Toronto Zoo
The full agenda, as filed
All 13 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.
ZB21.1received
Public Appointments to the Board
At its meeting held March 25 and 26, 2026, City Council appointed the following members to the board for a term of office ending on March 28, 2030, and until successors are appointed: Ivan Hon; and Matthew Lombardi.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the item for information.
ZB21.2received
Toronto Zoo Operational Update
A verbal update on Toronto Zoo Operations will be provided by Dolf DeJong, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the item for information.
ZB21.3adopted
Request for Extension of 3-Year Strategic Plan
This report is seeking approval to extend the current three-year Guardians of Wild 2025-2027 Strategic Plan by one-year to support the continued implementation of key initiatives. The Toronto Zoo has made strong progress towards its ambitious priorities and remains pleased with results to date. Following the extension, staff will move to an annual review and update process.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved a one-year extension of the current three-year Guardians of Wild 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. 2. Directed the Chief Executive Officer to report back annually with updates on progress and any recommended adjustments to strategic priorities.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approve a one-year extension of the current three-year Guardians of Wild 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. 2. Direct the Chief Executive Officer to report back annually with updates on progress and any recommended adjustments to strategic priorities.
ZB21.4adopted
Community Conservation Centre Design-Build Retail Increase in Commitment
This report recommends an increased commitment to Holman Exhibits Limited for RFP-28 Design-Build of Retail Store in the Community Conservation Centre Project (Front Entrance and Welcome Area Project) as a result of scope changes.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approved an increase in commitment to Holman Exhibits Limited (Holman) of $113,298.22 from $457,000.00 to $570,298.22 exclusive of applicable taxes.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Approve an increase in commitment to Holman Exhibits Limited (Holman) of $113,298.22 from $457,000.00 to $570,298.22 exclusive of applicable taxes.
ZB21.5adopted
Toronto Zoo Creative and Media Buying Services - Award
This report recommends that Toronto Zoo enters into an agreement for creative and media buying services with BlackJet Inc. and TrueMedia to deliver integrated marketing strategy, creative development, production support, and media planning and buying services in support of the Toronto Zoo's 2026 marketing and communications priorities.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorized the Chief Operations Officer, or designate, to negotiate and execute an agreement with BlackJet Inc. and TrueMedia for the provision of creative and media buying services for the Toronto Zoo, in an amount not to exceed $650,000.00 excluding HST, for a term commencing upon award to January 31, 2027, with the option to extend for up to two (2) additional one-year terms, on terms satisfactory to the Chief Transformation Officer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Operations Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorize the Chief Operations Officer, or designate, to negotiate and execute an agreement with BlackJet Inc. and TrueMedia for the provision of creative and media buying services for the Toronto Zoo, in an amount not to exceed $650,000.00 excluding HST, for a term commencing upon award to January 31, 2027, with the option to extend for up to two (2) additional one-year terms, on terms satisfactory to the Chief Transformation Officer and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
ZB21.6adopted
Toronto Zoo Responsible, Secure and Effective Use of AI Tools and Technology Policy
This report recommends endorsement of a Toronto Zoo Responsible, Secure and Effective Use of AI Tools and Technology Policy. The policy establishes clear protocols and processes to be carried out in a consistent manner to ensure the responsible, secure and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies at the Toronto Zoo.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo : 1. Adopted the Responsible, Secure and Effective Use of AI Tools and Technology Policy as set out in Attachment 1 to the report (April 15, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo : 1. Adopt the Responsible, Secure and Effective Use of AI Tools and Technology Policy as set out in Attachment 1.
ZB21.7adopted
Toronto Zoo Social Procurement Policy - First-Year Update
This report provides an update on the first year of implementation of the Toronto Zoo's Social Procurement Policy following its adoption in 2025. It outlines implementation steps undertaken, diverse supplier engagement, procurement outcomes to date, workforce development progress, and planned next steps to strengthen policy outcomes.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Received the report (April 14, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Receive this report for information.
