Infrastructure and Environment Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 15 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.
IE22.1forwarded without recommendation
Safety and Wellbeing of Parks, Forestry and Recreation Frontline Workers
Infrastructure and Environment Committee will hear a presentation outlining workplace measures in place to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing for frontline Parks, Forestry, and Recreation workers.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee forwards the item to City Council without recommendation.
IE22.2amended
Non-Motorized Watercraft Storage and Launch Locations
The purpose of this report is to respond to the March 23, 2021 Infrastructure and Environment committee request that the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation: a. Consolidate existing opportunities and host a meeting with all Councillors with Wards along the waterfront (Wards 3, 4, 10, 14, 19, 24 and 25) to review findings, seek their input into potential storage and rental opportunities for non-motorized watercraft; and b. report back to the May 25, 2021 Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on short-term and long-term opportunities in the East, Central and West waterfront. This report describes additional actions taken by staff in April and May in addition to actions that will advance short and long-term opportunities.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to look at options for non-motorized watercraft on the Outer Harbour shoreline, east of the current area being leased to clubs in Outer Harbour Sailing Federation, as well as all other options, and to report to the September 14, 2021 Committee meeting, or an earlier meeting if any authorizations are required.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation recommends that: 1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive this report for information.
IE22.3adopted
Toward Environmentally and Culturally Sensitive Dispersal of Funeral Ashes
At its meeting on May 5, 2021 City Council directed the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report to the May 25, 2021 meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the feasibility of creating designated areas for the scattering of ashes along the City's waterfront. This report seeks direction to consult stakeholders on options for the environmentally and culturally sensitive dispersal of funeral ashes at Toronto parks and waterways. Stakeholder consultation will assist City staff to develop recommendations for balancing diverse religious practices, site specific environmental issues, and the heavy, varying uses of waterfront parks and beaches.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in co-ordination with the City Solicitor and appropriate City divisions, to engage the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority, other municipalities, faith groups, environmental experts, other stakeholders and the general public in the review of options for the environmentally and culturally sensitive dispersal of funeral ashes at municipal parks and waterways and to provide an update to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in first quarter of 2022.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in co-ordination with the City Solicitor and appropriate City divisions, to engage Toronto Region and Conservation Authority, other municipalities, faith groups, environmental experts, other stakeholders and the general public in the review of options for the environmentally and culturally sensitive dispersal of funeral ashes at municipal parks and waterways and to provide an update to Infrastructure and Environment Committee in first quarter of 2022.
IE22.4amended
Increasing Engagement in Ravines through Partnerships
In October 2017, City Council adopted the Toronto Ravine Strategy which provides an intentional and coordinated vision and approach to managing this natural resource on an ongoing basis. In 2020, City Council adopted the 10-year implementation plan and directed the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with other divisions, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and other stakeholders, to report back on a number of initiatives that advance engagement in ravines through partnerships. This report responds to that direction with an update on new initiatives since January 2020 that advance partnerships with residents, community groups and other levels of government. Further, a Ravine Strategy Implementation Status Update report is scheduled for the Fourth Quarter 2021. Parks, Forestry and Recreation and partner divisions were able to take significant steps to increase engagement in ravines and advance Ravine Strategy goals and priorities since adoption of the implementation plan in January 2020, including: - Expansion of the student internship program in 2021, building off a successful pilot in 2020 - Piloting the 'Manual for Stewardship in Public Ravines and Natural Areas' with Toronto Nature Stewards - Collaborating across divisions to advance Indigenous businesses opportunities that contribute to ravines and placemaking - Awaiting confirmation of $6.2 million in funding from other levels of government for eight projects that will improve access and active use of ravine trail system Partnership is a guiding principle of the Ravine Strategy and critical to the on-going health of the ravines, the connection of residents to these special spaces and the success of the Strategy. Through student internships, economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses, new stewardship programs and fostering key partnerships to invest in the ravines, implementation of the Ravine Strategy is creating additional and more diverse opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to Toronto's ravines in meaningful and sustainable ways. It is important for youth to be connected to nature and have access to opportunities to explore careers in this field. In 2020, Parks, Forestry and Recreation partnered with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to develop and deliver the pilot Ravine Youth Team, a paid summer internship program to develop job-related and professional skills and learn about career opportunities in ravines. Additional funding in 2021 will allow the expansion of the Ravine Youth Team in the number and length of positions, as well as to pilot a free ravine-focussed mentorship and training program with LEAF, based on the successful Young Urban Forest Leaders program. Indigenous placemaking and placekeeping, including the Indigenous component of the Ravine Strategy, are important steps towards Indigenous self-determination, improved health and community well-being, access to ceremonial space and connection to economic opportunities. Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Indigenous Affairs Office have begun to explore the development of economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses that contribute to the goals of Toronto's Ravine Strategy and Indigenous placemaking in Toronto's parklands, in consultation with Economic Development and Culture and Indigenous organizations and communities. A number of potential opportunities have been identified and the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee has provided advice on the organizations to consult with as the City continues to explore these opportunities. Every year, City programs engage over 3,500 volunteers in ravine stewardship. Yet these programs do not meet the demand and interest for alternative model delivery, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation has been requested to consider additional opportunities for volunteer stewardship that cannot be met through existing programs and staff resources. A comprehensive, coordinated approach and system-wide lens is needed to manage unsupervised volunteer stewardship in a way that is equitable, effective, and safe for the City, volunteers and community groups, and the natural environment. A framework that will provide legal and policy direction, as well as the avenues for communications, the City resources available to support these type of volunteer programs, and mechanisms to track overall impacts to ravine health is under development and will be informed by a 2021 pilot of the Toronto Nature Stewards' Manual for Stewardship in Public Ravines and Natural Areas. Multiple City Divisions, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, other partner organizations, along with other levels of government, invest millions annually to address the challenges facing Toronto's ravines. This year the City is investing $82.5 million in Toronto's Ravine Strategy through $12.4 million in the 2021 Council Approved Operating Budget for Parks, Forestry and Recreation and $70.1 million in the 2021 Council Approved Capital Budget across a variety of City divisions as well as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The City of Toronto is also awaiting confirmation of $6.2 million from COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure funding stream under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for various projects which advance the implementation of Toronto's Ravine Strategy.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee: 1. Directed the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to increase engagement with the City's residents associations and Indigenous organizations interested in ravine stewardship in the next steps of the development of the City's unsupervised volunteer framework and the launch of the Toronto Nature Stewards' pilot program, and to report back on progress in the fourth quarter of 2021 Ravine Strategy Implementation Status Update report.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation recommends that: 1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive this report for information.
