Decisions

CALL TO ORDER: 9:40 a.m.

Speaker Nunziata took the Chair and called the Members to order.

The meeting opened with O Canada.

Members of Council observed a moment of silence and reflected on the announcement of the discovery of 93 additional unmarked graves believed to be at the former site of the Beauval Indian Residential School, on the territory of the English River First Nation in Saskatchewan.

Members of Council observed a moment of silence and remembered:

The Honourable James K. Bartleman

Michael Freeman

Raymond Moriyama, and

Robbie Robertson.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Olivia Chow to address City Council:

Mayor Chow spoke about the legacy of Toronto Architect Raymond Moriyama, whose imagination and creativity had a deep impact on the City's landscape. Mayor Chow remarked that Raymond Moriyama's life and work reminds us of the vital importance of public spaces and notes some of the buildings that Mr. Moriyama built across the city, including the Toronto Reference Library, the Scarborough Town Centre, and the Ontario Science Centre. Mayor Chow stated that Mr. Moriyama's deep commitment to democracy, equality and inclusion of all people should be a guide to all in the years to come. Mayor Chow, on behalf of the City of Toronto, expressed her condolences to Mr. Moriyama's family and loved ones.

Councillor Holyday, during the morning session of the meeting, thanked Mayor Olivia Chow for allowing him the privilege to second the condolence motion for Raymond Moriyama. Councillor Holyday remarked that the work of Mr. Moriyama was special and inspired him when he was studying architecture at school. Councillor Holyday further remarked that someone like Raymond Moriyama has large signature buildings, but also would have done small things in and around the city that truly delight people. Councillor Holyday expressed his gratitude for Mr. Moriyama's life's amount of work found all over the country and in the City.

Speaker Nunziata addressed Council as follows:

I would like to take a moment on behalf of Council to acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of all the lands that we are on today.  We do this to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility in improving relationships between nations and to deepening our own understanding of Indigenous peoples and their cultures. It is a moment to reflect on the importance of this land, which we each call home.

Speaker Nunziata acknowledged that City Council was meeting on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Speaker Nunziata also acknowledged that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Speaker Nunziata advised Council of the following:

For the benefit of those who are connected to the internet, the City Clerk has posted all of the agenda materials for today's meeting at toronto.ca/council.

This meeting is being held as a hybrid meeting and is being streamed live on YouTube. I'd like to welcome the public who are with us here today, and who are watching the meeting online.

A Committee Report and New Business were presented to City Council for consideration.

Members of Council declared interests under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

City Council on September 6, 2023, received the following petition for information:

1. Petition regarding "Save the Marian Shrine of Gratitude", submitted by Councillor Anthony Perruzza, Ward 7 - Humber River-Black Creek, containing the names of approximately 1,356 persons.

Councillor Carroll, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that the Canadian Men's Basketball team was competing in the quarter-finals of the Basketball World Cup against Slovenia. Councillor Carroll stated that three of the highest scoring members of the team were born in Toronto, and that the Canadian team has secured a spot in the Olympics in Paris next year. Councillor Carroll further stated that the fact the team was on the international stage with members coming from Toronto and Ontario needs to be mentioned because Members may forget that every little three-on-three basketball court that gets put in any little park could lead to what's happening right now.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Olivia Chow to recognize Josie Scioli, Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, on her retirement from the City of Toronto.

Mayor Chow acknowledged Josie Scioli's career highlights and her contribution to the City as an outstanding leader in the public service. Mayor Chow remarked how much Ms. Scioli worked to improve public trust and confidence, and ensured her team was equipped to support a better and more connected community. Mayor Chow underscored Ms. Scioli's centralized approach to help the City support overall City building outcomes, especially creating affordable housing. Mayor Chow remarked that Ms. Scioli was instrumental in setting up the City's first customer services experience division, and supported the development of Transform TO, the Net Zero Strategy to help the City achieve its climate actions goals. Mayor Chow commended Josie Scioli for her leadership as co-patron of the City's United Way employee campaign, executive sponsor of TO Now, the City's network of women, and how she won the Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award in 2021, and received the CIBC Executive Leaders Award in the same year. Mayor Chow, on behalf of City Council, thanked Ms. Scioli for her service and wished her a happy and fulfilling retirement and presented her with a commemorative Scroll.

