Item - 2026.MM39.39

Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, seconded by Councillor Chris Moise, recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to waive permit fees estimated at $31,994.79 (including Harmonized Sales Tax), on a one-time basis, for permits taken out by Toronto District School Board from March 10, 2026 to June 26, 2026, and from September 8, 2026, until construction of Block 2 is complete (approximately December 20, 2026) for the use of Block 3 of David Crombie Park, as shown in Appendix 1, during recess and lunch hours, and to permit the Toronto District School Board to supply, install, secure and maintain a standard portable toilet in Block 3 for school use, should they choose to provide one.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to waive permit fees estimated at $4,299.78 (including Harmonized Sales Tax), on a one-time basis, for permits taken out by Toronto Catholic District School Board from March 10, 2026 to June 26, 2026, and from September 8, 2026, until construction of Block 2 is complete (approximately December 20, 2026) for the use of Block 3 of David Crombie Park, as shown in the Appendix 1, during recess and lunch hours and to permit the Toronto Catholic District School Board to supply, install, secure and maintain a standard portable toilet in Block 3 for school use, should they choose to provide one.

3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to waive permit fees estimated at $21,354.69 (including Harmonized Sales Tax), on a one-time basis, for permits taken out by Toronto District School Board from approximately January 1, 2027, or upon completion of construction in Block 2, whichever is earlier, to approximately the end of May 2027 when a licence agreement is negotiated and executed for the use of Block 2 of David Crombie Park, as shown in Appendix 2, during recess and lunch hours.

4. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to waive permit fees estimated at $2,729.58 (including Harmonized Sales Tax), on a one-time basis, for permits taken out by Toronto Catholic District School Board from approximately January 1, 2027, or upon completion of construction in Block 2, whichever is earlier, to approximately the end of May 2027 when a licence agreement is negotiated and executed for the use of Block 2 of David Crombie Park, as shown in Appendix 2, during recess and lunch hours.

The David Crombie Park Revitalization project is a multi-year capital project delivering comprehensive improvements across the entire David Crombie Park. Construction is being implemented in a phased approach to minimize disruption, maintain access where possible, and coordinate infrastructure upgrades across individual park blocks (see Appendix 1).

Construction of Block 2 (between Lower Jarvis and George Street), which includes the existing City playground is currently used by St. Michael Catholic School, a Toronto Catholic District School Board school, and Downtown Alternative School, a Toronto District School Board school, for recess. Construction was scheduled to begin on March 10, 2026, and will continue through approximately December 20, 2026. During this period, Block 2 will function as an active construction zone and will not be available for public programming or school use.

Block 3, as shown in Appendix 1, has been identified as the temporary location for the schools to use during construction. The access will be formalized through a Parks and Recreation permit to accommodate both schools during the Block 2 construction period.

As Block 3 does not contain permanent washroom facilities, portable toilets may be required to support safe and practical recess operations during school hours. Given the distance to the nearest indoor facilities and supervision requirements for elementary students, the school boards have requested on-site portable toilets to ensure timely access, minimize disruption to instructional time, and reduce the need for additional staffing to escort students back to school buildings. The school boards shall be responsible for all costs and liability associated with the portable toilets.

The Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board have requested that the Parks and Recreation Permit fees be waived for their short-term use of Block 3 (between George Street and Frederick Street) to support temporary recess space while Block 2 (between Lower Jarvis Street and George Street) is under construction and to supply, install and maintain portable toilets for the duration of the permit.  

Re-opening of Block 2 is scheduled to be January 2027. Both St. Michael Catholic School and Downtime Alternative School use Block 2 for recess and lunch breaks. The City will be negotiating and seeking Council authority for licence agreements with Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board, which is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2027. The waiver of permit fees for the schools use of Block 2 is recommended to ensure access for schools upon the completion of construction of Block 2.