Planning and Housing Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 14 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
PH17.1adopted
In December 2019, City Council approved the Community Housing Partnership Renewal Program (CHPR), a new program designed to incentivize former federal non-profit housing providers with expired operating agreements to enter into new agreements with the City to secure affordable housing and maintain or improve levels of affordability. The implementation of Community Housing Partnership Renewal Program requires site-specific authority from Council to approve individual municipal housing facility agreements for participating housing providers. The purpose of this report is to obtain Council authority for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) to implement the first round of non-profit housing providers that have committed to participating in Community Housing Partnership Renewal Program . This includes enrolling four housing providers with a total of 360 affordable rental units for 20-year terms. In addition to securing affordability, agreements under Community Housing Partnership Renewal Program will include requirements that promote long-term sustainability of the rental stock and deepen affordability of a mix of unit sizes through the provision of housing benefits. The HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan listed Community Housing Partnership Renewal Program as a key initiative supporting the City's objective to protect non-profit housing and the City's commitment to achieving related targets in the action plan over the next ten years. Granting property tax relief to non-profit housing providers participating in Community Housing Partnership Renewal Program is a cost-effective approach to secure affordable rental units and maintain the supply of affordable rental housing in Toronto.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of the City, a municipal housing facility agreement (the City's Contribution Agreement) with the housing providers described in Table 2 in the Financial Impact section of the report (October 5, 2020) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to secure affordable housing in accordance with By-law 1756-2019, in return for the exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize an exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes for the properties and periods of time described in Table 2 in the Financial Impact section of report the (October 5, 2020) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, with the tax exemption being effective from the "Effective Date" of the municipal housing facility agreement (the City's Contribution Agreement). 3. City Council authorize the Controller to cancel or refund any taxes paid after the effective date of the municipal housing facility agreement (the City's Contribution Agreement). 4. City Council enact a site specific by-law amending the criteria for "Former Federal Project" in the Municipal Housing Facility By-law 1756-2019, to exempt 11 Winona Drive operated by Hellenic Homes for the Aged Inc., from the eligibility criteria that former federal projects must have their original operating agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation expired to meet the definition of "Former Federal Project" in the Municipal Housing Facility By-law 1756-2019. 5. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the municipal housing facility agreement 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 General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of the City, a municipal housing facility agreement (the City's Contribution Agreement) with the housing providers described in Table 2 in the Financial Impact section of report (October 5, 2020) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to secure affordable housing in accordance with By-law 1756-2019, in return for the exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 2. City Council authorize an exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes for the properties and periods of time described in Table 2 in the Financial Impact section of report (October 5, 2020) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, with the tax exemption being effective from the "Effective Date" of the municipal housing facility agreement (the City's Contribution Agreement). 3. City Council authorize the Controller to cancel or refund any taxes paid after the effective date of the municipal housing facility agreement (the City's Contribution Agreement). 4. City Council enact a site specific by-law amending the criteria for "Former Federal Project" in the Municipal Housing Facility By-law 1756-2019, to exempt 11 Winona Drive operated by Hellenic Homes for the Aged Inc., from the eligibility criteria that former federal projects must have their original operating agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation expired to meet the definition of "Former Federal Project" in the Municipal Housing Facility By-law 1756-2019. 5. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the municipal housing facility agreement 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.
PH17.2adopted
Authorizing the Termination and Discharge of Social Housing Agreement for 223 Osler Street
The City of Toronto and Mainstay Housing ("Mainstay"), a non-profit housing organization, entered into a social housing agreement in 1991 as a condition of a Committee of Adjustment decision for a variance requested for the construction of a three-storey, 13-unit building at 223 Osler Street. The agreement is governed under section 453.1 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, which requires that any disposal of property requires the consent of Toronto City Council. Mainstay wishes to sell the property, due to the extraordinary cost of remediating structural deterioration in the building, and apply the proceeds of the sale to Mainstay's Development Fund. This Fund is used to support the acquisition and development of new properties for mixed income rental housing, including affordable units for individuals experiencing homelessness. On November 5, 2019, the Ministry of Health, Mainstay's primary funder, consented to the sale. The social housing agreement with the City is registered on title and prevents Mainstay from proceeding with plans to sell the property and invest the proceeds in future acquisition and development of new rental housing. As such, on May 28, 2020, Mainstay requested the termination and discharge of the social housing agreement for 223 Osler Street. This report recommends City Council consent to the termination of the social housing agreement with Mainstay Housing and the discharge of its registration against title to 223 Osler Street.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council consent to the termination of the social housing agreement dated January 28, 1991 between the City and Mainstay Housing and discharge of the registration of the social housing agreement against title to 223 Osler Street; and 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to execute and deliver such agreements, notices and consents required to accomplish the foregoing recommendation on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, recommends that: 1. City Council consent to the termination of the social housing agreement dated January 28, 1991 between the City and Mainstay Housing and discharge of the registration of the social housing agreement against title to 223 Osler Street; and 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to execute and deliver such agreements, notices and consents required to accomplish the foregoing recommendation on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
PH17.3amended
Taking Action to Increase Affordable and Supportive Housing Opportunities
On September 30, 2020, City Council adopted Item No. "PH16.8 - Addressing Housing and Homelessness Issues in Toronto through Inter-governmental Partnerships" and directed the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to report to the October 20, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee on a plan to shift future capital and operating funding from shelters to create permanent supportive housing and to include the plan as part of the 2021 Capital and Operating Budget submission. At that meeting City Council also directed staff to develop an affordable housing acquisitions strategy to support the City's COVID-19 Housing and Homelessness Recovery Response Plan, and to report back to the October 20, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee with recommendations to activate the strategy to take advantage of the federal Rapid Housing Initiative and ensure that the City is well-positioned to move quickly to acquire properties for people experiencing homelessness. This report responds to Council's direction and provides details on actions taken to-date by staff to proactively prepare to take advantage of the federal Rapid Housing Initiative. It also provides details on how the City plans to pivot to permanent housing solutions while also maintaining capacity in the shelter system for its intended short-term emergency use.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration when identifying sites for possible conversion from shelter to permanent housing, or sites that could accommodate both uses to provide a broad continuum of housing, to add criteria to the list identified in Creating New Affordable Housing and Responding to Funding Programs as outlined in PH16.8a, that would consider underrepresented locations where such conversions will allow residents living with homelessness to stay within their community and local support network.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration recommend that: 1. City Council receive this report for information.
