Item - 2023.EX6.25

The Executive Committee recommends that: 

1. City Council grant authority to the City Manager, the Chief Procurement Officer and the Executive Director, FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto (FWC26 Toronto) Secretariat to negotiate and enter into a non-competitive contract with Gensler Architecture and Design Canada Inc. for architectural services needed for the permanent and temporary upgrades at BMO Field for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto (FWC26 Toronto) in the amount of $4,168,561.70 excluding taxes ($4,241,928.39 net of HST recoveries), on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Executive Director, FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto (FWC26 Toronto) Secretariat, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council request the City Manager to report back to the October 11, 12 and 13, 2023 meeting of City Council on the Parts outlined in Item 2022.EX34.8, including:

a. the costs for the project;

b. the Community Benefits Plan;

c. the anticipated economic and community benefits for the City, Provincial Government and Federal Government; and

d. the status of intergovernmental negotiations.

The purpose of this report is to request authority to enter into a non-competitive contract with Gensler Architecture & Design Canada Inc. ("Gensler") for architectural services for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto (FWC26 Toronto) capital project at BMO Field in the amount of $4,168,561.70 excluding taxes ($4,241,928.39 net of HST recoveries).

A non-competitive contract is necessary to immediately proceed with the capital project at BMO Field in order to meet the specific FWC26 Toronto event timelines as set by FIFA. To ensure efficiencies, staff are seeking authorization to award and enter into a non-competitive contract with Gensler for the FWC26 Toronto capital project at BMO Field.

On June 16, 2022, the City of Toronto was announced as an official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto (FWC26 Toronto). The FIFA World Cup generates significant economic, cultural and community benefits for host cities and countries and increases host cities’ profile on the world stage. The significant economic impact anticipated from the event will help sustain Toronto’s long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the hard-hit tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

In July 2022 (EX34.8), City Council authorized the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) for activities in support of Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 Toronto, and any amendments and extensions as required, including but not limited to management of temporary and permanent upgrades at BMO Field. The report highlighted benefits of the partnership including MLSE’s past and present management of BMO Field, successful management of previous capital construction at the stadium, and expertise as a leader in sport and entertainment.

Pursuant to the authority granted by Council, the City and MLSE finalized a Letter of Intent (LOI) in February 2023 that is binding on the parties and sets out a framework for terms of service arrangements specific to FWC26 Toronto hosting.

City Council approval is required in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 195- Purchasing, where the current request exceeds the Chief Purchasing Officer's authority of the cumulative five-year commitment for each supplier, under Article 7, Section 195- 7.3 (D) of the Purchasing By-law or exceeds the threshold of $500,000 net of HST allowed under staff authority as per the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 71-Financial Control, Section 71-11A.