the Controller has concluded, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to be uncollectible. In these cases, the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control) provides authority to the Controller, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to adjust for accounting purposes any outstanding receivables in respect of PILTs that have been determined unlikely to be paid. No PILT receivables are being recommended for adjustment/write-off at this time.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council receive the report (August 20, 2019) from the Controller for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
GL7.5adopted
Largest Property Tax Debtors with Tax Arrears Greater Than $500,000 as at June 30, 2019
This report provides information on property tax accounts with outstanding receivables of $500,000 or more as at June 30, 2019.
The General Government and Licensing Committee received the report (August 20, 2019) from the Controller for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. The General Government and Licensing Committee receive this report for information.
GL7.6amended
This report provides information with respect to outstanding taxes for Crow's Theatre located at 345 and 347 Carlaw Avenue. In 2016, Crow's Theatre, through a collaboration with its lead sponsor, Streetcar, purchased two adjoining properties (345-347 Carlaw Avenue) at the northeast corner of Dundas Street East and Carlaw Avenue. Following a period of construction, Crow's Theatre opened its doors to the public in January 2017. Section 3 of the Assessment Act provides for a property tax exemption for small theatres for which Crow's Theatre is eligible since its opening, however, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has advised that the property tax exemption does not apply during the period of construction, as it was not being used as a theatre during this time. Crow's Theatre was under the assumption that the exemption for the theatre would also apply during the time that these properties were under construction. They are in a difficult position for the 2016 taxation year, as these arrears are causing hardship and this situation may jeopardize their financial viability. Crow's Theatre has been in contact with their local Ward Councillor, MPAC, City staff from Economic Development and Culture as well as Revenue Services requesting financial relief for these taxes which remain unpaid. This report provides a summary of Crow's Theatre's request and the issues and options available to Council, should the decision be made to address this request.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council approve payment of a one-time grant to Crow's Theatre in the amount of approximately $71,143.62 (such amount to be calculated in an amount equivalent to the property taxes, interest, and fees attributable to the 2016 taxation year for both 345 and 347 Carlaw Avenue for the portions of the properties that are occupied by the theatre and ancillary uses that are owing at the time of City Council's decision on this matter), with the grant amount to be funded from the City of Toronto's 2019 Tax Deficiency Account, subject to the following conditions: a. Crow's Theatre make payment in full of all outstanding property taxes, interest, penalties, and fees totalling approximately $56,945.55 as at July 31, 2019 for the properties located at 345 and 347 Carlaw Avenue that are attributable to the portion of the property at 345 Carlaw Avenue that is occupied by a restaurant and the new account fee levied against 347 Carlaw Avenue that remains payable; and b. the grant amount be applied directly to the property tax accounts to offset property taxes and other amounts payable. 2. City Council deem the one-time grant to Crow's Theatre for the properties located at 345 and 347 Carlaw Avenue, as outlined in Recommendation 1, to be in the interest of the City of Toronto.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. The General Government and Licensing Committee receive this report for information.
