Item - 2015.PE5.3

The Park and Environment Committee recommends that:

This report responds to a request made by the Parks and Environment Committee at its meeting on June 22, 2015 for staff to report with business cases for proposed service standard changes by Parks, Forestry and Recreation. This report provides information on Recommendations 1, 2 and 4, which are listed below.

http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2015.PE4.6

1.  The Deputy City Manager, Cluster A, to report to the September, 2015 Parks and Environment Committee meeting with business cases for meeting the following service standards in 2016:

a.  Daily Grooming of all swimming beaches;

b.  Horticultural bed rejuvenation being conducted on a five year cycle;

c.  Implementation of the Parks Service Plan;

d.  The protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas and parks from invasive species;

e.  A 10 year capital plan which would provide for parks sufficiency in all wards;

f.  Park path clearing in the winter;

g.  Establishment of five new community gardens per year;

h.  Twice-yearly inspections and debris removal from ravines and watercourses; and

i.  Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff review of all development applications that require tree removal or injury prior to those applications being considered by Committee of Adjustment.

2.  The Deputy City Manager, Cluster A, to report to the September, 2015 Parks and Environment Committee meeting with a business case setting out the changes necessary to the service standard (including planting and maintenance) which would return the City to its original tree canopy goal established by City Council in 2008, and the necessary funding to achieve this goal.

4.  The General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, given the impact on the City's service levels, to report to the September, 2015 Parks and Environment Committee meeting on any agreements or maintenance issues, and a summary of the length and current uses of Hydro 1 corridors in City parks and ravines.