Item - 2024.IE15.8
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on July 24 and 25, 2024 with amendments.
- This item was considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on July 3, 2024 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on July 24 and 25, 2024.
IE15.8 - Options to Fund and Expand the HTO To Go Water Trailer program
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on July 24 and 25, 2024, adopted the following:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Water, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to explore and report back on options to fund and expand the HTO To Go Water Trailer program, including but not limited to:
a. increasing the number of water trailers available;
b. identifying potential funding sources, including but not limited to grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and budget allocations;
c. equitable allocation of water trailers across Community Council areas; and
d. an application of equity considerations for use and expansion of the HTO to Go Water Trailer program, including alignment with Toronto’s Heat Relief Strategy and activation during Heat Warnings for people who may have limited or irregular access to drinking water; and, to explore options to expand the network of water bottle filling stations across the city.
2. City Council request the General Manager, Toronto Water, to provide a report on the findings and recommendations to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the fourth quarter of 2024, with a view to implementing the expansion of the HTO To Go Water Trailer program in the next fiscal year.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-247176.pdf
Communications (Committee)
Communications (City Council)
Motions (City Council)
That City Council amend Infrastructure and Environment Committee Recommendation 1. by adding the following new part:
c. Equitable allocation of water trailers across Community Council areas.
so that it now reads:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Water, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to explore and report back on options to fund and expand the HTO To Go Water Trailer program, including but not limited to:
a. Increasing the number of water trailers available; and
b. Identifying potential funding sources, including but not limited to grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and budget allocations; and
c. Equitable allocation of water trailers across Community Council areas.
That City Council amend Infrastructure and Environment Committee Recommendation 1 by adding the following new part:
c. an application of equity considerations for use and expansion of the HTO to Go Water Trailer program, including alignment with Toronto’s Heat Relief Strategy and activation during Heat Warnings for people who may have limited or irregular access to drinking water; and, to explore options to expand the network of water bottle filling stations across the city.
so that it now reads as follows:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Water, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to explore and report back on options to fund and expand the HTO To Go Water Trailer program, including but not limited to:
a. increasing the number of water trailers available;
b. identifying potential funding sources, including but not limited to grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and budget allocations; and
c. an application of equity considerations for use and expansion of the HTO to Go Water Trailer program, including alignment with Toronto’s Heat Relief Strategy and activation during Heat Warnings for people who may have limited or irregular access to drinking water; and, to explore options to expand the network of water bottle filling stations across the city.
IE15.8 - Options to Fund and Expand the HTO To Go Water Trailer program
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:
1. City Council direct the General Manager, Toronto Water, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to explore and report back on options to fund and expand the HTO To Go Water Trailer program, including but not limited to:
a. Increasing the number of water trailers available; and
b. Identifying potential funding sources, including but not limited to grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and budget allocations.
2. City Council request the General Manager, Toronto Water, to provide a report on the findings and recommendations to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the Fourth Quarter of 2024, with a view to implementing the expansion of the HTO To Go Water Trailer program in the next fiscal year.
Origin
Summary
This motion seeks to inquire about potential opportunities and available resources and assets that can be utilized to expand the HTO To Go Water Trailer Program.
Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and essential for public health and well-being. The City of Toronto is committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, including reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. The HTO To Go Water Trailer, which provides tap water, free-of-charge, to select public events between May 1 and September 30th, has been successful in providing free, clean, and refreshing drinking water at various events and locations throughout the city, thereby reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles.
There is a growing demand from residents, event organizers, and community groups for increased availability of HTO To Go Water Trailers at more events and locations across Toronto. As we experience higher temperatures each summer, particularly with many events being held outdoors, the need for accessible hydration becomes even more critical. Expanding the HTO To Go Water Trailer program would contribute to the City's environmental goals, promote public health, and support the City's efforts to provide equitable access to clean drinking water. Therefore, we request funding for additional HTO To Go Water Trailers to meet this increasing demand and continue supporting Toronto's commitment to sustainability and public health.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-247176.pdf