Item - 2019.EY5.16

 Etobicoke York Community Council recommends that:

1.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to waive the application fee and charges related to a curb cut at the Jamestown Foodbank, located at 248 Jamestown Crescent, to provide a ramp access in front of the foodbank, by Q4 2019.

The Jamestown Foodbank plays a crucial role in North Etobicoke by serving as a generous and reliable provider of food and other essential supplies to the local community.

On a monthly basis, roughly 2000 residents in North Etobicoke access the services provided at the Jamestown Foodbank. The Foodbank has raised concerns that individuals in wheelchairs, those with disabilities, and elderly residents with scooters and walking devices have difficulty accessing their location due to the absence of a ramped access. The Foodbank also receives weekly visits from trucks offloading shipments of food and donations, which is made difficult because there is no ramped access to accommodate the carts used in the transportation of these supplies.

The Jamestown Foodbank has requested assistance from the City to install a ramped access in front of their location to assist with access for residents and with delivery of goods. The Foodbank is a not for profit entity and would not be able to afford the costs associated with the application and implementation of a curb cut.

This motion would direct the General Manager Transportation Services to ensure that any associated costs/fees are waived or incurred by the division.