Item - 2024.GG13.12

The General Government Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the exemption from General Conditions (G) and (H) of Appendix B of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 213 (Real Property) for the 21 properties listed in Appendix A to the report (May 15, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and approve additional compensation for each vendor's legal fees to a maximum of $5,000 inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax.

2. City Council direct that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 15, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains information pertaining to a pending acquisition of land and scientific information supplied in confidence to the City.

The purpose of this report is in connection with the acquisition of 21 newly constructed sidewalk properties along Eglinton Avenue West to seek City Council authority to (i) exempt from the due diligence and remediation requirements of General Conditions (G) and (H) set out in Appendix B of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 213, Real Property, and (ii) authorize the payment of the vendors' legal costs, to a limit of $5,000 (inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax) per property. Staff have determined these properties present reduced environmental risk to the City and that the requested authorities will facilitate a timely acquisition process.

The newly constructed sidewalks were installed by Metrolinx as part of its Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit Project. Transportation Services has directed Corporate Real Estate Management to acquire these properties for formal designation as public sidewalks.

Once the requested details are authorized, Corporate Real Estate Management will complete the acquisition of these 21 properties through existing delegated real estate authorities and pursuant to the requirements set out in Municipal Code Chapter 213.