GL7.7adopted
This report seeks Council's authority for the adoption of the necessary By-law to designate portions of two properties leased and occupied by the Toronto Public Library as Municipal Capital Facilities and to provide exemptions for municipal taxes and education taxes. The Municipal Capital Facility Agreements authorized by the By-law will provide exemptions for approximately 3,341 square feet of space at 1 York Gate Boulevard and approximately 1,556 square feet of space at 5150-5160 Yonge Street. The privately-owned space at 1 York Gate Boulevard was selected as temporary space for the library during a two-year renovation period of the York Woods Library. The space being occupied at 5150-5160 Yonge Street is in addition to the already existing North York Central Library.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council pass a By-law pursuant to Section 252 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, providing authority to: a. enter into Municipal Capital Facility Agreements with 7506473 Canada Inc., which leases approximately 3,341 square feet at 1 York Gate Boulevard to the Toronto Public Library, and Great-West Life Realty Advisors, which leases approximately 1,556 square feet at 5150-5160 Yonge Street to the Toronto Public Library, with respect to all space (the Leased Premises) related to facilities for public libraries; and b. exempt the Leased Premises from taxation for municipal and school purposes, with the tax exemption being effective from the latest of: (1) the commencement date of the lease, (2) the date the Municipal Capital Facility Agreement is entered into, and (3) the date the Tax Exemption By-law is enacted. 2. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the By-law to the Minister of Finance, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. City Council pass a By-law pursuant to Section 252 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, providing authority to: a. enter into Municipal Capital Facility Agreements with 7506473 Canada Inc., which leases approximately 3,341 square feet at 1 York Gate Boulevard to the Toronto Public Library, and Great-West Life Realty Advisors, which leases approximately 1,556 square feet at 5150-5160 Yonge Street to the Toronto Public Library, with respect to all space (the Leased Premises) related to facilities for public libraries; and b. exempt the Leased Premises from taxation for municipal and school purposes, with the tax exemption being effective from the latest of: (1) the commencement date of the lease, (2) the date the Municipal Capital Facility Agreement is entered into, and (3) the date the Tax Exemption By-law is enacted. 2. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the By-law to the Minister of Finance, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
GL7.8adopted
This report seeks Council's authority to repeal and enact a new By-law to replace the By-law passed on June 29, 2018 designating a portion of the property owned by the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and occupied by the York West Active Living Centre at 1901 Weston Road as a Municipal Capital Facility, namely a community centre, and exempting it from property taxes. This is necessary because, since this By-law was passed, the York West Active Living Centre has entered into a new lease with its landlord, the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, reducing the area it leases and adding seven parking stalls. In particular, the seven parking stalls, which are ancillary parking, require designation together with the community centre to be tax exempt. The York West Active Living Centre is a community-based resource centre for persons 55 years of age and older that promotes, encourages, and supports healthy, independent living through a wide range of health and wellness programs, educational workshops, and social activities.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council repeal By-law 752-2018. 2. City Council pass a By-law pursuant to Section 252 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, providing authority to: a. enter into a Municipal Capital Facility Agreement with York West Active Living Centre, with whom the Toronto Community Housing Corporation has a lease for the property known as 1901 Weston Road, with respect to approximately 7,102 square feet of rentable area and seven parking stalls (the Leased Premises) owned by the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, for the purposes of providing a Municipal Capital Facility related to the provision of a community centre and ancillary parking; and b. exempt the Leased Premises from taxation for municipal and school purposes, with the tax exemption being effective from the latest of: (1) the commencement date of the lease, (2) the date the Municipal Capital Facility Agreement is entered into, and (3) the date the Tax Exemption By-law is enacted. 3. City Council pass a resolution that the above Municipal Capital Facility is for the purposes of the City of Toronto and is for public use. 4. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the By-law to the Minister of Finance, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. City Council repeal By-law 752-2018. 