Josie Scioli, Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, addressed City Council and thanked Mayor Chow, her family and friends. Ms. Scioli remarked that it had been a privilege to have worked with incredible, talented and caring people who have become dear friends. Ms. Scioli commented that she has always a soft spot for the public sector and the City because the work done through Council and the staff are second to none. Ms. Scioli thanked Members of Council and staff for their support, the Toronto Public Service for always stepping up, the Senior Leadership Team and the Corporate Leadership Team colleagues for their wisdom, commitment and friendship, the Corporate Services team for dedication they bring every day, her office staff for their willingness to embrace challenges, and her family for their love, support and understanding.

Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Olivia Chow to recognize Janie Romoff, former General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, for her contributions to the City of Toronto.

Mayor Chow acknowledged the outstanding career of Janie Romoff during her time with the City and underscored the many career highlights she had accrued. Mayor Chow recognized the many long-term strategies that Ms. Romoff has led, including the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, the first ever Toronto Ravine Strategy, the Toronto Island Park Master Plan and more recently, the High Park Movement Strategy. Mayor Chow commented that Ms. Romoff has also been in the forefront of building cross-divisional strategies at the City, supporting the Reconciliation Action Plan, the Toronto Action Plan to confront Anti-Black Racism, Toronto Youth Equity and the Toronto Newcomer Strategy. Mayor Chow, on behalf of the City and City Council, congratulated Ms. Romoff for the exceptionally well done job and thanked her for leaving a legacy that will never be forgotten. Mayor Chow wished Ms. Romoff the very best for the future and presented her with a commemorative Scroll.

Janie Romoff, former General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, addressed City Council and thanked her family and friends. Ms. Romoff reflected on how her parents instilled a sense of community and civic obligation in her. Ms. Romoff thanked all the staff in Parks, Forestry and Recreation for their commitment and hard work, and recognized the Senior Leadership Team, the Corporate Leadership Team, the Senior Management Team for their skills and dedication to the City of Toronto. Ms. Romoff also thanked Mayor Chow and Members of Council for being city builders with vision, determination and the constant goal of enriching the lives of all Torontonians.

Councillor Mike Colle presented a special Mensch Award to Janie Romoff for the incredible work she and her staff did at the commemorative baseball game for the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits Riot.

City Council adopted the September 6, 2023 Order Paper, as amended and all other Items not held on consent.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (September 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor.
 

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (September 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor.

3. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (September 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor and Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (July 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as they contain advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

The confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (September 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor were adopted by City Council and are now public as follows:

1. City Council accept the Updated Settlement Offer dated June 30, 2023, as supplemented by the Addendum to the Settlement Offer letter dated September 1, 2023, set out in Public Attachment 1 to the report (September 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor and Public Attachment 1 to the report (July 5, 2023) from City Solicitor, and City Council direct the City Solicitor to attend at the Ontario Land Tribunal in support of the Updated Settlement Offer and Addendum and Revised Plans.

2. City Council instruct the City Solicitor to request the Ontario Land Tribunal to withhold its Order until the City Solicitor has advised that:

a. the final form and content of the Official Plan Amendment is satisfactory to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the City Solicitor;

b. the final form and content of the Zoning By-law Amendment is satisfactory to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the City Solicitor;

c. the owner has provided a revised Functional Servicing Report to be reviewed to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services;

d. the owner has provided a revised Parking Study, a revised Loading Study, a revised Traffic Operations Assessment, and a revised Transportation Impact Study, to be reviewed to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Transportation Services;

e. the owner has provided a revised Pedestrian Wind Study, such report to be reviewed with recommendations implemented as part of the amending Official Plan policies and Zoning By-law(s) and/or secured in a development agreement, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

f. the owner has provided an acceptable Land Use Compatibility Study, Noise Impact Study, and Vibration Study, such reports to be peer reviewed by a third-party consultant on behalf of the City and at the owner's expense, with recommendations to be implemented as part of the amending Official Plan policies and Zoning By-laws and/or secured in a development agreement, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

g. the owner has made satisfactory arrangements with the City and has entered into the appropriate agreements for the design and construction of any improvements to municipal infrastructure, should it be determined that upgrades are required to the infrastructure to support the development, according to the accepted Functional Servicing Report and Transportation Impact Study accepted by the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services and the General Manager, Transportation Services;

h. the owner has provided a revised Tree Preservation Plan and a revised Landscape Plan to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation; and

i. the owner has made satisfactory arrangements and has entered into an appropriate agreement(s), such agreement(s) to be entered into prior to Site Plan approval, to secure the following matters to support the development as follows:

