Item - 2026.EC28.6

 The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to approve the following eligibility criteria to reimburse the cost of insurance to permit a park oven:

- non-profit organizations, charities, and community groups that have been involved in the establishment and ongoing operation of a park oven;

- operate the ovens for multiple public events during one or more seasons;

- provide opportunities for community education on oven use during public events;

- submit proof of payment for insurance; and

- submit a short report about the public events involving the oven.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to implement, on an annual basis, a process to allocate a maximum of $10,000 to reimburse the costs of insurance to permit a park oven, in accordance with criteria set out in Recommendation 1 and on terms acceptable to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, starting with the following organizations in 2026:

- Centre for Local Research into Public Space (Dufferin Grove Park, Ward 9)

- Friends of Christie Pits (Christie Pits Park, Ward 11)

- Fred Victor as Trustee for Friends of Regent Park (Regent Park, Ward 13)

- Friends of Sorauren Park (Sorauren Park, Ward 4)

- Neighbours of Dentonia Park (Dentonia Park, Ward 19)

- Thorncliffe Park Women's Committee (R.V. Burgess, Ward 15)

- Second Rise (Alexandra Park, Ward 10)

In response to City Council direction (2025.EC20.1), this report provides a progress update on steps taken to expand community access to outdoor ovens in parks by removing financial and administrative barriers. All of the actions directed by City Council in May 2025 have been implemented, with the majority completed.

To remove financial barriers, permit fees were eliminated for Toronto residents and non-profit organizations and insurance costs were reduced by thirty per cent for recurrent permit holders. This report recommends reimbursement of insurance costs for the non-profit organizations, charities and community groups that have been involved in the establishment and operation of an oven in a City park for recurrent public programming.

To remove administrative barriers, outdoor ovens can now be booked online for one or more dates at a time, and oven availability and usage information can be viewed online. Procedures for onsite staff support to oven users have been updated to deliver consistent, reliable service at all locations. The City's policy on Outdoor Ovens in City Parks was amended, as directed, regarding long-term agreements.

In 2026-2027, Parks and Recreation will build on these improvements in order to encourage wider public awareness and enjoyment of the City's outdoor ovens network.