IE22.5adopted
Tommy Thompson Park (the Park) is the largest component of the broader Leslie Street Spit (the Spit), located at the base of Leslie Street where it meets the shore of Lake Ontario; all components of the Spit will ultimately be consolidated as Tommy Thompson Park (see Attachment 1). The Park is designated in the Official Plan as an Environmentally Significant Area and is recognized internationally as a Canadian Important Bird Area for supporting the conservation of birds and their habitat. The Park is owned by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and managed in partnership between Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of Toronto. The Park demonstrates that nature can flourish in cities and contribute to the well-being of city residents; only minutes from downtown, the Park is an escape from the city, and a place to marvel at the force of nature. It is a pet-free urban wilderness that exists as the result of decades of careful management and stewardship of natural succession and habitat restoration processes by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority with the support of the City, community groups, and other partners. Its significant and diverse aquatic and terrestrial environments provide habitat for at-risk species who are otherwise challenged by the interrelated impacts of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, urbanization and climate change. The Park's evolution into an urban wilderness can also be attributed to the work of advocacy groups like the Friends of the Spit, founded in 1977 by naturalists advocating for the Spit to grow naturally, without development and the privatization of uses. Their determination and persistence resulted in the selection of the natural area option as the basis for the approved Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan. Friends of the Spit, along with the previous Toronto and Region Conservation Authority established Natural Area Advisory Committee (1987-1992), Tommy Thompson Park Advisory Committee (2002-2011) and Tommy Thompson Park User Group (2011-2020), continue to be important advocates for the Spit and the Park. The Park has grown in popularity as it has matured into a natural landscape, attracting residents and tourists wanting to share in the unique experience of visiting an Ontario wilderness within sight of the downtown skyline. As the city continues to grow and intensify, and as precincts of the Port Lands are revitalized as new mixed-use communities as per the Port Lands Planning Framework, the Park will play an increasingly important role as a space for passive and active recreational uses. However, in order to maintain the Park's ecological integrity, which is what attracts many visitors in the first place, the Park's role as both a unique wilderness and a signature waterfront park must be balanced. Ensuring this balance is a core objective of the City, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and advocacy groups. Together, the City, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and other stakeholders all have a role to play in ensuring that the Park continues to be a place not only for native flora and fauna to call home, but for the thousands of residents and visitors to use as their escape to nature within the city; estimates of annual visitors to the Park are currently 250,000-300,000 people per year. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority have also offered Community Learning and Education programs at the Park with an emphasis on program growth in recent years. Between 2016 and 2019, over 20,000 participants were engaged through on-site programming. The purpose of this report is to recommend the establishment of a Joint Management Committee for the management of Tommy Thompson Park and the rest of the Leslie Street Spit: the "Outer Harbour East Headland and Endikement" component that is currently owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and managed by PortsToronto; as well as the "Baselands" component that is owned and managed by CreateTO, the City and PortsToronto, as shown in Attachment 1. The proposed Committee will include management-level staff, be co-chaired by Parks, Forestry and Recreation and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and will include representatives of PortsToronto, CreateTO, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The Committee will ensure that there is a coordinated and comprehensive approach to operations, maintenance, by-law enforcement, and visitor experience across the Park and the rest of the Leslie Street Spit. The Joint Management Committee will also be responsible for coordinating the process of consolidating the three components of the Spit into a singular entity which will collectively use the name Tommy Thompson Park once integrated. To that end, the Joint Management Committee will develop a property transfer plan with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and PortsToronto for the Outer Harbour East Headland and Endikement (see Attachment 1) to ensure that the lands are transferred to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and incorporated into Tommy Thompson Park. The property transfer plan will include a detailed work program with a timeline addressing the path to the resolution of longer term issues including: property transfers, integration of the Baselands and the new Ashbridges Bay Landform into the Park, the long-term use of Cell 3 for the deposition of dredgeate, shoreline safety, stabilization, remediation, and restoration, and associated costs for City divisions and agencies. The Joint Management Committee will remain in place until these longer-term issues are resolved. The Joint Management Committee will also be responsible for updating and advancing the formal execution of a Joint Management Agreement for Tommy Thompson Park. In addition to clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities for various aspects of the Park's operation, the Joint Management Agreement will consider the need to develop and implement coordinated policies that address user issues such as filming, dog walking, recreational interests such as sailing and other boat activity, cyclist/pedestrian conflicts and by-law enforcement. The Committee will also develop and implement a clear communications strategy that helps the public understand how the Park is managed and how public concerns can be raised and addressed. The Committee will work with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff on a process for securing community input related to decision-making on potential new projects and programs. City staff will report to the appropriate City Committees in future years on the resolution of the longer-term issues that will facilitate property consolidation, address shoreline stability, remediation, and restoration, and collaboratively develop a permanent operating and maintenance model for the Park. Staff will also report through future year budget processes on future operating and capital budget needs. The ultimate goal of the proposed Committee's activities will be to ensure that Tommy Thompson Park's user experience befits its unique and signature status as a regional destination where visitors can experience an urban wilderness on Toronto's waterfront.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation, to work with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to establish a Tommy Thompson Park Joint Management Committee in 2021, and to include representation from CreateTO, PortsToronto and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, for the purpose of integrated management of the three existing property components that comprise the Leslie Street Spit, and will be collectively known as the future Tommy Thompson Park, composed of: a. Tommy Thompson Park: currently owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and managed in partnership with the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division; b. lands referred to as the "Outer Harbour East Headland and Endikement" currently owned by Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and managed by PortsToronto; and c. lands referred to as the "Baselands", currently owned by CreateTO, the City and PortsToronto. 2. City Council direct the Staff-level Tommy Thompson Park Joint Management Committee in Part 1 above, to prepare a three-year work program that will address the following matters: a. develop a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the operations, and maintenance and visitor experience across the lands; b. create a visitor experience plan that strikes the balance between public access and ecological integrity; c. undertake a community and stakeholder consultation process, including engaging with the broader Indigenous communities, to inform the visitor experience plan; and d. develop coordinated policy and enforcement approaches related to filming, dogs, trail conflicts, and similar issues. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in co-ordination with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and CreateTO, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, prior to the incorporation of the lands currently owned by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and managed by PortsToronto, and including the integration of the Baselands and the new Ashbridges Bay Landform into Tommy Thompson Park, with recommendations related to the long-term governance and management of Tommy Thompson Park. 4. City Council request the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to develop a budget request for the management of Tommy Thompson Park and implementation of the recommendations above, to be submitted through the 2022-2031 Capital and Operating Budget process.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation, to work with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to establish a Tommy Thompson Park Joint Management Committee in 2021, and to include representation from CreateTO, PortsToronto and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, for the purpose of integrated management of the three existing property components that comprise the Leslie Street Spit, and will be collectively known as the future Tommy Thompson Park, comprised of: a. Tommy Thompson Park: currently owned by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and managed in partnership with the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division; b. lands referred to as the "Outer Harbour East Headland and Endikement" currently owned by Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and managed by PortsToronto; and c. lands referred to as the "Baselands", currently owned by CreateTO, the City and PortsToronto. 2. City Council direct the Staff-level Tommy Thompson Park Joint Management Committee in Part 1 above, to prepare a three-year work program that will address the following matters: a. develop a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the operations, and maintenance and visitor experience across the lands; b. create a visitor experience plan that strikes the balance between public access and ecological integrity; c. undertake a community and stakeholder consultation process, including engaging with the broader Indigenous communities, to inform the visitor experience plan; and d. develop coordinated policy and enforcement approaches related to filming, dogs, trail conflicts, and similar issues. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in co-ordination with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and CreateTO, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, prior to the incorporation of the lands currently owned by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and managed by PortsToronto, and including the integration of the Baselands and the new Ashbridges Bay Landform into Tommy Thompson Park, with recommendations related to the long-term governance and management of Tommy Thompson Park. 4. City Council request the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to develop a budget request for the management of Tommy Thompson Park and implementation of the recommendations above, to be submitted through the 2022-2031 Capital and Operating Budget process.
