Agenda

This meeting of City Council will be conducted with Members participating in person and remotely and the proceedings of City Council will be conducted publicly.

Notice to people writing to Council: The City of Toronto Act, 2006, and the City of Toronto Municipal Code authorize the City of Toronto to collect any personal information in your communication or presentation to City Council or its committees. The City collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on the relevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, e-mails, presentations or other communications to the City, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the City will become part of the public record and will appear on the City’s website. The City will also make your communication and any personal information in it - such as your postal address, telephone number or e-mail address - available to the public, unless you expressly request the City to remove it.

Closed Meeting Requirements: If Council wants to meet in closed session (privately), a Member of Council must place a motion to do so and give the reason why Council has to meet privately (City of Toronto Act, 2006).

March 15, 2024

toronto.ca/council

This agenda and any supplementary materials submitted to the City Clerk can be found online at www.toronto.ca/council. Visit the website for access to all agendas, reports, decisions and minutes of City Council and its committees.

- O Canada

- Moment of Silence

City Council will confirm the Minutes from the regular meeting held on February 6 and 7, 2024 and the special meeting held on February 14, 2024.

Report of the Executive Committee from Meeting 12 on February 29, 2024

Submitted by Mayor Olivia Chow

Report of the Audit Committee from Meeting 4 on February 23, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Stephen Holday, Chair 

Report of the Civic Appointments Committee from Meeting 13 on February 2, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Lily Cheng, Chair

Report of the Civic Appointments Committee from Meeting 14 on March 4, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Lily Cheng, Chair

Report of the Economic and Community Development Committee from Meeting 10 on February 20, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair

Report of the General Government Committee from Meeting 10 on February 13, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair

Report of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee from Meeting 11 on February 27, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, Chair

Report of the Planning and Housing Committee from Meeting 10 on February 28, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Gord Perks, Chair

Report of the Striking Committee from Meeting 5 on March 8, 2024

Submitted by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Chair

Report of the Etobicoke York Community Council from Meeting 11 on February 26, 2024

Submitted by Councillor Stephen Holyday, Chair

Report of the North York Community Council from Meeting 11 on February 22, 2024 

Submitted by Councillor James Pasternak, Chair

Report of the Scarborough Community Council from Meeting 11 on February 16, 2024 

Submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair  

Report of the Toronto and East York Community Council from Meeting 11 on February 21, 2024 

Submitted by Councillor Chris Moise, Chair

New Business submitted by the Mayor and City Officials.

Members of Council will declare interests under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

Members of Council may file petitions.

Various presentations and announcements will be made at the City Council meeting.

City Council will review the Order Paper.

Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 24, Scarborough-Guildwood, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry:

I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry under Municipal Code Chapter 27 §27-7.11 to seek information regarding the request for staff to report back to Council on the feasibility of a new linear park for Scarborough.

On February 2, 2022, City Council adopted MM39.24, Potential Adaptive Reuse - Scarborough Rapid Transit Elevated Track. The item was considered urgent as it asked staff to explore the potential for the adaptive reuse of the elevated track currently utilized by the Scarborough Rapid Transit line as a new linear park and active transportation corridor and to report back to a future meeting of City Council on the feasibility, including potential funding options.

In 2024, City Council directed the Toronto Transit Commission to design a busway within the at-grade sections of the Scarborough Rapid Transit corridor to function until the Scarborough Subway is operational. As this work will include the removal of the tracks, surface paving, and the installation of a safety wall, the corridor will be open for a natural next step for pedestrian accessibility in the form of a linear park connection, from Kennedy Station to the Scarborough Town Centre.

Please provide information on the following points:

- What work has been completed to date regarding the feasibility study and funding options for the pedestrian accessibility transformation into a linear park?
 

- Which division or department is leading the feasibility study and project?
 

- When can we expect a detailed report back to the Council with the feasibility and funding options to transform the supported busway for pedestrian accessibility?
 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving your response and continuing the dialogue on this important issue.

2022.MM39.24 - Potential Adaptive Reuse - Scarborough Rapid Transit Elevated Track - by Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2022.MM39.24

Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19, Beaches-East York, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry:

I am submitting this administrative inquiry (under Municipal Code S27-7.11) to obtain information on plans to rename the Dundas subway stations.

On December 14, 2023, a motion approved by City Council provided recommendations for the Toronto Transit Commission Board to undertake steps to rename both Dundas and Dundas West Subway Station. At that time, the Fiscal Impact Statement said that “Renaming the Dundas subway and Dundas West subway stations are estimated to cost approximately $2.2 million in gross expenditures with an estimated net City costs of $0.6 million.” The Statement also said that Toronto Metropolitan University would “fully fund costs” associated with Dundas Station renaming, “currently estimated at $1.6 million”, and “Costs associated with renaming the Dundas West subway station will be included as part of the staff proposed 2024 - 2033 Capital Budget and Plan for the Toronto Transit Commission.”

At the Toronto Transit Commission Board Meeting held on February 22, 2024, direction was subsequently provided for Toronto Transit Commission staff to move forward with the development of a framework to consider the renaming of both subway stations and report back to the Toronto Transit Commission Board by the end of the third quarter of 2024. Unfortunately, the video recording of this meeting is not available.

As it remains unclear how these renamings will be achieved without significant costs to the City, this Administrative Inquiry seeks to provide an update directly to Council.

Questions for the City Manager:

1. Did Toronto Transit Commission staff provide the cost estimates for the renaming of the stations included in the Fiscal Impact Statement? If not, how and by whom were those estimates developed?

2. What is the current estimated cost to rename both Dundas and Dundas West Stations, inclusive of train and streetcar technical systems, signage and system-wide maps?

3. What is the status of discussions between the City, the Toronto Transit Commission and Toronto Metropolitan University regarding the potential renaming of Dundas Station? And whom at the City of Toronto has been engaged in those discussions?

4. What are the draft terms of agreement between the City, the Toronto Transit Commission and Toronto Metropolitan University regarding the potential renaming of Dundas Station, including the proposed term of the agreement?

5. Is the City or the Toronto Transit Commission in active discussions with any additional parties regarding the naming rights for Dundas West Station?

6. To date, what work has been undertaken to determine the potential revenue opportunities for renaming rights to transit lines, stations and other City assets?

7. What is the estimated opportunity cost to the City as a result of choosing not to pursue potential revenue opportunities for naming rights to these transit stations?

Should the answers to any of these questions require a confidential attachment, I request that those responses be separated from other responses so that as much information be made publicly available as possible.

Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre, has submitted the following Administrative Inquiry:

I am submitting this Administrative Inquiry (under Municipal Code §27-7.11.) to obtain information about emergency preparedness, public safety, by law enforcement and police response to the upcoming Al Quds day protest and further details on how by law enforcement responded to protests and rallies that have taken place between October 7, 2023, and March 3, 2024.

Since October 7, 2023, Toronto has seen over 400 protests, many of which targeted the Jewish community in Toronto.  Because of the temperament of these events Toronto Police Service allocated hundreds of officers at a cost of over $8 million to protect persons and property. The mobs behind these events have targeted synagogues, a hospital with a Jewish history, Jewish-owned stores, individuals who support Israel and Christmas shoppers. They have blocked streets, ambulance routes, the entrance and exits of social and fundraising events, blocked the entrance to the offices of elected officials and sabotaged a state visit by the Prime Minister of Italy and the Prime Minister of Canada in Toronto. Chants have called for the genocide of Jews, and the destruction of Jewish owned businesses. The events are in violation of the City of Toronto Anti-discrimination policy, the City of Toronto Hate-sponsored Rallies policy, and numerous by laws and various provisions of the criminal code. While dozens have been arrested and charged, these hate rallies are growing more threatening and menacing.

On or about April 5-6, 2024, an event called Al Quds Day, will take place. This event calls for the genocide of Jews in Jerusalem. The event has opened with a song called "Declare it a Popular Revolution." Keynote speakers include Holocaust deniers, those encouraging attacks on Jews, calling for the destruction of Israel and other hateful rhetoric. In light of months of incitement across Toronto it is expected that this year's gathering could be hateful and violent in the extreme. 

Questions for the City Manager, City of Toronto.

Although there have been dozens, perhaps hundreds of by law violations during these protests since October 7, 2023, there is no indication that any by law charges have been laid. Have any by law infraction charges been laid against individuals participating in protests and rallies since October 7, 2023?

If no charges have been laid, what are the reasons by law enforcement is not supporting police services and enforcing City of Toronto by laws?

It has been over 4 years since the Hate Sponsored Rallies policy was adopted by Toronto City Council.  Despite the city being overwhelmed with hateful protests, there is no indication that the policy has been enforced.   What response and enforcement actions have city staff taken under the Hate Sponsored Rallies policy between October 7, 2023, and March 11, 2024.

It is expected that this year's Al Quds day gathering could be violent and hateful. What options are available to seek an injunction to prevent the event from taking place or what other measures are available to stop this gathering? What plans are in place to keep the public safe from gatherings of this nature?

The Planning and Housing Committee forwards the item to City Council without recommendations.

The Planning and Housing Committee held a statutory public meeting that began on October 26, 2023 and continued on November 30, 2023, and notice was given in accordance to the Planning Act.

City Council, at its meeting on November 8 and 9, 2023, referred the draft Zoning By-law Amendments in Attachment 1 to the report (September 13, 2023) from Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office, as they relate to the following properties, to the Planning and Housing Committee for further consideration at its meeting of November 30, 2023:

891, 885 and 897 Pape Avenue;

1012-1052 Pape Avenue;

240 and 242 First Avenue;

495 and 497 Pape Avenue;

716 Pape Avenue;

676-692 Danforth Avenue;

5-11 Gertrude Place;

1, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13 Lipton Avenue;

855 Gerrard Street East;

15 and 17 Minton Place and 156 and 158 Hopedale Avenue; and

449 Carlaw Avenue.

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council state its intention to designate the property at 78 Mimico Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance; 78 Mimico Avenue (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 3 to the report (January 9, 2024) from the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

2. City Council state its intention to designate the property at 80 Mimico Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance; 80 Mimico Avenue (Entrance Address at 84 Mimico Avenue) (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 4 to the report (January 9, 2024) from the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

3. City Council state its intention to designate the property at 86 Mimico Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance; 86 Mimico Avenue (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 5 to the report (January 9, 2024) from the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

4. If there are no objections to the designation, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

This report recommends that City Council state its intention to designate the properties located at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for their cultural heritage value.

Located on the north side of Mimico Avenue at Station Road in Mimico, the properties at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue were constructed between 1920 and 1929 as main street commercial structures with residential/office uses above. Although constructed separately, these three buildings display a remarkable level of visual cohesion, sharing architectural elements including two storey profile, cornices, parapets, storefronts, and second storey apartments/offices.

These three properties are representative examples of the main street commercial building typology from Mimico's streetcar period (1918-1939) following the First World War, when Mimico experienced significant growth primarily along the north side of Mimico Avenue and where commercial structures were grouped together at the intersections of Lakeshore Boulevard West, Queens Avenue, and Station Road.  

The property at 80 Mimico Avenue was constructed in 1920 by John and Percy MacKenzie for their business, John MacKenzie and Son Dairy. The MacKenzie family sold the property at 80 Mimico Avenue in 1928 and in 1929, John, Percy, and Clarence MacKenzie constructed the building at 78 Mimico Avenue to accommodate their expanded dairy which operated as the Hillside Dairy from 1932-1943, and Silverwoods Dairy from 1944-1955. As such, a dairy operated for 35 years on the main street of Mimico. The property at 80 Mimico Avenue was purchased by Anthony Joseph in 1928, whose family would operate a grocery store there from 1929 until 1969.

Constructed between 1923 and 1924 for the Union Bank of Canada, 86 Mimico Avenue served as the branch of the Royal Bank of Canada from 1925-1935 prior to being purchased and occupied by Florence Weber in 1953, who would reside there for the next five decades.

As a group, the subject properties anchor the northeast corner of Mimico Avenue and Station Road and are important in defining, maintaining, and supporting the predominantly early-twentieth century main street character of Mimico Avenue, which includes a mix of early-twentieth century residential and commercial structures.

The properties located at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue were identified as having potential cultural heritage value in the Mimico 20/20 Revitalization Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment (CHRA) prepared in 2012 by URS Canada as a key component of the Mimico 20/20 Action Plan. The Mimico 20/20 Revitalization Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment identified the properties, along with the north side of Mimico Avenue between Queens Avenue and Station Road, as worthy of further investigation as either a potential Cultural Heritage Landscape or Heritage Conservation District "due to their cohesive character and level of integrity."

Staff have completed the Research and Evaluation Report for the properties at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue and determined that the properties meet Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act under Design/Physical and Contextual Value. As such, the properties are significant built heritage resources.

On May 15, 2023, Demolition Permit Application 23 145944 DEM 00 DM was submitted for the property at 78 Mimico Avenue and Demolition Permit Application 23 145960 DEM 00 DM was submitted for the property at 80 Mimico Avenue. The applications are currently under review.

Designation enables City Council to review proposed alterations or demolitions to the properties and enforce heritage property standards and maintenance. The Bill 108 Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act included a shift in Part IV designations related to Planning Act applications that would trigger a Prescribed Event. Section 29(1.2) of the Ontario Heritage Act now restricts City Council's ability to give notice of its intention to designate a property under the Act to within 90 days after the City Clerk gives notice of a complete application.

A "Prescribed Event" is a point of time when the application for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and/or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application has been deemed complete and the City Clerk provides notice of that complete application to the public in accordance with the Planning Act. 

A Heritage Impact Assessment is required for all development applications that affect listed and designated properties and will be considered when determining how a heritage property is to be conserved.

At its meeting on January 18, 2024 the Toronto Preservation Board considered Item PB13.1 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (January 9, 2024) from the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning:

This report recommends that City Council state its intention to designate the properties located at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for their cultural heritage value.

Located on the north side of Mimico Avenue at Station Road in Mimico, the properties at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue were constructed between 1920 and 1929 as main street commercial structures with residential / office uses above. Although constructed separately, these three buildings display a remarkable level of visual cohesion, sharing architectural elements including two storey profile, cornices, parapets, storefronts, and second storey apartments / offices.

These three properties are representative examples of the main street commercial building typology from Mimico's streetcar period (1918-1939) following the First World War, when Mimico experienced significant growth primarily along the north side of Mimico Avenue and where commercial structures were grouped together at the intersections of Lakeshore Boulevard West, Queens Avenue, and Station Road.

The property at 80 Mimico Avenue was constructed in 1920 by John and Percy MacKenzie for their business, John MacKenzie and Son Dairy. The MacKenzie family sold the property at 80 Mimico Avenue in 1928 and in 1929, John, Percy, and Clarence MacKenzie constructed the building at 78 Mimico Avenue to accommodate their expanded dairy which operated as the Hillside Dairy from 1932-1943, and Silverwoods Dairy from 1944-1955. As such, a dairy operated for 35 years on the main street of Mimico. The property at 80 Mimico Avenue was purchased by Anthony Joseph in 1928, whose family would operate a grocery store there from 1929 until 1969.

Constructed between 1923 and 1924 for the Union Bank of Canada, 86 Mimico Avenue served as the branch of the Royal Bank of Canada from 1925-1935 prior to being purchased and occupied by Florence Weber in 1953, who would reside there for the next five decades.

As a group, the subject properties anchor the northeast corner of Mimico Avenue and Station Road and are important in defining, maintaining, and supporting the predominantly early-twentieth century main street character of Mimico Avenue, which includes a mix of early-twentieth century residential and commercial structures.

The properties located at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue were identified as having potential cultural heritage value in the Mimico 20/20 Revitalization Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment prepared in 2012 by URS Canada as a key component of the Mimico 20/20 Action Plan. The Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment identified the properties, along with the north side of Mimico Avenue between Queens Avenue and Station Road, as worthy of further investigation as either a potential Cultural Heritage Landscape or Heritage Conservation District "due to their cohesive character and level of integrity."[1]

Staff have completed the Research and Evaluation Report for the properties at 78, 80 and 86 Mimico Avenue and determined that the properties meet Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act under Design / Physical and Contextual Value. As such, the properties are significant built heritage resources.

On May 15, 2023, Demolition Permit Application 23 145944 DEM 00 DM was submitted for the property at 78 Mimico Avenue and Demolition Permit Application 23 145960 DEM 00 DM was submitted for the property at 80 Mimico Avenue. The applications are currently under review.

Designation enables City Council to review proposed alterations or demolitions to the properties and enforce heritage property standards and maintenance. The Bill 108 Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act included a shift in Part IV designations related to Planning Act applications that would trigger a Prescribed Event. Section 29(1.2) of the Ontario Heritage Act now restricts City Council's ability to give notice of its intention to designate a property under the Act to within 90 days after the City Clerk gives notice of a complete application.

A "Prescribed Event" is a point of time when the application for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and / or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application has been deemed complete and the City Clerk provides notice of that complete application to the public in accordance with the Planning Act.

A Heritage Impact Assessment is required for all development applications that affect listed and designated properties and will be considered when determining how a heritage property is to be conserved.

The Toronto and East York Community Council forwards the Item to City Council without recommendations.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on November 15, 2023 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the Zoning By-law Amendment application to permit a 23-storey mixed-use building at 98-100 Bond Street and 54-74 Dundas Street East. The building is proposed to contain 336 dwelling units and 240 square metres of retail space fronting Dundas Street East. As part of the development proposal 4 existing rental dwelling units will be demolished.

The Toronto and East York Community Council forwards the Item to City Council without recommendations.

This report recommends that City Council refuse applications under Sections 33 and 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act to alter and demolish heritage attributes of the property at 415 Broadview Avenue.

Anchoring the northeast corner of Broadview Avenue and Simpson Avenue in the Riverdale neighbourhood and located directly across from the Don Jail, the property at 415 Broadview Avenue contains a Place of Worship completed in 1907 for the congregation of St. John's Presbyterian Church. Designed by the Glasgow School of Art-trained Scottish architect, Andrew Sharp, who built numerous early-20th century heritage churches across Toronto. The property is directly linked to the founding of the Scott Mission, which continues to provide important social outreach programs and services. Today St. John’s Presbyterian Church is valued as a local landmark. The property at 415 Broadview Avenue is designated under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act through by-law 137-2023.

Applications under Sections 33 and 34 of the Act have been submitted to alter the property and demolish heritage attributes in order to allow for the construction of a seven-storey mixed-use building with commercial units at grade and residential units above. Staff is recommending refusal of the applications as they have not demonstrated that the heritage impacts of the proposal are consistent with the heritage planning policy framework or that they would be satisfactorily mitigated.

The Executive Committee recommends that: 

1. City Council authorize the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to:

a. receive funds and to negotiate and enter into any contribution agreements, including any amendment, renewal or extension agreements and any ancillary documents with the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and/or agencies or corporations of the Federal and Provincial Governments in support of the FWC26 on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and

b. enter into agreements with third party non profit and charitable organizations to distribute the funding in accordance with the provisions of those agreements, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to approve such increases to the current retainer agreement with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP for the provision of legal services, including those for which Committee or City Council approval would normally be required under City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, Purchasing, as may be required for the support of FWC26, including for preparation, construction, operations and any resulting claims, funded through the approved FWC26 Toronto budget, to a limit of $600,000, with any further recommended increases to be reported to the Executive Committee for approval pursuant to the regular process for approval under the City’s by-laws.

3. City Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to negotiate and enter into and/or amend or extend as required, any necessary agreements with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority and PortsToronto (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport) reflecting the FIFA Host City Agreement obligations in support of Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 including but not limited to financing, event planning and coordination, and airport operations, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Mayor, the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

4. City Council authorize the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, to administer the FWC26 Toronto Public Engagement and Communications Plan, as described in the supplementary report (February 26, 2024) from the City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026.

5. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to identify the costs of all City FWC26 activities in preparation for the 2025 Budget process.

6. City Council request the City Manager to report back in the third quarter of 2024 with a comprehensive revenue plan to maximize financial opportunities for the City of Toronto associated with hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The City Manager and the Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 gave a presentation on FIFA World Cup 2026 toronto.

Further to City Council's previous consideration in July 2022 (EX34.8), the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026 will be submitting a report to Executive Committee before its meeting on February 29, 2024 that provides an update on hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto including: planning, financial status, economic and community benefits, and intergovernmental negotiations.

On February 4, 2024 FIFA announced that the City of Toronto will host six matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026 (FWC26), kicking off on June 12, 2026, with the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ men’s match in Canada and featuring the opening match of Canada’s Men’s National Team. Toronto will also host a Round of 32 knockout game on July 2, 2026, adding to the excitement of hosting this event. This marks the first time Canada will host the FIFA World Cup™, and the event will engage millions of fans from around the world.

Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 will bring positive economic and cultural benefits for the city, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. Based on hosting five matches, the total net economic activity[1] expected to be generated by the FWC26 in Toronto is:

- $392 million GDP for the City of Toronto

- Tax revenues totaling $118.9 million in the Toronto region

- $456 million GDP for the province of Ontario

- Tax revenues totaling $138.9 million within Ontario

Toronto's journey to hosting the FWC26 began in 2018 when FIFA awarded hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 to a joint bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States, with matches to be staged across 16 cities in North America. On June 16, 2022, the City of Toronto was announced as an official Host City for the FWC26. Since that time, planning has actively been underway. This report provides an update on the work to date for Toronto's hosting of the FWC26 including: planning, financial status, economic and community benefits, and intergovernmental negotiations.

With the recent announcement of the match schedule and confirmation that Toronto will host six matches, planning assumptions, cost estimates, revenue and benefit opportunities are being reviewed by City staff.  As planning requirements become more defined, current projections estimate the operations and capital costs to be incurred locally in Toronto to be approximately $380 million (gross). This represents an increase from budget estimates presented to City Council in July 2022(EX34.8). The cost is expected to be shared between the City and the Governments of Ontario and Canada. The Province of Ontario has conditionally committed up to $97 million to support Toronto’s efforts to host the FWC26. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Toronto in the successful delivery of the FWC26. Although specific federal financial commitments have not yet been confirmed, the Government of Canada continues to work with event parties to ensure that Canada delivers a successful, safe and secure event in 2026 in keeping with their funding policy for hosting International Sport Events (see Financial Impact Section).

The planning and delivery of a project of this size and scope and with specific timelines requires a significant number of contracts with third parties for a variety of goods and services (i.e. capital work, project management, mobility plans, ancillary event execution, venue rentals and services, etc.). To ensure efficiencies for the FWC26 Toronto Secretariat, City Divisions, and contractors and to maintain the required project timelines, this report recommends that Council authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, World Cup Hosting 2026, subject to the budget as approved by Council, to procure, negotiate, award and enter into necessary agreements related to FWC26 Toronto project deliverables.

This approach is similar to authorities authorized by Council in the past to facilitate the process for management of a large project with a significant number of third-party service provider agreements and critical inflexible timelines. Precedent therefore exists for this recommended approach. Approval of these recommendations will mitigate the risk of delay to the project to ensure the City meets FIFA timelines and requirements.

[1] Benefit projections as of October 2023 Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM)

The Executive Committee recommends that:  

1.  City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services to work with the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, the President, Toronto Parking Authority, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the Executive Director, of Transit Expansion Division, to undertake a review of all off-street, transit oriented, City-owned parking facilities that may support Council's housing, community or fiscal goals and better align municipal parking services to City and Provincial planning policies, and to report back to City Council by the fourth quarter of 2024 with a list of priority sites, timelines and resource requirements for due diligence to determine 'parking-to-homes' and/or community infrastructure opportunities.  

2.  City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services to work with the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to undertake a review of all existing and future Toronto Transit Commission stations for redevelopment opportunities that may support Council's housing, community, transit service or fiscal goals, and to report back to City Council by  the fourth quarter of 2024 with a list of priority sites, timelines and resource requirements for due diligence to determine better use of transit sites.  

3.  City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services to work with the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the Executive Director, Transit Expansion, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to identify City-owned real estate assets suitable to be included in Transit Oriented Communities along current or future transit expansion projects, and to report back to City Council by fourth quarter of 2024 with a list of priority sites, timelines and resource requirements for due diligence to maximize housing and community goals.

4.  City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services to work with the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, to identify funding and resource requirements to undertake the due diligence activities for the review of City-owned Transit-Oriented Parking Lots, City Lands adjacent to Provincial Transit Sites and the Intensification of  Toronto Transit Commission stations, and submit the funding needs through the City's capital budget process. 

5.  City Council direct the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to undertake a review of Parks, Forestry and Recreation’s facilities and relevant legislative, Official Plan and Municipal Code provisions to enable opportunities to co-locate housing, including rent-geared-to-income, affordable rental and rent-controlled market rental homes, with community recreation facilities in support of City Council's housing goals, and to report back to City Council by the first quarter of 2025 with an outline of legislative and planning matters to be addressed, priority sites for potential housing opportunities and resource requirements for further due diligence. 

With the magnitude of the City’s unfunded capital program and the cost of generational programs such as the housing plan and climate action initiatives, the Long-Term Financial Plan identified the City’s real estate assets as a source for greater value potential. Specifically, evaluating underutilized real estate and deploying strategies to maximize the long-term value of assets for City benefits and fiscal sustainability. This includes fully leveraging the value from surplus lands no longer required for municipal services and from underutilized City properties with higher and better use and public benefit potential (i.e., for housing or mixed-uses). 

This report responds to recommendation 5.d. from item 2023.EX7.1 - Updated Long-Term Financial Plan that was adopted by City Council in September 2023:

"…to report back in advance of City Council’s consideration of the Mayor’s proposed 2024 budget 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: 

- Be leveraged to support affordable housing initiatives;

- Enhance the City’s revenue generating potential and/or contribute to the City’s goals of long-term financial sustainability; or,

- Allow for joint ventures or partnerships which benefit the local community".

Through EX9.3 - Generational Transformation of Toronto's Housing System to Urgently Build More Affordable Homes, a list of 92 City-owned properties (both housing ready and with housing potential) were identified to support new affordable housing targets - which responds in part to this recommendation.

In terms of additional real estate portfolio opportunities, the vast majority of City-owned real estate is operationally required by City Divisions, Agencies and Corporations to deliver municipal services. The City does not have an abundance of properties deemed 'surplus' that are both no longer required for municipal service delivery and prime for significant real estate development. However, the City does have many opportunities within its broader real estate portfolio of underutilized properties that can be leveraged and/or redeveloped for higher and better uses, including new housing and mixed uses, co-locating municipal services and/or monetization opportunities.

Based on the City's real estate model, the mandates for CreateTO and the Corporate Real Estate Management (CREM) division include working together to continuously assess the City's mix of real estate assets (i.e., opportunities to buy, sell, lease, enter into partnerships, attract add-on investments, etc.) to enable the City's evolving service needs, drive 'City building opportunities' and be fiscally prudent.

Through initiatives such as the workplace modernization program (ModernTO), the City's housing plan and the plan for a new Etobicoke Civic Centre as a complete community, the City is already making better use of its real estate. These strategies opened opportunities for new affordable housing, complete communities, broad-based partnerships and long-term fiscal sustainability, and there continue to be opportunities to further this work.

This report identifies three broad real estate opportunities that could support city building, the City's housing plan and fiscal sustainability:

1. Transit-Oriented Parking Lots;

2. City-Owned Land Adjacent to Provincial Transit Sites; and

3. Intensification of Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Stations.

If approved, the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will collaboratively work with partners including the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, President, Toronto Parking Authority, Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, Executive Director, Transit Expansion Division and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to identify and consider real estate opportunities that could support Council's housing, community and/or fiscal sustainability goals. This incudes prioritization and a multi-year plan with funding and resource requirements.

Determining the best city building outcome for any City-owned property requires significant due diligence, planning analysis, financial analysis, stakeholder engagement and the development of appropriate business cases for a change in use before coming to Council for subsequent approvals. Further details regarding opportunities in the City-wide real estate portfolio are provided in this report.

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council reaffirm the policy that maintaining the existing system in a state of good repair is the first priority for investment in transportation.

2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Division, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Head, Strategy and Foresight, Toronto Transit Commission and other divisions as appropriate, to report back to City Council in third quarter of 2025 on a comprehensive review of Map 4 Higher Order Transit Corridors of the Official Plan to:

a. identify new corridors that would address identified gaps in future higher-order transit service;

b. review existing proposed corridors which may not warrant future higher-order transit service; and

c. propose priorities for advancing work on higher-order transit corridors.

3. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Division, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Head, Strategy and Foresight, Toronto Transit Commission and other divisions as appropriate, to report back to City Council in third quarter of 2025 on a review of Map 3 Right-of-Way Widths Associated with Existing Major Streets of the Official Plan to ensure Map 3 reflects appropriate Right of Way dimensions for potential Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rapid Transit services in the revised Official Plan Map 4, where appropriate.

4. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Transportation Services, and the Head, Strategy and Foresight, Toronto Transit Commission to advance surface transit priority measures across the City.

5. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Executive Director, Transit Expansion, to:

a. work with the Province to advance City interests in the current Metrolinx work on the Sheppard Subway Extension Study; and

b. request Metrolinx to advance planning of a Finch West Light Rapid Transit extension to Woodbine and beyond to Pearson International Airport.

6. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and other divisions as appropriate, to explore opportunities to advance more affordable and non-market housing around new and existing transit stations and corridors to support the City’s Housing Strategy and build complete communities, including in partnership with Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx.

This report provides a high-level assessment of the higher-order transit corridors identified in Official Plan Map 4 Higher Order Transit Corridors in order to provide a comprehensive policy context for on-going discussions on individual transit projects. The report responds to several motions from Council regarding advancing specific proposed higher-order transit projects: Finch LRT west extension to Woodbine GO Station, Waterfront West LRT, and western and eastern extensions to the Sheppard Subway. The report recommends further work to update Map 4 to establish a future transit network plan to respond to Toronto's growth. The analysis in this report is framed in the context of several considerations and challenges that will shape recommendations on advancing higher-order transit development over the coming decade and beyond.

The Official Plan emphasizes the importance of maintaining and expanding a strong transit network to support the growth and development of the city and seeks to encourage more movement by transit and active transportation. Transit plays an important role in increasing access to education, employment, and other opportunities city-wide. Increasing transit use helps the City to address its climate change objectives and be more inclusive. Developing complete communities around transit stations and corridors, with higher density employment and residential development, supports the City's housing, economic, and social development objectives.

Several trends, considerations and challenges shape the context in which this assessment of Map 4 is framed:

1. Fiscal gap: The City has a recognized large budget shortfall and unfunded transit capital program. Given the need to prioritize State of Good Repair in the existing system and high construction costs of higher-order transit, further comprehensive preliminary planning analysis of a range of projects is required to develop a strong evidence base upon which Council can decide which projects would deliver the best value for money.

2. Housing and homelessness crisis: The price of housing is a widespread issue affecting Toronto and all of Canada. This is compounded by mismatches in the locations of higher population densities and higher-order transit; there are many areas composed primarily of single-family homes near existing high-order transit and conversely, areas with high population densities that are not as well served by higher-order transit, where residents have poorer transit access to employment and other opportunities. There is a historic trend of changing income distribution within Toronto with less affluent areas of the city shifting from being primarily downtown and near Lake Ontario to Toronto suburbs with poorer transit service. High house prices typically found around higher-order transit highlight the potential for transit-induced displacement when building higher-order transit.

3) Strong population and employment growth trends: Toronto is mandated by the Province to plan for roughly 30% growth between 2016 and 2051 but may exceed this target. A growing population may reinforce existing challenges and further increase the need for more space-efficient transportation such as transit. The current auto and transit transportation infrastructure will not adequately support the anticipated population growth.

4) Growing inequity: The COVID-19 pandemic, housing affordability and an overflowing shelter system have highlighted a growing gap where more people are struggling to meet basic needs. The analysis in this report uses new measures based on the concept of transport poverty to measure equity impacts of higher-order transit projects.

5) Climate emergency: To address a climate emergency, Council committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Toronto by 2040. A large shift to more people taking trips using transit and active modes of transportation is essential to meet this target.

6) Increasing crowding and congestion in the transportation system: Using ridership data provided by the TTC, there are many corridors not currently on Official Plan Map 4 that carry large numbers of riders on buses. Many surface transit corridors in the City experience very slow travel speeds, likely due to operating in mixed heavy traffic conditions. These analyses show the need to improve transit conditions in many parts of the City and not just along a small handful of corridors.

Staff evaluated 20 corridors on Official Plan Map 4 supplemented by four additional corridors with high transit ridership using the Rapid Transit Evaluation Framework (RTEF) established in the Official Plan. The evaluation does not cover new corridors being designed and constructed by Metrolinx nor the City's priority transit projects – the Waterfront East LRT and the Eglinton East LRT – as these projects are already advancing. As this work focuses on longer-term higher order transit, corridors that were part of RapidTO: Surface Transit Network Plan were not excluded. The focus is on how the range of corridors identified on Map 4 would augment the network of existing and under-development corridors, and guide future decision making.

Metrolinx is currently undertaking an Initial Business Case examining Line 4 extensions both westwards to Sheppard West Station and eastwards to McCowan Road. This report recommends that City staff engage with Metrolinx in this project to advance City interests along this important corridor. The Sheppard corridor between McCowan Road and Morningside Avenue is also being considered as part of the Eglinton East LRT, one of the City's priority projects.

Metrolinx is also delivering the Finch West LRT and the new Woodbine GO Station. This report notes the value of planning for the extension of the Finch LRT, initially to Woodbine and then further to connect to Pearson Airport, and recommends the City urge the Provincial government to include planning for this important LRT connection in its work.

Given that many of the top corridors in this evaluation are not included in Official Plan Map 4 and that Map 4 does not establish priorities, this report recommends a further comprehensive evaluation of this map to identify new corridors required to respond to demand, to review existing proposed corridors to ensure that they should remain on Map 4, and to propose priorities for advancing higher-order transit corridors.

Given that most of the top corridors in this report were light rail transit or bus rapid transit, staff also recommend a review of Official Plan Map 3 Right of Way Widths Associated with Existing Major Streets to ensure that adequate right-of-way is protected for future surface higher-order transit corridors identified on a revised Official Plan Map 4.

This report recommends advancing surface transit priority measures, such as through the RapidTO: Surface Transit Network Plan. Surface transit priority measures are lower cost than new higher-order transit lines and can be delivered in the short-to-medium-term to help alleviate crowding and congestion on the transit system, support climate change goals by encouraging more travel on transit, better serve areas in the city with higher proportions of equity-deserving people and support a growing population while remaining mindful of the City's financial situation. Higher-order transit planning can be started alongside implementation of these measures to support further long-term growth.

Finally, the correlation between housing prices and proximity to higher-order transit within Toronto is clear. Given the housing affordability crisis within the city, the relationship between housing prices and the proximity to transit, and the City's objective of building complete communities around transit, this report also recommends further work to identify ways to better link the City's desired transit and housing outcomes.

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 778, Taxation, Vacant Home Tax, to extend the declaration due date in 2024 for the 2023 Taxation Year to March 15, 2024.

2. City Council authorize the introduction of the necessary Bills in Council to give effect to City Council's decision.

The City of Toronto implemented a Vacant Home Tax in 2022. Because property status can change year-to-year, all property owners are required to declare the occupancy status of their property on an annual basis, even if they live there or fall under one or more exemptions. The declaration will determine whether the Vacant Home Tax applies and is payable.

In October 2023, City Council approved an updated communications plan related to the Vacant Homes Tax, which included increased communications with property owners who do not speak English as their first language. The 2024 process also included an earlier opening date, as well as pop-up sessions to support those who require assistance to submit their declaration.

For the 2023 taxation year, the deadline for property owners to declare their status was set at February 29, 2024. Given that the Vacant Home Tax is still relatively new for residents, and in recognition that the City wants to ensure all property owners have the opportunity to complete their declaration, I am recommending that Council extend the declaration deadline by an additional two-week period. If City Council adopts the proposed declaration deadline extension, to March 15, 2024, residential property owners will have until that date to submit the declaration.

City Council will not, however, be able to consider the proposed extension until its next regular meeting on March 20-22, 2024. As such, property owners are encouraged to submit their declaration as soon as possible to prevent any late submission fees from being charged.

To submit your declaration or for additional information, including exemptions, visit:

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/vacant-home-tax/vacant-home-tax-declaration-of-occupancy-status/

The Audit Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (February 8, 2024) from the Auditor General remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains information explicitly supplied in confidence to the Auditor General (through the City or one of its agencies or corporations) by another level of government or a Crown agency and financial information supplied in confidence to the Auditor General which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization.

Tara Anderson, Auditor General, gave a presentation on Auditor General's 2023 Annual Report - Demonstrating the Value of the Auditor General's Office.

This report provides information about the Auditor General's Office 2023 activities and the financial and non-financial benefits achieved by the City through its implementation of report recommendations.

In 2023, the Auditor General's Office presented eight audit, investigation, cybersecurity, and other reports. The findings and recommendations in these reports focused on:

- strengthening the safety of the City's IT systems and critical infrastructure against cyber attacks, including those of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

- improving how the City procures and manages its Winter Maintenance contracts and holds contractors accountable to the contract terms

- improving the management of contracts and costs of modular housing built to address the housing needs of residents

- strengthening Toronto Building’s inspection function which contributes to safe buildings

- minimizing asset failures and delays of TTC Streetcars through improving the TTC’s Overhead Asset maintenance and repair program

- providing lessons learned for large Information Technology projects of the City, including the Enterprise Work Management Solution (EWMS)

Additionally, our Forensic Unit managed 1,054 complaints through our Fraud and Waste Hotline and conducted some complex investigations, including an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing regarding the building inspections of two houses.

Every year, we demonstrate the value our Office brings with a quantified return on investment. The City has achieved cumulative one-time and annually recurring savings projected over a five-year period totaling $387 million (as reported in our 2019 to 2023 Annual Reports) by implementing our recommendations. The cumulative cost of operating the Auditor General's Office from 2019 to 2023 was approximately $32 million. Based on these numbers, for every dollar invested in the Auditor General's Office there was a return of about $12.

Equally important is the value that our reports bring through the non-quantifiable benefits, including enhanced cybersecurity and internal controls, robust data analytics, improved policies and procedures, more effective management and use of City resources, better customer service, and stronger security of City assets. Our reports also help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of programs, systems and processes, the impacts of which are not always easily quantified in financial terms.

The Audit Committee recommends that:

1. City Council receive the report (February 8, 2024) from the Auditor General for information.

Tara Anderson, Auditor General, and Elaine Au, Assistant Auditor General, gave a presentation on Auditor General's 2023 Annual Report on the Fraud and Waste Hotline.

This report represents the 2023 annual report on fraud, waste and wrongdoing at the City including the activities of the Fraud and Waste Hotline Program (the Hotline Program). It highlights the complaints that have been communicated to the Auditor

General’s Office. It does not represent an overall picture of fraud or other wrongdoing across the City.

In 2023, 1,054 complaints comprised of approximately 1,450 allegations were received by the Auditor General’s Office, the highest in a year since the launch of the Hotline Program and similar to the number of complaints (1,032) received last year.

The Hotline Program has helped to reduce losses and resulted in the protection of City assets. The actual and potential losses from complaints received from 2019 to 2023 are $27.7 million (actual losses) plus $1.0 million (potential losses) had the fraud not been detected. Additional benefits that are not quantifiable include:

- the deterrence of fraud or wrongdoing

- strengthened internal controls

- improvements in policies and procedures

- increased operational efficiencies

- the ability to use complaint data to identify trends, address risks, make action-oriented recommendations to management, and inform our Audit Work Plan.

The Audit Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division to implement a process to identify, on a periodic basis, areas where applications are frequently determined to be insufficient and proactively educate applicants and the industry on the application submission requirements and ways to avoid processing delays.

2. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division, in collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer where required, to:

a. Review and update the items on the Division’s checklists used to demonstrate a complete review of building permit applications to confirm compliance with the Building Code, Zoning by-laws and other Applicable Law, and make the checklists available centrally to ensure staff have access to and are using the most current versions of the checklists;

b. Review and update the pre-established lists of deficiencies in the building permit information system; and

c. Establish a protocol for periodic review of the checklists and pre-established lists of deficiencies to ensure they include up-to-date Building Code and Zoning by-law requirements.

3. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division, in collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer, to review and ensure that the control built into the building permit information system is functioning properly to prevent a building permit from being issued for files with open deficiencies.

4. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division, in collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer where required, to:

a. Consider implementing a process to have resubmissions and additional information related to building permit applications received centrally and uploaded upon receipt into the building permit information system;

b. Improve monitoring of the timely processing and review of resubmissions and additional information; and

c. Analyze data for trends and ways to improve resubmission review.

5. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division, in collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer where required, to consider:

a. Keeping track of the time spent on files and analyzing data to help the Division manage staff workloads and to assess productivity and whether the optimal number of resources are in place; and

b. Whether there is an opportunity for the Division to charge an additional fee for the review of permit applications where the examiners have spent extra time over and above the typical number of hours (e.g., five hours) and circumstances where it may be appropriate to charge additional fees.

6. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division, in collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer, to improve compliance with the Closing Inactive Permit Applications policy and implement system functionality to support the tracking of files where exceptions under the policy apply.

7. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division to reinforce quality and consistency in reviewing building permit applications by:

a. Developing operational policies, procedures, or guidelines for Plan Review and Customer Experience staff when reviewing application (re)submissions, including plans and drawings, for compliance with the Building Code, Zoning by-laws, and other Applicable Law; and

b. Implementing a protocol for periodic review and update of such operational policies, procedures, or guidelines.

8. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division to:

a. Identify key areas of focus and implement a risk-based approach for supervision and monitoring over building permit application intake, review, and approval. Such an approach should include providing timely and constructive feedback to Customer Experience and Plan Review staff for continuous improvement; and

b. Enhance existing Customer Experience and Plan Review audit policies and processes and / or implement additional quality assurance processes including file reviews to verify staff are completing all the required steps and applicable checklists to confirm compliance with the Building Code, Zoning by-laws and other Applicable Law, and are consistently documenting and retaining records of their reviews in the building permit information system.

9. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division to develop a program of continuous professional development to ensure Customer Experience and Plan Review staff continue to refresh their technical knowledge of Building Code, Zoning by-laws, and other Applicable Law requirements. In developing such a program, Toronto Building Division should:

a. Identify what training should be made mandatory for all staff; 

b. Ensure all training records are centrally retained and accessible for review; and

c. Monitor that staff have completed all required training within a reasonable time frame.

10. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division to develop a formal onboarding program to ensure new staff are familiarized with operational policies and procedures governing building permit application intake and plan review (zoning and / or code review) requirements. As part of this onboarding program, there should be management or supervisory oversight to ensure new staff have completed the required learning and have obtained the necessary base level knowledge and skills.

11. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division, in collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer, to ensure that any necessary enhancements to existing system functionality or new modern technology solutions are implemented to:

a. Improve workflow management, tracking, recordkeeping, and monitoring of building permit application intake and plan review processes; and

b. Support Toronto Building’s ability to collect and analyze data to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of the building permit application intake and plan review processes.

12. City Council request the Minister, Municipal Affairs and Housing to address the urgent issues of building practitioner qualification, training and recruitment by considering steps including restructuring the number of required exams for individuals to prove their technical knowledge and core competencies, and allow certain exemptions based on pre-existing credentials.

Tara Anderson, Auditor General, and Ina Chan, Deputy Auditor General, gave a presentation Toronto Building Division: Audit of Intake and Plan Review of Applications for Building Permits.

The Ontario Building Code (Building Code) sets the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings to minimize risk to the health and safety of occupants. The Building Code includes standards for public health and safety, fire protection, structural sufficiency, and barrier-free accessibility to buildings.

The Building Code Act (the Act) requires municipalities to appoint a Chief Building Official (CBO) whose role includes establishing operational policies for the enforcement of the Act and the Building Code and coordinating and overseeing their enforcement.

The Auditor General’s 2021 Work Plan included a multi-phased operational review of activities and services delivered by the Toronto Building Division.

In February 2023, the Auditor General presented the results of the first phase of the operational review in the report “Building Better Outcomes: Audit of Toronto Building’s Inspection Function.” Phase 1 focused on Toronto Building’s operational policies and processes for inspecting construction and issuing orders to enforce compliance with the Act, Building Code, and building permits.

This report presents the results of the second phase of the Auditor General’s review, which focuses on Toronto Building’s operational policies and processes for reviewing applications for building permits, including plans and drawings, for compliance with the Building Code, Zoning by-laws, and other Applicable Law.

Our report highlights opportunities for the Chief Building Official to strengthen building permit application intake and plan review processes to better enforce compliance with the Act and the Building Code and improve customer service by:

A. Reinforcing quality and consistency in reviewing building permit applications and compliance with legislated time frames

B. Enhancing operational policies and strengthening management oversight

C. Modernizing technology and data needed to better support building permit application intake and plan review processes

The Audit Committee recommends that:

1. City Council receive the 2022 audited financial statements and management letters, where applicable, of Larry Grossman Forest Hill Memorial Arena and North Toronto Memorial Arena in Attachments 1 to 2 to the report (February 7, 2024) from the Auditor General for information.

2. City Council receive the 2021 audited financial statements of Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Arena in Attachment 3 to the report (February 7, 2024) from the Auditor General for information.

3. City Council request the Board of Larry Grossman Forest Hill Memorial Arena to provide an update to Audit Committee on the implementation of the auditor’s 2022 management letter items, for the July 5, 2024 Audit Committee.

The purpose of this report is to provide the Audit Committee and City Council with the

2021 and 2022 audited financial statements of Arenas and a status update on the outstanding 2022 audited financial statements of Arenas.

The 2022 audited financial statements for the eight City Arenas are presented to the Audit Committee after approval by their respective Boards or Committees of Management.

Of the eight Arenas, the audited financial statements for two Arenas were previously presented at the December 1, 2023 meeting of the Audit Committee. At the time of preparation of this report, there were two 2022 audited financial statements available for Arenas. This is because the audit for one Arena was in progress, while the audits of the remaining three Arenas had not yet started. Depending on when the audits are completed, the Independent Auditor's Reports, accompanying financial statements and management control letters (if applicable) will be presented at a subsequent meeting of the Audit Committee.

This report also provides City Council with the 2021 audited financial statements for the one remaining Arena.

The Audit Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council grant authority retroactively to the Auditor General to appoint Kwok & Associate to perform the financial statement audits for Moss Park Arena, Ted Reeve Community Arena, and William H. Bolton Arena for the year ending December 31, 2022, through a non-competitive procurement process.

The purpose of this report is to provide the Audit Committee and City Council with a status update regarding the financial statement audits of Moss Park Arena, Ted Reeve Community Arena, and William H. Bolton Arena for the year ending December 31, 2022.

Due to the resignation by Welch LLP on December 6, 2023 to provide the 2022 audits of these three Arenas, this report requests retroactive authorization of the appointment of Kwok & Associate through a non-competitive procurement process. The agreement with Kwok & Associate was finalized by the Auditor General for the purpose of completing the outstanding 2022 financial statement audits for those three Arena Boards.

Starting with the 2023 year-end, the three Arena boards will use Grant Thornton LLP, the external auditors authorized by City Council to perform the annual financial statement audits of Arenas.

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:

1. City Council appoint the following three candidates to the Board of Directors of TO Live, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on February 10, 2028 and until successors are appointed:

Brian Astl;

Robyn Citizen; and

Sun Young Yoon.

2. City Council waive Section 2.5 Restrictions for Staff of the City of Toronto Public Appointments Policy, to appoint Wasifa Noshin to the Board of Directors of TO Live, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on February 10, 2028 and until a successor is appointed.

3. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (January 24, 2024) from the City Clerk remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Board of Directors of TO Live. 

Candidates' biographies

Brian Astl

Brian Astl is an experienced business leader and entrepreneur. He is President of Lind Equipment, the innovation leader in construction site infrastructure. Brian has a Master of Business Administration with distinction from Harvard Business School, and a Bachelor’s degree (Honors Business Administration) with distinction from the Ivey School of Business at Western University. Brian believes in giving back to his community, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Robyn Citizen

Robyn Citizen is a film curator, educator and Director of Programming, Festival and Cinematheque at the Toronto International Film Festival. Before joining Toronto International Film Festival's programming team, she was a Lecturer at the University of British Columbia from 2012 to 2017. Prior to that she programmed for the Human Rights Film Festival and served as Board co-chair of the local Breakthroughs Film Festival which supports emerging women and non-binary filmmakers.

Robyn has published research on genre and ethno-racial identity in film for edited volumes and journals, been a featured speaker on festival programming and strategy, and a jury member at festivals around the world. In addition to her love of the arts, Robyn has a background in advocacy beginning her career as a community organizer while at the University of Texas then for the New York Public Interest Research Group. She earned her doctorate (PhD) with distinction on cultural encounters between black Americans and the Japanese in postwar era Japanese cinema from New York University in 2015. 

Wasifa Noshin

Wasifa Noshin is public service professional with a passion for helping out people and community-based and data-driven work through social and digital media strategy and innovation. Wasifa works to implement change through authentic, accurate, and engaging storytelling. She is a pursuer of compelling social media, robust project planning, and innovative research.

A graduate of York University with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Theatrical Production and Design, she graduated with honours and top of her class as a Cum Laude and spent the last six years nurturing her passion and advocacy towards public art. She has previously held a role as the Social Media, Website, Public Relations and Production Administrative Assistant at York University's Theatre Department of the School of the Arts Media Performance and Design (AMPD). A creative communicator, with a strong work ethic, she is a quick learner who is detail-oriented with strong organization skills seeking to contribute to a team setting while gaining experience and improving her skill set. She currently works for the Ontario Public Service within the Ministry of Finance. Wasifa is proud and excited to serve on the TO Live Board.

Sun Young Yoon

Sun Young Yoon is a passionate arts advocate with extensive entrepreneurial experience, cultural community engagement, and a commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive arts environments. Sun Young Yoon is a champion of local arts, bridging professional expertise and personal dedication.

The Civic Appointments Committee will conduct interviews and recommend four candidates to City Council for appointment to the Board of Directors of TO Live.

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on March 22, 2028, and until successors are appointed:

Graysanne Bedell;

Andrew Dooner;

Wayne Miranda; and

Parminder Sandhu.

2. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Attachment 2 in its entirety, remain confidential as they relate to personal information about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board.

Candidates' biographies

Graysanne Bedell

Ms. Bedell, Bachelor of Arts, Juris Doctor, acquired a broad range of legal and business experience through a 30 year career in law spent largely as the executive in charge of legal affairs for several corporations. An equally important part of her life involved service on the board of a charity, Street Haven at the Crossroads, and creation of a fund to help non-profit organizations. Since retiring from practise, she has sought to use her skills in support of environmental issues.

Andrew Dooner

Andrew Dooner is a Partner at Strategy& - PricewaterhouseCoopers' global strategy consulting practice. He has over 20 years of experience working with public and private sector organizations to address their most pressing strategic challenges; including those posed by climate change and resource strain. He has served as a senior executive in a large Canadian climate / carbon investment fund; and for the past 4 years has served on the board of The Atmospheric Fund; most recently as Human Resource Committee Chair. 

Wayne Miranda

 Wayne Miranda is the Founder of Wecelium which builds social finance intermediaries to raise and deploy capital to improve access to social finance among underserved communities, areas, and sectors across Canada. Wayne brings 17 years of experience in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Most of his career has been in impact investing including as Founding Chief Executive Officer of Growth Mosaic, a “Best for the World” B Corporation based in West Africa putting to work over $26 million US Dollars.

Parminder Sandhu

Parminder Sandhu is an experienced board member and seasoned executive within the climate solutions and sustainability industry.  Parminder has designed, developed, or delivered over $2.6 billion dollars in energy efficiency programming across North America. These programs have spanned energy efficiency, renewables, sustainable finance, grants, and decarbonization. His primary focus now is direct investments in cleantech. 

This report recommends the appointment of four public members to the Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board.

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council appoint Robin Pilkey to the PortsToronto Board of Directors, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office starting April 2, 2024, and ending April 2, 2027, and until a successor is appointed.

2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 3 remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the PortsToronto Board of Directors.

Candidate biography

Robin Pilkey

Robin Pilkey is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), experienced board member, and long-standing advocate for public services as an elected official. Her work in finance, accounting, and tax spans over three decades. Robin has served with distinction as an elected official, including two terms as a Trustee on the Toronto District School Board, where she also held the role of Board Chair for five years. Her board experience includes the ONE T Ontario Non-Union Education Trust Employee Life and Health Trust (ELHT), the Canada Wide Industrial Pension Plan, and the Audit Committees of the United Church of Canada, as Chair, and the Toronto District School Board.

The Civic Appointments Committee will conduct interviews and recommend one candidate to City Council for appointment to the PortsToronto Board of Directors.

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request that the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture work with City Planning, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Toronto Children’s Services, Transportation Services, Toronto Employment and Social Services, Environment and Climate, Housing Secretariat and other relevant City divisions to form an interdivisional team to ensure ongoing collaboration, for the implementation of the Jane Finch Community Development Plan, listed as Appendix A - Jane Finch Community Development Plan Vision & Actions, to the report (February 5, 2024) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture.

2. City Council request that the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and other relevant City divisions, in partnership with community groups, organizations, local businesses, institutions, foundations and other private sector partners, implement and monitor the Jane Finch Community Development Plan, beginning with the following key implementation actions for year one of a 10-year plan:  

a. Form a Community Partnership Circle, including a Resident Leadership Circle, that includes residents, businesses, and other community partners to ensure continual engagement, skill development and collaboration for the implementation of the Community Development Plan.

b. Design and implement an Engagement and Communication Strategy working with the members of the Resident Leadership Circle to ensure ongoing resident participation and engagement throughout the implementation of the Community Development Plan.

c. Develop a Community Impact Table in collaboration with foundations, funders, City divisions, business partners and other institutional partners to support the resourcing of actions identified in the Community Development Plan.

3.  City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to work with Jane Finch community partners and groups to design and implement a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the ongoing monitoring of the Community Development Plan actions and to provide regular reports to the Jane Finch Community.

4.  City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to report through the 2025 Budget Process on the resources, staff and program operations required to ensure ongoing engagement and capacity-building of residents, with a priority focus on Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups and inclusive of grassroots groups, youth groups, community organizations and local businesses in Jane Finch throughout the lifetime of the Jane Finch Community Development Plan.

The opening of the Finch West Light Rail Transit line stands to bring intensive and long-term change to the Jane Finch Area. Jane Finch is an area shaped by a history of underinvestment but also a history of community organizing and action responding to community needs. Growing evidence suggests that without focused investments in Reconciliation, equity and systems-wide strategies and supports, neighbourhoods with a history of underinvestment can experience increased levels of disruption and harm as a result of increased development pressure. For new investments to positively impact existing and new Jane Finch residents, holistic supports and policy frameworks must be put in place that reflect the diverse visions of Jane Finch residents, grassroots groups, local organizations, artists, and local businesses. New policies, programs and partnerships must focus where the need is greatest and address the inequities that shape the lives of residents, with priority given to Indigenous, Black, and equity-deserving groups in Jane Finch.

The purpose of this report is to present a proposed Jane Finch Community Development Plan, and to outline the interdivisional and community-led Jane Finch Initiative process that led to the proposed plan. The report also lays out immediate and longer-term next steps to implement the plan.

The Jane Finch Community Development Plan 2024-2034 is a resident-informed plan for the future of the Jane Finch Area led by Social Development, Finance and Administration and Economic Development and Culture. The Community Development Plan is a 25-year plan and commitment to Jane Finch that will be renewed every 10 years with the first 10 years beginning in 2024 and ending in 2034.  The Jane Finch Community Development Plan accompanies the Jane Finch Secondary Plan – both aim to ensure that residents, local groups, organizations and businesses are supported as the area changes over time, including with the opening of the Finch West Light Rail Transit. To this end, the Jane Finch Community Development Plan sets out a 10-year community support and resourcing framework.

While the Secondary Plan will provide consistent land use and urban design guidelines for new development, the Community Development Plan is focused on social, economic, and cultural themes. Actions to support Jane Finch communities under these themes will continue to evolve through ongoing partnerships and discussions between multiple parties including the City of Toronto, residents, community organizations and local institutions.

The focus and content of the Community Development Plan are the result of a 2-year partner-led engagement process and intensive collaboration between participating City divisions and the Jane/Finch Centre. Through the engagement process, the Jane Finch Community Development Plan has identified the following eight action areas:

• Access to Space and Mobility
• Food Justice and Sovereignty
• Community Safety and Wellbeing
• Climate Action
• Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Inclusive Employment Opportunities
• Inclusive Entrepreneurship Opportunities
• Anti-Displacement Strategy

The Community Development Plan will advance actions across the eight action areas. The actions will be guided by principles that reflect the City of Toronto's commitments to Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups and vulnerable populations through the City's Reconciliation Action Plan, Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism and broader equity-driven strategies, initiatives and programs.

In the process of developing the Jane Finch Community Development Plan, the City has established a strong interdivisional collaboration and community partnership approach to advance both the Jane Finch Community Development Plan and Secondary Plan. The lessons learned through the engagement and development process and through interdivisional collaboration will continue to inform ongoing monitoring and implementation.

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:  

1.  City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals to include a provision that the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards is to create and maintain a public record listing information (including the dog owner’s Forward Sorting Area (first three digits of the postal code), ward number, the dog’s name, breed and colour, and the date of the dangerous act) of all served Dangerous Dog Orders, which is to be posted in a manner available to the public.

2.  City Council request the Mayor to include resources in the 2025 Budget (up to $500,000) for the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division to implement a proactive communication strategy and public education campaign to support compliance and enforcement with the goal of reducing the occurrence of dangerous dog acts.

3.  City Council request the Government of Ontario consider amendments to the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) to provide an expeditious process to hear DOLA proceedings, as well as an explicit mechanism for municipalities to recover costs incurred by the municipality when it holds an animal pursuant to a warrant or interim control order under DOLA.

