Item - 2013.PE20.1

Tracking Status

  • City Council adopted this item on May 7, 2013 with amendments.
  • This item was considered by Parks and Environment Committee on April 22, 2013 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on May 7, 2013.

PE20.1 - Parks Plan 2013 - 2017

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

City Council Decision

City Council on May 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2013, adopted the following:

 

1.         City Council adopt the Parks Plan 2013 - 2017 attached to the report (March 27, 2013) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

 

2.         City Council direct the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report back through the 2014 Budget process with a detailed implementation plan based on the direction from Council provided through the adoption of this Item.

 

3.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to engage and consult with members of Local 416 to identify and report back to the Parks and Environment Committee by September 2013 on transparent and collaborative ways to best engage and utilize volunteers, local residents and past advocacy groups such as "Friends of" and Toronto Park People to achieve Parks Plan 2013-2017 objectives.

 

4.          City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, and the City Manager, to identify appropriate City staff and form an interdivisional working group to create a detailed parkland acquisition strategy and report back to the Parks and Environment Committee by the first quarter of 2014 with recommendations on how to formally streamline the process to deliver tangible and measurable acquisition goals.

 

5.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to consider options for removing barriers to Outdoor Community Events, Picnics, Social Gatherings, Ovens and Barbeque/Fire Pits for groups under 25 people, including reducing or eliminating fees.

 

6.         City Council direct that the Parks, Forestry and Recreation website contain a regularly updated dashboard consisting of information gathered through park/facility inspections and permit issuance and that the metrics used on the dashboard are to be based on thresholds identified to be developed in the Parks Plan for the protection and monitoring of parklands and natural areas from excessive use.

 

7.         City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to report to the Parks and Environment Committee with a 5-year implementation plan for the recommendations contained in this Item, including those contained in the 2014 budget.

 

8.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to report to the September 16, 2013 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee on:

 

a.         the feasibility of supporting Pumpkin Parades in Toronto Parks each November 1 by waiving permit fees for local parks groups that lead park clean ups in the annual April clean up; and

 

b.         the impact on turf maintenance and repair, safety on Parks roads, parks aesthetics and overall costs associated with the use of plastic "toters" for solid waste pick up.

 

9.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation to report to September 16, 2013 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee on issues related to the establishment, operation and permitting of fire pits in City Parks. 

 

10.       City Council forward a copy of this Item to the Disability Issues Committee for discussion and feedback.

 

11.       City Council forward a copy of this Item to the Toronto Police Services Board for discussion and feedback on parks safety issues.

Background Information (Committee)

(March 27, 2013) Report from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation - Parks Plan 2013 - 2017
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-57180.pdf
(April 27, 2013) Attachment 1 from Parks, Forestry and Recreation - Parks Plan 2013 - 2017
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-57282.pdf
(April 22, 2013) Presentation from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, on Parks Plan 2013 - 2017
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-57695.pdf

Communications (Committee)

(April 16, 2013) Letter from the Medical Officer of Health (PE.Supp.PE20.1.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/comm/communicationfile-36227.pdf
(April 18, 2013) E-mail from Chris Svirklys (PE.Supp.PE20.1.2)
(April 18, 2013) Letter from Brian Denney , P.Eng., CEO, Toronto and Region Conservation for The Living City (PE.New.PE20.1.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/comm/communicationfile-36254.pdf
(April 22, 2013) Letter from Jutta Mason (PE.New.PE20.1.4)
(April 22, 2013) Letter from Paul Lepage, Unit Vice Chair Parks, Toronto Civic Employee's Union, Local 416 (PE.New.PE20.1.5)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/comm/communicationfile-36282.pdf

Communications (City Council)

(May 6, 2013) E-mail from Miguel Avila (CC.Supp.PE20.1.6)

Motions (City Council)

1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Paula Fletcher (Carried)

That:

 

1.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to report to the September 16, 2013 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee on:

 

a.         the feasibility of supporting Pumpkin Parades in Toronto Parks each November 1 by waiving permit fees for local parks groups that lead park clean ups in the annual April clean up; and

 

b.         the impact on turf maintenance and repair, safety on Parks roads, parks aesthetics and overall costs associated with the use of plastic "toters" for solid waste pick up.