IE22.6adopted
Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy - Stage 1
In 2018, Toronto City Council directed Solid Waste Management Services staff to develop a Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy (Reduction Strategy). The primary goal of the Reduction Strategy is to reduce the use and disposal of single-use and takeaway items regardless of the material type and the waste stream in which they are currently managed (e.g., garbage, Blue Bin recycling, Green Bin organics). During the consultation process, a single-use or takeaway item was defined as any product designed for a single use and not designed for durability or reuse. In the fall of 2019, after two rounds of public consultation, the City of Toronto (City) identified strong public support for the implementation of mandatory measures (e.g., bylaws) restricting single-use and takeaway items. In March 2020, the Reduction Strategy was put on hold as the City focused its efforts on the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, the Government of Canada released a list of six plastic items it intends to ban or restrict by the end of 2021 through their Discussion Paper [1]: A proposed integrated management approach to plastic products to prevent waste and pollution. The Discussion Paper has further informed the proposed Reduction Strategy development. In consideration of the potential social, financial, and health-related impacts on Toronto residents and businesses, and the release of the Discussion Paper, Solid Waste Management Services does not recommend proceeding with the implementation of mandatory measures (e.g., a fee, ban or "ask first/by request" bylaw) at this time. Solid Waste Management Services staff recommend the Reduction Strategy start as a Voluntary Measures Program encouraging businesses to voluntarily adopt measures to reduce single-use and takeaway items. The City will provide support through the creation of resources to support businesses' efforts to adopt "ask first/by request" measures for items including, but not limited to bags, straws, and utensils along with accepting reusable containers for takeout containers and beverage cups. The Voluntary Measures Program will be the first stage of the Reduction Strategy focused on maintaining the momentum of support identified during the public consultations. A second stage of the Reduction Strategy that re-evaluates mandatory restrictions will be presented to City Council in 2022. It will consider any further impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Government of Canada final list of restricted plastic items. This report also provides a summary of the results from Phase Two consultations gathered prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The input was provided by a range of stakeholders including the retail sector, food and restaurant establishments, environmental organizations and residents. During Phase Two consultations, stakeholders were asked to comment on possible bylaw elements approaches restricting five types of single-use and takeaway items including straws, bags, utensils, cold and hot beverage cups, and expanded polystyrene (foam) containers and cups. [1] Discussion Paper, link: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/plastics-proposed-integrated-management-approach.html
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council approve the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy - Voluntary Measures Program, Stage 1 as outlined in Attachment 8 to the report (May 7, 2021) from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to report back in the first quarter of 2022, with an update and action plan on Stage 2 of the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy, including: a. any new considerations of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; b. any further implementation details on the Government of Canada's proposed integrated management approach to plastic products to prevent waste and pollution (Federal Program); c. an implementation timeline and approach aligning the City's proposed Phase Two consultation mandatory measures with the Federal Program; d. an implementation timeline and approach to implement the City's proposed Phase Two consultation mandatory measures should the Federal Program not come into effect in 2022, which will demonstrate the City's commitment towards zero waste and a circular economy; e. an implementation timeline and proposed approach for any recommended additions or enhancements to the City's originally proposed Phase Two consultation mandatory measures to reduce and prevent the generation of single-use and takeaway items in the City of Toronto; f. a review of options to incentivize businesses in the City of Toronto to reduce single-use and takeaway items such as partnership opportunities, financial incentives and grant programs; and g. next steps in planning for additional items to address through Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy, Stage 2. 3. City Council request the Government of Canada to consult with the City of Toronto to identify how the City of Toronto can support the Government of Canada's proposed integrated management approach to plastic products and prevent waste and pollution. 4. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to negotiate and enter into any and all agreements and amending agreements necessary to collaborate with businesses, non-profit organizations, and community organizations to support the implementation of the Voluntary Measures Program outlined in Attachment 8 to the report (May 7, 2021) from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 5. City Council direct the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to develop and implement a promotion and recognition program for businesses in the City of Toronto that adopt the Voluntary Measures Program outlined in Attachment 8 to the report (May 7, 2021) from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services recommends that: 1. City Council approve the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy - Voluntary Measures Program, Stage 1 as outlined in Attachment 8. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to report back in the first quarter of 2022, with an update and action plan on Stage 2 of the Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy, including: a. any new considerations of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; b. any further implementation details on the Government of Canada's proposed integrated management approach to plastic products to prevent waste and pollution (Federal Program); c. An implementation timeline and approach aligning the City's proposed Phase Two consultation mandatory measures with the Federal Program; d. an implementation timeline and approach to implement the City's proposed Phase Two consultation mandatory measures should the Federal Program not come into effect in 2022, which will demonstrate the City's commitment towards zero waste and a circular economy; e. an implementation timeline and proposed approach for any recommended additions or enhancements to the City's originally proposed Phase Two consultation mandatory measures to reduce and prevent the generation of single-use and takeaway items in the City of Toronto; f. a review of options to incentivize businesses in the City of Toronto to reduce single-use and takeaway items such as partnership opportunities, financial incentives and grant programs; and g. next steps in planning for additional items to address through Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy, Stage 2. 3. City Council request the Government of Canada to consult with the City of Toronto to identify how the City of Toronto can support the Government of Canada's proposed integrated management approach to plastic products and prevent waste and pollution. 4. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to negotiate and enter into any and all agreements and amending agreements necessary to collaborate with businesses, non-profit organizations, and community organizations to support the implementation of the Voluntary Measures Program outlined in Attachment 8, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 5. City Council direct the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to develop and implement a promotion and recognition program for businesses in the City of Toronto that adopt the Voluntary Measures Program outlined in Attachment 8.