2. City Council pass a By-law pursuant to Section 252 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, providing authority to: a. enter into a Municipal Capital Facility Agreement with York West Active Living Centre, with whom the Toronto Community Housing Corporation has a lease for the property known as 1901 Weston Road, with respect to approximately 7,102 square feet of rentable area and seven parking stalls (the Leased Premises) owned by the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, for the purposes of providing a Municipal Capital Facility related to the provision of a community centre and ancillary parking; and b. exempt the Leased Premises from taxation for municipal and school purposes, with the tax exemption being effective from the latest of: (1) the commencement date of the lease, (2) the date the Municipal Capital Facility Agreement is entered into, and (3) the date the Tax Exemption By-law is enacted. 3. City Council pass a resolution that the above Municipal Capital Facility is for the purposes of the City of Toronto and is for public use. 4. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the By-law to the Minister of Finance, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
GL7.9adopted
This report seeks Council's authority for the adoption of the necessary By-law to designate a portion of a property leased and occupied by the Toronto Transit Commission as a Municipal Capital Facility and to provide an exemption for municipal taxes and education taxes. The Municipal Capital Facility Agreement authorized by the By-law will provide an exemption for approximately 24,441 square feet of space on the 9th floor and approximately 8,091 square feet of space on the 15th floor which totals 32,532 square feet of combined space.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council pass a By-law pursuant to Section 252 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, providing authority to: a. enter into a Municipal Capital Facility Agreement with Great-West Life Assurance, which leases approximately 32,532 square feet at 5140 Yonge Street to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), with respect to all space (the Leased Premises) related to the provision of telecommunications, transit, and transportation systems; and b. exempt the Leased Premises from taxation for municipal and school purposes, with the tax exemption being effective from the latest of: (1) the commencement date of the lease, (2) the date the Municipal Capital Facility Agreement is entered into, and (3) the date the Tax Exemption By-law is enacted. 2. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the By-law to the Minister of Finance, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller recommends that: 1. City Council pass a By-law pursuant to Section 252 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, providing authority to: a. enter into a Municipal Capital Facility Agreement with Great-West Life Assurance, which leases approximately 32,532 square feet at 5140 Yonge Street to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), with respect to all space (the Leased Premises) related to the provision of telecommunications, transit, and transportation systems; and b. exempt the Leased Premises from taxation for municipal and school purposes, with the tax exemption being effective from the latest of: (1) the commencement date of the lease, (2) the date the Municipal Capital Facility Agreement is entered into, and (3) the date the Tax Exemption By-law is enacted. 2. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the By-law to the Minister of Finance, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
GL7.10adopted
Write-Off Policy for Fines under the Provincial Offences Act Deemed Uncollectible
This report recommends that City Council approve a revised write-off policy for fines under the Provincial Offences Act (POA) that are deemed uncollectible. The revised policy is an extension of the City's Accounts Receivable Policy and establishes protocols and thresholds to determine when a defaulted POA fine is uncollectible and therefore eligible for write-off. In April 2018, the City's Auditor General published a report entitled "Toronto Court Services: Collection of Provincial Offence Default Fines." Through Recommendation number 26, Court Services agreed to review the current write-off policy for fines under the POA deemed uncollectible to determine if the policy aligns with existing best practices. This review was undertaken through consultation with Legal Services, Accounting Services, and Revenue Services. The result of this work is the revised POA write-off policy recommended in this report. The revised policy is in compliance with Public Sector Accounting Standards PS 1201.53 and 1201.54, which stipulate that valuation allowances for financial assets, such as the Allowance for Doubtful Revenue Receivables, are used to reflect any outstanding receivable amounts at their net recoverable value. It is also consistent with the write-off directive and operating guideline issued by the Ministry of the Attorney General in February 2008. To improve the collection of defaulted POA fines, Court Services will be requesting capital funding through the 2020 Budget process for a new information technology system. This request is consistent with Auditor General Recommendation number 8. The revised policy establishes a single set of write-off eligibility criteria for offences under Parts I, II, and III of the POA. This is different from the current policy which has one set of criteria for offences under Parts I and III and another set of criteria for offences under Part II. The revised policy is reflective of Court Services' experience collecting defaulted POA fines and best practices in other Ontario municipalities.