The Director Toronto Animal Services, Municipal Licensing and Standards, and the Deputy Medical Officer of Health gave a presentation on Response to 2023.EC6.9: Incident and Operational Review of Serious Dog Attacks.

On September 21, 2023, the Economic and Community Development Committee adopted EC6.9 - Incident and Operational Review of Serious Dog Attacks. The item included a letter from Councillor Paula Fletcher in response to a serious dog attack occurring on July 30, 2023. Staff were directed to review the specific incident, as well as procedures and processes of Toronto Animal Services (TAS) for the compliance and enforcement of Dangerous Dog Orders, including in the immediate aftermath of a serious dog attack. The Committee also requested staff review relevant Toronto Public Health (TPH) processes and procedures, as well as options to make dangerous dog charges known to the public.

TAS within Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) investigates dangerous acts committed by a dog. TAS enforces requirements under Chapter 349, Animals (the Animals By-law), which requires owners to take reasonable precautions to prevent their dog from engaging in a dangerous act. The By-law also sets out criteria for when a Dangerous Dog Order may be issued and outlines associated conditions a dog owner must comply with. TAS may also commence proceedings under the provincial Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA), which states that dog owners are liable for any damages resulting from a bite or attack by their dog.

TPH investigates dog bites or attacks that could be conducive to the transmission of rabies to people. Investigation processes are dictated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act, its regulations, guidelines, and protocols from the Ministry of Health specific to the prevention of rabies.

This report summarizes results of operational reviews undertaken by MLS and TPH, as well as actions staff have completed and work that is currently underway to improve processes to support effective and timely dog investigations and enhance public safety.

This report was developed in consultation with TPH, Legal Services, and Strategic Public and Employee Communications. Legal Services is preparing a supplementary report for this item.

The Economic and Community Development Committee requested the City Solicitor to report on options to make charges under dangerous dog legislation known to the public as well as public.

This supplementary report describes the legal considerations in making information about dangerous dog orders to comply publicly available on the City's website.

The Economic and Community Development Committee forwards the item to City Council without recommendations.

The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards gave a presentation on Follow Up on 2024.EC9.5: Stationary Decibel Levels for Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles.

On January 11, 2024, the Economic and Community Development Committee adopted, with amendments, 2024.EC9.5: Implementation Review of the Noise By-law.

A key recommendation in the staff report was to implement Council direction to add a noise decibel limit for stationary motor vehicles, in addition to limits currently in place for motorcycles at idle. The proposed limits align with industry standards and associated test procedures and were recommended in consultation with an acoustical engineering firm. The Committee referred this specific change back to Committee and requested staff report back to the February 20, 2024, Economic and Community Development Committee meeting on options for reduced decibel levels for motorcycles and motor vehicles.

This supplementary report provides the Committee with further information regarding proposed motorcycle and motor vehicle noise decibel limits, including additional details on how decibel limits are measured and the importance of the distance a measurement is taken (as sound levels vary depending on one’s distance from the noise source).  

After additional consideration, staff recommend keeping the decibel limits as proposed in 2024.EC9.5. The proposed limits are the lowest decibel limit range identified for implementation by the acoustical engineer, respond to Council direction to implement a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard, and are consistent with those that have been implemented and enforced in other Ontario municipalities. In addition, the proposed approach has been endorsed by Toronto Police Service (TPS) staff, whose Board requested that MLS consider enforceable decibel limits above idle. If and when updated limits are approved, TPS staff have confirmed their support in conducting periodic joint enforcement initiatives with MLS to address excessive vehicle noise and illegally modified vehicles.

The goal of implementing decibel limits for motorcycles and motor vehicles is to target excessively noisy vehicles with modified emissions systems, not to inadvertently capture the use of normally operating motorcycles or other motor vehicles in the City. Introducing decibel limits as proposed in 2024.EC9.5 would accomplish this policy goal.

The General Government Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to execute a retainer agreement for a term of five (5) years from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029 with each of the following eight (8) law firms on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor:

a. Boghosian + Allen LLP

b. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

c. Forbes Chochla LLP

d. Gowlings WLG

e. Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP

f. Lerners LLP

g. Loopstra Nixon LLP

h. Shibley Righton LLP

2. City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to enter into an amending retainer agreement with Clyde & Co. LLP to increase the term of the existing retainer agreement for five (5) years, from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029.

The purpose of this report is to advise on the results of the Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ) Number Doc4287042123 for the future eligibility to provide legal services for insurance claim defence to supplement City Legal Services for the contract term of April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029, and to recommend entering into retainer agreements with the eight (8) qualified law firms.

The estimated costs identified in this report represent external legal fees for insurance claim defence services. The estimated costs do not include claim payments made to settle claims.

The General Government Committee recommend that:

1. City Council authorize the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services to negotiate and execute a non-competitive agreement with A.J. Stone Company Ltd. with an initial term starting on the date of award up to and including January 31, 2025, with the option, in the sole discretion of the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services to renew the agreement for four (4) additional one (1) year periods, in the total amount (including all Option Years) of $771,586 net of all taxes and charges ($785,166 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief Procurement Officer, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to request City Council authority to enter into a new non-competitive contract with A.J. Stone Company Ltd. for the supply and delivery of Fire Fighting Foam, FireBull AB Concentrate. The term of the contract will be from the date of award to January 31, 2025, with the option to renew for four (4) one-year periods, in the total amount of $771,586 net of all taxes and charges ($785,166 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).

The new contract is required to procure the specific Fire Fighting Foam, which is known as FireBull AB Concentrate, produced by Enforcer One, LLC.  A.J. Stone Company Ltd. is the exclusive Ontario distributor of FireBull AB Concentrate and other related products produced by Enforcer One, LLC.

FireBull AB replaces the previous generation of fire fighting foam, known as FireAde AB, and is GreenScreen Certified.  GreenScreen Certified products are independent non-profit certified, free of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and thousands of other chemicals of concern.

FireBull AB fire fighting foam concentrate can be placed into service without having to fully drain and flush the on-board foam tanks on Toronto Fire Services fire apparatus, thereby preventing Toronto Fire Services from incurring the significant costs and out-of-service impacts that would occur if a different, non-compatible fire fighting foam concentrate were to be used, as all existing foam concentrate would have to be removed and flushed from each truck before replacement foam could be used. 

City Council approval is required in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 195- Purchasing, where the current request exceeds the Chief Purchasing Officer's authority of the cumulative five-year commitment for each supplier, under Article 7, Section 195-7.3 (D) of the Purchasing By-Law or exceeds the threshold of $500,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax allowed under staff authority as per the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 71- Financial Control, Section 71-11A.

The General Government Committee recommend that:  

1. City Council authorize the City Clerk to enter into a non-competitive agreement with Granicus Canada Holdings ULC for maintenance and support services for the City Clerk's Office AccessPro Case Management System, for a period of two (2) years commencing from January 4, 2024,  in the total potential amount of $49,626.67 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($50,500.10 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Clerk and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to request City Council authority to enter into a non-competitive contract with Granicus Canada Holdings ULC (Granicus) for maintenance and support of the City Clerk's Office Case Management System to process Freedom of Information requests. The contract will be for a period of two (2) years commencing January 4, 2024 in the total amount of $ 49,626.67 net of all applicable taxes and charges ($ 50,500.10 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries). In 2020 The City Clerk’s Office engaged in a capital project to replace the AccessPro Case Management System with a cloud-based solution. The cloud-based solution did not meet the needs of the City Clerk’s Office. We are seeking approval for this procurement to support and maintain Freedom of Information processes.

City Council approval is required in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 195- Purchasing, where the current request exceeds the Chief Procurement Officer's authority of the cumulative five-year commitment for each supplier, under Article 7, Section 195- 7.3 (D) of the Purchasing By-Law or exceeds the threshold of $500,000 net of Harmonized Sales Tax allowed under staff authority as per the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 71- Financial Control, Section 71-11A.

The General Government Committee recommends that: 

1. City Council, as approving authority under the Expropriations Act, approve the expropriation of fee simple interests over part of the property municipally known as 24 Ferrand Drive, as set out in Appendix A to the report (January 30, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and designated as Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Plan 66R-32872 attached as Appendix B to the report (January 30, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, for municipal purposes including for the Housing Now project at 805 Don Mills Road, the realignment of Ferrand Drive, and works ancillary thereto.

2. City Council authorize the City, as the expropriating authority under the Expropriations Act, to take all necessary steps to comply with the Expropriations Act, including but not limited to the preparation and registration of an Expropriation Plan and the service of Notices of Expropriation, Notices of Election and Notices of Possession, as may be required.

3. City Council authorize the Director, Transaction Services, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, to prepare and serve Offers of Compensation based on a report appraising the market value of the Property Interest in accordance with the requirements of the Expropriations Act. 

4. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (January 30, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management once there has been a final determination of all claims for compensation payable to the property owners by arbitration, appeal or settlement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.

This report seeks approval from City Council as approving authority under the Expropriations Act (the “Act”), to expropriate the fee simple interest in part of the property municipally known as 24 Ferrand Drive (the “Property Interest”) for the purpose of incorporating the Property Interest into the Housing Now Initiative site at 805 Don Mills Road and facilitating the road realignment of Ferrand Drive.

This report relates to the second stage of the expropriation process. During the first stage and in accordance with the Act, Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate were served on all applicable "registered owners" who had 30 days to request an inquiry into whether the proposed taking is fair, sound, and reasonably necessary. No requests were received within the 30-day period ending on December 10, 2023, and City Council may now approve the expropriation by this Stage Two report. If authorized, an Expropriation Plan will be registered, and associated notices served. Statutory Offers of Compensation must be served prior to the City taking possession of the expropriated Property Interest.

The Property Interest is set out in Appendix A and shown in the reference plan attached as Appendix B.

The General Government Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the City to enter into an agreement with the owner of 36 Shaftesbury Avenue to acquire a permanent easement over a portion of 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, designated as Part 1 on Reference Plan 66R-33422 shown in Appendix A to the report (January 30, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, on the terms set out in Appendix B to the report (January 30, 2024) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and such other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to seek Council authority to enter into an agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire a permanent easement over a portion of 36 Shaftesbury Avenue (the "Permanent Easement"), as identified in Appendix A, for the continued operation and maintenance of an existing fire hydrant as part of Toronto Water's infrastructure.

Council authority is required for the proposed acquisition of the Permanent Easement because it involves payment of legal costs in addition to the purchase price, and the absence of carrying out undertaking environmental due diligence as required by the General Conditions set out in the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 213, Real Property. Given the small area in question, the Permanent Easement presents low environmental risk to the City.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to engage the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and members of the visually impaired community to undertake a pilot to provide construction closure information in an accessible format for the visually impaired.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to work with Toronto Police Service to develop a strategy to provide enforcement support of bylaw infractions such as blockage of signalized intersections and illegal blockage of bike lanes and dedicated transit lanes in support of the Traffic Agent program, and to report to the July 3, 2024 meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee with a status update and implementation schedule.

3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back in the third quarter of 2024 on a strategy to commence the charging of a road occupancy congestion management recovery fee that would be implemented in the Transportation Services 2025 budget proposal.

4. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to further develop a roll - out strategy including public consultation to commence the implementation of peak hour delivery restrictions and to report back on the proposed strategy in the third quarter of 2024.

5. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to initiate Transportation Innovation projects outside of the Transportation Innovation Zone located at Exhibition Place and to include both pre-commercial and early-market technologies within the scope of future Innovation Challenges, when appropriate.

6. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to enter into and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ontario Centre for Innovation to collaborate on the piloting and evaluation of new technologies and Intelligent Transportation Systems within the transportation realm, upon such terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services.

7. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services. 

8. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee with a strategy that would promote and encourage more road usage on Mondays and Fridays as way to mitigate road congestion.

9. City Council request the City Manager, and the General Manager, Transportation, to send a letter to the Province of Ontario to request the fines under the Provincial Offences Act for an improper stop in an intersection be increased from $90 to $450, and $120 to $500 for an improper stop in an intersection in a community safety zone.

Roger Browne, Director, Traffic Management gave a presentation on the Congestion Management Plan 2023-2026 - Update.

The Congestion Management Plan (CMP) 2023-2026 was presented at the Infrastructure and Environment Committee (meeting held on October 25th, 2023) and then subsequently to Council (meeting held on November 8-9th, 2023). Since its adoption, there have been various requests via Councillor motions for Transportation Services to report back on a variety of specific aspects of the plan going forward. This report addresses the most recent compiled list of motions identified in IE10.5 - Congestion Management Update Request. Some of the key elements addressed in this report include:

- The feasibility of an increase to road occupation permit fees with the intent on recovering the full cost of a road closure including the congestion impacts;

- The status of work regarding "Don't Block the Box," requesting increased fines and the feasibility of expanding the red-light camera program to help deter this issue;

- Measures to improve upon wayfinding and accessibility around construction work zones;

- Opportunities to increase work hours for capital projects;

-The feasibility of fines that escalate for repeat offenders, such as illegal blocking of traffic lanes; and

- Measures to streamline delivery of goods to reduce congestion.

Some of the new technologies being explored through the updated Congestion Management Plan will require pilots to further develop concepts or to customize proven technologies in the Toronto context. Transportation Services staff have been working on a potential partnership with the Ontario Centre for Innovation that would serve as a catalyst for local Ontario-based companies to receive funding for pilots conducted on City of Toronto streets. This report provides a summary of the proposed arrangement and seeks approval for staff to proceed.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 610, Penalties, Administration of, increasing the penalty amounts generally as outlined in Attachments 3 and 4 to the report (February 12, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services with an implementation date of August 1, 2024.

2. City Council amend Section 950-101B of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, by:

a. deleting the phrase: "is equipped to receive a Level 2 SAE J1772 Conductive Charge Coupler (i.e., Level 2 charging capability)" such that the revised definition would read:

"ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicle that has an electric motor that can be powered by drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries or other portable electrical energy storage devices, includes a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and for the purposes of recharging its batteries."; and,

b.  inserting in alphabetical order a new definition for ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING SPACE as follows:

"ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING SPACE - that portion of which is identified for parking use by an Electric Vehicle."

3.  City Council amend Section 950-601 of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, to include a new Subsection S as follows:

"S. Where authorized signs to that effect are displayed identifying an Electric Vehicle Parking Space, no person shall park a vehicle in an Electric Vehicle Parking Space in a car-park set out in Schedule XXXIV to § 950-1333 unless the vehicle is an Electric Vehicle and the Electric Vehicle is actively connected to the electric vehicle charging station."

4.  City Council amend Sections 950-1200B and 950-1201A by deleting the phrase "or 950-601P" and inserting the phrase ", 950-601P or 950-601S".

5. City Council amend Section 915-1 of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 915, Parking on Private or Municipal Property, by inserting in alphabetical order a definition of ELECTRIC VEHICLE and a definition of ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING SPACE as follows:

"ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicle that has an electric motor that can be powered by drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries or other portable electrical energy storage devices, includes a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and for the purposes of recharging its batteries.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING SPACE - that portion of which is identified for parking use by an Electric Vehicle."

6. City Council amend Section 915-2 of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 915, Parking on Private or Municipal Property, to include a new Subsection D and E, as follows:

"D. Where the property owner or occupant has posted signs identifying an electric vehicle parking space, no person shall park or leave a motor vehicle in an electric vehicle parking space on municipal property unless the motor vehicle is an Electric Vehicle and the Electric Vehicle is actively connected to the electric vehicle charging station.    

E. Where the property owner or occupant has posted signs identifying an electric vehicle parking space, no person shall park or leave a motor vehicle in a parking space on private property unless the motor vehicle is an Electric Vehicle and the Electric Vehicle is actively connected to the electric vehicle charging station."      

7.   City Council amend Sections 915-10B and 915-10C by deleting the phrase "or § 915-2B" where it appears and inserting the phrase ", § 915-2B, § 915-2D or § 915-2E".

8.  City Council amend the definition of Electric Vehicle in Section 910-1A of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 910, Parking Machines, Parking Meters and Mobile Only Zones, by deleting the phrase: "is equipped to receive a Level 2 SAE J1772 Conductive Charge Coupler (i.e., Level 2 charging capability)" such that the revised definition would read:

"ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicle that has an electric motor that can be powered by drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries or other portable electrical energy storage devices, includes a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and for the purposes of recharging its batteries."

9. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 610, Penalties, Administration of, generally as set out in Attachment 5 to the report (February 12, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

10. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Recommendations 1 to 9, inclusive.

This report responds to a request from the Infrastructure and Environment Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the various on-street parking administrative penalty amounts and to report back on revised administrative penalty amounts.

Transportation Services has been working with a number of City agencies to review the Parking Violation Notices (PVN) issued by the City of Toronto and has conducted a jurisdictional scan of several Canadian municipalities to compare similar offences and their penalty amounts to those of the City of Toronto. As a result of this review, this report recommends Council approval to increase penalty amounts for 125 offences associated with 'parking', 'stopping' and 'standing'. The recommended increase in penalty amounts will ensure better alignment with penalty amounts in other jurisdictions, encourage compliance, ensure certain offences are set at levels commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, and ensure that offences within the same categories are set at the same penalty amount for consistency.

City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 610, Penalties, Administration of, will need to be amended to reflect the new penalty amounts.

This report also recommends establishing parking offences for electric vehicle charging parking stalls in off-street parking facilities as well as adding new or updating existing definition(s) related to Electric Vehicles ("EVs").

Currently, operators of off-street parking facilities, including the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA), have limited enforcement capabilities concerning EV parking due to a lack of offence provisions in the City of Toronto Municipal Code concerning parking in portions of parking facilities set aside for the charging of EVs. This absence of regulatory provisions restricts parking facility operators from ticketing non-EV’s parking in designated EV charging spaces, or ticketing EVs parked in designated EV charging spaces that are not actively charging.

The General Manager, Transportation Services, has consulted with the TPA as well as with operators and customers of off-street parking facilities which are regulated by Chapter 915.

As a result of the consultation by the General Manager, Transportation Services, and general observations concerning the needs relating to a positive customer experience for EV charging customers, this report is recommending amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, and City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 915, Parking on Private or Municipal Property, to introduce new offence provisions related to electric vehicle charging parking. This would allow the enforcement of the usage of off-street EV charging spaces and promote compliance. City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 610, Penalties, Administration of, will also need to be amended to reflect the new offence provisions and associated penalty amounts for the offence provisions.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to negotiate, enter into and execute a Pavement Restoration Funding Agreement with Metrolinx for the City to receive from Metrolinx up to $5,000,000 in funding to be utilized towards the road rehabilitation costs for Eglinton Avenue, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The construction of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (ECLRT) has caused significant pavement degradation along Eglinton Avenue. While Metrolinx's contractor Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS) is tasked with restoring pavement at the tunnelled stations and the at-grade section, the City is responsible for road restoration of sections between the tunnelled stations. Despite not being directly impacted by construction, these roadway sections have experienced deterioration due to influx of heavy construction traffic and maintenance delays attributable to the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit project.

Recognizing the impact of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit construction, Metrolinx has collaborated with the City to develop a cost-share framework for rehabilitation of these roadway sections. This staff report provides details of the cost-share framework and requests City Council authorization to finalize an agreement with Metrolinx, securing their financial contribution towards the road rehabilitation costs. Furthermore, by utilizing Metrolinx funding, the City aims to complete road resurfacing on several sections of Eglinton Avenue in 2024 with the remaining sections scheduled in 2025.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council endorse the preferred solutions for the Rouge Park Bridges Transportation Master Plan, which includes the following:

a. Retain Sewells Bridge and Maxwell’s Bridge with minor rehabilitations; and,

b. Replace Milne Bailey Bridge, Hillside Bridge, and Stott’s Bridge with sympathetically designed bridges; and explore opportunities for adaptive re-use of the bridges elsewhere in the Rouge National Urban Park, or alternatively adaptive re-use of bridge elements within the replaced bridges, where feasible.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to prepare the Rouge Park Bridges Transportation Master Plan Report, issue the Notice of Completion, and put the Transportation Master Plan in the public record in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.

3. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, and the Executive Director, Environment and Climate to ensure that environmental considerations, including impacts on the natural environment as they relate to winter maintenance, are used to inform further design and contribution of the Rouge Park bridges.

The City of Toronto owns and manages transportation infrastructure within the boundaries of the Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP). Under agreement with Parks Canada, the City provides basic municipal services, such as police, fire and emergency services and winter maintenance, and the City owns bridge structures within the Park that function as part of the transportation network.

Transportation Services, in partnership with Engineering and Construction Services has completed a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) for five bridges that cross over the Rouge River and Little Rouge River, as well as two CP Rail corridor underpasses within the Rouge National Urban Park. All five bridges considered in the Transportation Master Plan require repairs and / or rehabilitation as they are at or nearing the end of their service life. Most of the bridges were built in the early 1900s and are historically significant, and as a result, planning for rehabilitation triggers the need to complete a Schedule B Environmental Assessment under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process.

The Transportation Master Plan Environmental Assessment process holistically reviewed the area transportation network against other environmental factors to determine where it was warranted to rehabilitate or replace bridges to meet current standards and growth requirements, versus where it was possible to maintain heritage assets through minor repairs while still meeting transportation needs. The Preferred Solutions recommended in this report include retaining the Sewells Bridge and Maxwell’s Bridge and replacing the Hillside Bridge, Milne Bailey Bridge and Stott’s Bridge.

Finally, it was determined that opportunities to improve clearances on the CP Rail corridor underpasses requires further study to confirm whether it is possible to lower the road without impact to existing bridge abutments.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the City Manager, in coordination with the Executive Director, Environment and Climate, the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services and other City Officials as necessary, to report to the May 28, 2024 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the City’s relationship with fuel utilities, including Renewable Natural Gas facilities, use of public property, short and long term costs incurred by the city as a result of utility cuts and other impacts of fuel utilities on public property, and taxation / fee recovery mechanisms, including a jurisdictional scan of fees paid to municipalities in other provinces and a recommendation for fair fees and the amount of revenue such fees would produce.

2. City Council request that the City Manager report to the May 28, 2024 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the potential impacts of the Province’s Bill 165, Keeping Energy Costs Down Act.

3. City Council authorize the City Manager or designate, at their discretion, to submit comments to the Province of Ontario regarding the impacts of Bill 165 on the City of Toronto, including a written deputation and / or attendance at Standing Committee.

Toronto, like other major municipalities across Ontario, is in desperate need of a new fiscal framework and additional revenue tools to meet the many responsibilities that have been downloaded by the provincial government.

Subsection 8 of O.Reg. 595/06 under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and section 9 of Regulation 584/06 under the Municipal Act, 2001 provides an unjustified subsidy to for-profit gas utilities by forcing municipalities to allow them free use of public property, without compensation even for the damage their utility cuts cause to city pavement. This is a large fossil-fuel subsidy that is contrary to the public interest, in light of our climate crisis, in light of the financial crisis facing Ontario municipalities, and in light of the increasing demands on public space. Municipalities should be free to charge fair fees to for-profit fossil fuel utilities for their use of public property, and for the entire damage that utility cuts cause to public infrastructure. Toronto taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize multi-billion dollar private companies.

Municipalities in other provinces are permitted to charge such fees and receive millions of much-needed dollars as a result.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request that the City Manager consult with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on May 28, 2024, on the feasibility of amending Ontario Regulation 596/06 the City of Toronto Act (Local Improvement Charges – Priority Lien Status) and making any other legislative or regulatory amendments as may be required, in order to allow for the installation of a City-owned sanitary sewer on Ridgewood Road as a local improvement, and allow the City to impose local improvement charges in one of the following manners:

a. The City constructs and initially funds the local improvement, and property owners currently serviced by their own septic system be required to connect to the sanitary sewer and pay their portion of the local improvement charge when the property changes owners;

b. The City constructs and initially funds the local improvement, and property owners currently serviced by their own septic system be required to connect to the sanitary sewer and pay their portion of the local improvement charge when their septic system is at the end of its life and / or is to be replaced; or

c. Any other flexible alternatives that would permit the City to construct the sanitary sewer and recover the cost from property owners over time not commencing immediately upon completion of the work.

Approximately 60 properties on Ridgewood Road in Scarborough-Rouge Park are serviced by septic tanks where a municipal sanitary sewer does not exist. Residents expressed interest in connecting to a sanitary sewer and Council authorized staff to undertake a preliminary engineering design in 2022.

At the time, the total cost of the project, including Harmonized Sales Tax was approximately $4.9 million; however, costs have likely increased since that time due to inflationary pressures. Payment for the project would be billed to Ridgewood residents through a local improvement charge that is calculated based on property frontage (frontages range from approximately 50 feet to 135 feet for the impacted residents).

The current system of funding infrastructure through local improvement charges is not widely used throughout the City and is out of date. If a majority of the residents are in favour of the project, all residents will be required to pay whether or not they are able to afford it. My motion requests that the City Manager work with the province to explore potential options for flexibility in advancing the installation of this needed infrastructure, in a way that does not cause a significant financial burden for residents.

It is necessary to move this project forward now, as Transportation Services is planning sidewalk construction and road reconstruction on Ridgewood Road, from Lawrence Avenue East to East Avenue, in the near future and the intention is to coordinate sanitary sewer installation with this work, to minimize costs and disruption to the neighbourhood.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to explore the feasibility of an off-leash dog track, or a dog off leash area along the York Beltline Trail west of William R. Allen Road, as part of the Council approved report for IE6.8 - Citywide Approach to Dogs Off-Leash Areas by the third quarter of 2024.

Due to the lack of Dogs Off-Leash Areas (DOLA) in the local vicinity, I would like to propose the inclusion of an off-leash dog track, or dog off-leash area along the York Beltline Trail.

I have heard from many residents, both dog walkers and other York Beltline users that this is an area with a great need for a dedicated and fenced off area for dogs. With the ongoing expansion of the Dogs Off-Leash Areas program, and the ever-increasing number of Torontonians who are acquiring dogs, the York Beltline is in need of this type of park infrastructure to safely accommodate the off-leash dog use already occurring there and to reduce the potential for user conflicts that could result in disputes or dog bites.

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council receive the report (February 13, 2024) from the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building for information.

On December 14, 2022, Toronto City Council adopted a new regulatory framework including amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, to permit multi-tenant houses (also known as rooming houses) across Toronto. City Council also adopted a new Multi-Tenant Houses Licensing Bylaw, which will introduce consistent standards, regulatory oversight and enforcement to help protect the safety of tenants and respond to neighbourhood concerns. The new zoning and licensing bylaws will apply as of March 31, 2024.

Toronto Building, in collaboration with Toronto Fire Services, has completed an evaluation of the Ontario Building Code requirements for multi-tenant houses. This work was undertaken with support from a third-party Building Code Consultant who has expertise in fire protection engineering. The objective was to identify ways to help multi-tenant house operators find alternative and cost-effective solutions to common challenges which they may face in achieving compliance with prescriptive requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the companion requirements of the Ontario Fire Code. The purpose of this staff report is to provide City Council with an update on this work and identify how the results will be shared with the public.

It is important to note that this report is not a technical design guide. Toronto Building, in collaboration with divisional partners is developing public-facing guidelines, to be released at the end of March, that will assist designers and operators with compliance and help to facilitate and expedite the building permit approvals process. This work also aligns with other programs, such as the proposed "Multi-Tenant Homes Renovation Program" also being considered by the Planning and Housing Committee.

The Code compliance issues identified by stakeholders have been long standing. A conversion of housing that was originally constructed as a single dwelling unit to a multi-tenant dwelling is challenging and complex. Issues include determining necessary upgrades, but also how to incorporate them in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Through reviews of Toronto-based case-studies, the Ontario Building Code, the Ontario Fire Code, and a jurisdictional analysis, the study concluded that developing a single package of generic alternative compliance options is not the most efficient approach for designers, or cost-effective for operators. Instead, the review identified a package of fire protection and life safety requirements that were most challenging and presented barriers to compliance. Each was evaluated by the Code Consultant for compliance options, or alternative solutions related to the Ontario Building Code requirements, and compliance paths were identified.  

These options are intended to provide designers, owners, and operators with a “menu” of available means to achieve compliance so that they can determine which is the most practical solution when considering costs, timing/duration of construction, and disruption to tenants, among other criteria. There are many options available and likely a high degree of variability of work that may be necessary for any particular building to comply with the Ontario Building Code.

Toronto Building is now working to facilitate and expedite the permit review and inspection process through the development of clear public-facing guidelines and checklists. Through the Toronto Building's Program Review initiative, the Division has also established a City-Wide Priorities Team dedicated to supporting Council identified priorities, such as multi-tenant housing.

This report has been written in consultation with Toronto Fire Services, Municipal Licensing and Standards, City Planning, and the Housing Secretariat.

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Executive Director and Chief Building Official, Toronto Building, Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, and Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to establish the Multi-Tenant Houses Renovation Program (the “Program”) and provide grant funding to eligible multi-tenant house operators (“Operators”) under the Program, in accordance with the Program guidelines as described in Attachment 1, to the report (February 13, 2024) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and such additional parameters as may be determined by the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and subject to available Council approved funding within the Housing Secretariat’s annual operating budget.