 

2.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation to report to September 16, 2013 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee on issues related to the establishment, operation and permitting of fire pits in City Parks. 

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) May-07-2013 7:00 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - PE20.1 - Fletcher - motion 1
Total members that voted Yes: 35 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Gary Crawford, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), John Parker, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 10 Members that were absent are Shelley Carroll, Josh Colle, Vincent Crisanti, John Filion, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Giorgio Mammoliti, Pam McConnell, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Cesar Palacio

Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) May-07-2013 7:01 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - PE20.1 - Adopt the item as amended
Total members that voted Yes: 36 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailão, Michelle Berardinetti, Raymond Cho, Gary Crawford, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, Peter Milczyn, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), John Parker, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 9 Members that were absent are Shelley Carroll, Josh Colle, Vincent Crisanti, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Giorgio Mammoliti, Pam McConnell, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Cesar Palacio

PE20.1 - Parks Plan 2013 - 2017

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Parks and Environment Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council adopt the Parks Plan 2013 - 2017 attached to the report (March 27, 2013) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

 

2.         City Council direct the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report back through the 2014 Budget process with a detailed implementation plan based on the direction from Council provided through their consideration of this report.

 

3.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to engage and consult with members of Local 416 to identify and report back to the Parks and Environment Committee by September 2013 on transparent and collaborative ways to best engage and utilize volunteers, local residents and past advocacy groups such as "Friends of" and Toronto Park People to achieve Parks Plan 2013-2017 objectives.

 

4.         City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, and the City Manager, to identify appropriate City staff and form an interdivisional working group to create a detailed parkland acquisition strategy and report back to the Parks and Environment Committee by the first quarter of 2014 with recommendations on how to formally streamline the process to deliver tangible and measurable acquisition goals.

 

5.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to consider options for removing barriers to Outdoor Community Events, Picnics, Social Gatherings, Ovens and Barbeque/Fire Pits for groups under 25 people, including reducing or eliminating fees.

 

6.         City Council direct that the Parks, Forestry and Recreation website contain a regularly updated dashboard consisting of information gathered through park/facility inspections and permit issuance and that the metrics used on the dashboard are to be based on thresholds identified to be developed in the Parks Plan for the protection and monitoring of parklands and natural areas from excessive use.

 

7.         City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to report to the Parks and Environment Committee with a 5 year implementation plan for the recommendations that are contained in this report, including those contained in the 2014 budget.

 

8.         City Council forward a copy of this report to the Disability Issues Committee for discussion and feedback.

 

9.         City Council forward a copy of this report to the Toronto Police Services Board for discussion and feedback on parks safety issues.

Origin

(March 27, 2013) Report from General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Summary

This report seeks approval for the City of Toronto Parks Plan 2013-2017. The Parks Plan will guide the City of Toronto's delivery of parks services over the next five years. The Parks Plan aims to connect people and communities with parks, advance greening and environmental sustainability, improve the quality of parks, and strengthen the parks system as a legacy for Toronto. The plan also outlines the current state of Toronto's parks system. 

 

Parks, Forestry and Recreation plans to improve the parks system by increasing opportunities for residents to get involved in their local parks. The Division will enhance its capacity to engage communities, and improve access to permits. Parks quality will improve with a focus on new and refurbished amenities like gathering spaces that combine seating with other amenities to make parks more welcoming, washrooms, horticulture displays, and community gardens across the city. Parks, Forestry and Recreation will also continue to implement standards for parks and trails, so Toronto residents can expect a high and consistent degree of accessibility, design, maintenance and natural area management. The Parks Plan also includes a parks classification system that will guide planning and decision-making across the large system of Toronto's parks.

 

The Parks Plan was developed in accordance with principles adopted by Council in February 2010, and the public consultation process adopted by Council in July 2011.