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council approve a revised write-off policy for fines, fees, costs, and penalties imposed under Parts I, II, and III of the Provincial Offences Act and/or City By-law(s) that have been outstanding for at least two years, may be written off as uncollectible consistent with Article VIII in the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control) once the Controller is satisfied that all reasonable steps to collect the amount(s) owing have been undertaken, and where any of the following apply: a. the person convicted and who owes the unpaid amount(s) has been deceased for two years and collection from an estate is impractical or has been unsuccessful; or b. the person convicted and who owes the unpaid amount(s) no longer resides in the Province of Ontario and the fine(s) is for an offence for which there is no mechanism for interprovincial enforcement; or c. the City of Toronto's primary collection methods, including but not limited to, civil enforcement, tax-rolling, collection agencies, and licence suspension and plate denial, have been, or are likely to be, unsuccessful, as determined by the Controller; or d. where supporting documentation providing proof of the conviction and/or payment to satisfy the amount(s) owed cannot be located, a sworn affidavit is filed with the City of Toronto by the defendant attesting to the fact they have, in fact, previously paid for the fine(s) and that they do not have in their possession the required documentation to prove such a claim; or e. the operating entity, business, or organization convicted and that owes the unpaid amount(s) has claimed bankruptcy and the City Solicitor has confirmed that civil efforts to collect the amount(s) owing have been unsuccessful or that civil efforts to collect the amount(s) owing are not recommended given that it would likely not result in the successful recovery of the amount(s) owing to the City of Toronto; or f. the operating entity, business, or organization convicted and that owes the unpaid amount(s) is no longer in operation and has no assets against which the City of Toronto can pursue a claim, making collection from the defunct entity impractical; or g. the individual or corporation convicted and who owes the unpaid amount(s) cannot be located; or h. a court order or a provincial or federal directive determines that the fine(s) is no longer payable or collectible or requires that collection efforts must cease. 2. City Council authorize the Controller or their designate to annually provide the Ministry of the Attorney General with information regarding the total value of all fines deemed uncollectible and written off during the previous municipal fiscal year as part of the Annual Performance and Progress Report to be submitted to the Ministry no later than June 30th of each year.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Controller and the Director, Court Services recommend that: 1. City Council approve a revised write-off policy for fines, fees, costs, and penalties imposed under Parts I, II, and III of the Provincial Offences Act and/or City By-law(s) that have been outstanding for at least two years, may be written off as uncollectible consistent with Article VIII in the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control) once the Controller is satisfied that all reasonable steps to collect the amount owing have been undertaken, and where any of the following apply: a. the person convicted and who owes the unpaid amount(s) has been deceased for two years and collection from an estate is impractical or has been unsuccessful; or b. the person convicted and who owes the unpaid amount(s) no longer resides in the Province of Ontario and the fine(s) is for an offence for which there is no mechanism for interprovincial enforcement; or c. the City's primary collection methods, including but not limited to, civil enforcement, tax-rolling, collection agencies, and licence suspension and plate denial, have been, or are likely to be, unsuccessful, as determined by the Controller; or d. where supporting documentation providing proof of the conviction and/or payment to satisfy the amount owed cannot be located, a sworn affidavit is filed with the City by the defendant attesting to the fact they have, in fact, previously paid for the fine(s) and that they do not have in their possession the required documentation to prove such a claim; or e. the operating entity, business, or organization convicted and that owes the unpaid amount(s) has claimed bankruptcy and the City Solicitor has confirmed that civil efforts to collect the amount owing have been unsuccessful or that civil efforts to collect the amount owing are not recommended given that it would likely not result in the successful recovery of the amount owing to the City; or f. the operating entity, business, or organization convicted and that owes the unpaid amount(s) is no longer in operation and has no assets against which the City can pursue a claim, making collection from the defunct entity impractical; or g. the individual or corporation convicted and who owes the unpaid amount(s) cannot be located; or h. a court order or a provincial or federal directive determines the fine is no longer payable or collectible or requires that collection efforts must cease. 2. City Council authorize the Controller or their designate to annually provide the Ministry of the Attorney General with information regarding the total value of all fines deemed uncollectible and written off during the previous municipal fiscal year as part of the Annual Performance and Progress Report to be submitted to the Ministry no later than June 30th of each year.
