Item - 2021.EX20.8

Tracking Status

  • City Council adopted this item on February 2, 2021 with amendments.
  • This item was considered by Executive Committee on January 27, 2021 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on February 2, 2021.

EX20.8 - Affordable Internet Connectivity for All - ConnectTO

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

City Council Decision

City Council on February 2, 3 and 5, 2021, adopted the following:

 

1.  City Council direct the Chief Technology Officer, supported by the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, as well as request support from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, the Chief Librarian, Toronto Public Library, and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, to develop a strategic framework, workplan and implement Phase 1 of ConnectTO, including, where applicable, to negotiate, enter into and execute any agreements with other public entities that may be necessary to implement Phase 1 of ConnectTO upon which terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Technology Officer, and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor, to leverage municipal broadband to bring access to affordable high-speed internet for all Toronto residents and businesses, especially those who are vulnerable and underserved by digital infrastructure.

 

2.  City Council request the Chief Technology Officer to explore further opportunities for additional Phase 1 ConnectTO sites, prioritizing areas of the City that have a significant level of need for internet access among low income residents and are located within neighbourhood improvement, revitalization or priority neighbourhood areas.

 

3.  City Council direct the Chief Technology Officer, the Chief People Officer and the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to develop a digital equity policy as part of the Digital Infrastructure Plan, building on the Data for Equity Strategy, in consultation with residents and stakeholders, that outlines a vision for an equitable and resilient Toronto through inclusive access to technology and internet.

 

4.  City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the City Solicitor to review the desirability, feasibility and sustainability of business models of municipal broadband delivery, including but not limited to co-operatives, non-profits (like NYC Mesh and Guifi.net), joint ventures and public-private partnerships, and issue any solicitations as desired.

 

5.  City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, working with appropriate staff, including Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to:

 

a.  examine ways to integrate affordable high-speed internet into all new affordable housing development projects and all large-scale revitalization projects, such as affordable housing, affordable rental housing, social housing and rent geared to household income units; and

 

b.  accelerate the current WiFi pilot that Toronto Community Housing Corporation is exploring in select seniors-designated buildings and explore the feasibility of expanding this pilot across all 83 seniors-designated buildings in order to achieve universal internet access.

 

6. City Council request the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Procurement Officer to engage with the City's tech community, potential end users and anti-poverty advocacy groups in an information gathering sessions, to leverage community expertise, prior to the tender documents being finalized for ConnectTO.

 

7.  City Council direct the Chief Technology Officer, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, to consider including the Thorncliffe Park Neighbourhood Improvement Area as a target area for Phase 1 and future phases of ConnectTO.

 

8.  City Council direct the City Manager and request the Toronto Public Library Board to request the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide additional emergency funding, if and when existing funding is exhausted, to support the extension of Toronto Public Library's Seniors Tech Help program past the March 12, 2021 deadline.

 

9.  City Council request the City Manager, in consultation with the City Librarian, Toronto Public Library, the General Manager, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care, and the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, to expand the City's Digital Canopy program by extending free WiFi to 25 retirement communities located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

  

10. City Council request the Chief Technology Officer to report back to the Executive Committee by end of 2021 to provide an update on digital equity, digital access and municipal broadband.

 

11.  City Council request the Chief Technology Officer:

 

a. to review the feasibility of using all public infrastructure, including modifying Toronto Parking Authority Green P parking meters, Bike Share Toronto docking stations and related equipment as part of their work to expand publicly accessible and free internet connectivity without costly and disruptive construction; and

 

b. as a part of the ConnectTO work plan and report back process, to:

 

1.  augment online learning;

 

2.  develop strategies to enhance access to support services, including mental health;

 

3.  focus on skills development, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and career advancement;

 

4.  explore and identify alternative internet platforms;

 

5.  recognize the complex nature of the digital divide, including the experience of racialized people, low-income people, women, girls, and other vulnerable people; and

 

6.  recognize that access to personal web-enabled devices may be needed to access the internet, which has become an indispensable tool for realizing a range of human rights, combating inequality and accelerating development and human progress.