1.  the owner shall continue to provide and maintain the existing 399 rental units at 11 Catford Road and 20 Broadoaks Drive as rental housing for a period of at least 20 years commencing from the date the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment comes into force and effect, with no application for demolition or conversion from residential rental use during the 20-year period, all to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; and

2. the owner shall undertake improvements to the existing rental buildings at 11 Catford Road and 20 Broadoaks Drive at its sole expense and at no cost to tenants, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner, including: storage lockers and bicycle storage for use by tenants of the existing rental buildings within the existing rental buildings; accessibility and interior improvements to the existing rental buildings; private outdoor amenity area for the existing rental buildings; access to a component of the indoor amenities in the proposed new building for tenants of the existing rental buildings; lobby and interior ground floor improvements; and improved screened garbage/recycling collection areas associated with the existing buildings.

3. In the event that the Ontario Land Tribunal allows the appeals, in whole or in part, City Council direct that the full on-site parkland dedication required pursuant to Section 42 of the Planning Act be provided on-site, and be conveyed and constructed to base park condition at no cost to the City, all to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

4. In the event that the Ontario Land Tribunal allows the appeal, in whole or in part, and the owner elects to design and construct Above Base Park Improvements, City Council approve a Development Charges credit against the Parks and Recreation component of the Development Charges for the design and construction by the owner of the Above Base Park Improvements to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the Development Charges credit shall be in an amount that is the lesser of the cost to the owner for designing and constructing the Above Base Park Improvements, as approved by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the Parks and Recreation component of Development Charges payable for the development in accordance with the City's Development Charges By-law, as may be amended from time-to-time.

5. In the event that the Ontario Land tribunal allows the appeals, in whole or in part, City Council require the owner to:

a. host future consultation meetings with tenants to discuss improvements to the existing rental buildings and site at 11 Catford Road and 20 Broadoaks Drive at no cost to tenants or the City and in consultation with City Planning and the Ward Councillor and prior to Notice of Approval Conditions for Site Plan Control approval for the development;

b. submit a Public Consultation Report prior to Notice of Approval Conditions for Site Plan Control approval for the development. The Public Consultation Report shall detail the comments received by community members and substantiate the detailed design and delivery of improvements to the existing rental buildings and site at 11 Catford Road and 20 Broadoaks Drive; and

c. develop a Construction Mitigation and Tenant Communication Plan prior to Notice of Approval Conditions for Site Plan Control approval for the development to mitigate the impacts of construction of the development on tenants of the existing rental buildings, all to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

6.  City Council authorize the City Solicitor to take all necessary actions to implement City Council's decision.

The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (September 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor and Confidential 1 to the report (July 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as they contain advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the supplementary report (September 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor and Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (July 5, 2023) from the City Solicitor will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council acknowledge the magnitude of the City's financial challenges amount to $46.5 billion and commit to exploring and implementing a wide range of solutions to address the fiscal gap.

2. City Council approve graduated Municipal Land Transfer Tax rates for high value residential properties containing at least one, and not more than two, single family residences, by introducing additional thresholds as follows:

a. direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to implement graduated Municipal Land Transfer Tax rates effective for all transactions registered or upon which Municipal Land Transfer Tax otherwise becomes payable on or after January 1, 2024;

b. amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 760, Municipal Land Transfer Tax, to reflect the changes detailed above; and

c. authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to amend the City's Collection Agreement with Teranet to allow Teranet to collect the Municipal Land Transfer Tax in accordance with these changes.

3. City Council direct the City Manager and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to report back in advance of City Council’s consideration of the Mayor’s proposed 2024 Budget on the costs and implications of increasing the maximum value of consideration for the first-time homebuyers rebate under the Municipal Land Transfer Tax of up to $750,000. 

4. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to report back in the second quarter of 2024 on an approach to graduated municipal property tax rates for high value residential properties, estimated incremental revenue, and provincial authorities that would be required for implementation. 

5. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to report back in the second quarter of 2024 on an approach to graduated municipal property tax rates for properties that are not the owner’s primary residence, with appropriate exceptions such as property purchased for a direct family member, estimated incremental revenue, and provincial authorities that would be required for implementation. 

