Toronto Zoo
The full agenda, as filed
All 12 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.
ZB14.1amended
In accordance with the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo Procedural By-law Section 9, the Board: 1. At the first meeting of the Board, after the appointment of the Chair, shall elect a Vice-Chair whose term of office shall be two years unless the Board otherwise specifies. All members are eligible for election.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Elected Dr. Cynthia Holmes as Vice-Chair of the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo for a term of office starting February 28, 2025 and ending November 14, 2026 and until a successor is appointed.
ZB14.2received
Synthetic Biology: Conservation's Friend or Foe?
Dr. Gabriela Mastromonaco will provide a PowerPoint Presentation on the recent advancements in genome-based technologies and the promising solutions they may offer for conservation. However, they may also carry risks of ecological disruption and other unintended consequences. Your Toronto Zoo's conservation science team is working to better understand whether the growing interest in generating charismatic genetically modified organisms, like the woolly mammoth, is a valuable pursuit or an unnecessary distraction.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the presentation for information.
ZB14.3received
Toronto Zoo Operational Update
Dolf DeJong, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo will give a verbal presentation on Toronto Zoo Operational Update.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the verbal update for information.
ZB14.4adopted
Toronto Zoo Purchasing Policy Updates
This report recommends updates to the Toronto Zoo's procurement policies to modernize processes and purchasing thresholds to better align with business needs and cost escalations. It also establishes new policy commitments related to supply chain integrity and diversity, workforce development, and contribution arrangements with community, academic and industry partners.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Adopted the updates to the Toronto Zoo's Procurement Policy as set out in Attachment 2 to the report (February 14, 2025) from the Director, Finance, Technology, and Innovation, Toronto Zoo. 2. Adopted the Toronto Zoo Social Procurement Policy as set out in Attachment 3 to the report (February 14, 2025) from the Director, Finance, Technology, and Innovation, Toronto Zoo. 3. Adopted the Toronto Zoo Contribution Agreement Policy as set out in Attachment 4 to the report (February 14, 2025) from the Director, Finance, Technology, and Innovation, Toronto Zoo.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Finance, Technology and Innovation, Toronto Zoo recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Adopt the updates to the Toronto Zoo's Procurement Policy as set out in Attachment 2. 2. Adopt the Toronto Zoo Social Procurement Policy as set out in Attachment 3. 3. Adopt the Toronto Zoo Contribution Agreement Policy as set out in Attachment 4.
ZB14.5adopted
Project Alignment with the Approved 2025 - 2034 Capital Plan and Budget
This report seeks approval from the Board for adjustments to project commitments required to deliver the approved 2025-2034 Toronto Zoo Capital Plan and Budget. The 2025-2034 Capital Plan and Budget was approved by the Board at its meeting on October 2, 2024 and by Toronto City Council on February 11, 2025.
In accordance with the approved 2025-2034 Toronto Zoo Capital Plan and Budget, the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved the following project commitment adjustments for the Community Conservation Centre (Welcome Area) project: a. an increase in total construction costs to be tendered under the construction management contract with PCL from $61.0 million to $75.0 million, excluding applicable taxes; and b. an increase in the design contract value with Zeidler Architect from $2,522,123.89 to $3,443,559.80 including all fees and disbursements, excluding applicable taxes. 2. Authorized the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo, or their designate, to negotiate, enter into and execute any amending agreements necessary to the design and construction management contracts for the Community Conservation Centre (Welcome Area) project as a result of the adoption of Recommendation 1.a. and 1.b. above, on terms acceptable to the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. Authorized the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo, or their designate, to negotiate, enter into and execute any amending agreement to the Construction Agreement for RFP 68 - Design Build Wildebeest Building (Savanna Herd Barn Exhibit Refurbishment Project), including an increase in pricing from $1,042,000.00 up to the amount of $1,471,000.00, excluding applicable taxes, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 4. Authorized the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo, or their designate, to negotiate, enter into and execute any amending agreements necessary to the Consulting Agreement for RFP38 Design Consulting and Construction Contract Administration for Red Panda Habitat Exhibit Refurbishment Project, including any increase in pricing from $311,252.50 up to the amount of $585,000.00, excluding applicable taxes, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
In accordance with the approved 2025-2034 Toronto Zoo Capital Plan and Budget, the Director, Finance, Technology and Innovation, Toronto Zoo and the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo recommend that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approve the following project commitment adjustments for the Community Conservation Centre (Welcome Area) project: a. an increase in total construction costs to be tendered under the construction management contract with PCL from $61.0 million to $75.0 million, excluding applicable taxes; and b. an increase in the design contract value with Zeidler Architect from $2,522,123.89 to $3,443,559.80 including all fees and disbursements, excluding applicable taxes. 