PH17.4amended
Access to safe, secure, and affordable housing is essential to the health and socio-economic well-being of individuals, families and communities. The current COVID-19 health emergency has re-enforced this fact as residents without adequate and stable housing, including those who are homeless or in low-income communities, have been hardest hit by the pandemic. In large urban centres like Toronto where housing costs continue to grow faster than incomes, an increasing number of households are being pushed deeper into poverty and homelessness. Poverty not only prevents people from being able to maintain stable housing, it also leads to poor health outcomes, and places increased pressures on public health systems. Recognizing the complex link between poverty, health and social outcomes, and the need to take a systemic approach to improving the lives of residents across the city, the University Health Network (UHN), the United Way of Greater Toronto (UWGT) and the City of Toronto entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Social Medicine Initiative in 2019. Through the pandemic, this MOU was central in establishing a number of COVID-19 hotel recovery sites with UHN and the City of Toronto for people experiencing homelessness alongside community partners including the Neighbourhood Group and Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre. The partnership resulted in caring for over 1,300 patients and families, and it continues to inform a Social Medicine approach in improving the quality of care for marginalized patient populations. The Social Medicine Initiative (SMI) is a collaborative approach integrating health and social services to improve health outcomes for Toronto residents. The intent of SMI is to scale such integration and any upstream policy solutions such as housing for all or income supports to improve the wellbeing of our city's most disadvantaged patient populations. In order to prevent worsening health conditions, SMI is focused on a more proactive approach that improves access to services such as primary care, mental health, and harm reduction, while meaningfully addressing the social determinants such as poverty, food insecurity, social isolation and housing to improve population health. This report outlines a framework to activate a SMI housing partnership and create new permanent supportive housing in the Parkdale neighbourhood for structurally vulnerable and marginalized individuals, including people experiencing homelessness. It proposes a unique model to utilize land owned by UHN, and new affordable and supportive housing which coordinates resources to help establish a campus of care onsite. This innovative approach will see affordable housing integrated with health and social services. It will provide more housing opportunities for people who are currently being under-served by the health care system while experiencing homelessness and other challenges imposed by poverty. Furthermore, this approach will integrate medical care and community supports to provide solutions for permanent housing and the wraparound services residents need as evidenced through the partnership in the COVID-19 pandemic. The lands owned by UHN in Parkdale include the majority of the block bounded by King Street West, Close Avenue, Dunn Avenue and Springhurst Avenue. The properties include both institutional and house-form buildings and comprise of the EW Bickle Centre for Complex Continuing Care, the Sunflower House Child Care Centre fronting onto Dunn Avenue, and the existing Lakeside Long-term Care Centre. The properties also include three parcels that are currently vacant as well as a large parking lot. UHN has recently submitted a planning application to expand the Lakeside Long-Term Care Centre to include a new 6-storey addition with 192 beds which is scheduled for consideration by Toronto and East York Community Council and City Council in October, 2020 (Item No. TE19.1). The new long-term care beds will provide homes for elderly residents who are unable to live independently, and contribute to the continuum of housing and health model envisioned for the site. The application related to the Lakeside Long-term Care Centre was voluntarily revised by UHN to include the 17 institutional and house-form building properties within the block. City Planning is recommending approval of the re-zoning application that would allow for the expansion of the long-term care centre on condition that the rental tenure of all existing rental dwelling units be protected for a period of 49 years. Further signifying UHN's commitment to incorporate affordable and supportive housing as part of its health care model, UHN is in discussions with the City regarding a potential long-term lease to the City for the existing house-form buildings. As some of these properties are occupied, they will continue to be operated to provide affordable housing for existing residents until future redevelopment of the site. The City will select a non-profit organization to manage these homes. Subject to Council's approval of this report, staff will proceed with due diligence work related to the house-form properties and will report back to Council by the second quarter of 2021 with recommendations related to the proposed lease arrangement. Concurrently, staff will begin work with the UHN, UWGT, the local community (including existing UHN tenants) and the ward Councillor to plan for the future redevelopment within the block. A report will be presented to Council for consideration in the second quarter of 2021 with a plan to initiate the project, including the potential to add net new affordable rental housing on the vacant lots and large parking lot.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the University Health Network ("UHN"), to complete the appropriate due diligence on the house-form properties identified as 74 and 82 Dunn Avenue, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 Close Avenue, and 74 and 78 Springhurst Avenue (the "House-form Properties") and report to the Planning and Housing Committee in the first quarter of 2021 with recommendations including proposed terms and conditions for the City of Toronto to enter into a long-term lease with University Health Network at below market rent in respect of the House-form Properties, and budget details in relation to the lease and operation of the properties. 2. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with CreateTO, University Health Network, the ward Councillor, the tenants of the house-form buildings and the local community, to begin a visioning and master planning exercise for a future redevelopment of the lands, including the potential to add modular housing on the vacant parcels as well as the large parking lot at 150 Dunn Avenue, as part of a shorter term plan, and report back to Council in the second quarter of 2021 with recommendations to activate the site and create new affordable and supportive housing opportunities. 3. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with CreateTO and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to evaluate additional privately owned lands adjacent to or in proximity to the lands owned by University Health Network within the block for opportunities to create a more efficient redevelopment block, and report back to Council on potential to incorporate these additional properties as part of a larger assembly and redevelopment plan. 4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to allocate up to $100,000 in funding, inclusive of HST and disbursements, from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund (XR1058) for the purpose of completing the pre-development work, including the due diligence work and the visioning and master planning exercise referred to in Recommendations 1 and 2 above. 5. City Council approve an increase to the 2020 Approved Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, of up to $100,000 gross, $0 net funded from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058) to support pre-development activities related to the University Health Network-owned institutional and House-form Properties in Parkdale for the purposes of creating new affordable rental and supportive housing opportunities. 6. Council approve an exemption from the Donations to the City of Toronto For Community Benefits Policy to help advance a potential below fair market value lease to the City from University Health Network of lands located at 74 and 82 Dunn Avenue, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 Close Avenue, and 74 and 78 Springhurst Avenue for the purpose of affordable housing and report back as necessary to seek further direction in this regard. 7. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to execute an Option to Lease agreement with the University Health Network that would provide the City with the exclusive option to lease 74 and 82 Dunn Avenue, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 Close Avenue, and 74 and 78 Springhurst Avenue for nominal consideration, in a form satisfactory to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the University Health Network ("UHN"), to complete the appropriate due diligence on the house-form properties identified as 74 and 82 Dunn Avenue, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 Close Avenue, and 74 and 78 Springhurst Avenue (the "House-form Properties") and report to the Planning and Housing Committee in the first quarter of 2021 with recommendations including proposed terms and conditions for the City of Toronto to enter into a long-term lease with University Health Network at below market rent in respect of the House-form Properties, and budget details in relation to the lease and operation of the properties. 2. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with CreateTO, University Health Network, the ward Councillor and the local community, to begin a visioning and master planning exercise for a future redevelopment of the lands, including the potential to add modular housing on the vacant parcels as well as the large parking lot at 150 Dunn Avenue, as part of a shorter term plan, and report back to Council in the second quarter of 2021 with recommendations to activate the site and create new affordable and supportive housing opportunities. 3. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with CreateTO and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to evaluate additional privately owned lands adjacent to or in proximity to the lands owned by University Health Network within the block for opportunities to create a more efficient redevelopment block, and report back to Council on potential to incorporate these additional properties as part of a larger assembly and redevelopment plan. 4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to allocate up to $100,000 in funding, inclusive of HST and disbursements, from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund (XR1058) for the purpose of completing the pre-development work, including the due diligence work and the visioning and master planning exercise referred to in Recommendations 1 and 2 above. 5. City Council approve an increase to the 2020 Approved Operating Budget for Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in coordination with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, of up to $100,000 gross, $0 net funded from the Capital Revolving Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR1058) to support pre-development activities related to the University Health Network-owned institutional and House-form Properties in Parkdale for the purposes of creating new affordable rental and supportive housing opportunities. 6. Council approve an exemption from the Donations to the City of Toronto For Community Benefits Policy to help advance a potential below fair market value lease to the City from University Health Network of lands located at 74 and 82 Dunn Avenue, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 Close Avenue, and 74 and 78 Springhurst Avenue for the purpose of affordable housing and report back as necessary to seek further direction in this regard.