GL7.11adopted
Expropriation of a Portion of 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue for Laneway Purposes
This report seeks approval from City Council, as the approving authority under the Expropriations Act, to expropriate a portion of the property municipally known as 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue, being a triangular area located at the rear of the property. The fee simple acquisition of this property is required for the reconstruction, maintenance, and any future repairs of the laneway behind 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council, as approving authority under the Expropriations Act, consider the Inquiry Officer's Report attached as Appendix E to the report (August 20, 2019) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, regarding the proposed expropriation of a portion of the property municipally known as 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue. 2. City Council, as approving authority under the Expropriations Act, approve the expropriation of the portion of the property municipally known as 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue, as legally described in Appendix A and designated as Part 1 on the draft Plan of Survey attached as Appendix B (the Property) to the report (August 20, 2019) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, for public highway purposes and for all works and uses ancillary thereto. 3. City Council authorize the City of Toronto, as expropriating authority under the Expropriations Act, to take all necessary steps to comply with the Expropriations Act, including but not limited to, the preparation and registration of an Expropriation Plan and service of Notices of Expropriation, Notices of Election as to a Date for Compensation, and Notices of Possession for the Property. 4. City Council grant leave for the introduction of the necessary Bills in Council to give effect thereto. 5. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (August 20, 2019) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, once there has been a final determination of all claims for compensation for 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue by arbitration, appeal, or settlement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management recommends that: 1. City Council, as approving authority under the Expropriations Act, consider the Inquiry Officer's Report attached as Appendix E regarding the proposed expropriation of a portion of the property municipally known as 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue. 2. City Council, as approving authority under the Expropriations Act, approve the expropriation of the portion of the property municipally known as 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue, as legally described in Appendix A and designated as Part 1 on the draft Plan of Survey attached as Appendix B (the Property), for public highway purposes and for all works and uses ancillary thereto. 3. City Council authorize the City of Toronto, as expropriating authority under the Expropriations Act, to take all necessary steps to comply with the Expropriations Act, including but not limited to, the preparation and registration of an Expropriation Plan and service of Notices of Expropriation, Notices of Election as to a Date for Compensation, and Notices of Possession for the Property. 4. City Council grant leave for the introduction of the necessary Bills in Council to give effect thereto. 5. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 once there has been a final determination of all claims for compensation for 3038-3040 Danforth Avenue by arbitration, appeal, or settlement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
GL7.12adopted
Expropriation of Permanent Easements for the Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System
The purpose of this report is to seek authority from City Council to commence expropriation proceedings, if necessary, to acquire permanent easements on part of the properties municipally known as 441 Blackthorn Avenue, 415 Nairn Avenue, 417 Nairn Avenue, 419 Nairn Avenue, 18 Branstone Road, 20 Branstone Road, 119 Ennerdale Road, 49 Dynevor Road, 65 Dynevor Road, and 2226 Dufferin Street (collectively, the Properties). The acquisition of these easements is essential for the construction of the proposed Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System and works ancillary thereto beneath the surface of the Properties to reduce the risk of future basement flooding in the Eglinton Avenue West and Caledonia Road area. This report is the first stage of the expropriation process. After the application for approval to expropriate is authorized, staff will serve and publish notice on the registered owners of the Properties. Registered owners will have 30 days to request an inquiry into whether the proposed takings are fair, sound, and reasonably necessary. If no inquiry is requested, Council may approve the expropriation by a subsequent Stage 2 report. At that time, staff will report to Council with further details on the anticipated costs, based on appraisals. Following the Stage 2 report, the Expropriation Plan will be registered and Notices of Expropriation served. Statutory offers of compensation must be served prior to the City taking possession of the expropriated Properties.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to continue negotiations for the acquisition of the Property Interests listed in Appendix A and outlined on the easement drawings attached as Appendix B (collectively, the Project Requirements) and on the project map attached as Appendix C to the report (August 20, 2019) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, for the construction of the proposed Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System and grant authority to initiate the expropriation process for the Project Requirements if the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, deems it necessary or appropriate to proceed in that manner. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to serve and publish Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate the Project Requirements, to forward any requests for hearing to the Chief Inquiry Officer, to attend any hearings to present the City of Toronto's position, and to report the Chief Inquiry Officer's recommendations to City Council for consideration.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to continue negotiations for the acquisition of the Property Interests listed in Appendix A and outlined on the easement drawings attached as Appendix B (collectively, the Project Requirements) and on the project map attached as Appendix C and grant authority to initiate the expropriation process for the Project Requirements if the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, deems it necessary or appropriate to proceed in that manner. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to serve and publish Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate the Project Requirements, to forward any requests for hearing to the Chief Inquiry Officer, to attend any hearings to present the City of Toronto's position, and to report the Chief Inquiry Officer's recommendations to City Council for consideration.