2. Authorize the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo, or their designate, to negotiate, enter into and execute any amending agreements necessary to the design and construction management contracts for the Community Conservation Centre (Welcome Area) project as a result of the adoption of Recommendation 1a. and 1b., on terms acceptable to the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. Authorize the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo, or their designate, to negotiate, enter into and execute any amending agreement to the Construction Agreement for RFP 68 - Design Build Wildebeest Building (Savanna Herd Barn Exhibit Refurbishment Project), including an increase in pricing from $1,042,000.00 up to the amount of $1,471,000.00, excluding applicable taxes, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 4. Authorize the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo, or their designate, to negotiate, enter into and execute any amending agreements necessary to the Consulting Agreement for RFP38 Design Consulting and Construction Contract Administration for Red Panda Habitat Exhibit Refurbishment Project, including any increase in pricing from $311,252.50 up to the amount of $585,000.00, excluding applicable taxes, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Director, Facilities and Infrastructure, Toronto Zoo and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
ZB14.6adopted
Endangered Species Reserve Fund - 2025 Budget
The Endangered Species Reserve Fund (ESRF) supports conservation and education projects to benefit endangered species in Canada and around the world. The 2025 Endangered Species Reserve Fund Budget is attached for approval.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved the Endangered Species Reserve Fund Projects with net expenditures of $150,000.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Senior Director, Wildlife Science, Toronto Zoo recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approve the Endangered Species Reserve Fund Projects with net expenditures of $150,000.
ZB14.7adopted
Attendance and Revenue Report - December 2024
This report will update the Board of Management on the visitor statistics and revenue results for the period 2024-01-01 through 2024-12-31. This report includes a dashboard highlighting some of the key metrics for 2024.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the report (February 13, 2025) from the Director, Finance, Technology, and Innovation, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director of Finance, Technology, and Innovation recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo receive this report for information.
ZB14.8adopted
Volunteering and Engagement Report 2024
This report will update the Board of Management on the activities of the Volunteering and Engagement Unit for the year 2024. The volunteer team consists of Year-Round Volunteers, Summer Volunteers, Wildlife Health Centre Volunteers, and Zoo Ambassador Student Volunteers.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the report (February 14, 2025) from the Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Guest Experience, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Guest Experience recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo receives this report for information.
ZB14.9adopted
Learning and Engagement Programs Report 2024
This report provides an update of the primary activities and achievements of the Learning and Engagement unit for 2024. Learning and Engagement oversees a wide variety of different programs throughout the year that support key components of the Strategic Plan and further educational goals, including school programs and teacher resources, a roster of public programs for a variety of audiences/ages, virtual experiences, summer camps, and overnight experiences.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the report (February 14, 2025) Report from the Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Guest Experience, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Guest Experience recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo receives this report for information.
ZB14.10adopted
Strategic Communications Report 2024
The Strategic Communications team manages public-facing communications to engage with multiple audiences with the Toronto Zoo's mission: connecting people, animals, and conservation science to fight extinction. Through strategic messaging and outreach, the team drives Zoo attendance and promotes revenue-generating activities, programs, and events. This report provides a summary of key activities, statistics, and achievements from the past year that contributed to strong attendance and celebrated your Toronto Zoo's milestone 50th anniversary that helped contribute to exceeding attendance targets in 2024.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the report (February 13, 2025) from the Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Guest Experience, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Guest Experience recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo receives this report for information.
ZB14.11adopted
2025 Exempt Staff Compensation
This report recommends a merit and cost-of-living adjustment for Toronto Zoo exempt staff in 2025.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved the staff recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (February 13, 2025) from Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo. 2. Directed that Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (February 13, 2025) from Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo remain confidential in its entirety as it contains information about labour relations/employee negotiations.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Executive Officer recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approve the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. 2. Direct that the information in Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential in its entirety as it contains information about labour relations/employee negotiations.
ZB14.12received
Policy Framework - City Response to Demonstrations
City Council on December 17 and 18, 2024, adopted Item CC24.2 as amended, and in so doing, adopted the following: 1. Adopted the Policy Framework - City Response to Demonstrations in Attachment 1 to the report (December 10, 2024) from the City Manager and direct the City Manager to update the Framework as necessary to ensure the Framework remains current and responsive to the City's needs and priorities. 2. Requested City agencies and corporations to refer to the Policy Framework - City Response to Demonstrations in Attachment 1 to the report (December 10, 2024) from the City Manager as a model and align applicable policies and procedures to be consistent with the City's approach where appropriate.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the item for information.