PH17.5amended
Pilot Project to Protect Rooming Houses for Long-term Affordability - Update
On July 23, 2018, City Council adopted Item EX36.38, "Potential Rooming House Property Acquisition and Modernization in Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park", and directed staff to undertake a pilot project to select and assist a non-profit organization in acquiring and modernizing a rooming house property available for sale in Ward 4 (formerly Ward 14) Parkdale-High Park. Staff were also directed to report back on the results of the pilot. This report responds to Council's request. Additionally, it provides information on two subsequent non-profit affordable housing acquisitions which were supported through City and federal-provincial funding programs. Rooming houses, also referred to as multi-tenant houses, provide a critical supply of deeply affordable housing options for many of Toronto's most vulnerable and marginalized residents. However, in the city's current real estate market, this important form of housing continues to be at risk of being lost due to redevelopment and conversion to other uses. In particular, Ward 4-Parkdale-High Park, which has historically had a significant number of rooming houses, has seen a number of these properties lost in recent years due to sales, conversions and redevelopment. This has led to displacement and housing instability for many households. The City of Toronto has taken a number of actions to protect rooming houses and tenants, in partnership with non-profit housing providers and other orders of government. These actions have included a rooming house acquisition pilot project for Ward 4 - Parkdale-High Park supported by the local Councillor through $1.5 million in Section 37 community benefit funds. An additional $600,000 in federal-provincial funding was also allocated to modernize the property following acquisition. The pilot project involved a City-initiated Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select a non-profit organization; a pre-approval of City funding that allowed the selected non-profit to move quickly and put offers on suitable properties as they became available on the market; and a process to expedite the allocation of the City funding to complete the transaction while also ensuring appropriate due diligence and oversight. The pilot project resulted in the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust, which was the selected non-profit housing provider, being able to successfully acquire and renovate a 15-unit licenced rooming house which will provide affordable rental homes for tenants for a minimum period of 99 years. In addition to the pilot project mentioned above, in 2019 the Housing Secretariat administered a competitive process to allocate federal-provincial program funds to non-profit housing providers which resulted in another rooming house being acquired. Additionally, a related acquisition of an affordable rental apartment building was supported by the Housing Secretariat. In total, these three recent acquisitions, all in Ward 4-Parkdale-High Park, have resulted in 63 dwellings units being secured as permanently affordable rental homes for low-and-moderate income residents. The non-profit acquisition pilot project undertaken by staff in 2019 has provided valuable insights into how the City can support the non-profit sector to successfully acquire and protect deeply affordable rental housing in perpetuity. Together with other recent non-profit acquisition projects supported by the City, a process has been established which can now be replicated and expanded across the city to ensure that rooming houses and other forms of affordable housing are preserved and maintained to provide safe, secure and adequate homes for residents. In order to increase the number of non-profit property acquisitions however, it is critical that ongoing funding be available, including federal and provincial funding, to complement City investments.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to adopt the process developed as part of the Rooming House Acquisition Pilot Project, outlined in Attachment 1 to the report (October 5, 2020) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to support future non-profit led affordable rental and co-operative housing acquisitions based on the availability of City and/or City-administered funding and incentives. 2. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to report in the first quarter of 2021 to the Planning and Housing Committee on the potential of establishing an ongoing Municipal Small Sites Rental Housing Acquisition Program that provides dedicated funding and financing to non-profit housing organizations or community land trusts to facilitate the purchase and conversion of at-risk private market affordable rental housing into permanently affordable housing.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat recommends that: 1. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to adopt the process developed as part of the Rooming House Acquisition Pilot Project, outlined in Attachment 1, to support future non-profit led affordable rental and co-operative housing acquisitions based on the availability of City and/or City-administered funding and incentives.
PH17.6adopted
Actions to Promote the Protection of Residential Rental Tenancies - Update
The Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing on September 24, 2020 considered the report (September 10, 2020) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration on Promoting the Security of Residential Rental Tenancies.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to report back to a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing meeting on progress made by the Interdivisional Staff Working Group to improve internal practices to help address potential illegitimate evictions, potential investigation functions and responses. 2. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to report back to a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing with a revised terms of reference and expanded mandate of the Advisory Committee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing to provide advice on all City related tenancy matters and transition to become the Tenant Advisory Council as called for in the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan. 3. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to explore opportunities to improve customer-service as it relates to tenant information and services provided across City divisions. 4. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Chief Communications Officer, Strategic Communications and the Customer Experience Transformation and Innovation (CXi) team to develop a website maintenance plan for the new tenant portal; implement Phase 1 of the Communication Framework by October 31, 2020; and present options for the implementation of Phase 2 at a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing meeting. 5. Directed the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to identify short-term opportunities to align the Tenant Support Grant program, and its associated Municipal Code Chapter 797, with current market conditions, including updating administrative requirements to mitigate challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and report back to a November 2020 meeting of the Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing to facilitate implementation of short-term program changes in January 2021. 6. Directed the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to examine opportunities to align, over the intermediate- and longterm, existing programs for tenants in the private market with current market conditions, and to report back to the Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing in the second quarter of 2021 on proposed program changes, and the cost of implementing such changes. 7. Directed the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to review and update, as required, current City of Toronto web content related to the Rent Bank program, the Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) program and the Tenant Defence Fund and Tenant Hotline programs, and include information on how tenants can access each program. 8. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat in consultation with the General Manager, Employment and Social Services and the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration to report to a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing meeting on: a. exploring opportunities to improve data collection and analysis capacity and coordination as it relates to protecting affordable rental housing in consultation with external organizations and community agencies and tenant-led organizations; and b. developing a process to monitor residential evictions in Toronto by collecting information from the City staff delivering tenant eviction and support programs, including Eviction Prevention in the Community, the Rent Bank and the Housing Stabilization Fund. 9. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to request a Data Sharing Agreement between the City of Toronto and the Landlord and Tenant Board to facilitate regular information sharing on evictions, above guideline increases and other tenancy-related data. 10. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat work with the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to develop an assessment tool that will guide staff in determining work which may legitimately result in the need for the tenant to vacate a property either temporarily or permanently, and subsequently to develop educational materials to advise landlords and tenants of their rights and responsibilities under provincial legislation. 11. Requested the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to consult with and/or contract with an appropriate organization to develop and distribute, both electronically and in print, simple, user-friendly forms for tenants to help them deal with evictions notices and communications from their landlord, including but not limited to a tenant who wishes to exercise their right of first refusal to give the landlord notice in writing before vacating the rental unit and report to a November 2020 meeting of the Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing recommends that: 1. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to report back to a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing meeting on progress made by the Interdivisional Staff Working Group to improve internal practices to help address potential illegitimate evictions, potential investigation functions and responses. 2. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to report back to a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing with a revised terms of reference and expanded mandate of the Advisory Committee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing to provide advice on all City related tenancy matters and transition to become the Tenant Advisory Council as called for in the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan. 3. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to explore opportunities to improve customer-service as it relates to tenant information and services provided across City divisions. 4. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Chief Communications Officer, Strategic Communications and the Customer Experience Transformation and Innovation (CXi) team to develop a website maintenance plan for the new tenant portal; implement Phase 1 of the Communication Framework by October 31, 2020; and present options for the implementation of Phase 2 at a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing meeting. 5. The Planning and Housing Committee direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to identify short-term opportunities to align the Tenant Support Grant program, and its associated Municipal Code Chapter 797, with current market conditions, including updating administrative requirements to mitigate challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and report back to a November 2020 meeting of the Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing to facilitate implementation of short-term program changes in January 2021. 6. The Planning and Housing Committee direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to examine opportunities to align, over the intermediate- and longterm, existing programs for tenants in the private market with current market conditions, and to report back to the Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing in the second quarter of 2021 on proposed program changes, and the cost of implementing such changes. 7. The Planning and Housing Committee direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to review and update, as required, current City of Toronto web content related to the Rent Bank program, the Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) program and the Tenant Defence Fund and Tenant Hotline programs, and include information on how tenants can access each program. 8. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat in consultation with the General Manager, Employment and Social Services and the General Manager, Shelter Support and Housing Administration to report to a November 2020 Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing meeting on: a. exploring opportunities to improve data collection and analysis capacity and coordination as it relates to protecting affordable rental housing in consultation with external organizations and community agencies and tenant-led organizations; and b. developing a process to monitor residential evictions in Toronto by collecting information from the City staff delivering tenant eviction and support programs, including Eviction Prevention in the Community, the Rent Bank and the Housing Stabilization Fund. 9. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to request a Data Sharing Agreement between the City of Toronto and the Landlord and Tenant Board to facilitate regular information sharing on evictions, above guideline increases and other tenancy-related data. 10. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat work with the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to develop an assessment tool that will guide staff in determining work which may legitimately result in the need for the tenant to vacate a property either temporarily or permanently, and subsequently to develop educational materials to advise landlords and tenants of their rights and responsibilities under provincial legislation. 11. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to consult with and/or contract with an appropriate organization to develop and distribute, both electronically and in print, simple, user-friendly forms for tenants to help them deal with evictions notices and communications from their landlord, including but not limited to a tenant who wishes to exercise their right of first refusal to give the landlord notice in writing before vacating the rental unit and report to a November 2020 meeting of the Subcommittee on the Protection of Affordable Rental Housing.
PH17.7received
Implementing the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan
City Council at its meeting on September 30, October 1 and 2, 2020, adopted, as amended Item PH16.5, headed "Improving Outcomes for Toronto Residents through Implementation of HousingTO 2020-2030". Among other things, City Council has forwarded a copy of the supplementary report (September 29, 2020) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat [PH16.5c], to the October 20, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Received the item for information.
PH17.8amended
Lawrence Heights Phases 2 and 3 - Initial Development Proposal
On July 16, 2019, through Item No. PH7.4, "A New Approvals Framework for Toronto Community Housing Corporation Revitalization Projects", City Council adopted a new approvals framework for Toronto Community Housing ("TCHC") revitalization projects. As part of this new approvals framework, a stage gate process was established to provide the City with early and enhanced oversight of TCHC projects, and to ensure that these revitalizations support strategic city-building priorities. In line with the new approvals framework, this report provides an outline of the project concept for Phases Two and Three of the Lawrence Heights revitalization (the "Initial Development Proposal"). It also summarizes issues and opportunities for achieving city-building goals, provides a record of engagement to-date, and outlines recommended next steps. The Initial Development Proposal reflects the Lawrence Allen Secondary Plan, approved by City Council in November 2011 through Item No. NY11.24a. It includes the replacement of 636 social housing units plus the addition of an estimated 2,488 market rental and ownership homes and 130 affordable rental units. Other city-building objectives proposed to be achieved include: a new community hub with a public park, public school, daycare, community centre, and a new network of public streets and infrastructure. Phases Two and Three are intended to be approved together, but will be constructed through a series of sub-phases, with the exact timing and configuration to be confirmed once a developer partner has been procured. The project concept outlined in this report may change as pre-development work advances. There may be shifts in project design as a result of further review and evaluation through the planning application process, and also potentially as a result of changes in the market, construction costs or other factors. Furthermore, through the development review and community consultation processes, an appropriate zoning by-law amendment, plan of sub-division, site plan and built form will be identified, which will ultimately determine the final number of rental and ownership homes and amenities at the site. Approval of the recommendations in this report will allow TCHC to proceed with a public Request for Proposal ("RFP") process to identify a development partner for the site. Following this process, and in line with the approvals framework, City staff, in consultation with TCHC, will report back to Council in 2021 with details of the TCHC-recommended development proposal, refined cost estimates, and to seek final approval for the project, including approval of the required planning applications.