2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and execute, on behalf of the City, any agreements with eligible Operators selected under the Program to secure the financial assistance being provided and to set out the terms for the funding, renovation, and operation of multi-tenant housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.

3. City Council authorize up to 250 multi-tenant house rooms to be secured through the Program to be eligible for waivers of planning application and building permit fees, as outlined in the Financial Impact Section of the report (February 13, 2024) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat. 

4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to support the selected Operators with any applications to the federal or provincial governments to secure funding to support the renovation of affordable rental housing under the Program, and to execute any agreements or other documents required with respect to same, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.

5. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to execute, on behalf of the City, any security or financing documents or any other documents required to facilitate the funding process, including any documents required by  the selected Operators to complete third party financing and refinancing, when required during the term of the City's agreement with the selected Operators or their successors, as required by normal business practices, and provided that such documents do not give rise to financial obligations on the part of the City that have not been previously approved by City Council.

6. City Council reiterate requests to the federal and provincial governments to:

a. allocate new and enhanced investments to support repairs and modernization of the city’s existing multi-tenant housing stock; and

b. establish an acquisition program to support acquisitions and renovations/conversions for at-risk private market rental properties, including multi-tenant houses, or provide funding to augment the City’s Multi-Unit Residential Acquisitions (“MURA”) Program.

Multi-tenant houses (also known as rooming houses) are a critical component of the housing continuum and provide accommodation to diverse communities, including students, seniors, new immigrants, low-income residents, and people exiting homelessness. In recognition of the urgent need to protect this type of rental housing stock, in December, 2022, through Item 2023.CC2.1, City Council adopted the New Regulatory Framework for Multi-Tenant Houses (“Multi-Tenant Houses Framework”).

The Multi-Tenant Houses Framework will come into effect on March 31, 2024, and includes: an updated city-wide zoning approach to permit multi-tenant houses in all areas of the city, subject to zone-specific requirements; a new licensing by-law; and a phased and collaborative approach to licensing and enforcement. The framework is rooted in a human rights-based approach to housing and its implementation will help the City adhere to its commitments under the Toronto Housing Charter – Opportunity for All. Specifically, implementation of the new framework will extend consistent regulation of multi-tenant houses across the City, with the aim that more homes are being maintained in a state of good repair and living conditions are improved for tenants. Through implementation of the framework, the City also aims to secure affordability and availability of this type of rental housing stock.

To support implementation of the Multi-Tenant Houses Framework, in 2020 the Planning and Housing Committee directed the Housing Secretariat to develop and report back on a new incentives program to assist eligible property owners to comply with Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code requirements that are needed to obtain a license. This report responds to the Committee’s request and recommends approval of a new ‘Multi-Tenant Houses Renovation Program’ (the “Program”) focused on improving living conditions and housing stability for tenants; preventing the loss of existing multi-tenant housing stock; and supporting eligible operators with complying with the new framework. 

To achieve the intended objectives, the proposed Program will provide grant funding and/or financial incentives (planning application and building permit fee waivers) to eligible property owners to address a broad range of costs directly related to improving safety and building conditions for tenants and bringing properties into compliance with the Zoning By-law, Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Codes. A funding allocation of $2 million for the first year of implementation has been approved in the Housing Secretariat’s 2024 Operating Budget and will provide staff with the flexibility to be responsive as issues arise during implementation. Additionally, where City funding and/or financial incentives are provided to support substantial repairs or renovations, the Program will require operators to operate as a licensed multi-tenant rental house for a minimum term of 15 years, and operators must not apply for any rent increases above the guideline as identified in the Residential Tenancies Act in connection with any of the improvements funded through the Program. Public investments will be secured through legal instruments and will be repayable by operators in the event of non-compliance.

The Program described in Attachment 1 is a preliminary model which will continue to be refined and improved based on qualitative and quantitative data and evidence, including feedback from tenants and operators. Staff will develop an evaluation framework, collect data and report back to Council by Q4 2024 with an interim Program update and recommendations to improve the program. An update will be provided to Council in 2025, concurrent with a report back on the first year of implementation of the Multi-Tenant Houses Framework and may provide additional recommendations.

The Program recommended in this report was developed in consultation with several City Divisions involved in the implementation of new Multi-Tenant Houses Framework, including City Planning, Municipal Licensing & Standards, Toronto Building, Toronto Office of Emergency Management, and Toronto Fire. It was also informed through engagement with housing operators, the City’s Tenant Advisory Committee, post-secondary institutions, and housing rights advocates. The Housing Secretariat will continue to engage with operators participating in the Program, tenants living in multi-tenant houses, housing advocates, the Tenant Advisory Committee, and the newly formed Housing Rights Advisory Committee, to ensure continued efficacy of the Program.

Implementation of the Program will support delivery of the City’s HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan and the Generational Transformation of Toronto’s Housing System to Urgently Build More Affordable Homes report (Item EX9.3), both of which are focused on increasing residents’ access to safe, secure and adequate homes in all neighbourhoods across Toronto.

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services to enter into any necessary agreements with Canada Lands Company Ltd. and Northcrest Developments to secure resources for the City for continued planning within the Downsview Secondary Plan area, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

In March of 2022, the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Parc Downsview Park (a subsidiary of Canada Lands Company Ltd.) and Northcrest Developments to resource a dedicated City staff team to advance amendments to the Downsview Secondary Plan. This team will be bringing forward a suite of deliverables to City Council in May of this year. Moving forward there continues to be a robust work plan required to advance the planning of the Downsview area. This includes master planning for 15 District Plans, the initiation and implementation of Phases 3 and 4 of an extensive Environmental Assessment, detailed design work for various large-scale infrastructure elements and continued public consultation on the numerous applications within the Downsview area.

Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company have agreed to continued funding of a dedicated team to carry on this work. This report requests authorization for the City to enter into the necessary agreements to facilitate the continued resourcing.

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council state its intention to designate the property at 80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street (including the structure address of 130 East Liberty Street) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance; 80-86 Lynn Williams Street (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment 3 to the report (February 8, 2024) from the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

2. If there are no objections to the designation, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

This report recommends that City Council state its intention to designate the property at 80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street (including the structure address of 130 East Liberty Street - the A. R. Williams Machinery Company Warehouse), under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value according to the Statement of Significance and description of Heritage Attributes found in Attachment 3.

The property at 80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street including the structure address of 130 East Liberty Street is located in the Liberty Village neighbourhood, on the north side of Lynn Williams Street, mid-block between Hanna Avenue and Western Battery Road.

The property contains a 59-metre-long, brick warehouse building with a two-storey central mass flanked by one-storey wings constructed in 1928-29. The warehouse was constructed for the A. R. Williams Machinery Company which used the building as a warehouse and likely for manufacturing purposes until c.1946. By 1943 the west wing was being used by other companies as a welding shop and by 1948 the property had become the Liberty Storage Warehouse and operated in this capacity into the 1960s.

In 2005, the south half of the central portion of the warehouse was renovated for office use. The north half of the warehouse is currently vacant.

The A. R. Williams Machinery Company Warehouse property, sometimes referred to as  the Liberty Storage Warehouse,  was listed on Toronto's Heritage Register on February 2, 2006. 

Staff have undertaken research and evaluation and determined that the property at

80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for its  design / physical, historical / associative and contextual value. A property may be designated under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, if it meets two or more of the nine criteria. The property is deemed to meet five of the nine criteria.

On October 18, 2023, the City received a zoning by-law amendment application to permit the development on site for a 43-storey mixed use building containing 588 dwelling units and retail at grade. The development proposes the retention of the south half of the warehouse at 80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street. The application includes the demolition and redevelopment of the north half of the warehouse. As of the date of this report, the Zoning By-law Amendment application has not been deemed complete.

A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is required for all development applications that affect listed and designated properties and will be considered when determining how a heritage property is to be conserved. A Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report for the property was prepared by E.R.A. Architecture, dated October 2, 2023.

Designation also enables City Council to review proposed alterations or demolitions to the property and enforce heritage property standards and maintenance.

At its meeting on February 15, 2024 the Toronto Preservation Board considered Item PB14.1 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (January 29, 2024) from the Acting Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning:

This report recommends that City Council state its intention to designate the property

at 80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street (including the structure address of 130 East Liberty Street) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value according to the Statement of Significance and description of Heritage Attributes found in Attachment 3.

The property at 80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street (including the structure address of 130 East Liberty Street) - the A. R. Williams Machinery Company Warehouse - is located in the Liberty Village neighbourhood, on the north side of Lynn Williams Street, mid-block between Hanna Avenue and Western Battery Road.

The property contains a 59-metre-long, brick warehouse building with a two-storey central mass flanked by one-storey wings constructed in 1928-29. The warehouse was constructed for the A. R. Williams Machinery Company which used the building as a warehouse and likely for manufacturing purposes until c.1946. By 1943 the west wing was being used by other companies as a welding shop and by 1948 the property had become the Liberty Storage Warehouse and operated in this capacity into the 1960s. In 2005, the south half of the central portion of the warehouse was renovated for office use. The north half of the warehouse is currently vacant.

The A. R. Williams Machinery Company Warehouse property, sometimes referred to as  the Liberty Storage Warehouse,  was listed on Toronto's Heritage Register on February 2, 2006.

Staff have undertaken research and evaluation and determined that the property at

80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for its design / physical, historical / associative and contextual value. A property may be designated under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, if it meets two or more of the nine criteria. The property is deemed to meet five of the nine criteria.

On October 18, 2023, the City received a zoning by-law amendment application to permit the development on site for a 43-storey mixed use building containing 588 dwelling units and retail at grade. The development proposes the retention of the south half of the warehouse at 80 - 86 Lynn Williams Street. The application includes the demolition and redevelopment of the north half of the warehouse. As of the date of this report, the Zoning By-law Amendment application has not been deemed complete.

A Heritage Impact Assessment is required for all development applications that affect listed and designated properties and will be considered when determining how a heritage property is to be conserved. A Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report for the property was prepared by E.R.A. Architecture, dated October 2, 2023.

Designation also enables City Council to review proposed alterations or demolitions to the property and enforce heritage property standards and maintenance.

The Planning and Housing Commitee recommends that:

1. City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to enact an Enhanced Minister’s Zoning Order pursuant to Section 47 of the Planning Act to permit a mixed use building as part of the Long-Term Care Development on the lands at 4000 Leslie Street, to include 528 licensed Long-Term Care beds, medical office, clinic, and retail space.

2. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and her representative, to enter into an agreement under Section 47(4.3) of the Planning Act with the owner(s) of the land located at 4000 Leslie Street, and such agreement shall be registered on title to the lands to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the City Solicitor.

3. City Council authorize and direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and his representative, to amend and release any registered agreement, execute any necessary undertaking(s), and other required processes to give effect to the approval of the plans and drawings for the development at 4000 Leslie Street.

4. City Council request the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to undertake a review of the Enhanced Minister’s Zoning Order in two years from its issuance and if reasonable progress on the proposed development has not occurred, then the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing consider rescinding it after consultation with the City.

5. City Council request the Chief Building Official, Toronto Building, and their representative to work with the owner(s) of the land located at 4000 Leslie Street to ensure they are aware of all the required plans to obtain all necessary building permit.

North York General Hospital has been a cornerstone of Don Valley North and North York since it opened its doors in 1968. It has provided nearly five decades of exceptional health care and community care to an increasingly diverse population.

Today, North York is home to a growing seniors' population and has the highest percentage of people age 65 and older in Toronto. To meet the rapidly growing need for seniors' health care, North York General Hospital is planning to build a new and modern long-term care home steps from the hospital at 4000 Leslie Street. They announced this plan as part of the overall infrastructure expansion they are pursuing in partnership with the Ontario Government.

North York General Hospital's new long-term care home will be one of the largest in Ontario, if not Canada, and will offer the most advanced safety, infection prevention and control, and quality standards as one of the first home built post-pandemic. The home will offer a variety of seniors-focused health services and amenities for both residents and seniors in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

North York General Hospital has been working closely with City Planning, the Ministry of Long-Term Care, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to design this new long-term care home in line with City and Ministry standards. To enable the creation of this new facility, an Enhanced Minister's Zoning Order has been requested from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Enhanced Minister's Zoning Order would expedite the planning approvals process and allow North York General Hospital to meet the Ministry of Long-Term Care's expected project delivery schedule.

The Enhanced Minister's Zoning Order includes site-specific provisions for maximum height, gross floor area, minimum setbacks, and parking requirements, among other technical matters. Further, the proposal will be subject to a development agreement with the City of Toronto that allows for an additional level of design review prior to construction.

The Planning and Housing Committee forwards the item to City Council without recommendation.

The Planning and Housing Committee:

1. Requested the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report directly to the City Council meeting of March 20-22, 2024 describing matters in Zoning By-law 156-2023 that require correction or clarification, including advancing a corrective by-law under § 169-5.2(B) of the City of Toronto Municipal Code.

1. Council approved the new Multi-tenant House (MTH) Zoning By-law and Licensing Frameworks at their December 2022 meeting, and adopted Zoning By-law 156-2023 and the new MTH Zoning regulations and licensing requirements come into effect on March 31st, 2024.

2. Since the adoption of the new framework, City staff have worked across Divisions to develop procedures and guidance to ensure its smooth implementation, and to educate operators and tenants.

3. Planning staff have identified some technical and non-substantive items in the By-law that should be improved for implementation.

4. The zoning by-law, in its current form, does not include a comprehensive map of permissions, which makes it difficult to quickly understand how the new zoning regulations apply to specific properties. The wording of certain regulations is also unclear and could be improved to clarify how MTHs are permitted in relation to residential buildings like multiplexes, and to correct formatting issues with the parking standards table.

5. it is important to make technical corrections to prior to the March 31st roll-out to ensure the framework is implemented in accordance with Council’s decision, and provide clarity for Toronto’s multi-tenant house operators and tenants and their neighbours.

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to amend the Education Act for the purpose of adding secondary dwelling units to the list of exempted properties, regardless of whether the secondary dwelling unit is created within or ancillary to the principal residence.

The Planning and Housing Committee:

1.  Directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to engage in discussions with the Toronto Catholic District School Board on this matter and report directly to the March 20, 2024 City Council meeting with any additional information.

On November 27, 2023, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) adopted a new Education Development Charges Bylaw that reinstated education development charges on missing middle housing forms like laneway suites and garden suites. As a result, households in the process of obtaining building permits for the purpose of constructing these housing forms are now being asked to pay ~$3,600 in development charges, despite previous guidance that none would be payable. 

The decision to reinstate education development charges on missing middle housing forms is counterintuitive to the City of Toronto’s goal to expand housing options in neighbourhoods, the Province of Ontario’s goal to rapidly increase the supply of housing, and our collective goal to increase housing affordability writ large. Therefore, this letter requests that the Province of Ontario amend the Education Act for the purpose of adding secondary dwelling units such as garden suites and laneway houses to the list of properties exempted from education development charges, thereby eliminating this gap in legislation.

The Striking Committee recommends that:

1. City Council appoint Councillor Alejandra Bravo to the City of Toronto Long-Term Care Committee of Management for a term of office until November 14, 2026, and until a successor is appointed.

2. City Council direct the City Clerk to canvass Members of Council for their interest in membership on the City of Toronto Long-Term Care Committee of Management to fill the remaining two vacancies.

The purpose of this report is to recommend to City Council the appointment of Council Members to the City of Toronto Long-Term Care Committee of Management.

The Striking Committee forwards the Item to City Council without recommendations.

The purpose of this report is to recommend to City Council the appointment of a Council Member to fill a vacancy on the Service Excellence Committee, resulting from the resignation of Councillor Jaye Robinson from the Committee.

The Striking Committee recommends that:

1. City Council appoint the following Members of Council to the Canadian National Exhibition Association, Municipal Section and Board of Directors for a term of office starting from the Annual meeting in Spring of 2024 to the Annual Meeting in the Spring of 2025, and until successors are appointed:

Councillor Paul Ainslie

Councillor Stephen Holyday

Councillor Parthi Kandavel

Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik

Councillor Chris Moise

The purpose of this report is to recommend to City Council the appointment of Council Members to the Canadian National Exhibition Association, Municipal Section and Board of Directors.

The Etobicoke York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 564-580 Evans Avenue substantially-in-accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Attachment 5 to the report (February 7, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

3. Before introducing the necessary Bill to City Council for enactment, City Council require that the owner:

a. Shall submit a revised Functional Servicing and Stormwater Management Report to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services; and

b. Shall make satisfactory arrangements with Engineering and Construction Services and enter into the appropriate agreement(s) with the City for the design and construction of any improvements to the municipal road infrastructure, should it be determined that upgrades to infrastructure are required to support this development according to the accepted Functional Servicing and Stormwater Management Report.

4. Prior to Site Plan Control approval, City Council require the owner to address:

a. The outcome of the peer review of the Compatibility and Mitigation Study (Air Quality, Dust, Odour, Noise and Vibration) prepared by SLR Consulting Canada Ltd., dated October 2020, including the recommendations contained in the peer reviewer's letter from Jade Acoustics Inc., dated July 23, 2021, to the satisfaction of the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; and

b. Issues raised in the Urban Forestry memo, dated December 22, 2023, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

5. In accordance with the delegated approval under By-law 229-2000, as amended, City Council be advised that the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning intends to approve the Draft Plan of Subdivision as generally illustrated in Attachment 7 the report (February 7, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District, subject to:

a. Approval conditions from various City divisions, except as otherwise noted, must be fulfilled prior to final approval and the release of the Plan of Subdivision for registration; and

b. Any such revisions to the proposed Plan of Subdivision or any such additional modified conditions as the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning may deem to be appropriate to address matters arising from the on-going technical review of this development must also be fulfilled prior to the final approval and release of the Plan of Subdivision for registration.

6. City Council direct that in accordance with Section 42 of the Planning Act, as a component of the registration of the Plan of Subdivision, the owner shall convey to the City an on-site parkland dedication, having a minimum size of 3,909 square metres, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the City Solicitor.

7. City Council approve the acceptance of the on-site parkland dedication, subject to the owner transferring the parkland to the City free and clear, above and below grade, of all easements, encumbrances, and encroachments, in an acceptable environmental condition, and the owner may propose the exception of encumbrances of tie-backs, where such an encumbrance is deemed acceptable by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor, and such an encumbrance will be subject to the payment of compensation to the City, in an amount as determined by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management.

8. City Council approve a Development Charge 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 Charge credit shall be in an amount that is the lesser of the cost to the owner of 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.

The Etobicoke York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 26, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to amend Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 564-580 Evans Avenue to permit a residential development consisting of a nine-storey seniors residence, two blocks of three-storey townhouses and four tall buildings of 21, 29, 32 and 38 storeys on shared three-storey base buildings. The proposal has a total gross floor area of 100,841 square metres, a floor space index of 3.4 times the lot area, and 1,196 residential units. Also proposed are a new 4,129 square metre park and three new 20-metre-wide streets (one private and two public).

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law.

A Draft Plan of Subdivision application has also been submitted to create the necessary blocks to support the proposed development. This report advises that the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning intends to approve the Draft Plan of Subdivision application to create the development blocks, proposed roads and park block.

The Etobicoke York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the amendments to parking regulations required to establish new on-street paid parking on Weston Road in Ward 5, as set out in Attachments 2 and 3, to the report (February 7, 2024) from the Director, Traffic Management, Transportation Services.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Weston Road, City Council approval of this report is required.

Transportation Services is requesting approval for the installation of on-street paid parking on Weston Road in Ward 5. Transportation Services and the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) staff have identified new pay-and display parking spaces in this ward that will support the local community and area businesses by encouraging a regular turnover in the on-street parking supply. The proposed parking changes will replace the existing unpaid three-hour (statutory City wide maximum) and the maximum one hour parking that is currently in effect.  The proposed changes will not impact the flow of traffic and will encourage parking turnover.

While this report seeks City approval for the installation in one Ward, this is an ongoing initiative, and Transportation Services and Toronto Parking Authority will continue to review and report on potential new on-street paid parking opportunities throughout the City of Toronto.

This report also seeks to amend the rush hour parking on Weston Road to support higher priority transit as a part of the future RapidTO corridor.

The Etobicoke York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to take the necessary steps to preserve City Council's right of appeal to the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) concerning the 8 Yorkleigh Avenue Committee of Adjustment Decision until such time Council may consider the options.

The Etobicoke York Community Council: 

1. Requested the City Solicitor to report directly to the March 20, 2024 meeting of City Council regarding the history, information, circumstances, analysis, and options to City Council on the recent Committee of Adjustment decision to grant a severance of 8 Yorkleigh Avenue.

On February 8, 2024, the Committee of Adjustment (the "Committee") approved applications brought by the owner of 8 Yorkleigh Avenue for a proposal to sever the lot and construct a new dwelling on each of the new lots, and for three minor variances from City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 in respect of one of the new lots (the "Application"). A copy of the Committee's decision on the Application is attached as Attachment 1.

Applications for a similar proposal were brought by the owner on two previous occasions. The first proposal was heard by the Committee on August 13, 2020 and was refused. A copy of the Committee’s decisions in respect of the first proposal is attached as Attachment 2.

The second proposal was heard by the Committee on July 13, 2021 and was approved.  However, a neighbourhood resident appealed the Committee’s approval to the TLAB and the TLAB subsequently refused the associated applications in a decision issued on August 19, 2022. A copy of the TLAB decision is attached as Attachment 3.

The owner subsequently appealed the TLAB’s decision to the Ontario Divisional Court. In a decision issued on February 16, 2023, the Divisional Court upheld the TLAB decision. The Divisional Court’s decision is attached as Attachment 4.

It should be noted that on June 4, 2021, City Planning produced a report for consideration at Etobicoke York Community Council that surveyed options for protecting “Estate Lots” in Etobicoke Neighbourhoods. This report is attached as Attachment 5.

This motion will direct the City Solicitor to report directly to the March 20, 2024 City Council regarding the history, information, circumstances, analysis, and options to Council on the Committee’s recent decision to grant a severance in respect of 8 Yorkleigh Avenue.

This motion will also give the City Solicitor authority to take the necessary steps to preserve Council's right of appeal to the TLAB concerning the Committee’s recent decision to grant a severance in respect of 8 Yorkleigh Avenue until such time Council may consider the options.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend the Official Plan, for the lands at 72 Church Avenue substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment attached as Attachment 6 to the report (January 3, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, North York District.

2. City Council amend Zoning By-law 7625 for the lands at 72 Church Avenue substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Attachment 7 to the report (January 3, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, North York District.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

4. City Council direct the Director, Community Planning, North York District to work with the applicant as part of the Site Plan Control process to construct a fence along the east property line to provide for privacy to the existing residents on the adjacent property.

The North York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 22, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to permit a 4-storey rental residential building containing 14 units at a height of 13.9 metres.  A total of eight parking spaces and 17 bicycle parking spaces are provided within the below grade garage.  The total gross floor area ("GFA") is 1,508 square metres (Floor Space Index of 2.4 times the lot area).   

The proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020) and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020). 

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law as it provides for an appropriate level of intensification on a site within the North York Centre.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council approve the Rental Housing Demolition Application File Number 23 174083 NNY 08 RH in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code and pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 which allows for the demolition of one hundred and two (102) existing rental dwelling units located at 3 Leila Lane, 5 Leila Lane, and 31-109 Bagot Court, subject to the following conditions:

a. The owner shall provide and maintain not less than one hundred and two (102)  replacement rental dwelling units as social housing units with rents geared-to-income within the Lawrence Heights Phase 2 lands for a period of at least 99 years beginning from the date that each replacement social housing unit is first occupied and, during which time, no application may be submitted to the City for condominium registration, or for any other conversion to a non-rental housing purpose, or for demolition without providing for replacement. The replacement social housing units of one hundred and two (102) replacement rental dwelling units shall be comprised of twenty-four (24) one-bedroom units, twenty six (26) two-bedroom units, forty (40) three-bedroom units, and twelve (12) four-bedroom units, as generally illustrated in the architectural plans submitted to the City Planning Division with a minimum ground floor area of 8,547.1 square metres. Any revision to these plans shall be to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division;

b. The owner shall provide tenant relocation assistance to all Eligible Tenants of the one hundred and two (102) existing rental dwelling units proposed to be demolished at 3 Leila Lane, 5 Leila Lane, and 31-109 Bagot Court, including the right to return to occupy a replacement social housing unit to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and as further detailed in the Tenant Relocation and Assistance Implementation Plan; and

c. The owner shall enter into, and register on title to the lands at 3 Leila Lane, 5 Leila Lane, and 31-109 Bagot Court and additional lands that comprise the Lawrence Heights Phase 2 revitalization (Lawrence Heights Phase 2 lands), an agreement pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to secure the conditions outlined in Recommendations 1.a. and 1.b. above all to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division.

2. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division, 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 one hundred and two (102) existing rental dwelling units located at 3 Leila Lane, 5 Leila Lane, and 31-109 Bagot Court after all of the following have occurred:

a. All conditions in Recommendation 1 above have been fully satisfied and secured;

b. The Tenant Relocation and Assistance Implementation Plan has been approved by the City of Toronto;

c. The owner has provided Typical Unit Layouts for the Replacement Social Housing Units, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division; and

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

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 Division has given Preliminary Approval referred to in Recommendation 2 above.

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 3 Leila Lane, 5 Leila Lane, and 31-109 Bagot Court after the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division has given Preliminary Approval referred to in Recommendation 2 above, 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 replacement units on the Lawrence Heights Phase 2 lands 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 Division; and Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building;

d. Should the owner fail to complete the replacement units within the time specified in Recommendation 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; and,

e. A Toronto Transit Commission technical review of the proposed development and any related conditions have been completed to the satisfaction of the Toronto Transit Commission.

5. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to take such actions as are necessary to implement City Council's decision, including execution of the Section 111 Agreement and other related agreements.

The North York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 22, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This Rental Housing Demolition application proposes to demolish 102 existing social housing units within two three-storey residential rental apartment buildings at 3 Leila Lane and 5 Leila Lane, and townhouses at 31-109 Bagot Court, as part of the Lawrence Heights revitalization proposed by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC).

This application will accommodate a new City of Toronto Community Recreation Centre (CRC). The City has applied for the Federal Government's Green and Inclusive Community Building Fund, which if granted would require the Community Recreation Centre to be completed by the end of 2026. As a result of this timeline, Toronto Community Housing Corporation needs to advance the relocation of existing tenants in the subject properties prior to a zoning by-law amendment for the next phase of revitalization.

This report recommends approval of the Rental Housing Demolition application under Chapter 667 and demolition permit under Chapter 363 of the Toronto Municipal Code, subject to replacing the existing social housing units in the next phase of revitalization and the provision of an approved Tenant Relocation and Assistance Implementation Plan.  

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 405 and 415 Mount Pleasant Road and 323, 323R, 325, 327 and 329 Balliol Street substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Attachment 6 to the report (February 5, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, North York District.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

The North York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 22, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to amend the Zoning By-law to permit an outdoor sports and recreation field at 405 and 415 Mount Pleasant Road and 323, 323R, 325, 327 and 329 Balliol Street for Greenwood College School located at 443 Mount Pleasant Road.

The proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020) and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020). It also conforms with the Official Plan and the Yonge Eglinton Secondary Plan.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law. The proposed development represents an appropriate use of the subject lands as it is a permitted use under the Official Plan and the Yonge Eglinton Secondary Plan, and allows for additional amenity space to be used by students attending Greenwood College School.    

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council direct the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal in opposition to the current applications regarding the Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Control appeals for the lands at 1802 Bayview Avenue and to continue discussions with the applicant to resolve outstanding issues.

2. In the event that the Ontario Land Tribunal allows the appeals, in whole or in part, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to request that the issuance of any final Orders be withheld until such time as the City Solicitor advises that: 

a. the final form and content of the draft Zoning By-law is to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

b. the owner has satisfactorily addressed the Engineering and Construction Services matters in the Engineering and Construction Services Memorandum dated August 16, 2023, or as may be updated, all to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director;

c. the owner has satisfactorily addressed Transportation Services matters in the Transportation Services memo dated January 19, 2024, or as may be updated in response to further submissions filed by the Owner, all to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director;

d. the owner has submitted a revised Transportation Demand Management Plan acceptable to, and to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the General Manager, Transportation Services and that matters arising from such Plan be secured, if required;

e. the owner has submitted a revised Pedestrian Wind Study acceptable to, and to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and that matters arising from such Study be secured, if required;

f. the owner has satisfactorily addressed matters from the Urban Forestry memorandum dated August 3, 2023, or as may be updated in response to further submissions filed by the Owner, all to the satisfaction of Urban Forestry; and

g. the owner has submitted an updated complete Toronto Green Standards (TGS) Checklist and Statistics Template, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

3. Should it be determined that upgrades are required to the infrastructure to support the development according to the accepted Functional Servicing Report and / or the Transportation Impact Study or that mitigation is required per the Subsurface Investigation, City Council direct the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to request that a Holding provision (H) be included in the final form of the site-specific Zoning By-law Amendment, not to be lifted until such time as the owner has made satisfactory arrangements, including entering into appropriate agreement(s) with the City for required mitigation, as well as the design and construction of any improvements to the municipal infrastructure and the provision of financial securities to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services and General Manager, Transportation Services.