IE22.7amended
Urging the Federal Government to Take Action to Manage Plastics
Plastic pollution is recognized by the Government of Canada, as well as governments and scientists around the world, as damaging to the environment. Residents of the City of Toronto are seeing the impact, now more than ever, of the amount of waste and recycling we create every week when we put out our bins having stayed at home during the pandemic. Currently, the country lacks a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the growing problem of plastic pollution as global annual production of plastic products is expected to double in the next decade, to 800 million tonnes in 2030. The majority of plastics produced are not currently suitable for reuse or recycling and some 8,000 tonnes of Canadian plastic waste end up in landfills, incinerators or the natural environment every day; 40 per cent of plastic production is for "single-use" items that are used once and thrown away, which runs counter to the principles of a circular economy, therefore depriving the potential to create green jobs to support our planet and local environment. Municipalities bear a significant burden of managing plastics - as collectors of plastics in the recycling and garbage streams, and as the collector of plastics that end up in the environment in our greenspaces and waterways. This requires substantial investment in waste management and clean-up costs both from the City and its residents. We know that Torontonians are ready for action on plastics: Toronto Council committed to addressing single use plastics in 2018, and the associated public consultations saw record levels of participation with very clear support for action to address single use containers. A comprehensive national plastics strategy will help Toronto as we push ahead to prevent plastic pollution in our environment, as we work to reduce waste sent to landfill, and as we support a just recovery with green jobs in the circular economy. The City of Toronto should seek the support of the federal government and urge them to act quickly upon their plans to address the use of single-use plastics.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council endorse the integrated management plan for plastics proposed by the Federal government, which includes: a. adding plastic manufactured items as a toxic substance to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act; b. banning six single-use items: checkout bags, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery, certain takeout containers and straws; and c. establishing a minimum requirement for recycled plastic content in new plastic products. 2. City Council request the Federal government to implement this important management plan as soon as possible. 3. City Council request the City Manager to ask the Federal government to work with the City of Toronto and the relevant City staff to explore, with a view to investing in, reuse systems to replace single-use plastic products. 4. City Council request the Federal government to establish a registry that publicly reports on: a. descriptions of the plastic manufactured items put on the market each year in Canada; b. a list of chemicals found in each product; and c. the amount of plastic that enters the waste stream in Canada each year, broken down by how and where the waste is processed (e.g. landfill, incineration/waste-to-energy, recycling, domestic versus export). 5. City Council request the Federal government to establish a framework for the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility regulation across the Country to ensure producers are responsible for the full lifecycle of the products they put on the market in Canada. 6. City Council request the Federal government to set a national recycling target for plastic products.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton recommends that: 1. City Council endorse the integrated management plan for plastics proposed by the Federal government, which includes: a. adding plastic manufactured items as a toxic substance to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act; b. banning six single-use items: checkout bags, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery, certain takeout containers and straws; and c. establishing a minimum requirement for recycled plastic content in new plastic products. 2. City Council request the Federal government to implement this important management plan as soon as possible and, in any case, no later than the end of the year. 3. City Council request the City Manager to ask the Federal government to work with the City of Toronto and the relevant City staff to explore, with a view to investing in, reuse systems to replace single-use plastic products. 4. City Council request the Federal government to establish a registry that publicly reports on: a. descriptions of the plastic manufactured items put on the market each year in Canada; b. a list of chemicals found in each product; and c. the amount of plastic that enters the waste stream in Canada each year, broken down by how and where the waste is processed (e.g. landfill, incineration/waste-to-energy, recycling, domestic versus export). 5. City Council request the Federal government to establish a framework for the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility regulation across the country to ensure producers are responsible for the full lifecycle of the products they put on the market in Canada. 6. City Council request the Federal government to set a national recycling target for plastic products.
IE22.8adopted
Partnership Authority to Support Toronto's Circular Economy Outcomes
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on key strategic City of Toronto (City) circular economy programs and initiatives, including local, national, and international collaboration activities to accelerate the City's efforts to achieve a circular economy. The report outlines the crucial nature of leveraging strategic program partnerships, such as the Canada Plastics Pact, to achieving Toronto's circular economy and climate action objectives and to delivering outcomes that benefit Toronto residents, industries, and communities. The report seeks authority for the Solid Waste Management Services Division to enter into an agreement to join the Canada Plastics Pact. The report also requests authority for Solid Waste Management Services to enter into agreements within the Division's approved budget that enable the City to maximize opportunities to work collaboratively on circular economy initiatives; and, to accept funding from non-profit, public, and private sector organizations that can support advancement of the City's circular economy outcomes.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to negotiate, enter into, and execute an agreement and any ancillary documents with the Canada Plastics Pact, as an Implementation Partner, which would include the City's provision of in-kind support to further the goals of the Canada Plastics Pact and to support efforts towards the Canada Plastics Pact achieving agreed upon targets, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to negotiate, enter into, and execute agreements, as may be required, with local, regional, national, and international non-profit, public, and private sector organizations to provide in-kind and/or financial support from the approved Solid Waste Management Services budget where it is determined that the project or initiative will advance the City's aspirational circular economy goals, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to seek out potential funding opportunities and negotiate, enter into, and execute agreements, as may be required, to receive funding from local, regional, national, and international non-profit, public, and private sector organizations to support the advancement of the City's circular economy goals, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to negotiate, enter into, and execute an agreement and any ancillary documents with the Canada Plastics Pact, as an Implementation Partner, which would include the City's provision of in-kind support to further the goals of the Canada Plastics Pact and to support efforts towards the Canada Plastics Pact achieving agreed upon targets, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to negotiate, enter into, and execute agreements, as may be required, with local, regional, national, and international non-profit, public, and private sector organizations to provide in-kind and/or financial support from the approved Solid Waste Management Services budget where it is determined that the project or initiative will advance the City's aspirational circular economy goals, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to seek out potential funding opportunities and negotiate, enter into, and execute agreements, as may be required, to receive funding from local, regional, national, and international non-profit, public, and private sector organizations to support the advancement of the City's circular economy goals, on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
IE22.9adopted
Recent amendments to Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act have made it a requirement that proponents wishing to proceed with an undertaking to establish a new landfill site must obtain the municipal support from each local municipality with residential uses within a 3.5 kilometre radius of the boundary of any new proposed landfill. This report provides information on the potential impacts on Ontario's remaining landfill capacity and an overview of the City of Toronto's residual waste disposal planning considerations as a result of the recent amendments. It also recommends advocating for additional clarity regarding the new municipal support requirement and establishment of a Waste Disposal Working Group consisting of large Ontario landfill owners to support the planning of future residual waste disposal infrastructure and capacity needs for the province to accommodate population growth.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to advocate for the Government of Ontario to provide greater certainty and clarity regarding the municipal support requirement in section 6.0.1 of the Environmental Assessment Act. 2. City Council request that the Government of Ontario establish a Waste Disposal Working Group that includes the City of Toronto and other large Ontario landfill owners, to support the planning of future residual waste disposal infrastructure and capacity needs for the Province to accommodate population growth.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to advocate for the Government of Ontario to provide greater certainty and clarity regarding the municipal support requirement in section 6.0.1 of the Environmental Assessment Act. 2. City Council request that the Government of Ontario establish a Waste Disposal Working Group that includes the City of Toronto and other large Ontario landfill owners, to support the planning of future residual waste disposal infrastructure and capacity needs for the Province to accommodate population growth.
