Item - 2023.GG3.10

The General Government Committee recommends that:

1. City Council pass a By-law pursuant to Section 252 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, providing authority to:

a. enter into a Municipal Capital Facility Agreement with Ridgevest Development Limited (the "Landlord"), which leases approximately 1,880 square feet of space at 800 Lansdowne Avenue, Suite 101 (the "Leased Premises") to the City of Toronto and subleased to South Asian Women's Centre (the "Subtenant"), used for social and health services; and

b. exempt the Leased Premises from taxation for municipal and school purposes, with the tax exemption being effective from the latest of: (1) the commencement date of the lease, (2) the date the Municipal Capital Facility Agreement is entered into, and (3) the date the Tax Exemption by-law is enacted.

2. City Council direct the City Clerk to give written notice of the by-law to the Minister of Finance, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.

This report seeks City Council's authority for the adoption of the necessary by-law to designate a portion of the property owned by Ridgevest Developments Limited, that is leased to the City of Toronto and subleased to South Asian Women's Centre, as a Municipal Capital Facility and to provide an exemption for municipal taxes and education taxes. The Municipal Capital Facility agreement authorized by the by-law will provide a property tax exemption for approximately 1,880 square feet of space at 800 Lansdowne Avenue, Suite 101 that is subleased to South Asian Women's Centre.

South Asian Women's Centre is a non-profit support centre which includes programs and services to promote the well-being of not only South Asian women but poor and marginalized communities.  Core services include settlement programs, wellness groups supporting mental health, seniors groups to promote health, cultural activities, fighting elder abuse and a program to build awareness and sensitivity in supporting women facing abuse.  Given that the services provided are in line with services provided by the City, Legal has confirmed the portion of property used by South Asian Women's Centre may be designated a municipal capital facility as it is used for social and health services.