Item - 2025.EC24.2

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief People Officer, People and Equity, the Executive Director, Financial Planning Division, and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, in consultation with the City Manager’s Office, the City Solicitor and other relevant divisions and agencies to develop a multi-year Association of Community Centres Facilities and Operations Plan to guide facility planning, asset management and required operational costs to advance existing and any newly created Association of Community Centres, with consideration of the City’s broader Capital Budget and Plan, and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2028.

2. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development and Corporate Real Estate Management, to explore funding opportunities to support the future growth and expansion of the Association of Community Centres, considering City priorities and available resources.

3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the Executive Director, Social Development, to integrate the guidelines and models outlined in the Association of Community Centres Expansion Implementation Strategy into the forthcoming Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan, and incorporate the subsequent multi-year Association of Community Centres Facilities and Operations Plan into future divisional facility plans and designs.

4. City Council request the Board of Toronto Community Housing Corporation to direct the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Community Housing Corporation, in collaboration with the Executive Director, Social Development, to incorporate the Association of Community Centres Expansion Implementation Strategy and the multi-year Association of Community Centres Facilities and Operations Plan in the Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s capital planning and facility design.

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief People Officer, People and Equity, the Executive Director, Financial Planning Division, and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, in consultation with the City Manager’s Office, the City Solicitor and other relevant divisions and agencies to develop a multi-year Association of Community Centres Facilities and Operations Plan to guide facility planning, asset management and required operational costs to advance existing and any newly created Association of Community Centres, with consideration of the City’s broader Capital Budget and Plan, and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2028.

2. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development and Corporate Real Estate Management, to explore funding opportunities to support the future growth and expansion of the Association of Community Centres, considering City priorities and available resources.

3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the Executive Director, Social Development, to integrate the guidelines and models outlined in the Association of Community Centres Expansion Implementation Strategy into the forthcoming Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan, and incorporate the subsequent multi-year Association of Community Centres Facilities and Operations Plan into future divisional facility plans and designs.

4. City Council request the Board of Toronto Community Housing Corporation to direct the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Community Housing Corporation, in collaboration with the Executive Director, Social Development, to incorporate the Association of Community Centres Expansion Implementation Strategy and the multi-year Association of Community Centres Facilities and Operations Plan in the Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s capital planning and facility design.

The Economic and Community Development Committee viewed a video presentation titled Community Development in Action: Association of Community Centres Making a Difference.

Toronto’s growth and persistent inequities highlight the urgent need for community development infrastructure that fosters inclusion, resilience, and local leadership. Community facilities are linked to improved mental health, stronger social ties, and a greater sense of belonging. In 2024, more than 80% of community organizations reported rising service demand amid escalating financial and real estate pressures. To help address this need, the City can expand its network of community development infrastructure through the proven Association of Community Centres (AOCCs) model.

Currently, there are ten AOCCs, operated by volunteer Boards of Management, delivering local programs and services on behalf of the City.  AOCCs play a critical role in advancing City policies to support equity-deserving communities and strengthen local neighbourhoods. Each Centre functions as a local Board under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, with a Relationship Framework that outlines Council’s expectations and delegated authority. The City provides access to City-owned or leased facilities and core administrative funding, while the AOCC Board generates and oversees program funds through fundraising, space rentals, membership and programming fees.

This report outlines an Implementation Strategy to advance the AOCC Expansion Framework, as directed by Council (2024.EC14.7). It introduces AOCCs as a viable community development option within Toronto's broader network of social infrastructure. The Strategy includes place-based assessment guidelines, scalable facility models, and a multi-year Facilities and Operations Plan to align capital investment and operational planning. These measures will modernize existing AOCCs and integrate new ones into development projects, co-located with municipal services to promote equity, sustainability, and complete communities.