GL7.13adopted
This report seeks City Council authority to acquire the property at 11 Brock Avenue for affordable rental housing purposes and identifies the source of funding to support the acquisition, as outlined in this report and Confidential Attachment 1. In July 2015, as directed by City Council in MM8.19, Infrastructure Ontario and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) were advised of the City's interest in acquiring the property and discussions between the parties have been ongoing since. In July 2018, City Council directed staff in EX36.50 to complete the required due diligence to acquire 11 Brock Avenue and to report back on the results and the sources of funding to support the acquisition. Staff have completed negotiations with the LCBO and are following up with the LCBO for the signed agreement. Staff have also completed the environmental investigations for the property. Following the acquisition, the City's Housing Secretariat will release a competitive proposal call to select a non-profit proponent to work with the City and CreateTO to design, build, and operate this site under a long-term lease to the City. The Housing Secretariat will report to City Council on the results of the proposal call, including funding and incentives allocations, as well as seek authority for the long-term lease to the successful non-profit group.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the City of Toronto to enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (the Agreement) to acquire 11 Brock Avenue (the Property) for the purchase price outlined in Confidential Attachment 1 and substantially on the terms outlined in Appendix A to the report (August 15, 2019) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and on such other or amended terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to execute the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (the Agreement) and any ancillary agreements and documents under the Agreement on behalf of the City of Toronto. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to administer and manage the transaction, including the provision of any consents, approvals, waivers, and notices, provided that they may, at any time, refer consideration of any such matters (including their content) to City Council for consideration and direction. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to complete the transaction on behalf of the City of Toronto, including paying any necessary expenses, amending the closing, due diligence, and other dates, and amending and waiving terms and conditions, on such terms as they consider reasonable. 5. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (August 15, 2019) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, once the transaction contemplated in the report has been completed and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) (the Vendor) has disposed of its interest in the Property. 6. City Council approve an increase to the 2019 Approved Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, for the total of the proposed purchase price and closing costs outlined in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (August 15, 2019) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, fully funded from the Development Charges Reserve Fund for Subsidized Housing (XR2116). 7. City Council approve an increase of $31,000 gross, $0 net to the 2019 Approved Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to provide additional funding to cover the cost of the completed due diligence work at 11 Brock Avenue, fully funded from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058).
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management recommend that: 1. City Council authorize the City of Toronto to enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (the Agreement) to acquire 11 Brock Avenue (the Property) for the purchase price outlined in Confidential Attachment 1 and substantially on the terms outlined in Appendix A to this report and on such other or amended terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to execute the Agreement and any ancillary agreements and documents under the Agreement on behalf of the City of Toronto. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to administer and manage the transaction, including the provision of any consents, approvals, waivers, and notices, provided that they may, at any time, refer consideration of any such matters (including their content) to City Council for consideration and direction. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to complete the transaction on behalf of the City of Toronto, including paying any necessary expenses, amending the closing, due diligence, and other dates, and amending and waiving terms and conditions, on such terms as they consider reasonable. 5. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 once the transaction contemplated in this report has been completed and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) (the Vendor) has disposed of its interest in the Property. 6. City Council approve an increase to the 2019 Approved Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, for the total of the proposed purchase price and closing costs outlined in Confidential Attachment 1, fully funded from the Development Charges Reserve Fund for Subsidized Housing (XR2116). 7. City Council approve an increase of $31,000 gross, $0 net to the 2019 Approved Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to provide additional funding to cover the cost of the completed due diligence work at 11 Brock Avenue, fully funded from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058).
