Item - 2016.CD14.9

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council approve the location of a new emergency men’s shelter operated by the  City at 731 Runnymede Road in Ward 11 at an initial occupancy of 50 beds with the flexibility to add beds in response to extreme weather conditions, and to increase the occupancy rate over time to better support individuals requiring shelter access.

2.  City Council direct the Director, Real Estate Services, to secure the property at 731 Runnymede Road through a lease on terms that are reasonable and at fair market value, and to continue to search for other appropriate sites for the new potential emergency shelter if the negotiations do not result in a lease at fair market value, acceptable to the Chief Corporate Officer and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor, subject to approval of the proposed shelter program.

3.  City Council direct the General Manager, Children's Services, as part of the development of the Rockcliffe-Smythe/Junction Strategy (formerly referred to as the York/Weston/Junction Community Strategy) requested by City Council in July 2016, to review the demand for a child care facility in the south end of Ward 11 and report to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on the results of the review.

4.  City Council authorize the public release of the confidential information in Attachment 1 to the report (September 9, 2016) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration related to the operation of 731 Runnymede Road once the transaction has been completed to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Director, Real Estate Services.

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recessed its public session and met in closed session to consider this item as it relates to a proposed or pending land acquisition by the City or one of its agencies, boards and commissions.

At its meeting of July 12-15, 2016, City Council directed staff to work with the Councillors for Wards 11 and 13, the local community and other stakeholders to develop a plan for a shelter program at 731 Runnymede Road that will meet the needs of an appropriate number of people experiencing homeless and make a positive contribution to the neighbouring community.

This report seeks approval to open an emergency men's shelter operated by the City at 731 Runnymede Road in Ward 11.  The report also provides an update on the shelter program plan developed in collaboration with a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) comprised of residents, agencies, Councillors for Wards 11 and 13 and City staff.

Staff convened a CLC through a public expression of interest process that aligned with the City’s public appointment protocol.  With the assistance of a third party facilitator, the CLC provided input on the services and programs to be included in a shelter program. The CLC also discussed what it viewed as an appropriate number of beds to be included at the proposed Runnymede Road shelter.

City staff are recommending the shelter open at an initial occupancy of 50 beds with the flexibility to add beds in response to extreme weather conditions. Staff are also recommending that the occupancy level at the shelter be adjusted over time to better respond to the needs of men experiencing homelessness in Toronto. There is support from the CLC for a phased approach.

The CLC also approved a work plan based on the Council motions regarding the Runnymede Road shelter that included the establishment of a Community Safety Committee (CSC) to address issues of safety and security in the neighbourhood. Additionally, the CLC will work with the Rockcliffe-Smythe Neighbourhood Improvement Area planning table to develop a local Rockcliffe-Smythe/Junction Strategic Plan to enhance local assets, safety, and community cohesion.