6. City Council amend Subsection 179-7D of the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 179, Parking Authority, to delete the restrictions on the limited delegated authority currently provided to the Toronto Parking Authority and to delegate authority entirely to the Toronto Parking Authority to fix rates for on-street parking meters or parking machines, specifically to delete the words “such rates do not exceed $5.00 (inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax) per hour and have been agreed to by the Ward Councillors for the Ward in which the parking meters or parking machines are located,” and impose a condition that the Toronto Parking Authority consult with “the Ward Councillor(s) for the Ward(s) in which the parking meters or parking machines are located” prior to the fixing of rates.

7. City Council direct the City Manager and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to develop a multi-year approach for the remaining term of City Council when recommending property tax rates and policies.

8. City Council request the City Manager and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to prepare a briefing note on the cost reduction efforts that are already being undertaken, including those recommended in the Ernst & Young report, as part of the 2024 budget process. 

9. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, as part of the 2024 budget process, to explore non-debt financing mechanisms for capital projects that advance the City’s climate goals, whereby upfront investments would be supported through ongoing savings in energy and other expenditures. 

10. City Council direct City Officials to report back in advance of City Council's consideration of the Mayor's proposed 2024 Budget, as follows:

a. the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer with an implementation plan to introduce a land transfer tax on foreign buyers of residential property in the City including a recommended tax, collection and enforcement design, estimated revenues and required timelines for implementation by the end of 2024;

b. the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on the development of a levy on commercial parking within the City with an implementation plan including a recommended tax, collection and enforcement design, estimated revenues and required timelines for implementation in 2025, with such report to include the following:

i. estimates of the current number of commercial, paid and unpaid parking spaces in the City of Toronto, broken down by ward;

ii. estimates on revenue potential of a parking levy applied to commercial, paid and unpaid parking spaces;

iii. costs associated with implementing such a levy, including administrative costs;

iv. implementation considerations including the feasibility of excluding designated commercial and other parking spaces from the levy, graduated fees based on proximity to higher-order transit service;

v. a jurisdictional review and summary of other governments that have implemented a similar parking levy, including Vancouver;

vi. an analysis of how proceeds may support Toronto Transit Commission capital funding and/or the City's operating budget;

vii. a review of how a parking levy may align with other policy objectives established by Council;

viii. an analysis of how a commercial parking levy may support or hinder Toronto's Covid-19 economic recovery, impacts on businesses, Toronto’s competitiveness compared to neighbouring municipalities, and impacts on low-income residents;

ix. a summary of stakeholders that would be impacted by a commercial parking levy and results of initial market sounding with stakeholders; and

x. an assessment of parking levy impacts on Toronto’s climate goals. 

c. the City Manager to develop an implementation plan, estimated revenues and required implementation timelines to introduce a 911 levy dedicated to fund Next Generation 911 and associated costs;

d. the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, on a review of all City-wide surplus and underutilized real estate assets with a recommended strategy for disposition or change in use as required, with priority consideration given to opportunities which may:

1. be leveraged to support affordable housing initiatives;

2. enhance the City's revenue generating potential and/or contribute to the City's goals of long-term financial sustainability; or

3. allow for joint ventures or partnerships which benefit the local community;

e. the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, as part of their review of the Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology Financial Incentive Program, to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of financial incentives provided under the program to date, and to recommend changes to the design, program objectives or eligibility criteria in consideration of immediate and longer-term financial and economic impacts, including options to restructure the Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology Program through amendments to the Community Improvement Plan, or a dissolution of the Community Improvement Project area; and

f. the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the City Solicitor, to complete all procedural and statutory requirements, including undertaking a Development Charges Background Study, and bring forward an amendment to the development charges by-law that would reduce or remove the non-residential non-ground floor exemption in some or all parts of Toronto and/or preserve the exemption for industrial, for City Council consideration, or at such a time that the Background Study is complete. 

11. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to include, in the report on the Status of the Vacant Home Tax Implementation planned for the fourth quarter of 2023, an analysis of the feasibility of increasing the existing Vacant Home Tax rate from one percent tax of the current value assessment of the residential property on which the vacant unit is located to three percent.