IE22.10adopted
Construction Staging Area - 55-65 Broadway Avenue
This report is submitted to Infrastructure and Environment Committee as Broadway Avenue forms a shared boundary between the Toronto and East York Community Council and the North York Community Council. Times Group Corporation is constructing two 45-storey residential towers at 55-65 Broadway Avenue. One tower will include 130 replacement rental units plus an additional 256 new rental units. The other tower will include 389 residential condominium units. The site is located on the south side of Broadway Avenue, mid-block between Yonge Street and Redpath Avenue, within the area known as the Yonge/Eglinton Construction Hub. Transportation Services is requesting authorization to close the south sidewalk and a 1.8-metre-wide portion of the eastbound curb lane on Broadway Avenue, between a point 110 metres west of Redpath Avenue and a point 53 metres further west, for a period of 55 months (i.e., June 14, 2021 to December 31, 2025) to accommodate a construction staging area. Pedestrian operations on the south side of Broadway Avenue will be maintained in a 2.1-metre-wide covered and protected walkway within the closed portion of the existing lane. The construction staging area on Broadway Avenue will result in the loss of one eastbound traffic lane, currently used for on-street parking, resulting in two 3.3-metre-wide lanes for traffic.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the closure of the south sidewalk and a 1.8-metre-wide portion of the eastbound curb lane on Broadway Avenue, between a point 110 metres west of Redpath Avenue and a point 53 metres further west, from June 14, 2021 to December 31, 2025. 2. City Council direct the applicant to pressure wash the construction site and adjacent sidewalks and roadways weekly, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe. 3. City Council direct the applicant to ensure that the existing sidewalks or the proposed pedestrian walkways have proper enhanced lighting to ensure safety and visibility at all times of the day and night. 4. City Council direct the applicant to clearly consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local business improvement areas and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications. 5. City Council direct the applicant to install appropriate signage and converging mirrors to ensure that pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety is considered at all times. 6. City Council direct the applicant to provide a sufficient number of traffic control persons as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, on a daily basis to control construction vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public. 7. City Council direct the applicant to provide a sufficient number of pay-duty Police Officers as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, during large scale concrete pours and large scale material deliveries to control vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public. 8. City Council direct the applicant to install cane detection within the covered and protected walkway to guide pedestrians who are visually impaired. 9. City Council direct the applicant to post a 24-hour monitored construction hotline number on the hoarding board, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site. 10. City Council direct the applicant to provide and install public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for night-time illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the Ward Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the closure of the south sidewalk and a 1.8-metre-wide portion of the eastbound curb lane on Broadway Avenue, between a point 110 metres west of Redpath Avenue and a point 53 metres further west, from June 14, 2021 to December 31, 2025. 2. City Council direct the applicant to pressure wash the construction site and adjacent sidewalks and roadways weekly, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe. 3. City Council direct the applicant to ensure that the existing sidewalks or the proposed pedestrian walkways have proper enhanced lighting to ensure safety and visibility at all times of the day and night. 4. City Council direct the applicant to clearly consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local business improvement areas and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications. 5. City Council direct the applicant to install appropriate signage and converging mirrors to ensure that pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety is considered at all times. 6. City Council direct the applicant to provide a sufficient number of traffic control persons as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, on a daily basis to control construction vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public. 7. City Council direct the applicant to provide a sufficient number of pay-duty Police Officers as determined by the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, during large scale concrete pours and large scale material deliveries to control vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public. 8. City Council direct the applicant to install cane detection within the covered and protected walkway to guide pedestrians who are visually impaired. 9. City Council direct the applicant to post a 24-hour monitored construction hotline number on the hoarding board, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site. 10. City Council direct the applicant to provide and install public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for night-time illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the Ward Councillor.
IE22.11amended
The Cycling Network Plan and the associated Near Term Implementation Program (2019-2021), adopted by Council in July 2019 seeks to build on the existing network of cycling routes to connect gaps in the current network, grow the network into new parts of the city, and renew existing parts of the network to improve safety. This report is a second quarter update on cycling infrastructure projects that are proposed to be installed in 2021 and 2022 for which design and consultation have been completed. An updated Cycling Network Near Term Implementation Program and additional cycling infrastructure projects proposed for installation in 2022-2023 will be included in upcoming reports. This report also recommends the installation of sidewalks on local roads not otherwise delegated to the General Manager, Transportation Services as part of the Missing Link Sidewalk program. This report seeks Council authority to install 9.47 lane kilometres of new cycling infrastructure on the following streets proposed in the Cycling Network Near-Term Implementation Plan (2019-2021): - Bayview Avenue (cycle tracks, Ward 13) - Chesswood Drive (cycle tracks, Ward 6) - The Esplanade (cycle tracks, Ward 10 and 13) - George Street South (contra-flow cycle track, Ward 10) - Martin Grove Road (cycle tracks, Ward 2) - Mill Street (cycle tracks, Wards 10 and 13) - Winona Drive (bicycle lanes, Ward 9 and 12) - Woodfield Road (bicycle lanes, Ward 14) This report also seeks Council authority to make improvements to 1.48 lane kilometres of existing cycling infrastructure on the following streets: - Rathburn Road (bicycle lanes to cycle tracks, Ward 2). By-law amendments required to reduce the speed limit on Yonge Street between Bloor Street and Belsize Drive from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour to improve safety for the ActiveTO temporary complete street pilot are also included in this report. A map of the cycling projects proposed in this report is included as Attachment 1. The changes proposed would improve safety and mobility options by providing improved cycling connections to transit, parks, local schools, businesses, and residences. Pedestrian improvements have also been included in the projects, wherever feasible, including curb extensions and new sidewalk installations, and motor vehicle lane adjustments. While there are varying impacts to traffic operations for motor vehicles, these impacts have been reviewed, analyzed and have been determined by Transportation Services to have acceptable impacts in order to improve safety and comfort of all road users. All of the bikeways included in this report are proposed to be installed in 2021 and 2022, as detailed in the report below. Provision of safe, comfortable and accessible sidewalks on all public streets is a fundamental objective of the Vision Zero 2.0 Road Safety Plan. Through the Missing Links Sidewalk Installation Program, Transportation Services reviews opportunities to install sidewalks on all roadway classifications through bundling with other state-of-good-repair roadway or utility work, as well as stand-alone delivery. In July 2019, Council requested that sidewalk proposals not otherwise delegated to the General Manager, Transportation Services, or those requested by a Member of Council, be reported on an annual basis to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for recommendation to City Council. This report recommends the installation of sidewalks on the following local roads: - Windsor Street between Newcastle Street and 50 metres south of Newcastle Street (west side, Ward 3); - Inverness Avenue between Islington Avenue and Rothsay Avenue (south side, Ward 3); - Tarragona Boulevard between Gunns Road and Park Entrance (north side, Ward 5); - Donalda Crescent between existing sidewalk at north end of the park and 70 metres south (west side, Ward 22); - Mildenhall Road between Lawrence Avenue East and Blythwood Road (east side, Ward 15).