4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and City staff to take any necessary steps to implement City Council's decision.

 This application proposes a 46-storey (148.6 metres, plus 8 metres mechanical penthouse for a total of 156.6 metres) residential building with 28,576 square metres of residential gross floor area representing 419 residential units, and 384 square metres of ground floor retail fronting onto Bayview Avenue. The development proposes a total gross floor area of 28,959 square metres with a floor space index of 20.5.

On September 29, 2023, the applicant appealed the Zoning By-law Amendment application to the Ontario Land Tribunal ("OLT") due to Council not making a decision within the time frame prescribed in the Planning Act. The applicant has also appealed the Site Plan application due to Council not making a decision within the time frame prescribed in the Planning Act.

This report recommends that City Council instruct the City Solicitor with the appropriate City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing and oppose the applications in its current form and to continue discussions with the Applicant to resolve outstanding issues.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council direct the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal in opposition to the current Applications regarding the Zoning By-law Amendment, Plan of Subdivision, and Site Plan appeals for the lands at 1053 Don Mills Road, 2, 4, 4R, and 6 The Donway East and to continue discussions with the Applicant in an attempt to resolve outstanding issues.

2. In the event that the Ontario Land Tribunal allows the appeals in whole or in part, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to request that the issuance of any final Orders be withheld until such time as the City Solicitor advises that: 

a. the final form and content of the draft Zoning By-law to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

b. the Draft Plan of Subdivision as well as the Conditions of Draft Plan Approval respecting the proposed Plan of Subdivision are in a form and content acceptable to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, prepared in consultation with the City Solicitor and appropriate City Divisions;

c. the Site Plan as well as the Notice of Approval Conditions respecting the proposed Site Plan are in a form and content acceptable to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, prepared in consultation with the City Solicitor and appropriate City Divisions;

d. the owner has addressed all outstanding issues raised by Engineering and Construction Services as they relate to the applications to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services;

e. the owner has provided a Functional Servicing Report, Hydrogeological Report, and Stormwater Management Report to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, and the General Manager, Toronto Water that address both the zoning by-law amendment and draft plan of subdivision;

f. the owner has provided a revised Traffic Impact Study, including acceptable Transportation Demand Measures (TDM), to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, the General Manager, Transportation Services, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division that address both the zoning by-law amendment and draft plan of subdivision;

g. the owner has made satisfactory arrangements with the City and has entered into the appropriate agreement(s) for the design and construction of any improvements to municipal infrastructure, should it be determined that upgrades and / or road and / or signal improvements are required to the infrastructure to support the development, according to the accepted Engineering Reports and Traffic Impact Study accepted by the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services and the General Manager, Transportation Services;

h. the owner has satisfactorily addressed matters from the Urban Forestry, Tree Protection and Plan Review memorandum dated July 5, 2023, or as may be updated, in response to further submissions filed by the Owner, all to the satisfaction of the Supervisor, Tree Protection and Plan Review;

i. the owner has entered into an agreement with the city for the fee simple conveyance of the on-site parkland dedication requirement and at no cost to the city, with such conveyance to occur prior to the issuance of the first above grade building permit, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation;

j. the agreement referred to in Part 2.i. above shall include terms requiring the conveyance of the parkland free and clear, above and below grade, of all easements, encumbrances, and encroachments, in an acceptable environmental condition; the owner may propose the exception of encumbrances of tiebacks, where such an encumbrance is deemed acceptable by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the City Solicitor; and such an encumbrance will be subject to the payment of compensation to the City, in an amount as determined by the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management;

k. City Council has approved the Rental Housing Demolition Application Number 21 223798 NNY 16 RH in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 to permit the demolition of the one hundred-sixty (160) existing rental dwelling units at 1053 Don Mills Road, 2, 4, 4R, and 6 The Donway East, and the owner has entered into, and registered on title to the lands, one or more agreements with the City, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the City Solicitor, securing all rental housing-related matters necessary to implement City Council's decision including:

1. replacement of the existing 160 rental housing units, including the same number of units, bedroom type and size and with similar rents; and,

2. an acceptable Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan addressing the right for existing tenants to return to a replacement rental unit on the lands at similar rents, the provision of rent gap assistance, and other assistance to lessen hardship, all to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

3. Should it be determined that upgrades are required to the infrastructure to support the development according to the accepted Functional Servicing Report, City Council direct the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to request that a Holding provision (H) be included in the final form of the site-specific Zoning By-law Amendment, not to be lifted until such time as the owner has made satisfactory arrangements, including entering into appropriate agreement(s) with the City, for the design and construction of any improvements to the municipal infrastructure and the provision of financial securities to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services.

4. Should the Ontario Land Tribunal approve the Zoning By-law Amendment application, City Council approve a development charge credit against the Parks and Recreation component of the Development Charges for the design and construction by the applicant of the Above Base Park Improvements to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation; such development charge credit shall be in an amount that is the lesser of the cost to the applicant of 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. City Council authorizes the City Solicitor and City staff to take any necessary steps to implement City Council's decision.

On October 8, 2021, Zoning By-law Amendment and Plan of Subdivision applications were submitted to permit four residential buildings that were proposed to be 32 storeys (Building A), 28 storeys (Building D), 24 storeys (Building B), and 16 storeys (Building C) in height. The proposal contained a total of 1,185 dwelling units, including 160 rental replacement units and 34 market rental units, as well as a public park, a public road, and a privately-owned-publicly accessible space (POPs). On April 28, 2023, an associated Site Plan Application was submitted, as well as a resubmission for the aforementioned Zoning By-law Amendment and Plan of Subdivision applications. The submissions reflect a revised proposal consisting of reduced heights of 29 stories for Building A, 25 stories for Building D, and 12 stories for Building C. The revised proposal also includes an increased gross floor area from 80,731 square metres to approximately 84,023 square metres as a result of changes made to the building massing, a decreased total number of dwelling units from 1,185 units to 1,176 units, including an additional 16 market rental units (the 160 replacement rental units remains unchanged), as well as various other changes to the building layout and massing, the configuration of the proposed privately-owned-publicly accessible space, and public park.

There are four 4-storey rental buildings on the site containing 160 residential rental units which would be demolished and are proposed to be replaced within the new development. This is subject to the related Rental Housing Demolition application, which is under review.

On October 20, 2023, the Applicant appealed all applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal ("OLT") due to Council not making a decision within the time frame in the Planning Act. A Case Management Conference was held on January 19, 2024. No hearing dates have been set to date. A second case management conference has not yet been scheduled. It is anticipated that a procedural order would be established to determine the sequencing of the various appeals to resolve the Zoning amendment matters prior to the Plan of Subdivision and Site Plan Control matters.

This report recommends that the City Solicitor with the appropriate City staff attend the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing to oppose the applications in their current form and to continue discussions with the Applicant to resolve outstanding issues.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council approve the Rental Housing Demolition Application File Number RH 21 193226 NNY 18 in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code and pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 which allows for the demolition of twenty (20) existing rental dwelling units located at 48, 50, 56, 58 and 60 Avondale Avenue and 17 and 19 Bales Avenue and 25, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61 and 63 Glendora Avenue, subject to the following conditions:

a. The owner shall provide an acceptable Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan for all Eligible Tenants of the twenty (20) existing rental dwelling units proposed to be demolished at 48, 50, 56, 58 and 60 Avondale Avenue and 17 and 19 Bales Avenue and 25, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61 and 63 Glendora Avenue, addressing the provision of rent gap assistance, and other assistance to lessen hardship, all to the satisfaction of, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division;

b. The owner shall provide tenant relocation and assistance to all Post Application Tenants, all to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division; and

c. The owner shall enter into, and register on title to the lands at 48, 50, 56, 58 and 60 Avondale Avenue and 17 and 19 Bales Avenue and 25, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61 and 63 Glendora Avenue, an agreement pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 to secure the conditions outlined in Recommendations 1.a. and 1.b. above all to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division.

2. City Council authorize the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division, 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 twenty (20) existing rental dwelling units located at 48, 50, 56, 58 and 60 Avondale Avenue and 17 and 19 Bales Avenue and 25, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61 and 63 Glendora Avenue, after all the following have occurred: 

a. All conditions in Recommendation 1 above have been fully satisfied and secured;

b. The Official Plan Amendment(s) have come into full force and effect;

c. The Zoning By-law Amendment(s) has come into full force and effect;

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

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

f. The owner has confirmed, in writing, that all existing rental dwelling units proposed to be demolished are vacant.

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

4. City Council authorize the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building Division to issue a Residential Demolition Permit under Section 33 of the Planning Act and Chapter 363 of the Toronto Municipal Code for 48, 50, 56, 58 and 60 Avondale Avenue and 17 and 19 Bales Avenue and 25, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61 and 63 Glendora Avenue after the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division has given Preliminary Approval referred to in Recommendation 2 above, 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 building on the site no later than three (3) years from the date that the demolition of the existing rental dwelling units commences, subject to the timeframe being extended to the discretion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division; and

d. Should the owner fail to complete the proposed building within the time specified in Recommendation 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. 

5. City Council authorize the appropriate City officials to take such actions as are necessary to implement City Council's decision, including execution of the Section 111 Agreement and any other related agreements.

The North York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 22, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This Rental Housing Demolition application proposes to demolish the 16 existing detached dwellings, comprising 20 rental dwelling units, at 48, 50, 56, 58 and 60 Avondale Avenue and 17 and 19 Bales Avenue and 25, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 61 and 63 Glendora Avenue to facilitate the three new residential buildings, ranging in height from 45, 39 and 26-storeys, on the site, comprising of 1,040 dwelling units.

The properties are also the subject of an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application (21 193212 NNY 18 OZ), which was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The Ontario Land Tribunal issued a written decision on September 8, 2023, approving the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments in principle, with the final order being withheld until all outstanding matters, including the necessary agreements with the City, are secured, including the rental housing matters. 

This report recommends approval of the Rental Housing Demolition Application under Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code and the Residential Demolition Permit Application under Chapter 363 of the Toronto Municipal Code, subject to the provision of a Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan for all tenants of the existing rental dwelling units.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 290 Sheppard Avenue West substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Attachment 5 to the report (January 26, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, North York District.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

The North York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 22, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to develop a 6 storey hotel containing 32 rooms with 6 surface parking spaces at 290 Sheppard Avenue West.

The proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020) and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020). The proposed development also conforms to the City's Official Plan and the Sheppard Lansing Secondary Plan.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law. The proposal conforms with the Sheppard Lansing Secondary Plan and proposes to introduce a non-residential hotel use to complement the nearby North York Centre area. The proposal provides setbacks to the surrounding Neighbourhoods areas in accordance with the Sheppard Lansing Secondary Plan to appropriately transition from Sheppard Avenue West to the Neighbourhoods.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council refuse the application for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications (Application Number 23 198805 NNY 18 OZ) in its current form, for the lands municipally known as 26-34 Nipigon Avenue.

2. In the event the applications are appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, City Council, pursuant to subsections 22(8.1) and 34(11.0.0.1) of the Planning Act, use mediation, conciliation or other dispute resolution techniques in an attempt to resolve the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and City Solicitor.

3. City Council direct the City Clerk, should an appeal be filed, to notify all persons or public bodies who may have filed an appeal to this decision of City Council’s intention to rely on subsections 22(8.1) and 34(11.0.0.1) of the Planning Act and the City Clerk shall provide notice to all prescribed persons or public bodies under subsections 22(8.2) and 34(11.0.0.2) of the Planning Act. 

4. City Council direct the City Clerk, should an appeal be filed, to notify the Ontario Land Tribunal of City Council’s intention pursuant to subsections 22(8.1) and 34(11.0.0.1) of the Planning Act, and that the Ontario Land Tribunal shall receive the record, the notice of appeal and other prescribed documents and materials seventy-five (75) days after the last day for filing a notice of appeal for these matters.

5. Should the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications be resolved, and there is no appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal or the appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal has been withdrawn, City Council direct the Director, North York District, Community Planning to bring forward an Approval Report to North York Community Council for a statutory public meeting as required under the Planning Act.

6. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and other appropriate staff to take any necessary steps to implement City Council's decision.

7. City Council direct the City Solicitor to request that, in the event of an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, the Tribunal withhold its final order, until the following conditions are met: 

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

b. the owner has submitted revised architectural plans, and revised sun / shadow and wind studies reflecting the proposal as approved in whole or in part, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

c. the owner has submitted an updated and complete Toronto Green Standards Checklist and Statistics Template, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

d. the owner has addressed all outstanding issues raised by Urban Forestry and Tree Protection and Plan Review as they relate to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application, to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation;

e. the owner has satisfactorily addressed the matters in the Engineering and Construction Services Memorandum dated January 24, 2024, and any outstanding issues and requests arising from the ongoing technical review (including provision of acceptable reports and studies), as they relate to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Transportation Services, and Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services; and,

f. the owner has provided a legal undertaking to the City, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to secure the required Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan pertaining to the four existing rental dwelling units and two rental dwelling rooms proposed to be demolished.

This application proposes to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a 50-storey (165.3 metres) mixed use building (the 'proposal') at 26-34 Nipigon Avenue (the 'subject lands'), as shown on Attachments 7 to 9B of this Report. The proposal contains 569 residential units and a residential gross floor area ('GFA') of 38,099.89 square metres, for an overall density of 17.0 times the area of the lot.

The proposal does not conform to the City's Official Plan, or the Council-adopted Yonge Street North Secondary Plan, which represents Council's vision for the area.

This Report reviews and recommends refusal of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application, particularly as it relates to the height of the proposal; the proposed building massing and intensity; and the impact of the proposal on adjacent properties in the existing and planned context which may prevent an orderly development of the block. The recommendation for refusal is also based on inadequate soil volumes; unconfirmed servicing capacity; failure to provide adequate pedestrian connections, in the form of a mid-block connection to support active transportation; and failure to provide an adequate tenant assistance and relocation plan.

This report recommends refusal of the application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law because the outstanding issues could not be resolved within the legislated timeline for decision of 120 days. If City Council does not make a decision within the legislated timeline, the City may be subject to a request to refund all or part of the application fees. The report also recommends that Staff work with the applicant to use mediation to resolve the outstanding issues.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the continuation of the closure of the west sidewalk and the southbound curb lane on Bayview Avenue, between a point 26 metres south of Balliol Street and a point 49 metres further south, and provision of a 1.5 metre-wide covered and protected temporary pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the southbound curb lane from February 23, 2024 to July 31, 2024 inclusive.

2. City Council direct the applicant to continue to pressure wash or sweep (weather permitting) the construction site and adjacent sidewalks and roadways daily, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe.

3. City Council direct the applicant to continue to ensure that the existing sidewalks or the proposed pedestrian walkways have proper enhanced lighting to ensure safety and visibility at all times of the day and night.

4. City Council direct the applicant to continue to clearly consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local business improvement areas and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications.

5. City Council direct the applicant to continue to install appropriate signage and request the applicant to install converging mirrors to ensure that pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety is considered at all times.

6. City Council direct the applicant to continue to provide a sufficient number of traffic control persons as determined by the Work Zone Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, on a daily basis to control construction vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

7. City Council direct the applicant to continue to provide a sufficient number of pay-duty Police Officers as determined by the Work Zone Coordinator and Toronto Police Construction Liaison Officer, during large scale concrete pours and large scale material deliveries to control vehicle access and egress to and from the site and maintain a safe environment for the public.

8. City Council direct the applicant to continue to install cane detection within the covered and protected walkway to guide pedestrians who are visually impaired.

9. City Council direct the applicant to continue to post a 24-hour monitored construction hotline number on the hoarding board, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site.

10. City Council direct the applicant to continue providing and installing public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for night-time illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the Ward Councillor.

11. City Council direct that Bayview Avenue be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when the project is complete.

12. City Council direct the applicant to cooperate with and provide all necessary assistance to the City Engineers, staff and representatives carrying out operation, maintenance, and construction activities to municipal infrastructure within the vicinity of the construction staging area, and at no cost to the City to remove any staging to accommodate the necessary municipal infrastructure work.

As Bayview Avenue is classified as a major arterial street, City Council approval of this report is required.

1414 Bayview Dev Gp Inc. is constructing an eight-storey condominium with ground floor retail at 1408-1420 Bayview Avenue. The site is located on the west side of Bayview Avenue between Balliol Street and Merton Street.

The west sidewalk and the southbound curb lane on Bayview Avenue, between a point 26 metres south of Balliol Street and a point 49 metres further south, are currently closed for construction staging operations. Pedestrian operations on the west side of Bayview Avenue are maintained in a 1.5 metre-wide covered and protected walkway within the closed portion of the existing lane on the west side of Bayview Avenue.

At its meeting on February 7, 2023, City Council approved the subject construction staging area on Bayview Avenue from February 7, 2023 to January 31, 2024. The developer has requested an extension of the duration of the construction staging area on Bayview Avenue due to delays caused by: issues controlling the groundwater on-site, labour issues due to trade strikes and lost days due to weather.

Transportation Services is requesting authorization to extend the duration of the construction staging area on Bayview Avenue for an additional six months, from February 23, 2024 to July 31, 2024 to allow for the construction of the development to be completed.

North York Community Council recommends that: 

1. City Council designate a Community Safety Zone in effect at all times, on both sides of Don Mills Road between The Donway West / The Donway East (south intersection) and The Donway West / The Donway East (north intersection).

Don Mills Road is a divided arterial road with three lanes of traffic each way from Steeles Avenue in the north to the Don Valley Parkway in the south. I have heard from many concerned residents about speeding on Don Mills Road around the intersection of Lawrence Avenue East. Specifically from the Donway in the north to The Donway in the south. (The Donway is a ring road that circles Don Mills Road). There is a desire to reduce vehicle operating speeds and improve pedestrian safety.

Reasons for implementing a community safety zone in this area include:

- Its proximity to several schools including Norman Ingram and Greenland Public schools, the Overland Learning Centre, Don Mills Middle School and Don Mills Collegiate

- Its close proximity to several seniors' residences including the Revera located on Don Mills Road in the proposed zone, Greenview Living and Thompson House. Many of the condominiums located along Don Mills Road are also inhabited by seniors who need extra time to cross the street;

- The presence of the Shops at Don Mills which is a major retail location that produces increased traffic and pedestrian activity;

- The intersection of several Toronto Transit Commission bus lines at Lawrence Avenue East and Don Mills Road that will be expanded with the arrival of the Crosstown further south;

- The inability of Toronto Police to provide sufficient traffic enforcement as there is not the public space available to safely set up equipment or stop people.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended, for the lands at 2157 to 2183 Lawrence Avenue East substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment included as Attachment 5 to the report (January 31, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Scarborough District.

2. City Council authorizes the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendments as may be required.

The Scarborough Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 16, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

An application to amend the Zoning By-law has been submitted for the subject lands proposing to amend the Zoning By-law to permit the construction of a 24-storey building (Tower A) and a 21-storey building (Tower B), together with a shared 6-storey podium. The proposed development would contain a total gross floor area of 35,555 square meters and commercial uses on the ground floor. At total of 526 residential dwelling units, 264 vehicular parking spaces and 395 bicycle parking spaces are proposed.

City Planning staff have reviewed the proposal and are recommending approval in an

amended form with a maximum building height of 28-storeys for Tower A; and a reduced height of 11 storeys for Tower B so that it is entirely under the applicable angular plane along Lawrence Avenue East and separated from Tower A by at least 20 meters. The amended form continues to incorporate a 6 storey base building.

The amended proposal is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conforms with the Growth Plan, while advancing Official Plan direction for Mixed Use Areas on a Major Street by intensifying an underutilized site on Lawrence Avenue East with residential uses. The amended proposal would retain non-residential uses on site while adding to the range and mix of housing options in a compact built form that is contextually appropriate and ensures limited shadow impact on the public realm to the north of Lawrence Avenue east. It will contribute to the emerging mixed-use context along Lawrence Avenue East, joining recent and existing approvals now under construction in this area.

This report reviews and recommends City Council amend the Zoning By-law to secure the amended form of the application and include a Holding (H) provision which will ensure that outstanding engineering issues are resolved to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director of Engineering and Construction Services prior to permitting development on the subject lands.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend Zoning By-law 569-2013, as amended for the lands at 3060 Eglinton Avenue East substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Attachment 5 to the report (January 30, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Scarborough District.

2. City Council authorizes the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendments as may be required.

The Scarborough Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 16, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to amend the City of Toronto Zoning By-law No. 569-2013, as amended, to permit the construction of an 80 unit townhouse development at 3060 Eglinton Avenue East, including 10 affordable housing units.

The development consists of 4-storey stacked townhouses, organized into 6 blocks having a total gross floor area of approximately 10,040 square meters and an overall density of 0.72 times the area of the lot. A total of 92 parking spaces are proposed including 12 visitor parking spaces. Vehicular access is proposed from an 8 metre wide  private street off Eglinton Avenue East.

The proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020) and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020). The proposal conforms to the applicable Official Plan policies and complies with the criteria in the City's Townhouse and Low-Rise Apartment Guidelines with a built form that is compatible with the adjacent uses. The proposal would intensify an underutilized site in proximity to existing and emerging higher order transit.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 4566 and 4568 Kingston Road substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment included as Attachment 5 to the report (January 30, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Scarborough District.

2. City Council authorizes the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

The Scarborough Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 16, 2024, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law to permit the construction of a 12-storey mixed use building located at 4566 and 4568 Kingston Road. The application proposes a total gross floor area of 9,276.39 square metres and contains of 131 residential dwelling units supported by 105 vehicular parking spaces and 116 bicycle parking spaces.

The proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conforms with the Growth Plan. The proposal advances the Official Plan direction for both Avenues and Mixed Use Areas through the intensification and reurbanization of an underutilized site on Kingston Road, and successfully implements the intent of the Kingston Road Avenue Study in a compact built form that is contextually appropriate.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council refuse the applications for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment (Application No. 23 228704 ESC 22 OZ) in their current form, for the lands municipally known as 4151 to 4155 Sheppard Avenue East and 5 Lamont Avenue.

2. In the event the applications are appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, City Council, pursuant to subsections 22(8.1) and 34(11.0.0.1) of the Planning Act, use mediation, conciliation or other dispute resolution techniques in an attempt to resolve the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and City Solicitor.

3. City Council direct the City Clerk, should an appeal be filed, to notify all persons or public bodies who may have filed an appeal to this decision of City Council’s intention to rely on subsections 22(8.1) and 34(11.0.0.1) of the Planning Act and the City Clerk shall provide notice to all prescribed persons or public bodies under subsections 22(8.2) and 34(11.0.0.2) of the Planning Act. 

4. City Council direct the City Clerk, should an appeal be filed, to notify the Ontario Land Tribunal of City Council’s intention pursuant to subsections 22(8.1) and 34(11.0.0.1) of the Planning Act, and that the Ontario Land Tribunal shall receive the record, the notice of appeal and other prescribed documents and materials seventy-five (75) days after the last day for filing a notice of appeal for these matters.

5. Should the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications be resolved, and there is no appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal or the appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal has been withdrawn, City Council direct the Director, Community Planning, Scarborough District, to bring forward an Approval Report to the Scarborough Community Council for a statutory public meeting as required under the Planning Act.

6. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and other appropriate staff to take any necessary steps to implement City Council's decision.

This application proposes to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a 46-storey (152.9 metres) mixed-use building at 4151 to 4155 Sheppard Avenue East and 5 Lamont Avenue. The proposed 726 dwelling units would be deployed within 43,946 square metres of residential gross floor area accompanied by 520 square metres of non-residential gross floor area. The resulting total gross floor area is 44.467.1 square metres is equivalent to a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 11.72 times the lot area. A three-level underground garage is also proposed to contain 232 vehicular parking spaces.

The proposed development is not consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020), does not conform to the City’s Official Plan, including the Agincourt Secondary Plan, and does not meet the intent of the Tall Building Design Guidelines

This report reviews and recommends refusal of the application to amend the Official Plan, Agincourt Secondary Plan and the Zoning By-law.  The intensity of the proposed development is not appropriate for the site and does not provide appropriate transition to the lower scale built form to the south in accordance with the development criteria provided for by Official Plan policies and accompanying urban design guidelines.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the continuation of the temporary closure of the east sidewalk

on McCowan Road, between Sheppard Avenue East and Nugget Avenue, from April 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, inclusive, to facilitate the Scarborough Subway Extension tunnel construction work.

2. City Council direct that the east sidewalk and boulevard space on McCowan Road, between Sheppard Avenue East and Nugget Avenue, be returned to its pre-construction or better condition when the project is completed.

3.  City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to request Metrolinx to provide an update on the construction timelines of the Scarborough Subway Extension project, including the tunnel boring operations prior to requesting any time extension for the temporary closure of the east sidewalk on McCowan Road, between Sheppard Avenue East and Nugget Avenue beyond December 31, 2024.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on McCowan Road, City Council approval of this report is required.

Currently, Metrolinx's contractor, Strabag ("the Project Co.") is actively engaged in tunnel boring operations at the designated site in the north-east quadrant of Sheppard Avenue East and McCowan Road. The City Council-approved temporary closure of the east sidewalk on McCowan Road, between Sheppard Avenue East and Nugget Avenue, has been implemented to mitigate potential conflicts between pedestrians and significant flow of inbound and outbound construction vehicles. The approved sidewalk closure is set to expire on March 31, 2024.

Metrolinx has submitted a request for an extension of the temporary sidewalk closure until December 31, 2025. This extension is sought to accommodate the ongoing tunnel boring operations, which have experienced schedule adjustments due to challenges associated with the tunnel boring machine operation and maintenance. Subject to City Council approval of the requested time extension, with the east sidewalk closure in place, pedestrians will continue to utilize the west sidewalk on McCowan Road by safely crossing at the signalized intersections of McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue East and McCowan Road and Nugget Avenue. Finally, the Project Co. will continue to monitor pedestrian safety along the north sidewalk on Sheppard Avenue East abutting the site by deploying traffic control persons at the site accesses.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:  

1.  City Council prohibit heavy vehicles at all times on Old Finch Avenue, between Morningside Avenue and Morningview Trail/Valley Centre Drive.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Old Finch Avenue, City Council approval of this report is required.

Transportation Services is requesting approval to implement a heavy truck prohibition, to be in effect at all times, on Old Finch Avenue.  This proposed regulation is intended to reduce heavy truck activity within the Morningside Heights residential neighbourhood, as well as on the adjacent Sewells Road bridge and along the Sewells Road underpass.  The enactment of the heavy truck prohibition will also allow for enforcement by the Toronto Police Service under the Highway Traffic Act.

A companion report, titled "Heavy Truck Prohibitions - Old Finch Avenue and Sewells Road" outlines the required regulations for the adjacent street sections without TTC service.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council prohibit westbound right turns, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, except public holidays (bicycles excepted), on Ellesmere Road and Military Trail (west intersection)/Orton Park Road.

2. City Council amend the existing eastbound left turn prohibition in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, except public holidays, on Ellesmere Road and Military Trail (west intersection)/Orton Park Road to exempt bicycles.

3. City Council amend the existing compulsory turn in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, except public holidays, on Ellesmere Road from Orton Park Road to Military Trail to exempt bicycles.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Ellesmere Road, City Council approval is required.

The following prohibitions currently at the intersection of Ellesmere Road and Military Trail:

• No left turn for eastbound drivers on Ellesmere Road to Military Trail 7 a.m. -9 a.m. Mon.-Fri.
• No going straight from Orton Park Road to Military Trail from 7 a.m. -9 a.m. Mon.-Fri.
• No u-turns at the Ellesmere Road and Military Trail

The implementation of this turn prohibition, from Ellesmere Road to Military Trail 7a.m.-9a.m., Mon.- Fri. aligns with the other prohibitions in place for eastbound drivers on Ellesmere Road and northbound drivers on Orton Park Road.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:  

1. City Council assume the services installed within Portia Street and that the City formally assume the road within the Registered Plan of Subdivision 66M-2461.

2.  City Council authorize the Acting Director, Engineering Review to release the performance guarantee held with respect to the municipal services in accordance with the Subdivision Agreement.

3. City Council direct that an assumption By-law be prepared to assume the public highway and municipal services within the Registered Subdivision 66M-2461.

4. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor to register the assumption By-law in the Land Registry Office at the expense of the Owner.

5. City Council authorize the appropriate City Officials to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

6. City Council authorize the appropriate City Officials to transfer ownership of the street lighting system constructed with Registered Plan of Subdivision 66M-2461to Toronto Hydro.

This report recommends that the municipal services under the terms of the Subdivision Agreement for Plan 66M-2461, dated December 19, 2008 between Sentex Properties Ltd. and the City of Toronto be assumed by the City.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council assume the services installed within St. Magnus Drive, Lawson Road, and Brumwell Road in accordance with the accepted engineering drawings, and that the City formally assume St. Magnus Drive, extending from the existing St. Magnus Drive and terminating at a cul-de-sac, within the Registered Plan of Subdivision 66M-2482.