 

12.  City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to create a strategy to address the digital divide by providing free public WiFi in City parks and squares, starting with those located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

 

13. City Council direct the City Manager to write to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to:

 

a.  request the Commission to put its 2015 ruling that super-fast fibre optic network be made available through wholesale network access and set corresponding rates, into effect; and

 

b. put mechanisms in places for telecommunication companies to implement data rollover for account holders at the end of their billing cycles.

Background Information (Committee)

(January 13, 2021) Report from the Chief Technology Officer on Affordable Internet Connectivity for All - ConnectTO
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159927.pdf
Attachment 1 - Alignment with Policies and Strategies
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159928.pdf
Attachment 2 - Select Maps Based on Data on Digital Access Needs
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159929.pdf
Attachment 3A - Mapping Toronto's Digital Divide report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159930.pdf
Attachment 3B - SDG Digital Inclusion Framework report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159931.pdf
Attachment 3C - Research Descriptions, Initial Findings, and Biographies/Qualifications of Principal Investigators From Ryerson University, University of Toronto, Seneca College, Humber College, and York University
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159932.pdf
Attachment 4 - Jurisdictional Scan of Municipal Fibre Infrastructures
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159933.pdf
Attachment 5 - MetScan Report Executive Summary
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159934.pdf
Attachment 6 - Phase 1 Work Plan
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159935.pdf

Communications (Committee)

(January 26, 2021) Presentation from Nivedita Lane, Manager, Community & Partnership Development, Community Outreach and Workforce Development, Humber College (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126323.pdf
(January 26, 2021) E-mail from Benedict Lau (EX.New)
(January 26, 2021) Letter from Gabe Sawhney, Wireless Toronto (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126340.pdf
(January 26, 2021) E-mail from Curtis McCord (EX.New)
(January 26, 2021) E-mail from Ushnish Sengupta (EX.New)
(January 27, 2021) E-mail from Dawn Walker (EX.New)
(January 27, 2021) Presentation from Wendy Cukier, Diversity Institute on behalf of Catherine Middleton,Ted Rogers School of Management, Mohamed Elmi, Diversity Institute, and Andrew Parkin, Environics Institute (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126455.pdf
(January 27, 2021) Letter from Bianca Wylie on behalf of Saadia Muzaffar, Jennifer Evans, April Dunford, Tech Reset Canada (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126588.pdf
(January 27, 2021) E-mail from Sam McGarva (EX.New)

Motions (City Council)

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

That:

 

1.  City Council request the Chief Technology Officer to review the feasibility of using all public infrastructure, including modifying Toronto Parking Authority Green P parking meters, Bike Share Toronto docking stations and related equipment as part of their work to expand publicly accessible and free internet connectivity without costly and disruptive construction.

 

2.  City Council request the Chief Technology Officer, as a part of the ConnectTO work plan and report back process, to:

 

a.  augment online learning;

 

b.  develop strategies to enhance access to support services, including mental health;

 

c.  focus on skills development, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and career advancement;

 

d.  explore and identify alternative internet platforms;

 

e.  recognize the complex nature of the digital divide, including the experience of racialized people, low-income people, women, girls, and other vulnerable people; and

 

f.  recognize that access to personal web-enabled devices may be needed to access the internet, which has become an indispensable tool for realizing a range of human rights, combating inequality and accelerating development and human progress.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-05-2021 2:55 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX20.8 - Wong-Tam - motion 1
Total members that voted Yes: 22 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 2 Members that voted No are Stephen Holyday, Denzil Minnan-Wong
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Mark Grimes

2 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Josh Matlow (Carried)

That:

 

1.  City Council direct the City Manager and request the Toronto Public Library Board to request the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide additional emergency funding, if and when existing funding is exhausted, to support the extension of Toronto Public Library's Seniors Tech Help program past the March 12, 2021 deadline.