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council, in its capacity: a. as Shareholder of Toronto Community Housing Corporation ("TCHC"), pursuant to Section 7.4.1 (c) of the City's Shareholder Direction to Toronto Community Housing Corporation, approve Toronto Community Housing Corporation proceeding with the Initial Development Proposal outlined in this report as the project concept for the revitalization of Toronto Community Housing Corporation's properties located in Lawrence Heights Phases 2 and 3 and outlined in Attachment 2 to the report (October 5, 2020) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat; and b. as Service Manager under section 161(2) of the Housing Services Act, 2011 ("HSA") consent to Toronto Community Housing Corporation proceeding with the Initial Development Proposal outlined in this report as the project concept for the revitalization of Lawrence Heights Phases 2 and 3. 2. City Council direct that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (October 5, 2020) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat remain confidential in its entirety until such time as Toronto Community Housing Corporation agrees that the confidential information may be disclosed to the public. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to work with Toronto Community Housing Corporation and explore all opportunities available to increase the number of affordable rental units on the site. 4. City Council authorize City staff, in consultation with Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to submit an application for funding and financing consideration for affordable housing under the National Housing Strategy Co-Investment Fund and report to City Council on the progress in 2021 as part of the final report for consent to proceed with the revitalization project. 5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in collaboration with the appropriate City divisions, CreateTO and Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to report to Council by the third quarter of 2021 with details of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation-recommended development proposal, refined cost estimates, and to seek final approval for the project, including approval of the required planning applications. 6. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and the local Councillor, to explore opportunities to increase the heights and density for the proposed residential buildings in all future phases of the Lawrence Heights revitalization project, including amendments which may be required to the existing Secondary Plan. 7. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to explore opportunities to increase the number of affordable rental units in all future phases of the Lawrence Heights revitalization, including using any additional density resulting from the actions in Recommendation 6 above, to help offset the cost of delivering the affordable housing. 8. City Council request the appropriate City divisions in consultation with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation to prioritize the building of the new community hub in Phase 2 of the Lawrence Heights revitalization project. 9. City Council request the appropriate City divisions in consultation with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation to explore including a stand-alone seniors buildings and a street-level convenience store in Phase 2 or 3 of the Lawrence Heights revitalization. 10. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to work with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation to explore adding in the new buildings in Phases 2 and 3 of the Lawrence Heights revitalization, where possible, indoor and outdoor hand washing stations; enhanced natural and mechanical ventilation; and all other design and architectural features needed to address the current COVID-19 pandemic and any similar future health emergencies. 11. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to work with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and explore, through the developer RFP to be issued for Phases 2 and 3, the establishment of a "Rent to Own" program or affordable homeownership opportunities for long-standing Toronto Community Housing Corporation tenants.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat recommends that: 1. City Council, in its capacity: a. as Shareholder of Toronto Community Housing Corporation ("TCHC"), pursuant to Section 7.4.1 (c) of the City's Shareholder Direction to Toronto Community Housing Corporation, approve Toronto Community Housing Corporation proceeding with the Initial Development Proposal outlined in this report as the project concept for the revitalization of Toronto Community Housing Corporation's properties located in Lawrence Heights Phases 2 and 3 and outlined in Attachment 2; and b. as Service Manager under section 161(2) of the Housing Services Act, 2011 ("HSA") consent to Toronto Community Housing Corporation proceeding with the Initial Development Proposal outlined in this report as the project concept for the revitalization of Lawrence Heights Phases 2 and 3. 2. City Council direct that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety until such time as Toronto Community Housing Corporation agrees that the confidential information may be disclosed to the public. 3. City Council request the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to work with Toronto Community Housing Corporation and explore all opportunities available to increase the number of affordable rental units on the site. 4. City Council authorize City staff, in consultation with Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to submit an application for funding and financing consideration for affordable housing under the National Housing Strategy Co-Investment Fund and report to City Council on the progress in 2021 as part of the final report for consent to proceed with the revitalization project. 5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in collaboration with the appropriate City divisions, CreateTO and Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to report to Council by the third quarter of 2021 with details of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation-recommended development proposal, refined cost estimates, and to seek final approval for the project, including approval of the required planning applications.
PH17.9amended
The City Planning monitors development activity in the city. This report and the attached bulletin summarize development activity in the city over the past five years. Information from the Division's Land Use Information System II and other sources have been analyzed to provide an overview of all development projects with any development activity between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Development activity refers to progress at any stage of the approvals and development processes, including application submission, development review, development approval, building permit application, building permit issuance, construction, occupancy and completion. The bulletin illustrates how the city has grown over these five years and how it may continue to develop over time. In total, 435,069 residential units and 12,085,148 million square meters of non-residential gross floor area (GFA) were proposed by projects with development activity between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Of this, 148,797 residential units were approved but not yet built, and an additional 193,631 units were in projects still under review. There are 342,428 residential units and 9,791,833 m2 of non-residential gross floor area that are either under review or active, indicating a continuation of strong development activity in Toronto in the coming years. If all of these units were realized over time, they would increase the total number of dwellings in the city by a third.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to modify the Terms of Reference for the Planning Rationale Report required in support of planning applications to include a requirement that applications that propose residential uses identify in their Planning Rationale Report how the application proposes to address and provide for affordable and supportive housing in consideration of the Official Plan policies that seek to achieve a full range of housing including affordable and supportive housing; and 2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to include in the Final Recommendation report how the proposal will contribute to the achievement of the Official Plan's policies with respect to the provision of a full range of housing including affordable and supportive housing.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. The Planning and Housing Committee receive this report for information.