12. City Council direct the Executive Director, Environment and Climate to:

a. report by the fourth quarter of 2023, with a proposed by-law that would require existing buildings in Toronto to annually submit to the City of Toronto building-level performance data, including but not limited to emission data, energy data, water data, and building characteristic information; and

b. report in 2024, with a proposed by-law that would require existing buildings in Toronto to meet specific greenhouse gas emissions performance standards.

13. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to report back to City Council on the feasibility of developing and implementing a fee, charge, or incentive on residential development applicants who receive planning approval but who do not commence construction within a defined "reasonable timeline", with such report to include:

a. in what form the planning approval status should take for example as a "Notice of Approval with Conditions" or "Building Permit";

b. the period for such a "reasonable timeline"; and

c. how the proceeds of this new charge could be re-invested in the creation of new affordable units. 

14. City Council request the Province of Ontario to authorize the City of Toronto under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, and/or required regulations, to be able to implement new revenue tools reflective of the City's responsibilities and contributions to the economy, including specifically a Municipal Sales Tax that applies to the purchase of goods and services in Toronto and/or a portion of the existing Harmonized Sales Tax. 

15. City Council direct the City Manager to continue advocacy efforts with other orders of government and, should authority be granted under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to report back with a proposed implementation plan including recommended tax, collection and enforcement design, estimated revenues and timelines in 2024, on the introduction of a Municipal Sales Tax.

16. City Council inform the Province of Ontario that the City is unable to implement the previously announced 978 new long-term care home beds in the City in the absence of a revised funding model, currently planned for introduction in future years.

17. City Council direct the City Manager to continue discussions with the Province of Ontario and Metrolinx regarding the urgent need for funding transit operations and maintenance for Eglinton Crosstown (Line 5) and Finch West (Line 6) in recognition of the City’s immediate financial challenges.

18. City Council inform the Province of Ontario, that in the absence of a new funding model for transit operations in the City of Toronto commensurate with the scope and demands of the largest public transit system in Canada, the City will pause negotiation of further funding agreements for the Provincial Priority Transit Projects and any future provincial transit expansion projects.

19. City Council request the Province of Ontario upload the responsibility and costs associated with the continued construction and maintenance of the Frederick G. Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway, including any future capital and operating costs. 

20. City Council direct the City Manager to continue to advocate with the provincial and federal governments for a new fiscal framework that is commensurate with the complexity and scope of municipal services delivered by the City of Toronto, including those that are delivered as extensions of other orders of government or that benefit the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area region, and City Council inform the provincial and federal governments, in the absence of a new fiscal framework, the City will be required to reduce essential service levels and cancel capital projects, including those that contribute to intergovernmental priorities.

21. City Council recognize and affirm the advocacy of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities calling on the Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments to engage the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Provincial territorial associations in the development of a Municipal Growth Framework through a process by which new sources of municipal revenue, including predictable intergovernmental transfers and new direct taxation powers, are proposed, evaluated and implemented. 

22. City Council direct the City Manager to forward a copy of the report (August 14, 2023) from the City Manager and the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 

23. City Council recognize and affirm the advocacy of the Ontario Big City Mayors calling on the Federal and Provincial governments to develop a new Municipal Growth Framework. 

24. City Council direct the City Manager to forward a copy of the report (August 14, 2023) from the City Manager and the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on Updated Long-Term Financial Plan to the Ontario Big City Mayors.

25. City Council request the City Manager further engage business and industry stakeholders on new revenue tools including, but not limited to the hospitality industry and small businesses. 

26. City Council request the City Manager to investigate the feasibility for a potential tax levy per passenger from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport payable to the City of Toronto and report back to the Executive Committee during the Budget Consultation process. 

27. City Council request the City Manager to provide a comprehensive report detailing the necessary steps and governmental approvals required to establish a municipal lottery within our jurisdiction. 

28. City Council request the City Manager to provide an analysis of the potential revenues that could be generated through the implementation of such a lottery. 

29. City Council direct the City Manager to examine the City’s current and planned future process improvement activities across city divisions using business process review tools such as a lean six sigma lens and report back to the Executive Committee as part of the 2024 budget process including:

a. results to date of continuous improvement actions as part of the 2024 Divisional budget packages;

b. a process for determining which City services/activities could benefit from further continuous improvement; and

c. the City Manager and other relevant staff work with the Service Excellence working group of Councillors to determine how best to publicly report on how we are improving services towards making the City more streamlined, equitable and agile. 

30. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to report to the October 31, 2023 Executive Committee meeting with a recommended approach to annual rolling program reviews that would include in-depth analysis on service delivery, staffing, and opportunities for ongoing savings, including those for the 2024 Budget. 

31. City Council request the City Manager report back in advance of City Council’s consideration of the Mayor’s 2024 budget on the feasibility, cost and value-for-money considerations of conducting a Core Services Review. 

32. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, as part of the report back on an implementation plan to review options for curbing real estate speculation, to include the feasibility of a land transfer tax, above the otherwise applicable rate, on buyers of residential resale property where the purchaser owns more than one (1) property within the City of Toronto at the time of purchase, with appropriate exemptions such as purchase for a direct family member.

33. City Council request the Toronto Transit Commission to look at creative and imaginative ways to bring ridership back to the Toronto Transit Commission by engaging the Arts and Culture Services unit of Economic Development and Culture, and the Toronto Arts Council.

34. City Council request the Auditor General to consider as part of her work plan, a review of the automated enforcement programs and processes, including the alignment or optimization of revenue returns to the City. 

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council direct the City Manager, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, to work with all of the agencies, boards, corporations and divisions at the City of Toronto to assess preliminary cost estimates, to create a plan, and an implementation framework and timeline to achieve 25,000 new rent-controlled homes by: 

a.  increasing the affordable housing target by a minimum of 7,500 affordable homes, of which a minimum 2,500 are new rent-geared-to-income homes; and

b.  adding a new target for 17,500 rent-controlled homes.

2. To support Part 1 above, City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services to report back in the fourth quarter of 2023 on:

a.  an effective alignment of resources, mandates, structure, and personnel of all City of Toronto agencies, boards, commissions, corporations and divisions, in particular Toronto Community Housing and CreateTO, that would enable the City of Toronto to build new public and community housing in collaboration with co-ops, non-profit housing providers, governmental organizations and other partners; 

b. current suitable parcels of City lands that are available for development purposes;

c. identification of housing-ready sites that are immediately available and suitable, including land owned by the City, co-ops, non-profit housing providers, governmental organizations and other partners; and

d. analysis of the all costs associated with the updated housing target, as well as an update on the financial contributions required from both the federal and provincial governments in order to enable successful implementation of the Housing Plan.

3. City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, to establish a pilot project in Ward 14-Toronto Danforth, for all active development applications, including East Harbour and Gerrard-Carlaw North Transit Oriented Communities, where the Housing Secretariat provides City Planning with a target goal for the number of affordable units to be achieved, with the minimum equal to the requirement under the city’s Inclusionary Zoning Policy, as well as any other related criteria such as Transit-Oriented Communities, Major Transit Station Areas, large sites and any other criteria deemed reasonable.

4. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to ensure that the target goal for the number of affordable units and related information in Part 3 above be presented as part of the statutory community consultation meeting.

5. City Council, as Shareholder, request the Board of Directors of Toronto Community Housing Corporation to work with the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services to undertake the development of complete communities on Toronto Community Housing Corporation lands and properties through revitalization, redevelopment or stand-alone developments on existing sites; and create a model that includes staff and Toronto Community Housing Corporation Board members to initiate and carry out this work.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council appoint David Jollimore as the Interim Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services for the City of Toronto, for a period effective October 6, 2023 until November 5, 2023, and appoint Patrick Matozzo as the Interim Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services for the City of Toronto, for a period effective November 6, 2023 until December 3, 2023.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council request the Federal Government to fund and implement a regional response in municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and beyond that provide adequate shelter and support for refugee claimants, including:

a. the full reimbursements to the City of Toronto for the estimated $200 million in expected 2023 costs to support the refugee claimants in Toronto's shelter system, inclusive of the $97 million in funding already announced through the Interim Housing Assistance Program;

b. an ongoing commitment of Interim Housing Assistance Program funding to address the estimated $250 million annual costs for refugees in 2024 and commit to future funding until the demand for shelter returns to sustainable levels;

c. increase the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit allocations in municipalities across Ontario to allow refugee claimants to improve access to housing throughout the province, including $6.67 million to Toronto and a prorated amount to other municipalities;

d. fund the Canadian Red Cross and Toronto-based representatives of the Ontario Coalition for Refugee Claimants to establish and manage a reception centre for refugee claimants who arrive in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area;

e. secure and fund the operation of all-season mobile health units to create capacity for up to 200 spaces; and

f. identify and purchase/retrofit existing hotels and other suitable buildings to provide accommodation to refugees.