2. City Council authorize the Acting Director, Engineering Review to release the performance guarantee held with respect to the municipal services in accordance with the Subdivision Agreement.

3. City Council direct that an assumption By-law be prepared to assume the public highway and municipal services within the Registered Subdivision Plan 66M-2482.

4. City Council Authorize and direct the City Solicitor to register the assumption By-law in the Land Registry Office, at the expense of the Owner.

5. City Council authorize the appropriate City Officials to take the necessary action to give effect thereto. 

6. City Council authorize the appropriate City Officials to transfer ownership of the street lighting system constructed with Registered Plan of Subdivision 66M-2482 to Toronto Hydro.

This report recommends that the municipal services under the terms of the Subdivision Agreement for Plan 66M-2482, dated November 20, 2009 between Chiavatti Developments Limited and the City of Toronto be assumed by the City.

The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council direct the City Manager to assess the use of space at Scarborough Civic Centre and following this review, explore the potential to create a Strategic Plan by 2025 for the Scarborough Civic Centre, in alignment with the City’s Workplace Modernization Program, that:

a. addresses local needs including access to low cost, or possibly free community space;
b. involves the public and Scarborough Community Council;
c. explores key strategic priorities including economic development and innovation, culture, recreation, not-for-profits, and associated amenities;
d. consults past work to inform short, medium and long term site and area plans, including the Our Scarborough Centre (OurSC) Study;

e. generates revenue to support the ongoing State of Good Repair of the Civic Centre; and

f. involve and explore conversations with Scarborough TDSB Trustees to advance this Strategic Plan, as we share space at the Civic Centre with the Toronto District School Board.

Last September our iconic Scarborough Civic Centre embarked on its golden anniversary marking fifty years at the center of Scarborough's civic life. Lillian Allen, Toronto’s Poet Laureate, spoke of our Centre as a, “gathering place, a circle that radiates in the name of service to community,” as we seek to, “build our caring vision of Scarborough, filled with a bursting energy of hope, prosperity and joyousness.” Enabling this bold vision of our Centre as a transformational hub will require careful planning and some investments; but the ongoing potential of our civic space should be unlocked for the benefit of future generations of Scarberians.

This motion calls for the creation of a Strategic Plan by 2025 that will ensure the ongoing community usage and vibrancy of the Scarborough Civic Centre in a cost-effective manner.

The Toronto and East York Community Council forwards the Item to City Council without recommendation.

The Toronto and East York Community Council requested the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District to further consult with the applicants and impacted community members, including but not limited to Build a Better Bloor-Dufferin and occupants of the future community hub and report directly to the March 20, 2024 meeting of City Council.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 21, 2024 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to amend Site and Area Specific Policy 581 (SASP 581) associated with Official Plan Amendment 489 (OPA 489) to correctly identify the interior floor space of the two lower floors of the former Kent School building. This space will be conveyed to the City to provide a community hub, inclusive of a childcare facility, at 1141 Bloor Street West, 980 Dufferin Street, and 90 Croatia Street.

This report also seeks Council authority to amend the Section 37 provision to also correctly identify the floor area of the two lower floors of the former Kent School building, should the Committee of Adjustment approved the necessary variances to Site-specific Zoning By-law 700-2021 (OLT).

The proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020), and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020).

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Official Plan. The interior floor area for conveyance identified in SASP 581, and the Section 37 provision reflected the best understanding of the area at the time. However, the final corrected numbers are slightly different. The community hub obligations continue to be fulfilled with this adjustment in interior floor area, and the intent for a community hub, inclusive of a childcare facility, remains unchanged.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend the Official Plan for the lands at 50-64 Merton Street, substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment included as Attachment 6 to the revised report (February 14, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

2. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 50-64 Merton Street, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment included as Attachment 7 to the revised report (February 14, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

4. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, City Council require the owner to:

a. submit a revised Functional Servicing and Stormwater Management Report, to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services; and

b. enter into a Municipal Infrastructure Agreement to financially secure the construction of any improvements to the municipal infrastructure in connection with the accepted Functional Servicing Report by the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, should it be determined that improvements to such infrastructure are required.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 21, 2024 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Official Plan to permit a reduction in the required amount of office replacement in the new building, and a change to the required unit mix.

This report also reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law to permit a 157 metre (45-storeys including mechanical penthouse) mixed use building with 581 dwelling units and 1,700 square metres of office gross floor area. The application also proposes to partially retain the façade of the two-storey designated heritage building at 50 Merton Street.

The Toronto and East York Community Council forwards the Item to City Council without recommendation.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 21, 2024 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a 159.9 metre (50-storey excluding mechanical penthouse) mixed-use building with 714 dwelling units and 450 square metres of commercial space on the ground floor. The proposal includes a landscaped open space at the south end of the property, and a pedestrian path along the laneway to the east of the site.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend the Official Plan for the lands at 2161 Yonge Street substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment included as Attachment 3 to the revised report (February 16, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment as may be required.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 21, 2024 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Official Plan to permit a reduction in the required amount of office replacement in a 38-storey mixed use building currently under construction. The application includes a minimum of 4,000 square metres of office uses and expanded permissions for home occupation.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 211-219 Gerrard Street East, substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment included as Attachment 6 to the report (February 2, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 21, 2024 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law to permit a 7-storey mixed-use building at 211-219 Gerrard Street East. The proposal includes 39 dwelling units and 250 square metres of non-residential gross floor area.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the Toronto Metropolitan University campus substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Attachment 3 to the report (February 1, 2024) from the Director, Zoning, and Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 21, 2024 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This report recommends approval of the application to bring the entirety of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus into Zoning By-law 569-2013 ('the City-wide Zoning By-law') and to extend the existing campus-wide approach to parking requirements to include campus-wide requirements for loading spaces and bicycle parking spaces.

No development is proposed as part of this application.

Due to complex area-specific zoning regulations for post-secondary institutions contained in the Former General Zoning By-laws, these institutions, including TMU, were not included in the new City-wide Zoning By-law. Most of TMU is not included in the City-wide Zoning By-law, and is instead regulated by former City of Toronto Zoning By-law 438-86.

Bringing these lands into the City-wide Zoning By-law will remove barriers, ease administration and will ensure consistent and equitable application of important city-building initiatives such as the removal of parking minimums. The City-wide Zoning By-law is available online, conforms with the City's Official Plan, and is actively consolidated.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council amend the Official Plan for the lands at 929 Queen Street East substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment attached as Attachment 5 to the report (February 2, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

2. City Council amend City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 for the lands at 929 Queen Street East substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Revised Attachment 6 to the report (February 2, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.

The Toronto and East York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 21, 2024 and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a 10 storey mixed-use building with 70 rental dwelling units and 213.5 square metres of retail/commercial space at grade at 929 Queen Street East.

The proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020) and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020). The proposed development also conforms to the City's Official Plan, including Site and Area Specific Policy 469.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, with a holding provision. The mixed-use building is an appropriate scale for the site that fits with the existing and planned context of the surrounding area. Additionally, the proposal contributes to the overall supply and mix of available of housing units.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council classify the lands municipally known as 363-391 Yonge Street as a Class 4 Noise Area pursuant to Ministry of Environment Environmental Noise Guideline - Stationary and Transportation Sources - Approval and Planning Publication NPC-300, August 2013.

This report recommends that City Council designate the subject lands as a Class 4 Noise Area under relevant provincial noise guidelines administered by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for the lands at 363-391 Yonge Street.

A Class 4 Area designation allows for higher daytime and night-time sound level limits than would otherwise be permitted in relation to a noise sensitive land use such as residential dwellings and associated outdoor living areas. The impact of such higher levels would be mitigated by noise control measures that are part of the development.

A Detailed Environmental Noise Impact Assessment was prepared by GHD Limited in response to the proposed development at 363-391 Yonge Street. This assessment concludes that a Class 4 designation of the development site would be beneficial for land use compatibility with Toronto Metropolitan University.

An 85-storey mixed use development with 1,415 dwelling units and 7,440 square metres of non-residential gross floor area is currently under construction at 363-391 Yonge Street.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council refuse the application for the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment in its current form, for the lands municipally known as 2079-2111 Yonge Street, 9-11, 21, and 31 Hillsdale Avenue East and 12-18 Manor Road East for the reasons set out in the report (February 2, 2024) from the Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.

2. In the event the application is appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, City Council, pursuant to subsection 34(11.0.0.1) of the Planning Act, use mediation, conciliation or other dispute resolution techniques in an attempt to resolve the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the City Solicitor.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and other appropriate staff to take any necessary steps to implement City Council's decision.

4. City Council direct the City Solicitor to request, in the event of an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, the Ontario Land Tribunal to withhold its final order, until the following conditions are met:

a. the final form of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments are to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the City Solicitor, including any appropriate holding (H) provisions;

b. City Council has approved Rental Housing Demolition Application 23 201074 STE 12 RH under Chapter 667 of the Toronto Municipal Code pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to permit the demolition of the existing rental housing, and the owner has entered into, and registered on title to the lands, an Agreement pursuant to Section 111 of the City of Toronto Act securing replacement of the existing rental dwelling units and all other rental housing related matters, all to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning;

c. the owner has revised the Functional Servicing and Stormwater Management Report, Hydrogeological Report, Hydrological Review Summary, and Groundwater Summary to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services;

d. all comments from Engineering and Construction Services contained in their November 23, 2023 memorandum are addressed to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services; and

e. the owner has made satisfactory arrangements for the construction of any improvements to the municipal infrastructure in connection with the Functional Servicing and Stormwater Management Report, to be resubmitted for review and acceptance by the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, should it be determined that improvements to such infrastructure are required to support this development.

The application proposes to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a 98.0 metre (29-storey excluding mechanical penthouse) mixed use building at 2079-2111 Yonge Street, 9-11, 21, and 31 Hillsdale Avenue East and 12-18 Manor Road East. The building would contain 486 residential units and 2,000 square metres of non-residential gross floor area. The application also proposes to partially retain an existing heritage building at 2111 Yonge Street.

The existing buildings on site contain 31 rental dwelling units. A related Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion application to demolish and replace the existing rental dwelling units is under review.

The application identifies additional lands to the east of the site at 35-41 Hillsdale Avenue East and 20 Manor Road East under the same ownership as the site. These lands are being contemplated as part of the required parkland conveyance.

This report recommends refusal of the application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law because the outstanding issues could not be resolved within the legislated timeline for decision of 120 days. If City Council does not make a decision within the legislated timeline, the City may be subject to a request to refund all or part of the application fees. The report also recommends that Staff work with the applicant to use mediation to resolve the outstanding issues.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council direct the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal to oppose the current Zoning By-law Amendment Application appeal for the lands at 1437-1455 Queen Street West, and to continue discussions with the applicant to attempt to resolve outstanding issues.

2. In the event that the Ontario Land Tribunal allows the appeal in whole or in part, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to request the Ontario Land Tribunal to withhold any Order on the proposed appeal until such time as the City Solicitor advises that:

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

b. the applicant has satisfied all requests for further information identified in the Engineering and Construction Services memo to City Planning dated July 28, 2023, including but not limited to, a revised Functional Servicing Report to demonstrate the site can be adequately serviced to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, or the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services has determined whether holding provisions are required in the Zoning By-law Amendment;

c. the owner has made satisfactory arrangements with the City and has entered into the appropriate agreement(s) for the design and construction of any improvements to municipal infrastructure, should it be determined that upgrades and/or road improvements are required to support the development, according to the accepted Engineering Reports and Traffic Impact Study accepted by the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, and the General Manager, Transportation Services;

d. any necessary studies, including those related to pedestrian level wind impacts, sun shadow, noise and vibration, have been completed, and their recommendations addressed to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; and

e. a soil volume plan and tree planting plan has been accepted by the Supervisor, Urban Forestry, Tree Protection and Plan Review.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and City staff to take any necessary steps to implement City Council's decision.

A Zoning By-law Amendment application was submitted on May 19, 2023 seeking approval for a 12-storey mixed-use building comprised of 1 level of underground parking, retail uses on the ground level, and 249 residential units located on the upper floors at 1437-1455 Queen Street West.

On November 27, 2023, the applicant appealed the Zoning By-law Amendment application to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) due to Council not making a decision within the statutory time frame prescribed in the Planning Act.

This report recommends that the City Solicitor, with appropriate City staff, attend the OLT to oppose the application in its current form, and to continue discussions with the applicant to address outstanding issues.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council direct the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal in opposition to the current proposal, specifically regarding the Zoning By-law Amendment application appeal for the lands at 2681 Danforth Avenue and to continue discussions with the applicant in an attempt to resolve outstanding issues.

2. In the event that the Ontario Land Tribunal allows the appeals in whole or in part, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to request that the issuance of any final Orders be withheld until such time as the City Solicitor advises that:

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

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

c. the plans and studies be revised to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, and the Supervisor, Urban Forestry; and

d. a Draft Plan of Subdivision application is submitted to secure, among other matters, the conveyance of land for and construction of new public roads and parkland.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and City staff to take any necessary steps to implement City Council's decision.

On January 4, 2023 the City received applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning to permit a 44 and 33 storey tower development including a 8-9 storey podium with a total gross floor area of 79,854 square metres and 905 residential units; 11,066 square metres of non-residential space dedicated for Canadian Tire retail operations; and an onsite park dedication of approximately 958 square metres on the south portion of the site.  Road conveyances will be required to facilitate a new north-south public street.

The applicant appealed the applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal ("OLT") due to Council not making a decision within the time frame prescribed in the Planning Act.

This report recommends that the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff attend the OLT hearing to oppose the proposal in its current form and continue discussions with the applicant to resolve outstanding issues. This application is one of a number of applications in the immediate area which have been appealed; the review of these applications has been coordinated to implement the policy framework.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council approve:

a. the alterations to the designated heritage property at 50 Merton Street, in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act to allow for the construction of a 45-storey mixed-use building, with such alterations substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated November 23, 2023 prepared by Hariri Pontarini and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by GBCA, dated November 30, 2023, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, all subject to and in accordance with the Conservation Plan satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and subject to conditions as set out below; and

b. the demolition of a three-storey rear wing and northern half of the front-wing's east elevation of the designated heritage property at 50 Merton Street in accordance with Section 34(1) 1 of the Ontario Heritage Act to allow for the construction of a 45-storey mixed-use building, substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated November 23, 2023 prepared by Hariri Pontarini and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by GBCA, dated November 30, 2023, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, all subject to and in accordance with the 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 heritage property at 50 Merton Street, in accordance with Part IV, Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, and its consent to the demolition of a heritage attribute, being the rear wing of the designated heritage property at 50 Merton Street, under Part IV, Section 34(1)1 of the Ontario Heritage Act are also subject to the following conditions:

a. the related Zoning By-law Amendment permitting the proposed alterations has been enacted by City Council and has come into full force and effect in a form and with content acceptable to City Council, as determined by the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

b. prior to the introduction of the bills for such Zoning By-law Amendment by City Council, the owner shall:

1. enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City for the property at 50 Merton Street substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated November 23, 2023 prepared by Hariri Pontarini, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and the Heritage Impact Assessment, dated November 30, 2023, prepared by GBCA, all on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, subject to and in accordance with the Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.b.2. below, 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 the property at 50 Merton Street, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

c. prior to final Site Plan approval for the proposal, for the property located at 50 Merton Street the owners shall:

1. provide final Site Plan drawings substantially in accordance with the approved Conservation Plans required in Recommendation 2.b.2. above, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

2. provide a Heritage Lighting Plan that describe how the exterior of 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 a plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager Heritage Planning;

3. provide an Interpretation Plan for the subject property, 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. provide a detailed landscape plan for the subject property, satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

d. prior to the issuance of any permit for the work described in the Site Plan application, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing heritage building as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner shall:

1. have entered into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City of Toronto required in Recommendation 2.b.1. above, for property at 50 Merton Street including registration on title of such agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor;

2. have provided a detailed Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.b.2. above;

3. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the approved Conservation Plans required in Recommendation 2.b.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

4. 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, Lighting and Interpretation plans; and

e. prior to the release of the Letter of Credit required in Recommendation 2.d.4. 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 and the required interpretive work has been completed in accordance with the Conservation, Lighting and Interpretation Plans 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 50 Merton 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 City Council authorizing the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement for the property at 50 Merton Street.

This report recommends that City Council approve the proposed alterations to the designated heritage property at 50 Merton Street and grant authority to enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement for the property. This report also recommends approval of the proposed demolition of heritage attributes, being the removal of the three-storey rear wing and northern half of the front-wing's east elevation identified in the designation by-law.

The subject designated heritage property is located on the north side of Merton Street, east of Yonge Street, and contains a three-storey complex designed as the first permanent, purpose-built national headquarters for the Girl Guides of Canada. It was completed in 1962 to the design of Carmen Corneil, project architect for William J. McBain & Associates and extended in 1970-72 by the partnership of Elin and Carmen Corneil. The building is composed of a two-storey front wing set on a raised podium with an exterior terrace and a rear, three-storey back wing.

The proposed development has been submitted in connection with applications for amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law and involves the construction of a 45-storey mixed-use building at 50-64 Merton Street that partially retains the Girl Guides of Canada Headquarters building. A substantial portion of the two-storey front wing is to be retained and rehabilitated. It is proposed to be temporarily relocated on-site during construction, returned to its original location, and integrated into the new development's podium as lobby and amenity space. The exterior terrace, along with several interior heritage attributes are proposed to be reinstated with alterations. 

The proposed development is consistent with the existing policy framework and proposes an overall conservation strategy that conserves the significant heritage resource.

At its meeting on February 15, 2024 the Toronto Preservation Board considered Item PB14.2 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (January 29, 2024) from the Acting Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning:

This report recommends that City Council approve the proposed alterations to the designated heritage property at 50 Merton Street and grant authority to enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement for the property. This report also recommends approval of the proposed demolition of heritage attributes, being the removal of the three-storey rear wing and northern half of the front-wing's east elevation identified in the designation by-law.

The subject designated heritage property is located on the north side of Merton Street, east of Yonge Street, and contains a three-storey complex designed as the first permanent, purpose-built national headquarters for the Girl Guides of Canada. It was completed in 1962 to the design of Carmen Corneil, project architect for William J. McBain & Associates and extended in 1970-72 by the partnership of Elin and Carmen Corneil. The building is composed of a two-storey front wing set on a raised podium with an exterior terrace and a rear, three-storey back wing.

The proposed development has been submitted in connection with applications for amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law and involves the construction of a 45-storey mixed-use building at 50-64 Merton Street that partially retains the Girl Guides of Canada Headquarters building. A substantial portion of the two-storey front wing is to be retained and rehabilitated. It is proposed to be temporarily relocated on-site during construction, returned to its original location, and integrated into the new development's podium as lobby and amenity space. The exterior terrace, along with several interior heritage attributes are proposed to be reinstated with alterations. 

The proposed development is consistent with the existing policy framework and proposes an overall conservation strategy that conserves the significant heritage resource.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council include the following ten properties on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register in accordance with the Listing Statements (Reasons for Inclusion) attached as Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (January 29, 2024) from the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning.

- 143 Main Street (including entrance addresses 145 and 147 Main Street)

- 155 Main Street (including entrance addresses 157 and 159 Main Street)

- 161 Main Street (including entrance address 165 Main Street)

- 167 Main Street (including entrance address 2199 Gerrard Street East)

- 154 Main Street (including entrance addresses 158, 160, and 162 Main Street)

- 164 Main Street (including entrance addresses 166 and 168 Main Street and 2197           

Gerrard Street East)

- 2201 Gerrard Street East

- 2203 Gerrard Street East

- 2205 Gerrard Street East

- 2207 Gerrard Street East

This report recommends that City Council include ten properties at the intersection of Main Street and Gerrard Street on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register for their cultural heritage value and interest. 

Together, the ten properties comprise four early-twentieth century, two-storey,

Main Street Commercial type buildings that feature commercial uses at grade and residential and or office space above. The collection of buildings anchors the historically significant commercial and institutional core of the former municipality of East Toronto.

The most prominent two buildings, one inclusive of 155, 161, and 167 Main Street and 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207 Gerrard Street East and the other at 164 Main Street, define the southeast and southwest corners of Main Street and Gerrard Street East as Main Street Commercial Block type buildings. The property at 143 Main Street was constructed as a Main Street Commercial Row containing the East Toronto post office.

The addresses of the ten properties being recommended for inclusion on the Register are as follows:

143 Main Street (including entrance addresses 145 and 147 Main Street)

155 Main Street (including entrance addresses 157 and 159 Main Street)

161 Main Street (including entrance address 165 Main Street)

167 Main Street (including entrance address 2199 Gerrard Street East)

154 Main Street (including entrance addresses 158, 160, and 162 Main Street)

164 Main Street (including entrance addresses 166 and 168 Main Street and 2197           

Gerrard Street East)

2201 Gerrard Street East

2203 Gerrard Street East

2205 Gerrard Street East

2207 Gerrard Street East

The subject properties were initially identified as potential built heritage resources which should be further evaluated for inclusion on the City's Heritage Register through the Main Street Planning Study (2019).  The Main Street Planning Study put in place a plan for growth for properties in proximity to Main Street TTC Station and Danforth GO Station. 

All ten properties have been researched and evaluated by staff using the criteria prescribed in Ontario Regulation 9/06 and meet one or more of the provincial criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest and are believed to be of cultural heritage value or interest.

On January 1, 2023, amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act through the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) came into effect. Under the Ontario Heritage Act, as amended, a municipal heritage register may include properties for a period of two years that have not been designated but Council believes to be of "cultural heritage value or interest", and that meet one or more of the provincial criteria for determining whether they are of cultural heritage value or interest.  

The Ontario Heritage Act also states that should a property be subject to an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and/or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application, properties must be listed on the heritage register prior to Part IV designation and before the occurrence of a prescribed event. A prescribed event is a point of time when the application for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and/or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application has been deemed complete and the City Clerk provides notice of that complete application to the public in accordance with the Planning Act. 

Properties on the Heritage Register will be conserved and maintained in accordance with the Official Plan Heritage Policies. Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) are required for development applications that affect listed properties.  Following further research and evaluation, staff may recommend designation of the property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and seek appropriate conservation.

At its meeting on February 15, 2024 the Toronto Preservation Board considered Item PB14.4 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (January 29, 2024) from the Acting Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning:

This report recommends that City Council include ten properties at the intersection of Main Street and Gerrard Street on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register for their cultural heritage value and interest. 

Together, the ten properties comprise four early-twentieth century, two-storey,

Main Street Commercial type buildings that feature commercial uses at grade and residential and or office space above. The collection of buildings anchors the historically significant commercial and institutional core of the former municipality of East Toronto.

The most prominent two buildings, one inclusive of 155, 161, and 167 Main Street and 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207 Gerrard Street East and the other at 164 Main Street, define the southeast and southwest corners of Main Street and Gerrard Street East as Main Street Commercial Block type buildings. The property at 143 Main Street was constructed as a Main Street Commercial Row containing the East Toronto post office.

The addresses of the ten properties being recommended for inclusion on the Register are as follows:

143 Main Street (including entrance addresses 145 and 147 Main Street)

155 Main Street (including entrance addresses 157 and 159 Main Street)

161 Main Street (including entrance address 165 Main Street)

167 Main Street (including entrance address 2199 Gerrard Street East)

154 Main Street (including entrance addresses 158, 160, and 162 Main Street)

164 Main Street (including entrance addresses 166 and 168 Main Street and 2197           

Gerrard Street East)

2201 Gerrard Street East

2203 Gerrard Street East

2205 Gerrard Street East

2207 Gerrard Street East

The subject properties were initially identified as potential built heritage resources which should be further evaluated for inclusion on the City's Heritage Register through the Main Street Planning Study (2019).  The Main Street Planning Study put in place a plan for growth for properties in proximity to Main Street TTC Station and Danforth GO Station. 

All ten properties have been researched and evaluated by staff using the criteria prescribed in Ontario Regulation 9/06 and meet one or more of the provincial criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest and are believed to be of cultural heritage value or interest.

On January 1, 2023, amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act through the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) came into effect. Under the Ontario Heritage Act, as amended, a municipal heritage register may include properties for a period of two years that have not been designated but Council believes to be of "cultural heritage value or interest", and that meet one or more of the provincial criteria for determining whether they are of cultural heritage value or interest.  

The Ontario Heritage Act also states that should a property be subject to an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and / or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application, properties must be listed on the heritage register prior to Part IV designation and before the occurrence of a prescribed event. A prescribed event is a point of time when the application for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and / or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application has been deemed complete and the City Clerk provides notice of that complete application to the public in accordance with the Planning Act. 

Properties on the Heritage Register will be conserved and maintained in accordance with the Official Plan Heritage Policies. Heritage Impact Assessments are required for development applications that affect listed properties.  Following further research and evaluation, staff may recommend designation of the property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and seek appropriate conservation.

The Toronto and East York Community Council forwards the Item to City Council without recommendation.

The Toronto and East York Community Council directed the General Manager, Transportation Services to investigate the feasibility of alternative options for the proposed pedestrian and cycling closures on Strachan Avenue, including the possible retention of both pedestrian and cyclist facilities and also potentially reducing the duration of the proposed closures on the public right-of-way and report directly to the March 20, 2024 meeting of City Council.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on King Street West, City Council approval of this report is required.

Verdiroc Construction Corporation is constructing a 14-storey multi-unit residential building at 950 King Street West. The site is located at the north-east corner of King Street West and Strachan Avenue.

Transportation Services is requesting approval to close the east sidewalk, the northbound bicycle lane, and the southbound bicycle lane on Strachan Avenue for a period of 35 months, from February 29, 2024 to January 31, 2027 to facilitate construction staging operations. Pedestrian movements on the east side of Strachan Avenue abutting the site will be restricted and pedestrians will be directed to the west side sidewalk of Strachan Avenue. The southbound and the northbound bicycle lanes will be closed, and signage will be posted informing cyclists the bicycle lane ends in advance of the construction staging area and shared lane pavement markings will be installed advising cyclists and motorists to merge into a single traffic lane in the vicinity of the work zone.

Additionally, approval is being requested to close the public laneway east of Strachan Avenue north of King Street West for a period of 35 months, from February 29, 2024 to January 31, 2027 to facilitate construction staging operations. Only local traffic will be permitted to enter the laneway using the north access from Adelaide Street West.

The construction staging area will result in the loss of three on-street parking machine spaces on the north side of King Street West.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council authorize amendments to parking regulations required to establish new on-street paid parking at various locations, as set out in Attachments 1 and 2 to the report (February 2, 2024) Report from the Director, Traffic Management, Transportation Services.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on the subject streets, City Council approval of this report is required.

Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) has worked with Transportation Services to identify new pay-and-display parking spaces in Wards 4, 9, 12 and 19 that will support the local community and area businesses by encouraging a regular turnover in the on-street parking supply.

Through this review, Transportation Services is requesting approval for the installation of on-street paid parking at various locations in the four noted Wards. The proposed parking changes will replace the existing unpaid one, two and three-hour parking that is currently in effect. The proposed changes will not impact the flow of traffic and will encourage parking turnover.

While this report seeks City approval for the installation of on-street paid parking in various Wards, this is an ongoing initiative, and Transportation Services and TPA will continue to review and report on potential new on-street paid parking opportunities throughout the City of Toronto.

A companion report, titled "Pay-and-Display Parking – Various Streets (Delegated) outlines the required parking amendments for streets without TTC service.

The Toronto and East York Community Council forwards the Item to City Council without recommendation.

The purpose of this report is to request exemptions from Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 636 "Public Squares" and former City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 237 “Nathan Phillips Square” for events that are proposed to be held on Nathan Phillips Square from May 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with the Royal Ontario Museum to permit the Royal Ontario Museum, at 100 Queen’s Park Crescent, to install energy-saving revolving doors and a protective canopy over the entrance to protect patrons and passersby from ice and snow falling from the Crystal.

I am writing to you today to request your support in permitting the Royal Ontario Museum to install energy-saving revolving doors and a canopy over the entrance to protect patrons and passersby from ice and snow falling from the Crystal. The current zoning bylaw, 340-2003, does not allow any protrusions from the existing building envelope.

The Toronto and East York Community Council forwards the Item to City Council without recommendation.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Yonge Street and Bloor Street West, City Council approval of this report is required. Further, since this report contains recommendations that do not comply with City policy or by-laws, City Council approval of this report is required.

Mizrahi Development Group (The One) Inc. (the "developer") is currently the owner of a mixed-use development at 1 Bloor Street West (Mizrahi Project). The site is located on the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Bloor Street West. The development will consist of an eight-storey high retail podium and an 86-storey high residential tower.