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the installation of bicycle lanes, or bicycle lane by-law amendments, on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 2, titled "Designated Bicycle Lanes", to the report (May 10, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services: a. Winona Drive, from Dundurn Crescent north intersection to Glenhurst Avenue, and Barrie Avenue to St. Clair Avenue West; b. Woodfield Road, from Eastern Avenue to Lake Shore Boulevard East; and c. Martin Grove Road, from Rathburn Road to 92 metres north of Burhamthorpe Road. 2. City Council authorize the installation of cycle tracks, or adjustments to cycle track by-laws on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 3, titled "Designated Cycle Tracks", to the report (May 10, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services: a. Bayview Avenue, from Front Street East to Mill Street; b. Chesswood Drive, from Sheppard Avenue West to Champagne Drive; c. George Street South, from The Esplanade to Wilton Street; d. The Esplanade, from Yonge Street to Berkeley Street; and e. Mill Street, from Parliament Street to Bayview Avenue. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to continue with the planned delivery of sidewalks on: a. Windsor Street, west side from Newcastle Street to 50 metres south of Newcastle Street; b. Inverness Avenue, south side from Islington Avenue to Rothsay Avenue; c. Tarragona Boulevard, north side from Gunns Road to Park Entrance; d. Donalda Crescent, west side from existing sidewalk at north end of the park to 70 metres south; and e. Mildenhall Road, east side from Lawrence Avenue East to Blythwood Road. 4. City Council authorize the installation or adjustments of contra-flow bicycle lanes, or bicycle lane by-law amendments, on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 4, titled "Contra-flow Bicycle Lanes", to the report (May 10, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services: a. Winona Drive, from Gloucester Grove to Dundurn Crescent north intersection and Dundurn Crescent south intersection to Barrie Avenue; and b. Woodfield Road, from Fairford Avenue to Eastern Avenue. 5. City Council authorize the amendments to traffic and parking regulations associated with Recommendations 1, 2, and 4 above, as described in Attachment 5, titled "Amendments to Traffic and Parking Regulations", to the report (May 10, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 6. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Chesswood Drive and Champagne Drive. 7. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Woodfield Road. 8. Subject to approval of and in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Eastern Avenue and Woodfield Road identified in Recommendation 7 above, City Council authorize removal of the pedestrian crossover at Eastern Avenue and Connaught Avenue. 9. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Queen Street and Woodfield Road. 10. Subject to approval of and in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Queen Street and Woodfield Road, City Council authorize removal of the pedestrian crossover at Queen Street and Woodfield Road. 11. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Gerrard Street and Woodfield Road. 12. Subject to approval of and in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Gerrard Street and Woodfield Road, City Council authorize removal of the pedestrian crossover at Gerrard Street and Woodfield Road. 13. City Council authorize the reduction of the speed limit from 40 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour on The Esplanade from Yonge Street to Berkeley Street. 14. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider various safety barrier options for separating cyclists from vehicles / trucks on cycle tracks in the design for Chesswood Drive, that allows for separators between cycling and road traffic, to discuss these options with the local community and local Councillor prior to implementation of this bicycle lane project. 15. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to conduct analysis of the Mill Street and The Esplanade cycle track implementation, and after the standard appropriate review period, consult with area stakeholders and the local Councillors on the findings. 16. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, to refine the plan to install lane separators on Martin Grove Road, south of Rathburn Road, in the vicinity of the traffic calming islands, and install them on a trial basis for two years to evaluate performance, and permit interim adjustments to address issues or complaints. 17. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to review the speed limit on Rathburn Road in the vicinity of Martin Grove Road to The East Mall. 18. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to accelerate planning and consultation work on bikeways near Rathburn Road and Centennial Park Boulevard.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the installation of bicycle lanes, or bicycle lane by-law amendments, on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 2 - Designated Bicycle Lanes: a. Winona Drive (from Dundurn Crescent north intersection to Glenhurst Avenue, and Barrie Avenue to St. Clair Avenue West); b. Woodfield Road (from Eastern Avenue to Lake Shore Boulevard East); and c. Martin Grove Road (from 40 metres north of Donalbert Road to 92 metres north of Burhamthorpe Road). 2. City Council authorize the installation of cycle tracks, or adjustments to cycle track by-laws on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 3 - Designated Cycle Tracks: a. Bayview Avenue (from Front Street East to Mill Street); b. Chesswood Drive (from Sheppard Avenue West to Champagne Drive); c. George Street South (from The Esplanade to Wilton Street); d. The Esplanade (from Yonge Street to Berkeley Street); e. Martin Grove Road (from Rathburn Road to 40 metres north of Donalbert Road); f. Mill Street (from Parliament Street to Bayview Avenue); and g. Rathburn Road (from Martin Grove Road to 100 metres east of The East Mall). 3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to continue with the planned delivery of sidewalks on: a. Windsor Street (west side from Newcastle Street to 50 metres south of Newcastle Street); b. Inverness Avenue (south side from Islington Avenue to Rothsay Avenue); c. Tarragona Boulevard (north side from Gunns Road to Park Entrance); d. Donalda Crescent (west side from existing sidewalk at north end of the park to 70 metres south); and e. Mildenhall Road (east side from Lawrence Avenue East to Blythwood Road). 4. City Council authorize the installation or adjustments of contra-flow bicycle lanes, or bicycle lane by-law amendments, on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 4 - Contra-flow Bicycle Lanes: a. Winona Drive (from Gloucester Grove to Dundurn Crescent north intersection and Dundurn Crescent south intersection to Barrie Avenue); and b. Woodfield Road (from Fairford Avenue to Eastern Avenue). 5. City Council authorize the amendments to traffic and parking regulations associated with Recommendations 1, 2, and 4 above, as described in Attachment 5 - Amendments to Traffic and Parking Regulations. 6. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Chesswood Drive and Champagne Drive. 7. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Woodfield Road. 8. Subject to approval of and in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Eastern Avenue and Woodfield Road identified in Recommendation 7 above, City Council authorize removal of the pedestrian crossover at Eastern Avenue and Connaught Avenue. 9. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Queen Street and Woodfield Road. 10. Subject to approval of and in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Queen Street and Woodfield Road, City Council authorize removal of the pedestrian crossover at Queen Street and Woodfield Road. 11. City Council authorize the installation of a traffic control signal at the intersection of Gerrard Street and Woodfield Road. 12. Subject to approval of and in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Gerrard Street and Woodfield Road, City Council authorize removal of the pedestrian crossover at Gerrard Street and Woodfield Road. 13. City Council authorize the reduction of the speed limit from 40 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour on The Esplanade from Yonge Street to Berkeley Street.