2. City Council:

a. first request the Federal Government to respond by September 18, 2023, that it will provide the funding to reimburse up to $750,000 to churches or community organizations; and

b. should the Federal Government fail to provide the funding in part a. above, City Council increase the 2023 Operating Budget for Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration by $0.750 million gross and $0 net fully funded by a one-time draw from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund and authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration to:

i. provide further compensation of up to $750,000 to churches or community organizations selected by the General Manager, Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration for expenses incurred towards providing temporary shelter to refugee claimants; and

ii. enter into agreements with the churches and community organizations selected by the General Manager, Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration to distribute the compensation on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration.

3. City Council request the City Manager to publish regular data on shelter client origin on the City's webpage, including the numbers of refugees, and those that have recently arrived from places outside Toronto in Canada or internationally, and those that cannot be determined.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council amend its previous decision on Item 2023.CC8.23 by adding the following parts:

1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 26, 2023) from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 26, 2023) from the City Solicitor.

3. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 26, 2023) from the City Solicitor remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

The confidential instructions to staff in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 26, 2023) from the City Solicitor were adopted by City Council and are now public as follows:

1. The alterations to the designated heritage property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street) be approved in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act for the construction of a new mixed use building that includes two towers, in conjunction with an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, comprised of the plans and drawings prepared by IBI Group, and dated May 1, 2023, submitted with the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by ERA Architects Inc., dated April 28, 2023, all on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, all subject to and in accordance with a Conservation Plan satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, and subject to conditions as set out below.

2. City Council direct that its consent to the application to alter the designated property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street) under Part IV, Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act is also subject to the following conditions:

a. prior to issuance of an Ontario Land Tribunal order in connection with the Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision appeals for the property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street), the owner shall:

1. enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City for the property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street), substantially in accordance with plans and drawings prepared by IBI Group, and dated May 1, 2023, submitted with the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by ERA Architects Inc., dated April 28, 2023, subject to and in accordance with the approved Plan required in Part 2.a.2 below, all to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning including execution of such agreement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and

2. provide a detailed Conservation Plan prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that is substantially in accordance with the conservation strategy set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment for 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street), prepared by ERA Architects Inc., dated April 28, 2023, and details all future conservation efforts as part of this application, all to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

b. prior to Final Site Plan approval in connection with the Zoning By-law Amendment for the property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street), the owner shall:

1. provide final site plan drawings including drawings related to the approved Conservation Plan required in Part 2.a.2 above to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

2. provide an Interpretation Plan for the subject property, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning thereafter shall implement such Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

3. provide a Heritage Lighting Plan that describes how the heritage property will be sensitively illuminated to enhance its heritage character to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and

4. submit a Signage Plan for the proposed development to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

c. prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street), but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing heritage buildings as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner shall:

1. obtain final approval for the necessary by-law amendments required for the alterations to the property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street), such amendments to have been enacted by City Council in connection with an Ontario Land Tribunal Order and to have come into effect in a form and with content acceptable to City Council as determined by the Chief Planner, City Planning in consultation with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

2. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the approved Conservation Plan required in Part 2.a.2 above, including a description of materials and finishes, to be prepared by the project architect and a qualified heritage consultant to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and

3. provide a Letter of Credit, including provision for upwards indexing in a form and amount and from a bank satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning to secure all work included in the approved Conservation Plan and Interpretation Plan;

d. prior to the release of the Letter of Credit required in Part 2.c.3. above the owner shall:

1.provide a letter of substantial completion prepared and signed by a qualified heritage consultant confirming that the required conservation work, required heritage lighting work, and the required interpretive work has been completed in accordance with the Conservation Plan, Lighting Plan and Interpretation Plan and that an appropriate standard of conservation has been maintained, all to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and

2. provide replacement Heritage Easement Agreement photographs to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning.

3. City Council authorize the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement under Section 37 of the Ontario Heritage Act with the owner of 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street) in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bill in Council authorizing the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement for the property at 906 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 908 Yonge Street).

5. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and City staff to take all necessary actions to implement City Council's decision.

