Item - 2021.IE26.23

Tracking Status

  • City Council adopted this item on December 15, 16 and 17, 2021 with amendments.
  • This item was considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on December 2, 2021 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on December 15, 16 and 17, 2021.

IE26.23 - Extending the Existing Parking Exemptions (Statutory Holidays) to Include Holidays of Religious Significance

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

City Council Decision

City Council on December 15, 16 and 17, 2021, adopted the following:

 

1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Toronto Police Service, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the Second Quarter of 2022 on the feasibility of providing parking exemptions on City streets and Toronto Parking Authority parking spaces during religious holidays.

Background Information (Committee)

(November 18, 2021) Letter from Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre-Downsview on Extending the Existing Parking Exemptions (Statutory Holidays) to Include Holidays of Religious Significance
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-173590.pdf

Motions (City Council)

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

That City Council amend Infrastructure and Environment Recommendation by adding the words "and Toronto Parking Authority parking spaces" so that it now reads:

 

1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with Toronto Police Service, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the second quarter of 2022 on the feasibility of providing parking exemptions on City streets and Toronto Parking Authority parking spaces during religious holidays.


Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

IE26.23 - Extending the Existing Parking Exemptions (Statutory Holidays) to Include Holidays of Religious Significance

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

 

1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Toronto Police Service, to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the Second Quarter of 2022 on the feasibility of providing parking exemptions on City streets during religious holidays.

Origin

(November 18, 2021) Letter from Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre-Downsview

Summary

Every year, faith based communities across the City, reconnect with their family, friends and loved ones while celebrating specific religious holidays rooted in their respective faith traditions. Several religious holidays that are observed by Torontonians of various backgrounds, creeds and beliefs should be accommodated for by parking exemptions. Currently, only statutory holidays are exempted. Integrating religious holidays as well may not only allow for people's sincerely held creed, beliefs, and practices to be accommodated for but more importantly lead to more inclusive neighbourhoods that celebrate the diverse mosaic and cultural fabric of Toronto.

Background Information

(November 18, 2021) Letter from Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre-Downsview on Extending the Existing Parking Exemptions (Statutory Holidays) to Include Holidays of Religious Significance
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-173590.pdf

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor James Pasternak (Carried)
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council