GL7.14adopted
2017-2018 Annual Human Rights Office Report
This report analyzes data on harassment and discrimination inquiries and complaints made in 2017 and 2018 by City of Toronto employees and service recipients/facility users through the following complaint paths: the City's (internal) Human Rights Office (HRO); the City's grievance/arbitration procedures; the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO); and the Ministry of Labour (MOL). The report identifies complaint trends and various initiatives undertaken by the HRO to minimize legislative and policy breaches, thereby mitigating risks to the City. The following are some of the notable trends from an analysis of the 2017 and 2018 HRO data. 2017 Trends: - Non-human rights code-related workplace harassment, disability, and sexual harassment were the most often cited consultation and/or complaint grounds to the HRO (see Table 3). - Disability consultations and/or complaints rose 6.5 percent in 2017 (see Table 3). - For the first time, the HRO had an increase in concerns about reprisal with a 44 percent increase in the number of times it was cited to the HRO (see Table 3). 2018 Trends: - For the first time in three years, the number of times family status was cited to the HRO sharply increased by 67 percent (see Table 3). - Although the number of times creed/religion was cited in 2018 stayed the same, the number of times colour was cited climbed by more than 64 percent and race citations increased by almost 40 percent (see Table 3). - There was a marked 33 percent increase in the number of sexual harassment consultations and/or complaints to the HRO (see Table 3). The HRO's neutral, alternative dispute resolution approach has proven to be both a viable alternative to more adversarial formal complaint avenues (i.e., grievance arbitration, the HRTO, and the MOL) and an effective mechanism to advance equity. The HRO will continue to monitor complaint trends and promote dispute resolution services to all employees and members of the public. Under the Ontario Health and Safety Act, the HRO is required to review its Human Rights and Anti-Harassment/Discrimination policy annually. A 2018 review resulted in no changes to the policy.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council receive the report (August 23, 2019) from the Chief People Officer, People and Equity, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief People Officer, People and Equity recommends that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
GL7.15amended
Update on the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing of Payday Loan Establishments
On April 24, 2018, Toronto City Council adopted interim regulations for payday lending by creating a new business licence category and limiting the number and location of establishments to stop their proliferation. The number was limited to the payday loan establishments licensed by the province in each of the City's 44 wards as of May 1, 2018, a City-wide total of 212 locations. City Council also limited the location of payday loan establishments by prohibiting the establishments from relocating on, or within, 500 metres of Woodbine Racetrack. Since the introduction of the payday loan licence, a total of 187 establishments have obtained the payday loan licence. The remaining establishments that were eligible for licences have since decided to close their businesses, move their services online, or merge with existing establishments. As licensees are not permitted to sell or transfer their businesses, this attrition means that the limit on the number of establishments in Toronto has decreased from 212 to 187. This report recommends maintaining the regulations established in 2018 and updating the licensing regime to reflect the new 25-ward structure. If adopted, the City-wide total number of establishments permitted would remain unchanged, but the number permitted in each ward would be limited to the number operating in each ward, as of January 1, 2019. It is also recommended that a process be created to allow a payday loan establishment to apply for permission to move outside of a ward, in order to ensure a degree of flexibility should external factors influence the relocation of a payday loan establishment. Staff do not recommend further restrictions on where payday lenders are permitted to operate. While limiting the availability of payday loan establishments may reduce the likelihood of predatory lending, it does not address the consumer's need for credit, as consumers typically access payday loans for emergency situations and for necessary expenses such as car repairs, rent, or utility bills. This report recommends that Social Development, Finance and Administration, Economic Development and Culture, and Toronto Employment and Social Services, in consultation with Municipal Licensing and Standards, consider as part of the Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy, initiatives to promote lower-cost financial services. This report was written in consultation with Social Development, Finance and Administration, Economic Development and Culture, Toronto Employment and Social Services, City Planning, and Legal Services.