PH17.10amended
Retail Design Manual: Final Recommendation Report
This report recommends Council's adoption of the Retail Design Manual shown as Attachment 1 to this report and that Council direct staff to apply the manual for use in the evaluation of retail development. The Retail Design Manual supports the objectives of complete communities and vibrant streets which are closely tied to the provision of successful, resilient and dynamic retail uses. This Manual is a collection of best practices and is intended to provide guidance on developing successful ground floor retail spaces. The Manual provides aspirational retail design best practices to inform, guide, inspire and educate those involved in the design and development of retail uses including developers, architects/designers, City staff, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and property managers. Each of these user groups will refer to this document in a different way and at different stages in the planning, design and development process. Planning and designing high quality and diverse retail spaces helps to achieve good city building and economic objectives, and contributes to an animated and inviting public realm.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the Retail Design Manual, included as Attachment 1 to the report (October 5, 2020) from Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. City Council request that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, apply the Retail Design Manual in the evaluation of new and under review development proposals containing retail uses. 3. City Council request that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning in advancing planning studies examine how the best practices in the Retail Design Manual can be inputs into area-specific planning frameworks, including Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, to support resilient, flexible and adaptable retail space as part of complete communities.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the Retail Design Manual, included as Attachment 1 to this report. 2. City Council request that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, apply the Retail Design Manual in the evaluation of new and under review development proposals containing retail uses.
PH17.11adopted
Amendments to the Municipal Code: Chapter 103 - Heritage, and Chapter 27 - Council Procedures
On May 2, 2019, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing introduced Bill 108, the Province's Housing Supply Action Plan (More Homes, More Choice Act). Through Bill 108 the Province passed, but has not yet enacted, significant amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act ("OHA"). Many of the OHA amendments will require Council to make decisions, specifically in relation to designations, alterations and demolitions, within very tight timelines (90 days). As such, it will be imperative that Council be able to make decisions as quickly as possible. Failure to make a decision within the prescribed time limits will, as a result of the amendments, result in deemed consent. On September 21, 2020, the Province has released a draft regulation associated with the amendments for consultation and comment. This report recommends amendments to Chapter 27 of the Municipal Code, Council Procedures, to allow the Chief Planner, when required, to report on specified heritage matters directly to Council in order to meet timelines prescribed by the Ontario Heritage Act. This report also recommends amendments to Chapter 103 of the Municipal Code, Heritage, in order to delegate authority to the Chief Planner to agree to the extension of timeframes at an owner's request to extend of deadlines prescribed by the Ontario Heritage Act and expand on and update the heritage complete application requirements.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend the New Business provisions of the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 27, Council Procedures, to authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report directly to Council, in order to make recommendations on decisions under the Ontario Heritage Act, when a matter is deemed urgent. 2. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 103, Heritage, directing that all reports recommending designation of a property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act report to Planning and Housing Committee, after consultation with the Toronto Preservation Board, except in cases where the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning reports directly to City Council as contemplated in Recommendation 1 above. 3. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 103, Heritage, Article 8, Delegation of Authority, to delegate authority to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning or designate(s) to negotiate and sign heritage easement agreements, to agree to extensions of statutory timelines where permitted under the Ontario Heritage Act and other administrative decision making powers. 4. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 103, Heritage, Articles 3 and 4 to update the complete application types and requirements as generally described in Attachment 1 to the report (October 5, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 5. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bills to give effect to City Council's Decision and to make any necessary clarifications, specifications, refinements, modifications, technical amendments, or By-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in order to give effect to the implementation of changes to the Ontario Heritage Act, including coordinating the enactment date of the municipal code changes with proclamation of the relevant provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act. 6. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to review options on introducing a fee associated with the review of the required applications under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council amend the New Business provisions of the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 27, Council Procedures, to authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report directly to Council, in order to make recommendations on decisions under the Ontario Heritage Act, when a matter is deemed urgent. 2. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 103, Heritage, directing that all reports recommending designation of a property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act report to Planning and Housing Committee, after consultation with the Toronto Preservation Board, except in cases where the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning reports directly to City Council as contemplated in Recommendation 1. 3. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 103, Heritage, Article 8, Delegation of Authority, to delegate authority to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning or designate(s) to negotiate and sign heritage easement agreements, to agree to extensions of statutory timelines where permitted under the Ontario Heritage Act and other administrative decision making powers. 4. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 103, Heritage, Articles 3 and 4 to update the complete application types and requirements as generally described in Attachment 1 of this report. 5. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bills to give effect to City Council's Decision and to make any necessary clarifications, specifications, refinements, modifications, technical amendments, or By-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in order to give effect to the implementation of changes to the Ontario Heritage Act, including coordinating the enactment date of the municipal code changes with proclamation of the relevant provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act. 6. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to review options on introducing a fee associated with the review of the required applications under the Ontario Heritage Act.