 

2.  City Council request the City Manager, in consultation with the City Librarian, Toronto Public Library, the General Manager, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care, and the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, to expand the City's Digital Canopy program by extending free WiFi to 25 retirement communities located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

 

3.  City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to create a strategy to address the digital divide by providing free public WiFi in City parks and squares, starting with those located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

 

4.  City Council amend Executive Committee Recommendation 4 so that it now reads as follows:

 

4.  City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, working with appropriate staff, including Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to:

 

a.  examine ways to integrate affordable high-speed internet into all new affordable housing development projects and all large-scale revitalization projects, such as affordable housing, affordable rental housing, social housing and rent geared to household income units; and

 

b.  accelerate the current WiFi pilot that Toronto Community Housing Corporation is exploring in select seniors-designated buildings and explore the feasibility of expanding this pilot across all 83 seniors-designated buildings in order to achieve universal internet access.

Vote (Amend Item) Feb-05-2021 2:51 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX20.8 - Matlow - motion 2 Part 3 only
Total members that voted Yes: 16 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Michael Thompson, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 8 Members that voted No are Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson, John Tory
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Mark Grimes

Vote (Amend Item) Feb-05-2021 2:53 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX20.8 - Matlow - the balance of motion 2
Total members that voted Yes: 21 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 2 Members that voted No are Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai
Total members that were Absent: 3 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Mark Grimes, Denzil Minnan-Wong

3 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Michael Ford (Carried)

That City Council request the Chief Technology Officer to explore further opportunities for additional Phase 1 ConnectTO sites, prioritizing areas of the City that have a significant level of need for internet access among low income residents and are located within neighbourhood improvement, revitalization or priority neighbourhood areas.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-05-2021 2:56 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX20.8 - Ford - motion 3
Total members that voted Yes: 24 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Mark Grimes

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

That City Council amend Executive Committee Recommendations 3 and 5 to now read as follows:

 

3. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the City Solicitor to review the desirability, feasibility and sustainability of business models of municipal broadband delivery, including but not limited to co-operatives, non-profits (like NYC Mesh and Guifi.net), joint ventures and public-private partnerships, and issue any solicitations as desired.

 

5. City Council request the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Procurement Officer to engage with the City's tech community, potential end users and anti-poverty advocacy groups in an information gathering sessions, to leverage community expertise, prior to the tender documents being finalized for ConnectTO.

Vote (Amend Item) Feb-05-2021 2:54 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX20.8 - Fletcher - motion 4
Total members that voted Yes: 23 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Stephen Holyday, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 1 Members that voted No are Cynthia Lai
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Mark Grimes

5 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Jaye Robinson (Carried)

That City Council direct the Chief Technology Officer, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, to consider including the Thorncliffe Park Neighbourhood Improvement Area as a target area for Phase 1 and future phases of ConnectTO.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-05-2021 2:57 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX20.8 - Robinson - motion 5
Total members that voted Yes: 24 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Mark Grimes

6 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the City Manager to write to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to:

 

a.  request the Commission to put its 2015 ruling that super-fast fibre optic network be made available through wholesale network access and set corresponding rates, in to effect; and

 

b. put mechanisms in places for telecommunication companies to implement data rollover for account holders at the end of their billing cycles.

Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-05-2021 2:59 PM

Result: Carried Majority Required - EX20.8 - Ainslie - motion 6
Total members that voted Yes: 24 Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, Joe Cressy, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Stephen Holyday, Cynthia Lai, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Total members that voted No: 0 Members that voted No are
Total members that were Absent: 2 Members that were absent are Ana Bailão, Mark Grimes

Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

EX20.8 - Affordable Internet Connectivity for All - ConnectTO

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee recommends that:

 

1. City Council direct the Chief Technology Officer, supported by the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, as well as request support from the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, the Chief Librarian, Toronto Public Library, and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, to develop a strategic framework, workplan and implement Phase 1 of ConnectTO, including, where applicable, to negotiate, enter into and execute any agreements with other public entities that may be necessary to implement Phase 1 of ConnectTO upon which terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Technology Officer, and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor, to leverage municipal broadband to bring access to affordable high-speed internet for all Toronto residents and businesses, especially those who are vulnerable and underserved by digital infrastructure.