IE22.12amended
City Council, at its meeting on December 16, 17 and 18, 2020, authorized staff to enter a Project Delivery Agreement with Waterfront Toronto to reconstruct Lake Shore Boulevard East, from the Don River to Carlaw Avenue, in accordance with the approved Environmental Assessment for the Port Lands Flood Protection project. Waterfront Toronto will also remove the Gardiner access ramps at Logan Avenue, as part of the Council-adopted Gardiner Strategic Rehabilitation Plan. Transportation Services is requesting authorization to reconfigure the northerly eastbound lane on Lake Shore Boulevard East, between Lower Jarvis Street and a point 147 metres west, to operate as a second eastbound through lane on the eastbound off-ramp. As a result of the lane reconfiguration and planned signal timing changes, the weaving manoeuvre from eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard East to the Gardiner Expressway on-ramp will conflict with the off-ramp through traffic. Therefore, this report also requests authorization to close the eastbound Gardiner on-ramp from Lower Jarvis Street. Based on the traffic impact analysis, these recommendations will accommodate the expected increase in traffic from the removal of the Gardiner East access ramps to Logan Avenue and mitigate excessive queuing on the Lower Jarvis Street off-ramp.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the alteration of Lake Shore Boulevard East, from Lower Jarvis Street and a point 147 metres west, to remove the existing median island dividing Lake Shore Boulevard East and the eastbound Gardiner off-ramp and construction of a new median island to allow for a second eastbound through lane on the off-ramp at Lower Jarvis Street, generally as shown in Attachment 1, titled "Drawing Number 421T-0120" and dated March 2021, to the report (May 10, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services. 2. City Council, in conjunction with the completion of road alteration set out in Recommendation 1 above, and until December 31, 2030, authorize the closure of the eastbound Gardiner on-ramp from Lower Jarvis Street to vehicular traffic, in order to eliminate any potential conflicts and unsafe manoeuvres between the eastbound movements on Lake Shore Boulevard East and the Gardiner Expressway on-ramp.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the alteration of Lake Shore Boulevard East, from Lower Jarvis Street and a point 147 metres west, to remove the existing median island dividing Lake Shore Boulevard East and the eastbound Gardiner off-ramp and construction of a new median island to allow for a second eastbound through lane on the off-ramp at Lower Jarvis Street, generally as shown in Attachment 1, Drawing Number 421T-0120, dated March 2021. 2. City Council, in conjunction with the completion of road alteration set out in Recommendation 1 above, authorize the closure of the eastbound Gardiner on-ramp from Lower Jarvis Street.
IE22.13amended
Mechanical Sidewalk Winter Maintenance Trial
Transportation Services concluded a trial to test the use of new smaller sidewalk snow plows with an enclosed cab that were only recently available in the marketplace. The goal of the trial is to determine whether sidewalk snow clearing could be expanded to include areas of the city that do not currently receive mechanical clearing as part of the City's current winter maintenance program. These areas have previously been excluded because the existing fleet of larger sidewalk plows is unable to safely clear narrow sidewalks with frequent physical obstructions. The smaller snow plows were tested on nine routes covering 231 kilometres of sidewalks over two winter seasons to observe and document the performance of the machines in a range of snow conditions and street settings. Based on the information gathered through the trial, Transportation Services has concluded that it is technically possible to expand snow clearing service to include the large majority of sidewalks in the city. The results of the trial and the recommendation to expand the program are presented in this report for City Council's consideration.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to expand the current mechanical sidewalk winter snow clearing service to the remaining approximately 1,300 kilometres of sidewalks currently not receiving this service, effective for the 2021 / 2022 winter season. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with General Manager, Fleet Services, to purchase necessary winter maintenance equipment in the approved 2021 - 2023 Fleet Capital Budget to expand the mechanical sidewalk winter snow clearing service. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to transition the current Seniors or Persons with Disabilities Sidewalk Clearing Program beginning for the 2021 / 2022 winter season to the proposed expanded and enhanced mechanical sidewalk winter snow clearing service. 4. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to include all necessary staff and budgets costs associated with the expansion for consideration in the 2022 Budget process. 5. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to explore using the new winter maintenance equipment used as part of the Sidewalk Winter Maintenance Trial, on other active transportation infrastructure to see if it meets operation requirements, specifically on multi-use pathways and on bike lanes currently without physical separation, that could be serviced with the new equipment.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to expand the current mechanical sidewalk winter snow clearing service to the remaining approximately 1,300 kilometres of sidewalks currently not receiving this service, effective for the 2021 / 2022 winter season. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with General Manager, Fleet Services, to purchase necessary winter maintenance equipment in the approved 2021 - 2023 Fleet Capital Budget to expand the mechanical sidewalk winter snow clearing service. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to transition the current Seniors or Persons with Disabilities Sidewalk Clearing Program beginning for the 2021 / 2022 winter season to the proposed expanded and enhanced mechanical sidewalk winter snow clearing service. 4. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to include all necessary staff and budgets costs associated with the expansion for consideration in the 2022 Budget process.
IE22.14amended
Agreement for the Replacement of the Imperial Oil Pipeline
This report requests authorization of a Pipeline Crossing Agreement between Imperial Oil Limited ("Imperial Oil") and the City of Toronto to replace and maintain their pipeline within the City of Toronto public right-of-way in Etobicoke Centre (Ward 2), Etobicoke North (Ward 1), Humber River Black Creek (Ward 7), and York Centre (Ward 6). In addition, this report requests standing delegated authority for the General Manager of Transportation Services to negotiate, enter into, and sign Municipal Pipeline Crossing Agreements which will be based on an approved form. Transportation Services has reviewed an application from Imperial Oil for the replacement, operation, and maintenance of its services within the public highways situated within the City of Toronto and have no objections to the replacement of portions of the pipeline.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council delegate authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services, to negotiate, enter into and execute, in consultation with the local Councillor, on behalf of the City a Pipeline Crossing Agreement with Imperial Oil Limited to authorize the construction, installation, maintenance and operation of an oil pipeline within City of Toronto public highways, and incorporating the terms as set out in this report from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and such other terms and conditions as may be satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. City Council delegate standing authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate, enter into and execute on behalf on the City any Pipeline Crossing Agreement, based on the standard form agreement currently used by staff, to construct, install, maintain and operate oil pipelines and ancillary plants by pipeline companies in the City of Toronto public highways, including, without limitation, any renewals, extensions or subsequent amendments to a Pipeline Crossing Agreement, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the local Councillor, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor subject to the following condition: a. any variation from the City's standard form Pipeline Crossing Agreement, or any subsequent amendment, shall not materially impact the potential liability of the City. 3. City Council authorize and direct the appropriate City officials to take the necessary action to implement Council's decision, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required. 4. City Council delegate authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the local Councillor, to consent to any transfer of assignment under any Pipeline Crossing Agreement where, after consulting with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, it is determined that there is no financial impact of the proposed change to the City, and all provisions of the Pipeline Crossing Agreement continue to be in force and effect, such delegation to include authority to negotiate and execute an assignment agreement where deemed necessary by the City Solicitor on terms and conditions substantially similar to those described in the report (May 25, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services and on such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 5. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to inform Imperial Oil Limited of the City's commitment to its TransformTO strategy and becoming net zero by 2050 or sooner.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that: 1. City Council delegate authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate, enter into and execute on behalf of the City a Pipeline Crossing Agreement with Imperial Oil Limited to authorize the construction, installation, maintenance and operation of an oil pipeline within City of Toronto public highways, and incorporating the terms as set out in this report from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and such other terms and conditions as may be satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 2. City Council delegate standing authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate, enter into and execute on behalf on the City any Pipeline Crossing Agreement, based on the standard form agreement currently used by staff, to construct, install, maintain and operate oil pipelines and ancillary plants by pipeline companies in the City of Toronto public highways, including, without limitation, any renewals, extensions or subsequent amendments to a Pipeline Crossing Agreement, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor subject to the following condition: a. any variation from the City's standard form Pipeline Crossing Agreement, or any subsequent amendment, shall not materially impact the potential liability of the City. 3. City Council authorize and direct the appropriate City officials to take the necessary action to implement Council's decision, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required. 4. City Council delegate authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services to consent to any transfer of assignment under any Pipeline Crossing Agreement where, after consulting with the Chief Financial Officer, it is determined that there is no financial impact of the proposed change to the City, and all provisions of the Pipeline Crossing Agreement continue to be in force and effect, and such delegation includes authority to negotiate and execute an assignment agreement where deemed necessary by the City Solicitor on terms and conditions substantially similar to those described in the report (May 25, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services and on such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
