Item - 2024.EX19.21

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development and Finance Administration, and City Librarian, Toronto Public Library to negotiate a nominal land lease (the "Land Lease") between the City (as landlord), and Community Music Schools of Toronto (the "Tenant"), for the part of the property municipally known as 1785 Finch Avenue West, as outlined on Appendix C (the "Leased Premises") to the report (November 26, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, substantially on the major terms and conditions set out in Appendix A to the report (November 26, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and on such other or amended terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the City Librarian, Toronto Public Library to negotiate a licence agreement (the "Licence Agreement") with the Tenant, for nominal consideration, in relation to the Leased Premises for the purposes of construction staging, and any other purposes deemed appropriate by the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and on such terms and conditions as deemed appropriate by the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

3. City Council authorize each of the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Director, Real Estate Services severally to execute and deliver the Land Lease, the Licence Agreement and any related documents contemplated thereunder on behalf of the City.

4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, to administer and manage the Land Lease and the Licence Agreement, including the provision of any consents, approvals, waivers, notices and notices of termination, provided that the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management may, at any time, refer consideration of such matters to City Council for its determination and direction.

5. City Council consent to the Toronto Public Library Board's decision dated June 19, 2023 to transfer the property known municipally as 1785 Finch Avenue West (the "Property") to the City and direct staff to take all steps necessary to comply with the City's real estate disposal process set out in Chapter 213, Sale of Real Property of the City of Toronto Municipal Code.

6. City Council forward the Item to the Toronto Public Library Board for information.

This report seeks authority for the City, as landlord, to enter into a nominal lease agreement (the "Land Lease") with Community Music Schools of Toronto (the "Tenant") in respect of a portion of the property at 1785 Finch Avenue West (the "Leased Premises"), to design, build, finance, and operate a new not-for-profit music school. The Leased Premises is a portion of the current parking surface, along with an unused loading dock area, of the site of Toronto Public Library's ("TPL") York Woods Branch ("York Woods Library").

With City Council endorsement and direction to explore the feasibility of building a music school next to York Woods Library, City staff now recommend advancing this site for the proposed new music school which will serve the Jane Finch community. The TPL Board supports the proposed Land Lease to the Tenant. Social Development, Finance, and Administration and Economic Development and Culture have advised on the community consultation process, by engaging with a third-party consultant and the Tenant. Additionally, the proposed development of the music school in the Jane Finch community aligns with Action 1.13 of the Jane Finch Community Development Plan (EC10.1); a short-term action aimed at ensuring artists and organizations have access to local spaces to practice, create, exhibit, and operate their organizations.

The Tenant is a charitable organization founded in 1999 with a mission to help Toronto youth access high-quality music education. The Tenant's music programs are geared towards students ages three to 18 and are heavily subsidized to provide families who would not usually have access to music education due to their financial situation. Students participating in the Tenant's music programs can access instruments, music education, mentorship, and performance opportunities in a safe, supportive, and creative environment.