 

2. City Council direct the Chief Technology Officer, the Chief People Officer and the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to develop a digital equity policy as part of the Digital Infrastructure Plan, building on the Data for Equity Strategy, in consultation with residents and stakeholders, that outlines a vision for an equitable and resilient Toronto through inclusive access to technology and internet.

 

3. City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the City Solicitor to review the desirability, feasibility and sustainability of business models of municipal broadband delivery, including but not limited to joint ventures and public-private partnerships, and issue any solicitations as desired.

 

4. City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, working with appropriate staff, including Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to examine ways to integrate affordable high-speed internet into all new affordable housing development projects and all large-scale revitalization projects, such as affordable housing, affordable rental housing, social housing and rent geared to household income units.

 

5. City Council request the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Procurement Officer to engage with the City's tech community in an information gathering session, to leverage community expertise, prior to the tender documents being finalized for ConnectTO.

 

6. City Council request the Chief Technology Officer to report back to the Executive Committee by end of 2021 to provide an update on digital equity, digital access and municipal broadband.

Origin

(January 13, 2021) Report from the Chief Technology Officer

Summary

In the recent years, it has become apparent that access to high-speed internet is necessary for residents to equitably participate in day to day life. Geographically, almost all of Toronto can connect to home internet, but not everyone has sufficient service. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted gaps, vulnerabilities and the need for adequate internet services to be more accessible and affordable for everyone.

 

Some Torontonians are being left behind in the digital divide because there are gaps to high-speed internet, leaving some areas underserved. Even in areas where there is high-speed connectivity, high prices effectively result in vulnerable Torontonians being left without adequate access. The City needs to advance socio-economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, which is essential to ensuring greater prosperity for all.

 

Digital equity and bridging the digital divide is a key principle of the City's Poverty Reduction Strategy. Access to affordable high-speed internet will address barriers faced by residents participating in the labour force by improving access to economic opportunities. Lower internet prices will decrease barriers, aid financial stability, and improve access to City services for equity-seeking groups. A digitally connected Toronto means people can prosper and enjoy a better quality of life.

 

Increasing the penetration of affordable high-speed internet services will help address these equity issues, and empower the City to bridge the digital divide. In addition, it will nurture innovation, drive job creation, encourage economic growth, and realize long term benefits to the COVID-19 recovery plan. The City is uniquely positioned to leverage public assets for the public good – locating a fibre optic network (commonly referred to as fibre) where it is needed most and enabling high-speed internet service at more affordable prices.

 

Technology Services is seeking City Council's support to lead "ConnectTO", a collaborative program that aims to centralize stewardship of municipal resources and assets to deliver the City's goals on equity and connectivity, including creation of a City of Toronto broadband network. Broadband refers to internet service that is always on and available at higher speeds than traditional dial-up Internet services.

 

This City of Toronto fibre-enabled broadband network is envisioned to:

 

- Leverage and connect City assets (i.e. fibre, buildings, Right of Way, etc) as the City's contribution to the program to unlock public asset value.
- Create collaboration between the City, or a City entity, and the private sector to connect underserved areas with fibre to create a City-wide high-speed broadband network, where the private sector partner will deliver the internet to homes and businesses.
- Offer open access to this network to any qualified companies, at a fair price, to generate revenue.
- Ensure revenue is re-invested in our communities, such as enabling internet costs for vulnerable Torontonians at a lower rate.
 

The proposed program is not positioning the City as an Internet Service Provider competitor. ConnectTO is meant to complement, not compete with the current landscape, by filling gaps in fibre connectivity to underserved areas.

 

The goal of the program is to provide the City with a direct voice where broadband internet is delivered and reduce internet costs for vulnerable residents. The program also aims to streamline and update existing City processes to ensure internet connectivity (public Wi-Fi, laying fibre conduits in existing construction work, etc) is embedded in planning and execution of various City activities. Staff are proposing a phased approach to program delivery to ensure lessons are learned at each step to build the proper foundation for the City-wide deployment.