PH17.12amended
Temporary Use Zoning By-law to Expand Permissions for Outdoor Patios for Bars and Restaurants
This report recommends temporary use by-laws pursuant to Section 39 of the Planning Act to ease zoning restrictions on outdoor patios associated with eating establishments, take-out eating establishments, and recreation uses. The proposed by-laws will replace the Ministerial Zoning Order issued by the Province as O. Reg. 358/20, which will expire on November 16, 2020. The temporary use by-laws will continue to ease restrictions on outdoor patios associated with restaurants and bars during the winter months, in the event that individual businesses choose to operate patios for their patrons during this time. One temporary use by-law is proposed as an amendment to the city-wide harmonized Zoning By-law (569-2013). The second temporary use by-law will address properties that remain subject to the former municipal zoning by-laws. The by-laws would allow a modest increase to the maximum size of outdoor patios and would remove restrictions that might prevent an outdoor patio located in front of buildings. The by-laws have particular consideration for non-residential properties with dedicated surface parking in front of the building, by permitting patios notwithstanding parking requirements. The temporary use by-laws are proposed to expire on May 25, 2021, after the conclusion of next year's Victoria Day long weekend. This report also recommends time extensions to three site-specific temporary use by-laws previously adopted by Council that grant zoning permissions to three temporary outdoor patios currently operating under circumstances or site conditions as part.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council enact zoning by-law amendments substantially in accordance with Attachments 1 and 2 to the report (October 5, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 2. City Council enact zoning by-law amendments substantially in accordance with Attachments 3, 4, and 5 to the report (October 5, 2020) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to each zoning by-law amendment as may be required. 4. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the Chief Building Official, in consultation with any relevant divisions, to explore options to expedite the review of any additional Building Code, Fire Code, and zoning regulations associated with the implementation of covered and partially enclosed patios for the 2021-2022 winter season.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council enact zoning by-law amendments substantially in accordance with Attachments 1 and 2. 2. City Council enact zoning by-law amendments substantially in accordance with Attachments 3, 4, and 5. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to each zoning by-law amendment as may be required.
PH17.13adopted
This report provides information and identifies a preliminary set of issues regarding the application located at 1 Herons Hill Way. The proposal is to redevelop the easterly portion of the site for a 39-storey mixed-use building while retaining the existing 2-storey office building on the westerly portion of the subject site. Staff are currently reviewing the application. It has been circulated to all appropriate agencies and City divisions for comment. Staff will proceed to schedule a community consultation meeting for the application with the Ward Councillor.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Directed staff to schedule a community consultation meeting for the application located at 1 Herons Hill Way together with the Ward Councillor. 2. Directed that notice for the community consultation meeting be given to landowners and residents within 120 metres of the application site, and to additional residents, institutions and owners to be determined in consultation with the Ward Councillor, with any additional mailing costs to be borne by the applicant. 3. Directed staff to review the application, which includes the conversion of the subject lands from Employment Areas to Mixed Use Areas for the purpose of permitting residential development, concurrently and in the context of the statutory Review of the Official Plan, which includes a Municipal Comprehensive Review that has been commenced by the City Planning.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that: 1. Staff schedule a community consultation meeting for the application located at 1 Herons Hill Way together with the Ward Councillor. 2. Notice for the community consultation meeting be given to landowners and residents within 120 metres of the application site, and to additional residents, institutions and owners to be determined in consultation with the Ward Councillor, with any additional mailing costs to be borne by the applicant. 3. Staff be directed to review the application, which includes the conversion of the subject lands from Employment Areas to Mixed Use Areas for the purpose of permitting residential development, concurrently and in the context of the statutory Review of the Official Plan, which includes a Municipal Comprehensive Review that has been commenced by the City Planning.
PH17.14forwarded without recommendation
In March 2017, City Council requested the Director, Affordable Housing Office to negotiate the terms and conditions of federal/provincial financial assistance and City incentives to WoodGreen Community Housing Inc. ("WoodGreen") for the redevelopment of 1117 and 1119 Gerrard Street East. Through this process, a total of $5.4 million in federal/provincial funding was approved to support the addition of 36 new affordable rental homes for seniors, with rents not to exceed 80% Average Market Rent (AMR). In March 2018, City Council also authorized property tax exemptions for the new affordable rental homes. It has come to my attention that due to increases in construction costs and other factors beyond WoodGreen's control, additional funding may be needed to support completion of this project in 2020. The completion of this project is critical especially at this time due to the need to provide safe, secure and affordable homes for low-and-moderate-income seniors. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, seniors have been disproportionately impacted by the health crisis and more housing options to help seniors age in place is urgently needed.
The Planning and Housing Committee submits the item to City Council without recommendations.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Planning and Housing Committee requests that: 1. The Executive Director, Housing Secretariat report directly to the October 27 and 28, 2020 meeting of City Council and provide an update on the affordable rental housing project at 1117-1119 Gerrard Street East, including details of the additional funding needed for the project and a recommended source of funds.