ZB21.8adopted
This report provides an update to the Board of Management on the Toronto Zoo's environmental priorities and initiatives achieved in 2025, presented within the new Sustainability Report framework, which reflects a shift toward more integrated, transparent, and data-driven sustainability reporting. Throughout the year, the Zoo advanced its commitment to net-zero operations by 2030 through initiatives in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste diversion, and biodiversity restoration, while strengthening alignment with broader priorities such as decarbonization, digital transformation, and systems-based environmental management. Increased emphasis on employee engagement and community participation further supports measurable outcomes, positioning the Zoo to effectively track progress, inform decision-making, and contribute to climate resilience within the local ecosystem and beyond.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Received the report (April 8, 2026) from the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Capital Programs and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Receive this report for information.
ZB21.9adopted
Attendance and Revenue Report - March 2026
This report will update the Board of Management on the visitor statistics and revenue results for the period 2026-01-01 through 2026-03-31. This report includes a dashboard highlighting some of the key metrics for 2026.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Received the report (April 10, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Receive this report for information.
ZB21.10adopted
2025 Disposal of Surplus Property
This report is intended to update the Board of Management on the disposal of surplus property at the Toronto Zoo.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Received the report (March 23, 2026) from the Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Receive this report for information.
ZB21.11amended
Electrical Infrastructure Improvements for the Lantern Festival Project - Request for Proposal Award
This report recommends the award of the Request for Proposal (RFP-12) for the Electrical Infrastructure Improvements for the Lantern Festival Project.
The Board of Management of Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorized the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, or their designate to negotiate and execute a Construction Agreement with a qualified construction firm for Request for Proposals (RFP-12) for the Electrical Infrastructure Improvements for the Lantern Festival project at a purchase price as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 15, 2026) from the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, and revised in the closed session. 2. Authorized the public release of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 15, 2026) from the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, as revised in the closed session, following the closing of any purchase transaction.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of Toronto Zoo: 1. Authorize the Director, Capital Program and Sustainability, or their designate to negotiate and execute a Construction Agreement with a qualified construction firm for Request for Proposals (RFP-12) for the Electrical Infrastructure Improvements for the Lantern Festival project at a purchase price as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1. 2. Authorize the public release of Confidential Attachment 1 following the closing of any purchase transaction.
ZB21.12adopted
The purpose of this report is to provide the Board of Management with the results of the collective bargaining negotiations between the Toronto Zoo and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1600 representing approximately 800 full-time and part-time Zoo employees and to seek ratification by the Board of Management of the negotiated agreement.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Ratified and approved the negotiated agreement between the Toronto Zoo and CUPE Local 1600, as set out in the results of collective bargaining in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 27, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo. 2. Authorized staff to make the necessary amendments to rates of pay, benefits and other issues identified as agreed changes in the Memorandum of Settlement. 3. Authorized staff to make the necessary adjustments to the 2026 budget to reflect the provisions of the Memorandum of Settlement. 4. Directed that Confidential Attachment 1 and 2 to the report (April 27, 2026) from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo, remain confidential in their entirety, as they pertain to labour relations or employee negotiations.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo, recommends that the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo: 1. Ratify and approve the negotiated agreement between the Toronto Zoo and CUPE Local 1600, as set out in the results of collective bargaining in Confidential Attachment 1. 2. Authorize staff to make the necessary amendments to rates of pay, benefits and other issues identified as agreed changes in the Memorandum of Settlement. 3. Authorize staff to make the necessary adjustments to the 2026 budget to reflect the provisions of the Memorandum of Settlement. 4. Direct that Confidential Attachment 1 and 2 remain confidential in their entirety, as they pertain to labour relations or employee negotiations.
ZB21.13received
Public Appointments to the Board - New Appointments
At its meeting held April 22 and 23, 2026, City Council appointed the following members to the board for a term of office ending on March 28, 2030, and until successors are appointed: Camilo Garay; and Fernando Valencia. As a result of these appointments the following member's terms ended on April 23, 2026: Claudia Brabazon; and Cynthia Holmes.
The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the item for information.