 

City staff have been engaging in discussions with staff at the Provincial and Federal levels to seek alignment and understanding of priorities on broadband. In addition, staff have engaged in similar conversations with other municipalities and regions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. These dialogues are intended to develop a regional approach to digital infrastructure over the long-term.

 

Aligned with the Council approved Digital Infrastructure Plan principles, and with recommendations from the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild, the proposed pillars of this program are:

 

- Increase digital equity and bridge the digital divide in Toronto by bringing access and affordable high-speed internet to underserved Toronto residents.
- Stimulate Toronto's economic recovery and growth by enabling the digital economy and connecting businesses and workers with high-speed internet.
- Support the City of Toronto's long-term fiscal health by creating and leveraging City assets to unlock value.
- Solidify Toronto's position as an innovation and technology leader, by enabling future and emerging technologies in the tech ecosystem.
 

Social Development, Finance and Administration, People and Equity, Economic Development and Culture, City Planning, Transportation Services, Corporate Real Estate Management, Legal Services, and the City Manager's Office were consulted in the preparation of this report. In addition, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto Public Library, and CreateTO were consulted on this report.

Background Information

(January 13, 2021) Report from the Chief Technology Officer on Affordable Internet Connectivity for All - ConnectTO
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159927.pdf
Attachment 1 - Alignment with Policies and Strategies
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159928.pdf
Attachment 2 - Select Maps Based on Data on Digital Access Needs
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159929.pdf
Attachment 3A - Mapping Toronto's Digital Divide report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159930.pdf
Attachment 3B - SDG Digital Inclusion Framework report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159931.pdf
Attachment 3C - Research Descriptions, Initial Findings, and Biographies/Qualifications of Principal Investigators From Ryerson University, University of Toronto, Seneca College, Humber College, and York University
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159932.pdf
Attachment 4 - Jurisdictional Scan of Municipal Fibre Infrastructures
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159933.pdf
Attachment 5 - MetScan Report Executive Summary
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159934.pdf
Attachment 6 - Phase 1 Work Plan
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-159935.pdf

Communications

(January 26, 2021) Presentation from Nivedita Lane, Manager, Community & Partnership Development, Community Outreach and Workforce Development, Humber College (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126323.pdf
(January 26, 2021) E-mail from Benedict Lau (EX.New)
(January 26, 2021) Letter from Gabe Sawhney, Wireless Toronto (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126340.pdf
(January 26, 2021) E-mail from Curtis McCord (EX.New)
(January 26, 2021) E-mail from Ushnish Sengupta (EX.New)
(January 27, 2021) E-mail from Dawn Walker (EX.New)
(January 27, 2021) Presentation from Wendy Cukier, Diversity Institute on behalf of Catherine Middleton,Ted Rogers School of Management, Mohamed Elmi, Diversity Institute, and Andrew Parkin, Environics Institute (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126455.pdf
(January 27, 2021) Letter from Bianca Wylie on behalf of Saadia Muzaffar, Jennifer Evans, April Dunford, Tech Reset Canada (EX.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/comm/communicationfile-126588.pdf
(January 27, 2021) E-mail from Sam McGarva (EX.New)

Speakers

Peter D'Gama, Etobicoke ACORN
Alejandra Ruiz Vargas, East York ACORN
Bob Murphy, ACORN
Sam Andrey, Ryerson Leadership Lab, Ryerson University
Bianca Wylie, Tech Reset Canada
Caroline Grammer, Seneca College
Paolo Granata, Media Ethics Lab, University of Toronto
Ian Gallagher, BAI Communications
Wendy Cukier, Diversity Institute
Nivedita Lane, Humber College

Motions

1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

That City Council request the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Procurement Officer to engage with the City's tech community in an information gathering session, to leverage community expertise, prior to the tender documents being finalized for ConnectTO.


2 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Mayor John Tory (Carried)

That City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, working with appropriate staff, including Toronto Community Housing Corporation, to examine ways to integrate affordable high-speed internet into all new affordable housing development projects and all large-scale revitalization projects, such as affordable housing, affordable rental housing, social housing and rent geared to household income units.


Motion to Adopt Item as Amended moved by Mayor John Tory (Carried)
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council