The General Government and Licensing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, notwithstanding the current provisions in the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, to immediately cease issuing new licences to payday loan establishments in the City of Toronto. 2. City Council require all payday loan establishments in the City of Toronto to provide City-sanctioned information on credit counselling services. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to report to the General Government and Licensing Committee at its meeting on January 6, 2020 on the following: a. options to restrict advertising from payday loan establishments in the City of Toronto; b. the feasibility of creating a minimum separation distance between payday loan establishments and between payday loan establishments and schools; and c. the feasibility of establishing a process for the local Councillor to object to the relocation of a payday loan establishment within the same ward. 4. City Council request the Province of Ontario to limit the annual interest rates for all payday loans to 30 percent annually. 5. City Council request the federal government to: a. require chartered banks to have branches in low-income neighbourhoods which offer credit lines to low-income people at the same rates they offer to other customers; b. create a national database of payday loan establishment users to stop users from taking out loans to pay off other loans; c. cap all payday loan fees at $15 on every $100 loaned; and d. amend the Criminal Code of Canada to lower the maximum interest rate from 60 percent to 30 percent. 6. City Council forward the report (August 28, 2019) from the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards recommends that: 1. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, as follows: Limits on Number and Location a. Add a provision to establish that the number of payday loan establishments per ward is capped at the total number operating with both a provincial and a municipal licence within the geographical area of each ward, as each ward exists as of January 1, 2019. b. Add a provision to require that, in order for a payday loan establishment to obtain and hold a new Chapter 545 licence, it must have been licensed without interruption under the Payday Loans Act, 2008 from May 1, 2018 and provide proof of this, as required by the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards. c. Add a provision to require that, in order for a payday loan establishment to obtain and hold a renewal of a Chapter 545 licence, it must have been licensed without interruption under the Payday Loans Act, 2008 from May 1, 2018 and under the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, from January 1, 2019 and provide proof of this, as required by the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards. d. Add a provision to require that, where the total number of wards in the City is changed and/or ward boundaries are changed, that the total number of payday loan establishments per ward is capped at the total number operating within the geographical area of each ward as it existed on the day the ward number is changed and/or the ward boundary is changed. Location Change Process e. Authorize the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, despite the cap on the total number of payday loan establishments permitted in each ward, to consider and decide the deletion of a location in one ward and its replacement with a location in another ward. The application will be considered and may be deemed approved if the following conditions are met: 1. an application is made in the form prescribed by the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards; 2. the non-refundable application fee set out in the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, has been paid; 3. the operator and/or payday loan establishment has not been convicted of an offence under the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, or the Payday Loans Act, 2008 in the preceding three years; 4. the operator and/or payday loan establishment is not associated with any overdue By-law fines or fees, unless the applicant provides proof that such fines or fees have been subsequently paid; and 5. the operator and/or payday loan establishment has not previously been granted a location change or the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, has waived this requirement. f. Add a provision to require that the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, shall provide written notice to the payday loan operator of a final decision within 30 days. Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy 2. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services, in consultation with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to consider as part of the Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy, initiatives to promote lower-cost financial services, including the delivery and promotion of financial empowerment supports and the development of inclusive alternative financial products. 3. City Council request the Province of Ontario to review the rules and interest rates around installment loans. Fees and Set Fines 4. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, to include a $645.53 application fee for a payday loan establishment location change request, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Implementation 5. City Council direct that the changes to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, come into force on April 1, 2020.
GL7.16referred
Municipal Licensing and Standards - Enforcement Strategies and Service Standards
This report responds to a request from the General Government and Licensing Committee for a report on timelines, proposed strategies, and service standards for enforcement in areas where a significant number of complaints are received. The report responds to this request by outlining service standards for complaints (service requests) of the three business units that perform enforcement within Municipal Licensing and Standards. Recent strategies that have been introduced to improve compliance and the process to review current service standards are also outlined.
The General Government and Licensing Committee: 1. Referred the item to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, with a request to report to the General Government and Licensing Committee at its meeting on November 18, 2019 on the following: a. performance standards for actually dealing with and closing files related to complaints in By-Law Enforcement and Investigation Services; b. how the removal of Municipal Licensing and Standards staff from the North York Civic Centre is affecting the enforcement of property standards, particularly in wards where this results in significant travel time for staff; and c. staffing levels, training, response times, and service standards for Toronto Animal Services.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards recommends that: 1. The General Government and Licensing Committee receive this report for information.
GL7.17adopted
The General Government and Licensing Committee will introduce and enact a Confirmatory Bill for this meeting.
The General Government and Licensing Committee passed a Confirmatory Bill as By-law 1224-2019.