A five-metre-wide portion of the northbound curb lane and east sidewalk on Balmuto Street from a point 29 metres south of Bloor Street West to a point 12 metres further south is currently closed to accommodate construction staging operations for the development. The west sidewalk and a three-metre-wide portion of the southbound curb lane on Yonge Street, between Bloor Street West and a point 66 metres south are also closed. The previous closure of the south sidewalk and a 1.2-metre-wide portion of the eastbound curb lane on Bloor Street West, between Yonge Street and a point 49 metres

west, is no longer required. Pedestrians have access to the existing sidewalk on the south side of Bloor Street West, abutting the construction site, which is covered and protected. Existing vehicle and bicycle lanes are maintained for both directions on Bloor Street West.

Toronto and East York Community Council, at its meeting on November 25 and 26, 2020, approved the construction staging area on Balmuto Street from November 30, 2020 to November 30, 2022. In a separate meeting on March 10, 2021, Toronto and East York Community Council approved an extension of the construction staging areas on Yonge Street and Bloor Street West from September 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. In a meeting on December 14 and 15, 2022, City Council approved an extension of the construction staging areas on Yonge Street, Bloor Street West and Balmuto Street, from December 14, 2022 to March 31, 2023. At the time, the developer indicated they would require the staging areas until June 30, 2025.

At its meeting on March 29, 2023, City Council approved an extension of the construction staging areas on Yonge Street, and Bloor Street West, from April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025, and for Balmuto Street an extension was approved for only one year from April 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024. At the time of the meeting on March 29, 2023, the developer indicated they would require the staging area on Balmuto Street until June 30, 2025. The developer is now requesting an extension for the duration of the construction staging on Balmuto Street, to allow for the construction of the development to be completed.

Transportation Services is requesting authorization to extend the duration of the construction staging area on Balmuto Street, between the first public lane south of Bloor Street West to Bloor Street West to allow for intermittent closures of the street during concrete pouring operations, for additional 17 months from April 2, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

For the maintenance of the concrete pump on Balmuto Street, Transportation Services is also requesting the authority for the General Manager of Transportation Services to issue a Temporary Street Occupation permit for Balmuto Street to the developer, notwithstanding that not all the criteria within the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, for so doing would be met.

In addition, Transportation Services is requesting authority to transfer the ownership of the Temporary Street Occupancy Permit for Balmuto Street in the event that the development and property is acquired by a new owner during the requested construction staging area times extension period from April 2, 2024 to August 31, 2025. The developer is currently the subject of Court-supervised Receivership proceedings, and the property may be the subject of a Court-supervised sale during this period. 

The issuance or transfer of the permit is contingent on the applicant providing an indemnity agreement to the City and/or a letter of credit in a form and amount and from a bank satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services and the City Solicitor. Transportation Services is also requesting authority to transfer the indemnity agreement to a new owner, subject to the ongoing court proceedings.

The Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 3, Accountability Officers, requires that the City's Accountability Officers undergo an annual audit by an external auditor, a practice that began with the Auditor General. As directed by City Council, the City Manager facilitated the request for proposal process and retained Robert Gore and Associates to undertake this work.

The external auditors have completed their review. I am transmitting to City Council the external auditor's reports for the Integrity Commissioner, Lobbyist Registrar and Ombudsman for the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, for information.

The City Manager recommends that:

1. City Council appoint David McIsaac as the Interim Controller, and in turn to the statutory office of Deputy Treasurer of the City of Toronto, for the purposes of section 138 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 effective the latter of March 22, 2024, or such date when David McIsaac enters into an employment contract for the position of Interim Controller and until such time as a new Controller has been appointed.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary by-laws to give effect to City Council's decision.

The purpose of this report is to recommend to City Council the appointment of an Interim Controller.

This is a time sensitive matter as the current Controller, Andrew Flynn, retired from the City of Toronto effective March 12, 2024 and an interim appointment must be in place before the next Council meeting, currently scheduled for April 17, 18 and 19, 2024.

The City Clerk transmits the Decision Letter from the Corporations Nominating Panel: 

The Corporations Nominating Panel recommends that:

1. City Council appoint the following public member to the CreateTO Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on March 22, 2028, and until a successor is appointed:

Mark Guslits

2. City Council appoint the following public member to the Boards of Directors of Build Toronto and the Toronto Port Lands Company, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on March 22, 2026, and until a successor is appointed:

Mark Guslits

3. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (February 13, 2024) from the City Clerk remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the CreateTO Board.

At its meeting on February 26, 2024, the Corporations Nominating Panel considered Item NC7.1 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (February 13, 2024) from the City Clerk:

The Corporations Nominating Panel will conduct interviews and recommend one candidate to City Council for appointment to the CreateTO Board.

The City Clerk transmits the Decision Letter from the Nominating Panel - Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal: 

The Nominating Panel - Multi-Tenant Licensing Tribunal recommends that:

1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal for a term of office ending on February 8, 2028, and until successors are appointed:

Owen Chambers

Emily McKernan

2. City Council direct that Revised Confidential Attachment 1 to the Decision Letter (March 12, 2024) from the City Clerk remain confidential in its entirety as it relates to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal.

At its meeting on March 1, 2024, the Nominating Panel - Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal considered Item NH4.1 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (February 15, 2024) from the City Clerk:

The Nominating Panel - Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal will conduct interviews and recommend two candidates to City Council for appointment to the Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On January 20, 2022 an Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment application was submitted seeking to permit the adaptive re-use of an existing historic church to include a 10-storey addition with 60 residential units.

On August 15, 2022 the applicant appealed the application to the Ontario Land Tribunal due to Council not making a decision within the time frame in the Planning Act.

Subsequently the applicant made applications under Sections 33 and 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act to alter the property and demolish heritage attributes in order to allow for the construction of a modified development application comprised of a seven-storey mixed-use building with commercial units at grade and residential units above. Staff recommended refusal of those permits as the submitted heritage memo was incomplete and therefore did not demonstrate satisfactory conservation of the heritage resources on site.

On January 17, 2024 the applicant submitted a revised development concept generally in line with the previous heritage alteration application, although the height has been further reduced to six-storeys. An Ontario Land Tribunal hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2024, with procedural filing dates occurring in spring 2024. The City Solicitor requires further directions for upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings relating to the Official Plan and rezoning appeal.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Appendix A to this report from the City Solicitor if the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 are adopted by City Council.

3.  City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On November 10, 2021, Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision applications were submitted to permit a 24-storey (76 metres high) mixed-use building and a 9-storey residential building (30 metres high) at 2402-2418 Dufferin Street and 4-10 Ramsden Road.  Also proposed were a northerly extension to the existing municipal laneway within the site, and an on-site parkland dedication at the southwest corner of the site.

On August 2, 2022, the Applicant appealed the Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal due to Council not making a decision within the prescribed time frames in the Planning Act.

Case Management Conferences before the Ontario Land Tribunal took place on November 15, 2022 and April 3, 2023.  Duffli Limited and Li III Ltd, an adjacent landowner, was made a party to the proceedings and a 10 day hearing has been scheduled to commence on April 15, 2024.

The City Solicitor urgently requires further directions for the upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing. This item cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Appendices A, B and C to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

This report and the report that went to the Toronto Preservation Board on March 18, 2024 are intended to be considered together by City Council at its meeting on March 20 to 22, 2024.

The owner appealed its Zoning By-law Amendment and Official Plan Amendment Applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal on April 20, 2023.  The applicant has also appealed the Site Plan application to the Ontario Land Tribunal due to a lack of decision within the time frame prescribed in the Planning Act.

During its meeting of October 11 and 12, 2023, City Council directed the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal in opposition to the current applications regarding the Official Plan, and Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Control appeals for the lands at 1779-1787 Bayview Avenue and to continue discussions with the applicant to resolve outstanding issues.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council direct that the confidential recommendations and all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Appendix A, B and C to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential as it contains advice and information which is subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation privilege.

The City of Toronto received complaints from 109 Erskine Inc., Montclair Developments #1 Inc., and 1161 Kingston Road GP Inc. (collectively the "Owners") respecting the development charges paid by each Owner for developments at 109 Erskine Avenue, 63 – 91 Montclair Avenue, and 1161 Kingston Road respectively.  Given City Council’s failure to make a decision on the complaints within the statutory timelines, the Owners appealed the complaints respecting 109 Erskine Avenue and 63 – 91 Montclair Avenue to the Ontario Land Tribunal and an appeal respecting 1161 Kingston Road is expected imminently.

A hearing has been scheduled for March 20, 2024, which the City Solicitor expects would address all the Owners’ appeals given that the issues in each are identical and all are represented by the same legal counsel.

The City Solicitor requires further directions.  These matters are urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council rescind its decision on item 2023.NY7.7 headed "123 Wynford Drive - Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application - Appeal Report".

2.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report.

3.  City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1, if adopted by City Council.

4.  City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 is to remain confidential, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation privilege.

On July 29, 2022, an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application was submitted to permit the redevelopment of the lands at 123 Wynford Drive (the "Property") with two residential towers having proposed heights of 55 storeys and 48 storeys.  The proposed overall gross floor area was 78,660 square metres, with a floor space index of 10.5 times the lot area.  The application (the "Application") was deemed complete on August 4, 2022.  A resubmission (the "Resubmission") was made by the applicant on April 6, 2023.  On April 20, 2023, the Applicant appealed City Council's failure to make a decision on the Application within the applicable statutory timeframe to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

On July 19, 2023, City Council stated its intention to designate the Property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.  Heritage Designation By-law 810-2023 ("By-law 810-2023") in respect of the Property was enacted on September 14, 2023.  On November 1, 2023, the Applicant appealed By-law 810-2023, after the Ontario Land Tribunal had already scheduled a hearing on the Applicant's Planning Act appeals.  On February 5, 2024, the Applicant withdrew its appeal of By-law 810-2023.  On February 8, 2024, the Applicant applied for a Heritage Permit (the "Heritage Permit Application").  The Heritage Permit Application was deemed incomplete on February 14, 2024 and remains incomplete.  Heritage Planning staff intend to submit a report in respect of the Heritage Permit Application to the meeting of the Toronto Preservation Board scheduled for May 7, 2024; to be considered by North York Community Council at its meeting scheduled for May 8, 2024; and then to be considered by City Council at its meeting scheduled for May 22, 23, and 24, 2024.

For reasons set out in Confidential Attachment 1 this matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Appendix A to this Report from the City Solicitor if the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 are adopted by City Council.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On March 7, 2023, the City received Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications for 15-19 Bloor Street West (the "Site") to permit the construction of a 94-storey mixed-use tower containing 1,262 dwelling units and 272 square metres of retail space.

City Council refused the applications on June 14, 2023.  The applicant appealed City Council's refusal to the Ontario Land Tribunal on June 21, 2023.

A Case Management Conference took place in September 2023 and Mizrahi Development Group (The One) Inc. ("Mizrahi") and Toronto Standard Condominium Corporation 2208, were granted party status.  The ABC Residents Association was granted party status on consent of all the parties on January 25, 2024.  A 10-day hearing has been scheduled to commence on June 10, 2024.

Given upcoming procedural filing dates set out in the Procedural Order, and other deadlines addressed in Confidential Attachment 1, this matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Appendix A and Confidential Appendix B to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

This application proposes a 35-storey mixed-use building with 26,074 square metres of residential gross floor area for a total of 442 units, and 621 square metres of ground floor retail fronting onto Eglinton Avenue.  The development will have a total gross floor area of 26,695 square metres with a Floor Space Index of 13.47.  A second submission was made by the applicant on July 17, 2023.

On April 14, 2023, the applicant appealed the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application to the Ontario Land Tribunal due to Council not making a decision within the time frame prescribed in the Planning Act.

The City Solicitor requires further direction for the upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing which was scheduled to commence February 28, 2024, however, this matter was adjourned to March 12, 2024, at which time a date will be set for a hearing.  Given this timing, this item is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council, and relevant Confidential Appendices at the discretion of the City Solicitor.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

City Council adopted Official Plan Amendment 536 on March 9, 2022. Official Plan Amendment 536 sought to establish a consistent city-wide approach to public safety for development when an application is submitted to introduce, develop or intensify land uses in proximity to rail facilities.

Official Plan Amendment 536 sought to introduce a new section, Section 3.6 titled Rail Facilities and Public Safety, which contains policies related to the requirements for a Rail Safety and Risk Mitigation Report for developments that propose to introduce a new or intensified land use within the area of influence of rail facilities. It also included an amendment to Schedule 3 of the Official Plan (Application Requirements) adding the requirement for a Rail Safety and Mitigation Report for applications for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, Plan of Subdivision and Site Plan Approval for lands abutting rail facilities. Official Plan Amendment 536 also included non-policy explanatory text.

Official Plan Amendment 536 was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal by 44 appellants. A first Case Management Conference was held on July 21, 2022. A second Case Management Conference is scheduled to be held on April 22, 2024.

The City Solicitor requires further instructions on this matter. This matter is urgent as it pertains to an upcoming hearing event at the Ontario Land Tribunal and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report.

2. If the confidential instructions in Confidential Attachment 1 are adopted, City Council authorize the public release of the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1, with the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice and information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

The purpose of this report is to request further instructions for the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing into this matter currently scheduled to commence on April 16, 2024, for two weeks. The applicant appealed the proposed amendments to the Zoning By-Law to the Ontario Land Tribunal due to Council's failure to make a decision on the application within the time prescribed by the Planning Act.

The applicant has presented a with prejudice settlement offer to the City Solicitor dated March 6, 2024 (the "Settlement Proposal") as contained within Public Appendix A to this report. Direction from Council is required for an upcoming hearing of the proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal in April 2024. This matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 and Confidential Appendix A to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On December 6, 2022, the City received a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 1840 Bayview Avenue (the "Site") to permit the construction of a 34-storey mixed-use building.

The applicant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on its application for the Zoning By-law Amendment (the "Appeal"), to the Ontario Land Tribunal on March 16, 2023.

The City Solicitor requires further directions for an upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing scheduled for May 27, 2024 to June 7, 2024.  Given imminent procedural filing dates set out in the Procedural Order, and other deadlines addressed in Confidential Attachment 1, this matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3.  City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On December 16, 2021, the City received a Zoning By-law Amendment application (the "Application") for 39-47 Camden Street to permit the construction of a 16-storey mixed use building with commercial uses on the ground floor and 154 dwelling units above.

On April 4, 2022, the applicant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on its Application to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

On February 27, 2024, the City Solicitor received a "with prejudice" settlement offer, which incorporates the adjacent land at 35 Camden Street into the proposal (the "Site"), consisting of the correspondence attached to this report as Public Appendix A and the architectural plans and drawings attached to this report as Public Appendix B (the "Settlement Offer"), which propose to modify the Application.

The City Solicitor requires further directions for the upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing scheduled from April 15 to 19, 2024.  Given that the City Council meeting commencing on March 20, 2024 is the last City Council meeting to consider the Settlement Offer before the hearing commences, this matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council direct that the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 and the remainder of Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as they contain advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege, and that Confidential Appendix A and Confidential Appendix B remain confidential as they contain confidential and privileged information.

On March 5, 2012 and December 30, 2016, the City received a Zoning By-law Amendment application for the north block and south block respectively of the lands known as 309 Cherry Street (the "Site").  The applications proposed mixed use development, with a 26-storey residential tower atop an 8-storey podium and the partial retention of existing heritage buildings on the north block, and an 11-storey building and 52-storey building atop a 4-12 storey 'u-shaped' podium.

The applicant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on its application for the Zoning By-law Amendment to the predecessor to the Ontario Land Tribunal (the "Tribunal") on October 31, 2014 for the north block and June 1, 2017 for the south block (the "Appeals").  In March 2023, the applicant submitted revised plans for the Site, proposing a tower on each of the north and south block with heights of 47 and 39 storeys respectively.

The City Solicitor requires further directions in this matter.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.
 

2.  City Council direct that the confidential recommendations and all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 and the Confidential Appendix A to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential as it contains advice and information which is subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation privilege.

On May 30, 2023, the City received a complaint from 31F Development Limited Partnership (the "Complainant"), pursuant to Section 20 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27 (the "Section 20 Complaint"), for 32, 36 and 38 Olive Avenue (the "Site") regarding the payment of development charges.

On August 16, 2023, pursuant to Section 22(2) of the Development Charges Act, 1997, the Complainant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on its complaint (the "Section 22 Appeal"), to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

On January 23, 2024, this matter was litigated at the Ontario Land Tribunal and the decision from the Ontario Land Tribunal is being held pending further discussion amongst the parties.

The City Solicitor requires further directions as this matter has been adjudicated; as a result, this matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council receive this report for information.

2.  City Council direct that all information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On February 8, 2024, the Committee of Adjustment (the "Committee") considered applications made by the owner of 8 Yorkleigh Avenue for a consent to sever the lot and construct a new dwelling on each of the two new lots, and for three minor variances from City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 in respect of one of the new lots.  Two of the minor variances were for relief from Zoning by-law provisions regulating lot frontage and lot area.  The Committee of Adjustment gave its provisional consent and authorized the requested variances.  Copies of the Committee's decisions are attached as Public Attachment 1.

In accordance with the motion adopted by Etobicoke York Community Council on February 28, 2024 (Item EY11.14), the City Solicitor appealed the Committee’s decision in order to preserve the City’s rights, in the event that City Council directs the City to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in opposition to the Committee’s decision.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On August 18, 2022, a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 179-185 King Street East was submitted to permit a 33-storey mixed-use building with 7,600 square metres of non-residential gross floor area and 190 dwelling units above. Portions of the facades of the existing designated heritage buildings were proposed to be integrated into the development.

On March 24, 2023, the applicant appealed the application to the Ontario Land Tribunal due to Council's failure to make a decision within the timeframe identified in the Planning Act.

On August 14, 2023, following the appeal, the applicant acquired 175 King Street East and submitted a revised Zoning By-law Amendment application. The revised application for the enlarged site was for a 35-storey mixed-use building with 500 square metres of non-residential gross floor area and 394 dwelling units above.

On January 20, 2024, and following several days of Tribunal-led mediation, the applicant provided a with prejudice settlement offer. The details of this offer are set out in this report, Public Attachment 1, and Public Attachment 2. The City Solicitor requires further directions for upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings relating to the zoning by-law amendment appeal.

This report should be considered along with Item PB14.3 of the Toronto Preservation Board and the associated confidential report from the City Solicitor dated January 31, 2024, which discusses the heritage conservation strategy of the Settlement Offer and has been forwarded to City Council for consideration at its meeting of March 20 to 22, 2024.

See: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.PB14.3

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3.  City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it is about litigation before the Ontario Land Tribunal and contains advice or communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On December 12, 2023, the Ontario Land Tribunal issued a decision in respect of a motion brought by the applicant, Minto (Mimico) Inc., relating to its attempted 2023 site plan control application under Section 114 of the City of Toronto Act relating to various properties under the municipal address of 1 Audley Street and 8 Newcastle Street ("Block D Lands") and for the property municipally known as 2 and 10 Audley Street and 29, 31, and 59 Portland Street ("Block E" Lands).  The Ontario Land Tribunal Act allows the parties to a hearing to seek leave to appeal a decision of the Ontario Land Tribunal to the Divisional Court.  The City Solicitor requires further directions.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council direct that the confidential recommendations and all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 and the Confidential Appendix A to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential as it contains advice and information which is subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation privilege.

On May 31, 2023, the City received a complaint from 8 Elm Development Limited Partnership (the "Complainant"), pursuant to section 20 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27 (the "Section 20 Complaint"), for 8 Elm Street and 348-354 Yonge Street (the "Site") regarding the payment of development charges.

On August 18, 2023, pursuant to section 22(2) of the Development Charges Act, 1997, the Complainant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on its complaint (the "Section 22 Appeal"), to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

On January 26, 2024, this matter was litigated at the Ontario Land Tribunal and the decision from the Ontario Land Tribunal is being held pending further discussion amongst the parties.

The City Solicitor requires further directions as this matter has been adjudicated; as a result, this matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the confidential instructions to staff contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff contained in Confidential Attachment 1, Confidential Appendix A and Confidential Appendix B to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it is about litigation before the Ontario Land Tribunal and contains advice or communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege.

The purpose of this report is to request further instructions in respect of the hearing before the Ontario Land Tribunal currently scheduled to commence on May 27, 2024, for a period of 2 weeks. The applicant appealed the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 353 - 355 Adelaide Street West, 46 Charlotte Street and 16 Oxley Street to the Ontario Land Tribunal due to Council's failure to make a decision on the application within the time prescribed by the Planning Act.

The property municipally known as 355 Adelaide Street West is designated under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3.  City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On November 8, 2021, the City received a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 49-51 Yonge Street (the "Site") to permit the construction of a 60 storey mixed-use building with 1,757 square meters of non-residential gross floor area on the first five storeys, and 256 dwelling units above. Portions of the south and west facades of the existing designated heritage buildings were proposed to be integrated into the development.

The applicant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on its application for the Zoning By-law Amendment (the "Appeal"), to the Ontario Land Tribunal on April 17, 2023.

The City Solicitor requires further directions after receiving a With Prejudice settlement offer on February 23, 2023, which is conditional upon the offer being considered at the March 20, 21 and 22 meeting of Toronto City Council.  As such, this matter is urgent and cannot be deferred.

The Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that:

1. City Council approve:

a. the alterations to the heritage properties at 49 and 51 Yonge Street in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act to allow for the construction of a 62-storey tower with such alterations substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated February 8, 2024 prepared by Architects Alliance and the Heritage Impact Assessment dated February 20, 2024 prepared by GBCA Architects, both on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, all subject to and in accordance with the Conservation Plan satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and subject to conditions as set out below; and

b. the demolition of the heritage attributes of the existing building on the designated heritage property at 49 Yonge Street, in accordance with Section 34(1)1 of the Ontario Heritage Act in connection with the approval of a 62-storey tower on the subject lands substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated February 8, 2024 prepared by Architects Alliance and the Heritage Impact Assessment dated February 20, 2024 prepared by GBCA Architects, both on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, all subject to, and in accordance with, the Conservation Plan satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, and subject to conditions as set out below.

2. City Council direct that it consents to the application to alter the designated properties at 49 and 51 Yonge Street under Part IV, Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act and its consent to the demolition of attributes on the designated heritage property at 49 Yonge Street, under Part IV, Section 34(1)1 of the Ontario Heritage Act subject to the following conditions:

a. prior to any Ontario Land Tribunal Order issued in connection with the related Zoning By-law Amendment appeal, the owner shall:

1. enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City for the properties at 49 and 51 Yonge Street substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated February 8, 2024 prepared by Architects Alliance and the Heritage Impact Assessment dated February 20, 2024 prepared by GBCA Architects, subject to and in accordance with the Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 below, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, including execution of such agreement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor;

2. provide a detailed Conservation Plan, prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that is consistent with the conservation strategy set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment for 49 and 51 Yonge Street dated February 20, 2024 prepared by GBCA Architects, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

b. that prior to Site Plan approval for the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment by City Council for the properties at 49 and 51 Yonge Street, the owner shall:

1. provide final Site Plan drawings substantially in accordance with the approved Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

2. have obtained final approval for the necessary Zoning By-law Amendment required for the subject property, such Amendment to have come into full force and effect;

3. provide a Heritage Lighting Plan that describes how the exterior of the properties located at 49 and 51 Yonge Street 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;

4. provide an Interpretation Plan for the properties located at 49 and 51 Yonge Street, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

c. that prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the properties at 49 and 51 Yonge Street, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing heritage building, as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner of the subject property shall:

1. have entered into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City required in Recommendation 2.a.1 above including registration on title of such agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor;

2. have obtained final approval for the necessary Zoning By-law Amendment, and such Amendment to have come into full force and effect;

3. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the approved Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 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;

4. 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. that prior to the release of the Letter of Credit required in Recommendation 2.c.4 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 and the required interpretive work has been completed in accordance with the Conservation 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 the properties at 49 and 51 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 City Council authorizing the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement for the properties at 49 and 51 Yonge Street.

This report recommends that City Council approve the alterations and demolition proposed for the heritage properties at 49 and 51 Yonge Street under Section 33 and Section 34(1)1 of the Ontario Heritage Act in conjunction with a Zoning By-law Amendment application which has been appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

The application proposes the redevelopment of the site by constructing a 62-storey mixed-use building on the properties with commercial and office uses maintained within the heritage buildings. The Yonge Street and Wellington Street exterior walls will be retained in situ.

The proposed development is consistent with the relevant provincial and municipal policies, except for the demolition of the interior attributes. Despite the proposed demolition of the interior heritage attributes, staff are of the opinion that the cumulative impacts to the heritage resources on the site are appropriately mitigated through the overall conservation strategy in the context of the settlement of the Zoning By-law Amendment application appeal.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council authorize the public release of the confidential recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council.

3.  City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

On November 10, 2021, applications for Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision were submitted to permit a 57-storey mixed-used building containing 606 dwelling units and 3,500 square metres of non-residential gross floor area for 619-637 Yonge Street and 1-9 Isabella Street (the "Site"). On April 11, 2022, a Site Plan Control application for the Site was also submitted.

On September 23, 2022, the applicant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on the applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal. On January 4, 2024, the applicant filed revised plans with the City of Toronto (the "City").  On March 5, 2024, the City received a With Prejudice settlement offer referencing the Revised Plans from the applicant's lawyers, Kagan Shastri DeMelo Winer Park LLP.

The City Solicitor requires further direction for the upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing, which is scheduled to commence on August 12, 2024.

The Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that:

1. City Council approve:

a. the alterations to the heritage property at 625 Yonge Street (including entrance addresses of 627, 629, 631, 633, 635 and 637 Yonge Street and 1, 3 and 5 Isabella Street) in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act to allow for the construction of a 70-storey tower with such alterations substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated December 15, 2023 prepared by Core Architects and the Heritage Impact Assessment dated December 29, 2023 prepared by The Ventin Group Limited Architects, both on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, all subject to and in accordance with the Conservation Plan satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and subject to conditions as set out below.

2. City Council direct that it consents to the application to alter the designated property at 625 Yonge Street under Part IV, Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, also subject to the following conditions:

a. prior to any Ontario Land Tribunal Order issued in connection with the related Zoning By-law Amendment appeal, the owner shall:

1. enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City for the property at 625 Yonge Street substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated December 15, 2023 prepared by Core Architects and the Heritage Impact Assessment dated December 29, 2023 prepared by The Ventin Group Limited Architects, subject to and in accordance with the Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 below, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, including execution of such agreement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor;

2. provide a detailed Conservation Plan, prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that is consistent with the conservation strategy set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment for 625 Yonge Street dated December 29, 2023 prepared by The Ventin Group Limited Architects, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

3. withdraw the appeal(s) of the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District Plan, and if not an appellant, but rather a party to such appeals, the owner shall withdraw as a party and not seek any party or participant status on the appeals, or advise the City Solicitor, in writing, that they shall not object to the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District Plan and only maintain a monitoring brief of the hearing on the merits; and

4. withdraw the appeal of By-law 70-2023, being a by-law to designate the property at 625 Yonge Street (including entrances at 627, 629, 631, 633, 635, and 637 Yonge Street, and 1, 3 and 5 Isabella Street) as being of cultural heritage value or interest under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

b. that prior to Site Plan approval for the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment by City Council for the property at 625 Yonge Street, the owner shall:

1. provide final Site Plan drawings substantially in accordance with the approved Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning;

2. have obtained final approval for the necessary Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment required for the subject property, such Amendments to have come into full force and effect;

3. provide a Heritage Lighting Plan that describes how the exterior of the property located at 625 Yonge Street 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;

4. provide an Interpretation Plan for the property located at 625 Yonge Street, 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

5. submit a Signage Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning.

c. that prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the property at 625  Yonge Street, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing heritage building, as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner of the subject property shall:

1. have entered into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the City required in Recommendation 2.a.1 above including registration on title of such agreement, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor;

2. have obtained final approval for the necessary Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment, and such Amendments to have come into full force and effect;

3. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the approved Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 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

4. 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. that prior to the release of the Letter of Credit required in Recommendation 2.c.4 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 and the required interpretive work has been completed in accordance with the Conservation 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 the property at 625 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 City Council authorizing the entering into of a Heritage Easement Agreement for the property at 625 Yonge Street.

This report recommends that City Council approve the alterations proposed for the heritage property at 625 Yonge Street (with entrance addresses of 627, 629, 631, 633, 635 and 637 Yonge Street and 1, 3 and 5 Isabella Street) under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act in conjunction with Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications on the properties at 619-637 Yonge Street which have been appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

The application proposes the redevelopment of the site by constructing a 70-storey mixed-use building with two levels of mechanical on the properties at 619-637 Yonge Street which includes the designated heritage property at 625 Yonge Street.

The proposed development is consistent with the relevant provincial and municipal policies. Staff are of the opinion that the impacts to the heritage resource on the site are appropriately mitigated through the overall conservation strategy in the context of the settlement of the appeal on the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications.

The Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, recommends that:

1. City Council refuse the alterations to the designated heritage properties at 374, 376 and 378 Yonge Street (including entrance addresses at 374A and 376A Yonge Street) in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act as found in the plans and drawings prepared by Dialog Architects dated October 26, 2023 and the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by Philip Goldsmith Architect dated October 26, 2023.

