Item - 2026.MM39.27

Speaker Nunziata advised Council that the provisions of Chapter 27, Council Procedures, require that Motion MM39.27 be referred to the Executive Committee. A two-thirds vote of the Council Members present is required to waive referral.

That:

1. City Council request the City Manager to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the second quarter of 2027 on options to support non-profit Toronto community food cooperatives, such as Karma Co-op, which maximize food affordability for residents and build community through mutual aid, trading volunteer labour for reduced food costs, and eliminating commercial profit margins.

That:

1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development to request staff look at alternative models for delivery of groceries locally which takes advice/consultation from industry expertise to lower food costs for the City of Toronto.

That:

1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development to report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the second quarter 2027, as part of the ongoing development of the updated Food Charter for Toronto and ongoing work on the Universal School Food Program and Black Food Sovereignty Plan, with recommendations on establishing a program advisory body to guide the City's work to set food policy in Toronto, informed by lessons learned from the Toronto Food Policy Council.

That:

1. City Council delete Recommendation 2.

Recommendation to be deleted:

2. City Council request the City Manager to report to City Council at the April 22, 2026 meeting on the implementation measures required to give effect to the municipal grocery store pilot.

and instead adopt the following:

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, the Executive Director, Social Development, and Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to report back to Council in the second quarter of 2027 with a vision and strategy for establishing municipally operated grocery stores and broader food security and affordability measures, that considers:

a. policy levers available to the City to prevent price gouging by grocery and other retailers, including ensuring retailers licensed by the City are transparent about rates and prices and disclose the use of consumers’ personal data and algorithmic pricing; 

b. engagement with the Provincial and Federal government to strengthen competition and improve choice for residents, including removing the ability of large grocers to restrict competitors from operating on or near their properties;

c. the City’s Public Markets Action Plan, Black Food Sovereignty Plan, and work to update the City’s Food Charter;

d. the City’s own food procurement, logistics and delivery for libraries, long-term care homes, shelters, daycares and camps as well as School Food Hubs;

e. a comprehensive jurisdictional review of municipally-run grocery options, including the potential for diverse operating models led by the City of Toronto or in partnership with non-profit organizations; and

f. engaging with the federal and provincial governments for financial or other commitments.

That:

1. City Council amend Recommendation 1 by adding the following new parts:

e. pool purchasing across City food programs, including school food programs, senior residences, and other municipal services to lower costs and build community wealth; and

f. prioritizing food purchases from local and regional food producers.