IE22.15adopted
Regulatory Clarity for Cargo E-bikes
Last year, Toronto City Council adopted by-law amendments arising from Item 14.11 Regulatory Clarity for E-Cargo Cycles to allow for expanded use of pedal-assisted cargo e-bikes weighing not more than 120kg by residents and businesses. Toronto's proactive policies made it possible for cars and delivery trucks to be replaced by cargo e-bikes - a popular, sustainable, and viable mode of transportation for residents doing shopping, or for businesses making deliveries on the City's new and existing bike lanes and cycle tracks. As observed since the onset of the pandemic, the popularity of cargo e-bikes has increased as more people seek green and safe alternatives to get around the City, and more businesses use cycling solutions to meet their corporate targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while delivering goods in urban areas. The many benefits include: reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, reducing traffic congestion, and creating more vibrant public spaces and amenities such as outdoor dining. Since last year's report, the Province has released O.Reg 141/21 Pilot Project - Cargo Power-Assisted Bicycles in early March, and more recently, has changed the weight threshold for cargo e-bikes to 55kg. Any cargo e-bike weighing over 55kg on public infrastructure now requires municipalities to opt-in and change their by-laws to allow for their use on specified public infrastructure. The new provincial regulations require updating the City's by-laws and definitions to align them and to continue allowing cargo e-bikes weighing not more than 120kg to be used on bike lanes and cycle tracks, as approved last year in Item 14.11. In addition, the City of Toronto has an opportunity to further develop its regulatory framework to allow for larger cargo e-bikes weighing more than 120kg to be piloted. A pilot project with larger cargo e-bikes would allow the City to evaluate their use and impacts on the City's infrastructure and the reduction of GHGs to support the City's TransformTO strategy. A full regulatory framework and pilot program are being consulted on, and developed with key stakeholders, and we request that City staff report back on a micromobility strategy encompassing all different types of e-bikes, including larger cargo e-bikes, by the fourth quarter of 2021.
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend Section 886-1C of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, by inserting the phrase "§ 886-10," after the phrase "as used in". 2. City Council amend the definition of "bicycle" in Section 886-1C of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, by inserting the phrase "a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the phrase "("pedelec")," such that the defined term of "bicycle" would then read as follows: "BICYCLE - Includes a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, a power-assisted bicycle which requires pedalling for propulsion ("pedelec"), a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen, or other similar vehicle, but does not include any vehicle or bicycle capable of being propelled or driven solely by any power other than muscular power." 3. City Council amend the definition of "vehicle" in Section 950-101B of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, by inserting the phrase ", cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the word "bicycle" such that the defined term of "vehicle" would then read as follows: "VEHICLE - Includes a motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor, road-building machine, bicycle, cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen, and any vehicle drawn, propelled or driven by any kind of power, including muscular power but does not include a motorized snow vehicle, streetcar, in- line skates, skateboards, coasters, scooters, toy vehicles, toboggans, sleighs or other similar devices." 4. City Council amend Section 950-201B of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, by inserting the phrase "or cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen" after the phrase "leave a bicycle". 5. City Council amend Section 950-201C(1) of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, by inserting the phrase "and a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the phrase "for propulsion ("pedelec")," such that subsection (1) would then read as follows: (1) For the purposes of § 950-201C(2), BICYCLE shall be defined as including a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, a power-assisted bicycle which weighs less than 40 kilograms and requires pedalling for propulsion ("pedelec"), and a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen, or other similar vehicle, but does not include any vehicle or bicycle capable of being propelled or driven solely by any power other than muscular power. 6. City Council amend Section 950-201E of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, to include the phrase ", cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the phrase "ride a bicycle". 7. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make application to the Province of Ontario, Ministry of the Attorney General, and/or Regional Senior Justice to establish any new/revised set fine short form wording under the Provincial Offences Act, as necessary, as may be identified by the City Solicitor or the General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Parts 2 to 7, inclusive, above. 8. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or the General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Parts 1 to 7, inclusive, above. 9. City Council request that the General Manager, Transportation Services, report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the fourth quarter of 2021 on the proposed micromobility strategy for different power-assisted bicycles (e-bike types), including larger cargo e-bikes over 120kg in unladen weight, and their regulatory and infrastructure considerations.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton recommends that: 1. Infrastructure and Environment Committee direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report directly to the June 8-9, 2021 meeting of City Council on the regulatory clarity for cargo e-bikes. 2. City Council amend Section 886-1C of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, by inserting the phrase "§ 886-10," after the phrase "as used in". 3. City Council amend the definition of "bicycle" in Section 886-1C of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, by inserting the phrase "a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the phrase "("pedelec")," such that the defined term of "bicycle" would then read as follows: "BICYCLE - Includes a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, a power-assisted bicycle which requires pedalling for propulsion ("pedelec"), a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen, or other similar vehicle, but does not include any vehicle or bicycle capable of being propelled or driven solely by any power other than muscular power." 4. City Council amend the definition of "vehicle" in Section 950-101B of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, by inserting the phrase ", cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the word "bicycle" such that the defined term of "vehicle" would then read as follows: "VEHICLE - Includes a motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor, road-building machine, bicycle, cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen, and any vehicle drawn, propelled or driven by any kind of power, including muscular power but does not include a motorized snow vehicle, streetcar, in- line skates, skateboards, coasters, scooters, toy vehicles, toboggans, sleighs or other similar devices." 5. City Council amend Section 950-201B of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, by inserting the phrase "or cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen" after the phrase "leave a bicycle". 6. City Council amend Section 950-201C(1) of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, by inserting the phrase "and a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the phrase "for propulsion ("pedelec")," such that subsection (1) would then read as follows: (1) For the purposes of § 950-201C(2), BICYCLE shall be defined as including a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, a power-assisted bicycle which weighs less than 40 kilograms and requires pedalling for propulsion ("pedelec"), and a cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen, or other similar vehicle, but does not include any vehicle or bicycle capable of being propelled or driven solely by any power other than muscular power. 7. City Council amend Section 950-201E of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, to include the phrase ", cargo power-assisted bicycle with a continuous rated output power not exceeding 500 watts and weighing not more than 120 kilograms unladen," after the phrase "ride a bicycle". 8. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make application to the Province of Ontario, Ministry of the Attorney General, and/or Regional Senior Justice to establish any new/revised set fine short form wording under the Provincial Offences Act, as necessary, as may be identified by the City Solicitor or the General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Parts 2 to 7, inclusive, above. 9. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or the General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Parts 2 to 8, inclusive, above. 10. City Council request that the General Manager, Transportation Services, report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the fourth quarter of 2021 on the proposed micromobility strategy for different power-assisted bicycles (e-bike types), including larger cargo e-bikes over 120kg in unladen weight, and their regulatory and infrastructure considerations.