Item - 2017.PW23.7

The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the Waste Reduction Community Investment Program framework as presented in Attachment 1 to the report (August 31, 2017) from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services.

2.  City Council direct the Deputy City Manager of Cluster B to appoint a three member Community Investment Application Review Committee made up of senior staff representatives from City of Toronto Divisions, Agencies and Corporations.

3.  City Council delegate full authority to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, or his or her designate to enter legally binding Funding Agreements with successful applicants under the Waste Reduction Community Investment Program, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

4.  City Council request the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee about outcomes and recommendations on continuing any aspect of the Waste Reduction Community Investment Program in 2021, as part of the Long Term Waste Management Strategy 5-year review.

5.  City Council direct that Waste Reduction Community Investment Program funds not be used to fight City Hall.

The proposed pilot of the Waste Reduction Community Investment Program was developed in response to direction from City Council included in item EX10.24 entitled "2016 Rate Supported Budgets – Solid Waste Management Services and Recommended 2016 Solid Waste Rates" and item PW14.2 "Final Long Term Waste Management Strategy". The Waste Reduction Community Investment Program pilot is modelled on the former Live Green Community Investment Program whose objective was to initiate actions and build capacity with local communities and neighbourhoods. The purpose of the Waste Reduction Community Investment Program is to identify, develop and initiate community-led actions that reduce residential waste and increase participation in the City of Toronto's waste diversion programs. A priority will be placed on investing in actions that address multi-residential buildings, multi-lingual communities, and Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. Examples of projects could include community composting, waste education and engagement, and projects that support products / goods repair, sharing, exchanges or swaps to reduce waste. The Waste Reduction Community Investment Program designates multi-residential buildings, multi-lingual communities, equity-seeking groups, and Neighbourhoods Improvement Areas as areas of special focus. The Waste Reduction Community Investment Program will operate as a pilot project from 2018 to 2021 and will fund community-led projects in 2018, 2019 and 2020, totalling $745,798, which includes a maximum of $150,000 of grant funding per year.

This report outlines the proposed objectives, criteria, and selection processes for the Waste Reduction Community Investment Program. This program supports the commitment to community partnership set out in the City of Toronto's Long Term Waste Management Strategy and will help the City of Toronto achieve its residential waste reduction and diversion goals.