Background Information

(March 27, 2013) Report from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation - Parks Plan 2013 - 2017
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-57180.pdf
(April 27, 2013) Attachment 1 from Parks, Forestry and Recreation - Parks Plan 2013 - 2017
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-57282.pdf
(April 22, 2013) Presentation from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, on Parks Plan 2013 - 2017
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-57695.pdf

Communications

(April 16, 2013) Letter from the Medical Officer of Health (PE.Supp.PE20.1.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/comm/communicationfile-36227.pdf
(April 18, 2013) E-mail from Chris Svirklys (PE.Supp.PE20.1.2)
(April 18, 2013) Letter from Brian Denney , P.Eng., CEO, Toronto and Region Conservation for The Living City (PE.New.PE20.1.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/comm/communicationfile-36254.pdf
(April 22, 2013) Letter from Jutta Mason (PE.New.PE20.1.4)
(April 22, 2013) Letter from Paul Lepage, Unit Vice Chair Parks, Toronto Civic Employee's Union, Local 416 (PE.New.PE20.1.5)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pe/comm/communicationfile-36282.pdf

Speakers

Dave Harvey, Director, Toronto Park People
Paul LePage, Unit Vice Chair Parks, Toronto Civic Employees Union, Local 416 (Submission Filed)
David Hewitt, Vice President, Toronto Civic Employees Union, Local 416
Judith Orban, ABC Residents Association
Mary-Helen Spence, ABC Residents Association
Councillor Janet Davis
Councillor Paula Fletcher

Motions

1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Gord Perks (Withdrawn)

That the Parks and Environment Committee request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to consult with CUPE Local 416 regarding the role of volunteers.


2a - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Carried)

That City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to engage and consult with members of Local 416 to identify and report back to the Parks and Environment Committee by September 2013 on transparent and collaborative ways to best engage and utilize volunteers, local residents and past advocacy groups such as "Friends of" and Toronto Park People to achieve Parks Plan 2013-2017 objectives.


2b - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Carried)

That City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, and the City Manager, to identify appropriate City staff and form an interdivisional working group to create a detailed parkland acquisition strategy and report back to the Parks and Environment Committee by the first quarter of 2014 with recommendations on how to formally streamline the process to deliver tangible and measurable acquisition goals.


3a - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon (Amended)

That:

 

1.         City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to eliminate revenue expectations for Outdoor Events, Picnics, Social Gatherings, Ovens and Barbeque/Fire Pits for groups under 25 people during the 2014 budget process.

 

2.         City Council direct that the Parks, Forestry and Recreation website contain a regularly updated dashboard consisting of information gathered through park/facility inspections and permit issuance and that the metrics used on the dashboard are to be based on thresholds identified to be developed in the Parks Plan for the protection and monitoring of parklands and natural areas from excessive use.


3b - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon (Carried)

The City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to report to the Parks and Environment Committee with a 5 year implementation plan for the recommendations that are contained in this report, including those contained in the 2014 budget.


4a - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Carried)

That City Council forward a copy of this report to the Disability Issues Committee for discussion and feedback.


4b - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Carried)

That City Council forward a copy of this report to the Toronto Police Services Board for discussion and feedback on parks safety issues.


4c - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Lost)

That City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to create a connective overlay map incorporating parks, multiuse trails (existing and proposed), schools and other green spaces, and that the layered map be accompanied with strategies for enhanced connectivity.


4d - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Lost)

That the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation be requested to report back to the Parks and Environment Committee on an after-hours safety strategy that responds to inappropriate use of parks facilities.


4e - Motion to Amend Motion moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Carried)

That Motion 3a, Part 1, by Councillor McMahon be amended to read as follows:

 

That City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to consider options for removing barriers to Outdoor Community Events, Picnics, Social Gatherings, Ovens and Barbeque/Fire Pits for groups under 25 people, including reducing or eliminating fees.


4f - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Withdrawn)

That the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, by requested to provide a briefing note to the Parks and Environment Committee updating the study of a ziplining proposal for Earl Bales Park.


5 - Motion to Refer Motion moved by Councillor Norman Kelly (Lost)

That Motion 2b by Councillor Wong-Tam be referred to the City Manager for a report directly to City Council.


6 - Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) Apr-22-2013

Result: Carried Majority Required
Total members that voted Yes: 6 Members that voted Yes are Sarah Doucette, Norman Kelly (Chair), Mary-Margaret McMahon, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 0 Members that were absent are
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council