The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 26, 2023) from the City Solicitor remains confidential at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. The balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 26, 2023) from the City Solicitor will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council reopen Item PH5.3 and replace Attachment 3 to Motion 1 by Councillor Shelley Carroll with the document attached to Item MM10.2 as Attachment 1.

2. City Council delete and replace Part 7 of its decision with the following:

City Council amend Attachment 1 (Official Plan Amendment 653) of the supplementary report (June 29, 2023) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning in accordance with Attachment 3 to Motion 1 by Councillor Shelley Carroll, as follows:

a. converting the lands municipally known in 2022 as 160 Queens Plate Drive from General Employment Areas to Regeneration Areas by removing the lands from Official Plan Map 2, Urban Structure;

b. re-designating the lands from General Employment Areas to Regeneration Areas; and

c. adding Site and Area Specific Policy 855 to apply to the lands.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council amend its previous decision on Item 2022.TE31.11 by:
 

a. amending Part 2 to replace the words “for the demolition of the seven (7) existing rental dwelling units located at 83-97 River Street and 2-4 Labatt Avenue” with “for the demolition of the four (4) existing rental dwelling units located at 91, 93, 95, and 97 River Street” so that Part 2 reads as follows:
 

2. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to issue Preliminary Approval of the Rental Housing Demolition Permit under Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 for the demolition of the four (4) existing rental dwelling units located at 91, 93, 95, and 97 River Street after all the following have occurred:

a. all conditions in Part 1 above have been fully satisfied and secured;

b. the Zoning By-law Amendment(s) have come into full force and effect;

c. the issuance of the Notice of Approval Conditions for site plan approval by the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning\or their designate, pursuant to Section 114 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, or as otherwise authorized by the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

d. the issuance of excavation and shoring permits (conditional or full permit) for the approved development on the site;

e. the owner has confirmed, in writing, that all existing rental dwelling units proposed to be demolished are vacant; and

f. the execution and registration of an agreement pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act securing Parts 1.a. through 1.l. above.

b. amending Part 3 and Part 4 to add “or Part 6 below, as applicable” after the words “referred to in Part 2 above”, so that they read as follows:

3. City Council authorize the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to issue a Rental Housing Demolition Permit under Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code after the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning has given Preliminary Approval referred to in Part 2 above or Part 6 below, as applicable.

4. City Council authorize the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to issue a Residential Demolition Permit under Section 33 of the Planning Act and Chapter 363 of the Toronto Municipal Code for 83-97 River Street and 2-4 Labatt Avenue after the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning has given Preliminary Approval referred to in Part 2 above or Part 6 below, as applicable, which may be included in the Rental Housing Demolition Permit under Chapter 667 pursuant to section 6.2 of Chapter 363, on condition that:

a. the owner removes all debris and rubble from the site immediately after demolition;

b. the owner erects solid construction hoarding to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building;

c. the owner erects the proposed mixed-use building on the site no later than four (4) years from the date that the demolition of such building commences, subject to the timeframe being extended to the discretion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; and

d. should the owner fail to complete the proposed mixed-use building within the time specified in Part 4.c. above, the City Clerk shall be entitled to enter on the collector’s roll, as with municipal property taxes, an amount equal to the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) per dwelling unit for which a demolition permit is issued, and that such amount shall, until payment, be a lien or charge upon the land for which the Residential Demolition Permit is issued.

c. adding a new Part 6 as follows:

1. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to issue Preliminary Approval of the Rental Housing Demolition Permit under Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, for the demolition of three (3) existing rental dwelling units located at 83 and 89 River Street after all the following have occurred:

a. all conditions in Part 1 above have been fully satisfied and secured;

b. the Zoning By-law Amendment(s) have come into full force and effect;

c. the issuance of the Notice of Approval Conditions for site plan approval by the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning or their designate, pursuant to Section 114 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, or as otherwise authorized by the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

d. the owner has confirmed, in writing, that all existing rental dwelling units proposed to be demolished are vacant; and

e. the execution and registration of an agreement pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act securing Parts 1.a. through 1.l. above.

Item MM10.4 was withdrawn at City Council on September 6, 2023.

City Council on September 6, 2023, adopted the following:

1. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to evaluate a property listed on the Heritage Register, at 3100 Weston Road, for designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, and report to the Toronto Preservation Board and the Planning and Housing Committee.

City Council on September 6, 2023, passed By-laws 795-2023 to 826-2023.