2. In the event of an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, City Council authorize the City Solicitor and the necessary City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing in opposition to the appeal.

This report recommends that City Council refuse the application under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act to construct a new structure on the designated heritage properties at 374 (374A) Yonge Street, 376 (376A) Yonge Street and 378 Yonge Steet, in connection with the development of the properties at 372-378 Yonge Street.

In July 2020, the City received an Official Plan and Rezoning application for a 74-storey mixed-use building followed in September 2021 by an application for Site Plan approval for the proposed development involving the subject properties.

On May 5, 2021 City Council directed the City Solicitor, together with City Planning staff and appropriate City staff to attend the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal hearing to oppose the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications in their current form. The application for the Site Plan approval remains under review.

On March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, City Council adopted the staff report and stated its intention to designate the properties at 374, 374 A and 376 Yonge Street (including the entrance address at 376 A Yonge Street) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. Both of these properties were designated for their design/physical and contextual value. 378 Yonge Street has been designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act since 1976.

On February 2, 2024 the owner submitted an application to alter the heritage property under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act.  This report recommends this application be refused.

The City Solicitor recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the public release of the confidential instructions to staff contained in Confidential Attachment 1, Confidential Appendix A, Confidential Appendix B, Confidential Appendix C, Confidential Appendix D and Confidential Appendix E to this report from the City Solicitor, if adopted by City Council, at the discretion of the City Solicitor.

3. City Council direct that all other information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to this report from the City Solicitor is to remain confidential at the discretion of the City Solicitor, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

City Council designated the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District and adopted the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District Plan at its meeting of March 10, 2016. The Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District was subsequently appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

North Downtown Yonge Site and Area Specific Policy 382 (Official Plan Amendment 183) was adopted by Council in October 2013 to introduce a new land use planning framework for the area.  The majority of the site and area specific policy was approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal in 2017, but remaining policies relating to heritage were consolidated with the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District appeals.

The Ontario Land Tribunal has scheduled a 15-day hearing of the appeals of the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District and North Downtown Yonge site and area specific policy beginning June 3, 2024.

As permitted by the Ontario Land Tribunal's modified procedural order, on February 28, 2024, the remaining appellants to the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District and North Downtown Yonge site and area specific policy filed proposed modifications to the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District Plan. The City Solicitor has reviewed the proposed modifications with City staff and has determined that further direction from City Council is required on this litigation matter.

Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow, recommends that: 

1. City Council increase the 2024 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $10,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 666 Spadina Avenue, secured for public realm improvements (Source Account: XR3026-3701288), for the production and installation of a heritage plaque honouring Uno Prii at or near 35 Walmer Road (Cost Centre: HG0001).

2. City Council increase the 2024 Operating Budget for Heritage Toronto on a one-time basis by $10,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the following developments:

a. $5778.12 from 192A, 194, and 200 Bloor Street West (Source Account: XR3026-3700396), secured for the heritage plaque program in the Annex community; and

b. $4,221.88 from 666 Spadina Avenue (Source Account: XR3026-3701288), secured for public realm improvements;

for the production and installation of a heritage plaque honouring Senator David Croll at or near Senator David Croll Apartments at 341 Bloor Street West (Cost Centre: HG0001).

This motion is to install two heritage plaques in Ward 11 with $20,000 in Section 37 funds, honouring local residents who have made outstanding contributions to Toronto and to Canada as a whole.

The first plaque is to honour Uno Prii, the influential Toronto architect who brought sculptural curves and artful details to apartment buildings. Some of his best-loved and internationally famous works are in the Annex in Ward 11, such as the Vincennes at 35 Walmer Road (1966), Prince Arthur Towers at 20 Prince Arthur Avenue (1968), Brazil Towers at 485 Huron Street, and 44 Walmer Road (1969).

The second plaque is to honour Senator David Croll. Senator David Croll was an immigrant and prominent social reformer who shattered racist barriers within Canada’s political landscape. For over 60 years of exemplary public service (1931 to 1991) he fought for fairness, for justice, and for those most in need. Despite rampant anti-Jewish prejudice, he became Canada’s first Jewish mayor, first Jewish cabinet minister, and first Jewish senator.

Senator David Croll lived his principles. He resigned from the Ontario Cabinet over the government’s harsh response to the 1937 United Auto Workers strike against General Motors, declaring “I would rather walk with the workers than ride with General Motors.” He served overseas during World War II, and then was elected as a federal member of parliament for Spadina.

In the Canadian Senate, Senator David Croll authored the influential 1971 "Report of the Special Senate Committee on Poverty," calling powerfully for a universal basic income. This report embarrassed the Trudeau government into tripling family allowances and instituting the Child Tax Credit; the report began with ringing words that are still too true today:

 "the poor do not choose poverty. It is at once their affliction and our national shame. The children of the poor (and there are many) are the most helpless victims of all, and find even less hope in a society where welfare systems from the very beginning destroys their chances of a better life."  

Senator David Croll was also responsible for key Senate reports on Aging, on Retirement without Tears, and on Consumer Credit and the Cost of Living. In 1990, in recognition of his lifetime of public service, he was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, an honour usually given only to federal cabinet ministers.

Senator David Croll’s name appears on the Toronto Community Housing Corporation building at 341 Bloor Street West, but with no explanation of who he was or what he contributed to our community.

Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 

1. City Council express its support for Bill 152, Chad’s Law, Enforcing Safer Passing 2023.

2. City Council forward this item to Premier Doug Ford, Member of Provincial Parliament Guy Bourgouin, Toronto Members of Provincial Parliament, and the Good Roads Association, advising of City Council's support of Bill 152.

As the third vice-president of the Good Roads Association, I ask that the City of Toronto join the Good Roads Association in supporting Bill 152.

Bill 152, Chad’s Law (Enforcing Safer Passing), 2023, was introduced by New Democrat Party Member of Provincial Parliament Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk—James Bay) this past November.

The intent of the Bill is to enhance road safety by discouraging risky passing maneuvers on highways, particularly those marked with double solid yellow lines. The Bill passed First Reading on November 21 and was ordered for Second Reading. It is unclear at this time when that will occur.

Bill 152 is named after Chad Bélanger, who was the victim in a head-on collision near Kapuskasing in January of 2022 after a commercial vehicle crossed solid yellow lines to pass another commercial vehicle on a hill. Although Bélanger was not killed, he was seriously injured. Ontario is currently the only province in Canada to not have passing on double yellow lines officially legislated as illegal.

A driver can face charges if an accident occurs after passing a solid double yellow line, but the act of passing is not itself illegal. Rather, it is a very strong recommendation to not pass. Currently, charges can be laid regarding unsafe passing on or near hills, bridges, and viaducts under sections 148 and 149 of the Highway Traffic Act. While having these laws on the books is positive, it is a reactionary approach. Oftentimes, police are laying these charges because of a motor vehicle collision.

This Bill aims to take a more proactive approach by prohibiting the dangerous passing in the first place. The primary amendment proposed by Bill 152 is the addition of subsections (9) and (10) to section 148 of the Highway Traffic Act.

Individuals found contravening the prohibition outlined in subsection (9) would be guilty of an offence. Upon conviction, they would be subject to a fine of $400 and would incur three or more demerit points.

Bill 152, Chad’s Law (Enforcing Safer Passing), 2023 - Legislative Assembly of Ontario (ola.org)

Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that:

1. City Council request the Province of Ontario to undertake a comprehensive review of the Cannabis Control Act, 2017 in consultation with municipalities, including roles and responsibilities, funding, and enforcement, and addressing unlicensed cannabis establishments.

I am writing to request City Council request the Province of Ontario to undertake a comprehensive review of the Cannabis Control Act, 2017. This review, in consultation with municipalities, is imperative to ensure effective regulation and enforcement of cannabis-related matters across our province.

While the Cannabis Control Act, 2017 established a framework for the legal sale and distribution of cannabis, there remain significant challenges, particularly regarding the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis establishments. It is evident that the current measures are not sufficient to deter these establishments from breaking the law and reopening despite enforcement efforts.

One of the major limitations lies in the fines imposed under the Cannabis Control Act, 2017. While fines can be issued, their effectiveness is constrained by the discretion of a Judge or Justice of the Peace. This inconsistency in penalties undermines deterrence and enforcement efforts.

Moreover, the enforcement measures available under the Cannabis Control Act of Ontario, including those carried out by the Municipal Licensing and Standards Cannabis Enforcement Unit, are constrained by the existing framework. Although property owners can be held accountable for illegal cannabis activities on their premises, there are challenges when property owners are directly involved in the operation of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries. In such cases, it becomes difficult to compel property owners to take action to evict or stop the sale of cannabis from unlicensed establishments.

Furthermore, the licensing of cannabis dispensaries through the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario adds another layer of complexity to enforcement efforts. Without a streamlined regulatory process and clear enforcement mechanisms, municipalities struggle to effectively address the ongoing operation of unlicensed cannabis establishments.

Therefore, a comprehensive review of the Cannabis Control Act, 2017, must address these shortcomings and provide municipalities with enhanced tools and resources to combat illegal cannabis activities. This includes exploring options to strengthen enforcement measures, increase penalties for non-compliance, and improve collaboration between municipalities and provincial authorities.

In conclusion, I urge City Council to advocate for a thorough review of the Cannabis Control Act, 2017, to address the challenges associated with the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis establishments. By doing so, we can better protect public health and safety while upholding the integrity of the legal cannabis market in our province.

I kindly ask for your support in formalizing this request to the Province of Ontario. Together, we can ensure that our concerns are heard and addressed through meaningful legislative action.

Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that:

1. City Council express its support for the Nighttime Manifesto and request the Mayor to sign the Manifesto on behalf of the City of Toronto.

As the Night Economy Champion, I am working with Economic Development and Culture to ensure the City of Toronto fulfills its mandate to modernize and clarify the rules to provide flexibility and support for businesses at night, while ensuring an appropriate level of regulatory oversight to mitigate any potential community nuisance and public safety issues.

As we move the directive forward, it is important that the City of Toronto join other cities worldwide in signing the Nighttime Manifesto, symbolizing a global commitment to raising the awareness around the importance of nightlife.

The Nighttime Manifesto is an expression of intent to support a nighttime that is safe, resilient, sustainable, responsible, inclusive, and creative. It is aligned with existing Council direction for the City’s support of the Night Economy, including:

EC8.14 headed “Supporting the Growth of the Night Economy”; 

EC8.13 headed “Recommended Amendments to Chapter 545, Licensing for Bars, Restaurants, and Entertainment Venues as part of the Night Economy Review”; and

PH8.2 headed “Recommended Amendments to Zoning By-laws for Bars, Restaurants and Entertainment Venues as part of the Night Economy Review - Final Report”.

There are no financial implications, and the Nighttime Manifesto is not legally binding. Some of the supporting cities include, Antwerp, Bangkok, Belfast, Berlin, Durban, Johannesburg, Mälmo, Montreal, New York, São Paulo, and Singapore.  

The Manifesto outlines objectives to “Involve different partners and stakeholders to bridge gaps, raise awareness, and build stronger representation for nighttime communities.”

I look forward to your support.

Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that:

1. City Council express its support to the Canadian Independent Music Association and the Canadian Live Music Association in their efforts in requesting the Government of Canada to increase its annual contribution to the Canada Music Fund to $50 million by 2024-2025 as pledged during the 2021 federal election.

2. City Council forward this item to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Canadian Independent Music Association, and the Canadian Live Music Association advising of Toronto City Council’s support.

The Canadian Independent Music Association, during the month of February visited the Minister of Canadian Heritage to raise awareness of the government’s pledge to provide annual funding to the Canadian Music Sector. This initiative is one of the many held by organizations to advocate on behalf of the music sector, which have included the Canadian Live Music Association and others.

As the Night Economy Champion I am writing to urge Toronto City Council to extend its support to the music community by advocating for increased funding to the Canada Music Fund. As an integral part of our cultural landscape, the music sector plays a crucial role in enriching our community and contributing to our economy. However, recent challenges, compounded by the impacts of the pandemic, have highlighted the need for additional support to ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of this vital industry.

The Liberal government demonstrated its commitment to the music sector by promising to increase the annual contribution to the Canada Music Fund to $50 million by 2024-2025. This commitment reflects an understanding of the importance of supporting Canadian artists and music companies, particularly during these challenging times.

Organizations like Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) rely on funding from the Canada Music Fund to provide essential support to artists and music companies across the country. The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings' investments have not only nurtured talent but have also contributed significantly to the growth and sustainability of the Canadian music scene. However, declining contributions from private radio broadcasters pose a significant threat to the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings' funding model, jeopardizing its ability to support the industry effectively.

By advocating for an increase in funding to the Canada Music Fund, Toronto City Council can demonstrate its commitment to supporting local artists, businesses, and organizations within the music sector. A stronger investment in the Canada Music Fund will not only help sustain existing programming but will also enable the creation of new initiatives, particularly in the live sector, which has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

I ask City Council to join in calling for increased funding to the Canada Music Fund.

Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle, recommends that:

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation, to report to the Toronto and East York Community Council in the second quarter of 2024 with a detailed plan and timetable for converting the City Driveway, between the rear of 210 Bloor Street West and Prince Arthur Avenue, to a public lane, and for any necessary ancillary changes to Toronto Parking Authority Lot 58, 208R Bloor Street West and/or to Prince Arthur Avenue, while maximizing the potential for future housing development at Toronto Parking Authority Lot 58.

2. For the purpose of this public lane, City Council direct the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, to negotiate:

a. with the Royal Sonesta Hotel for the release of the exclusive easement on that part of the property more particularly described in Appendix B and shown as Part 3 on Draft Plan Job 2023-06713, attached as Appendix C;

b. with the owners of 9 Prince Arthur Avenue to purchase the southeast corner of that property to the minimum extent necessary to relieve the current pinch point; and

c. with the owners of 200 and 206 Bloor Street West to ensure that the Private Driveway between 200 and 206 Bloor Street West will be permanently closed to vehicular traffic once rear access is provided.

3. If such negotiations are unsuccessful, City Council direct the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to report back to City Council in the second quarter of 2024 with recommendations for initiation of any necessary expropriations.

4. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, in consultation with the Toronto Parking Authority, to evaluate conversion of all or part of Toronto Parking Authority Lot 58 to housing with associated green space, and City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation, to evaluate whether, when and how it would be in the public interest to extend the public lane from the rear of 210 Bloor Street West to Bedford Road, as part of implementing City Council's decision on Item 2024.EX12.4, headed "Long-Term Financial Plan Update: Leveraging City-Wide Real Estate Opportunities for Affordable Housing, Complete Communities and Financial Sustainability".

The City owns a driveway (unopened lane) just west of Avenue Road and north of Bloor Street West (the “City Driveway”). The City Driveway runs south from Prince Arthur Avenue and then east toward Bedford Road just north of 200 to 220 Bloor Street West. The City Driveway terminates at the rear of 220 Bloor Street West, which is City property leased to HPT IHG Canada Corporation (known familiarly as the “Royal Sonesta Hotel”).

Owners of several buildings fronting onto Avenue Road or Bloor Street have non-exclusive easements to use the north-south portion of the City Driveway for ingress and egress to Prince Arthur Avenue. This includes the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

As part of its long-term lease of the City property at 220 Bloor Street West, the Royal Sonesta Hotel also has an exclusive easement for $1 per year over the east to west portions of the City Driveway that are identified as Parts 2 and 3 on the draft Plan attached hereto as Appendix “C”. The Royal Sonesta Hotel also has a right of egress west to Bedford Road across the southern edge of the Toronto Parking Authority Green P Lot 58, and is very close to the Bedford entrance of the St. George Subway Station.

In 2022, the Ontario Land Tribunal ignored the City’s objections and authorized construction of a large condominium tower at 210 Bloor Street West This is a very small site with no room for a driveway. The Ontario Land Tribunal ruled that acceptable access was provided, for both construction and long-term operations, by an easement over a narrow private driveway behind 208 Bloor (4.7 m wide) and then south (5.5 metres wide) between the Museum (206 Bloor) and Exhibit (200 Bloor) condominiums to Bloor Street (the “Private Driveway”). Since that time, a fourth condominiums tower has been approved for 208 Bloor Street West, to use the same narrow access over the Private Driveway.

If nothing is done to protect the public interest, construction vehicles, heavy trucks and all other vehicles that serve the four condominiums towers will be competing to access Bloor Street through this dangerously narrow Private Driveway, plus there might have to be construction staging on Bloor. The Private Driveway empties directly across the Bloor Street westbound sidewalk and newly constructed cycle track, shortly before the Royal Sonesta Hotel’s entry. Visibility is poor and the risk of collisions is high.  There is already conflict between existing users of this Private Driveway, and vehicles sometimes queue on Bloor. In addition, the Royal Ontario Museum has also just announced major construction on its site across the street.

The City Driveway could be converted into a public lane that would provide much safer access to the four condominiums, if not for the exclusive easement granted to the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

Release of the exclusive easement held by the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Part 3 of the attached survey is necessary to provide the public with a safe rear access route to the four condos, in exchange for which the southern portion of the Private Driveway will be converted to a mid-block pedestrian connection to Bloor Street. This will significantly reduce the risk of serious collisions causing injury or death, of interference with pedestrians and cycle access along Bloor Street, and of congestion and queueing on Bloor Street. The operations of the Royal Sonesta Hotel will not be interfered with, as they will continue to be able to use the City Driveway / lane to access Prince Arthur Avenue, and will be able to access Bedford Road through Green P Lot 58.

Release of the exclusive easement would also facilitate an eventual public lane that could connect Prince Arthur Avenue and Bedford Road, likely as part of converting all or part of the Toronto Parking Authority Green P Lot 58 to much-needed housing and green space. This could be a valuable site for the City’s plan for Leveraging City-Wide Real Estate Opportunities for Affordable Housing, Complete Communities and Financial Sustainability,  https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.EX12.4.

Negotiations are ongoing with the Royal Sonesta Hotel to release its exclusive easement in Part 3 in exchange for non-exclusive access over the same lands, and for reduction or elimination of its maintenance costs.  If an amicable agreement cannot be secured, it will be necessary to expropriate the exclusive easement from the Royal Sonesta Hotel on appropriate terms.

Councillor Jamaal Myers, seconded by Councillor Paul Ainslie, recommends that:

1. City Council affirm the goals of 2013.CC39.5 and 2022.MM39.24 to consider the technical and fiscal feasibility of adaptively reusing Line 3 assets that are no longer required to provide bus or train service as part of a new linear park and active transportation corridor.

2. City Council request the Board of Directors of CreateTO to direct the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, the Executive Director, Transit Expansion, the General Manager, Transportation Services, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning or their designates to urgently complete a preliminary assessment of the potential for the adaptive reuse of the right-of-way and station assets which comprised the Scarborough Rapid Transit (Line 3) between Ellesmere Station and McCowan Station, and Kennedy Station to McCowan Station, and report back to Council by the end of the third quarter of 2024 outlining:

a. initial findings and the additional detailed feasibility studies needed to evaluate:

1. opportunities for the development of a new linear park and active transportation corridor leveraging the existing Scarborough Rapid Transit infrastructure, informed by similar projects including the High Line in New York, the Beltline in Atlanta, Cuernavaca’s Railway Linear Park in Mexico City, and the Potrero Yard Modernization Project in San Francisco;

2. high-capacity mobility solutions along the corridor to meet ongoing resident and business needs in partnership with Metrolinx; and

3. commercial and housing development potential along, adjacent, and integrated into the existing Scarborough Rapid Transit corridor, including opportunities to support city-building objectives facilitated by the provision of people and goods movement solutions along the existing corridor.

b. anticipated costs to complete detailed due diligence work referenced in recommendation 2. a., and consideration of funding opportunities, including the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

c. an approach for broader engagement and consultation to promote innovation and human centred design excellence, specifically with academia (University of Toronto Scarborough), architecture and design experts via a charette or competitions, and local public engagement.

In 2013 (CC39.5) and in 2022 (MM39.24), Toronto City Council proactively decided to explore the feasibility for adaptive reuse of the 6.4 kilometre right-of-way and six station assets which comprised the Scarborough Rapid Transit (Line 3), which served Scarborough neighbourhoods from 1985 until its decommissioning in 2023. The possibility of converting the elevated right-of-way portions of Line 3 into an iconic linear public park and mobility space remains an important act of city-building. Scarborough residents have the longest Toronto Transit Commission commutes, the least amount of biking infrastructure and the highest rates of pedestrian deaths in the City. This linear park will help residents to safely and conveniently gain expanded year-round access to jobs, affordable housing options, culture and entertainment, shopping, green space and other neighbourhoods along the existing corridor, and would significantly improve the quality of life in Scarborough while supporting Council's ambitious housing, employment, quality of life and fiscal sustainability goals.

During hybrid public consultations conducted in late November and early December 2023 by the Toronto Transit Commission at the request of Council to support work on the Line 3 Busway, respondents noted the potential for local markets, sustainable access to neighbourhoods, direct connections to the Scarborough Town Centre, employers, government buildings and civic assets, and the opportunity to transform McCowan Station into a space which better serves its community.

Given that Line 3 has now closed, there is an urgent need to act on previous Council decisions in order to quickly establish an innovative strategic plan which explores options for low-cost financing and supports Council’s strategic decisions.

Councillor Jon Burnside, seconded by Councillor Lily Cheng, recommends that:

1. City Council amend Parks, Forestry and Recreation’s 2024 Capital Budget and 2025-2033 Capital Plan to:

a. create a new capital sub-project known as Bartley Park Improvements in the Park Development project, with a project cost of $925,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $50,000 in 2024 and $875,000 in 2025, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from the development at 104-110 Bartley Drive (Source Account: XR3026-3701263) to proceed with design and construction of park improvements.

b. create a new capital sub-project known as Flemingdon Park Improvements in the Park Development project, with a project cost of $1,000,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $80,000 in 2024 and $920,000 in 2025, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from the development at 1185 Eglinton Avenue East (Source Account: XR3026-3700863) to proceed with design and construction of park improvements.

This motion requests authority from City Council to amend the 2024-2033 Capital Budget and Plan for Parks, Forestry and Recreation to create two service improvement capital sub-projects in the Park Development project, in order to advance design and engagement work in 2024, with construction to proceed in 2025.

The first project is for Bartley Park Improvements with a project cost of $925,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $50,000 in 2024 and $875,000 in 2025, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from the development at 104-110 Bartley Drive (Source Account: XR3026-3701263).

The second project is for Flemingdon Park Improvements with a project cost of $1,000,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $80,000 in 2024 and $920,000 in 2025, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from the development at 1185 Eglinton Avenue East (Source Account: XR3026-3700863).

The funds for both projects have been received and are eligible for these purposes. Staff resources to advance both projects are in place as a result of realignment of project priorities within the ward. Any incremental operating impacts associated with the improvements to Bartley Park and Flemingdon Park, if required, will be submitted for consideration through future budget submissions.

Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jon Burnside, recommends that:

1. City Council increase the 2024 Operating Budget for Non-Program by $300,000.00 gross, $0 net, (Cost Centre: NP2161) fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained in the development at 1-11 Bloor Street West, 768-784 Yonge Street, and 760-762 Yonge Street, secured for local park improvements (Source Account: XR3026-3701060), for the purpose of providing one-time capital funding to the Toronto District School Board for improvements to the schoolyard and running track at Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School, subject to the Toronto District School Board entering into an acceptable Community Access Agreement with the City.

2. City Council request the City Solicitor to draw up the Agreement, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, provided acceptable terms can be agreed upon.

3. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to execute on behalf of the City a Community Access Agreement with the Toronto District School Board for the capital improvements to the schoolyard and running track at Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School, for a term of 20 years and on such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

4. City Council direct that if a mutually acceptable Community Access Agreement cannot be agreed upon that the funds will not be transferred to the Toronto District School Board and shall be made available for other community facilities in the local community.

This motion is to assist the Toronto District School Board and ABC Residents Association to upgrade the outdoor running track at Jesse Ketchum School, which is available for community use outside school hours, with $300,000 in Section 37 funds.

In 2020, $2,190,000 of Section 37 funds from 1-11 Bloor Street West, 768-784 Yonge Street, and 760-762 Yonge Street were earmarked, by By-Law 685-2020, for new or existing cultural and community facilities.

The Jesse Ketchum School outdoor running track and schoolyard provide important green space for community and recreational activities. There is no comparable track in any public park in the area. The current track is inadequate and does not meet the needs of either the school or the local community. The ABC Residents Association has committed $300,000 to the renovation and upgrade of the track, and is seeking matching funds from the city. The Toronto District School Board supports the request.

The request letter from ABCRA is Attachment 1. The Toronto District School Board support letter is Attachment 2.

Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Jamaal Myers, recommends that:

1. City Council direct the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with others as appropriate, to report to Toronto and East York Community Council, in the second quarter of 2024, on the feasibility, timing and potential funding for:

a. renaming Paul Martel Park as an Indigenous Botanical Garden;

b. installing a yurt or similar meeting structure in the locked, fenced rear area for Indigenous cultural and environmental activities;

c. improving soil quality and reducing trampling of plant material by installing raised beds in the park and adjacent boulevard;

d. improving the lighting; and

e. installing and maintaining a public toilet once the Toronto Transit Commission has completed its construction work.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to negotiate and sign on behalf of the City a nominal fee Licence Agreement with Earth Helpers Gardens Inc., to facilitate Indigenous participant horticultural training, gardening and cultural programming at Paul Martel Park, for a three-year term, renewable at the General Manager's discretion for one additional three-year term (six years total) to April 30, 2030, on terms and conditions acceptable to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

This motion is to evaluate requested upgrades to Paul Martel Park, and to permit continuing Indigenous uses of it.

Paul Martel Park is a small park just behind the Spadina Subway Station. Originally named Ecology Park, it was designed and built by Paul Martel, an architect who volunteered and helped to design many community green spaces in the Annex and across Toronto. Ecology Park was designed to celebrate the ecosystems of Southern Ontario, and he helped maintain it for ten years. It was re-named in his honour in 2014.

After Paul Martel became ill, the space became neglected. Since his death in 2020, a group of Indigenous tradespeople and Elders known as the Earth Helpers have made it their mission to restore and maintain this park. They have removed invasive species, improved the soil, planted and tended native species, and installed an Indigenous Storytelling mural. They also conduct environmental and cultural activities in the park, under a licence from the city. The current licence expires April 30, 2024.

Some of the park is being excavated by the Toronto Transit Commission to expand the streetcar loop. Other parts have been repeatedly damaged by patrons of the adjoining pub, despite the recent installation of a fence.

With the support of the Annex Residents Association, Earth Helpers have requested several upgrades to Paul Martel Park, including raised beds, improved lighting, a yurt or similar meeting structure and a public toilet. They also wish the park to be officially recognized as an Indigenous Botanical Garden, the first of its kind in Toronto. Earth Helpers has recently incorporated as Earth Helpers Gardens Inc., a non-profit corporation.

Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that:

1. City Council amend the 2024-2033 Capital Budget and Plan of Transportation Services Division to create a new capital sub-project for the development of the following projects, as outlined in Appendix A:

a. $2400.00 gross, $0 debt, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits obtained from the development at 65-77 King Street East and 46 Colborne Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701018) for the purpose of installing bike corrals near 2 Berkeley Street; 120 King Street East; and 34-36 King Street East (Cost Centre: CPT824-03);

b. $800.00 gross, $0 debt, funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits obtained from the development at 40 The Esplanade (Source Account: XR3026-3700065) for the purpose of installing a bike corral near 26 Wellington Street East (Cost Centre: CTP824-04).

c. $1800.00 gross, $0 debt, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund)  community benefits obtained from the development at 6-18 Church Street and 51-63 Front Street East (70 The Esplanade) (Source Account: XR3026-3700344) for the purpose of installing six additional heritage street signs to promote the visual identity of the neighbourhood (Cost Centre: CTP724-01).

2. City Council increase the 2024 Operating Budget for Non-Program for the purpose of forwarding funds to the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area for the development of the following projects, as outlined in Appendix A:

a. $50,000.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits at 53, 61 and 65 Ontario Street, and 102 Berkeley Street (Source Account: XR3026-3700872) for the purpose of installing hard planters for more growing spaces (Cost Centre: NP2161);

b. $5,000.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits at 176-178 Front Street East and 33 Sherbourne Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701237) for the purpose of installing ten heritage street banners within the original ten blocks of the Town of York (Cost Centre: NP2161);

c. $150,000.00 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits at 176-178 Front Street East and 33 Sherbourne Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701237) for the purpose of installing street furniture in the public realm location of 109 Front Street East in the plaza between Jarvis Street and George Street (Cost Centre: NP2161).
 

3. City Council direct that $205,000.00 be forwarded to the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area, subject to the Business Improvement Area signing an Undertaking governing the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.

4. Prior to the release of the funds identified in recommendation 3.c. to the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area, City Council direct the City Solicitor to ensure the plaza at 109 Front Street East is fully accessible to the public, not gated from the street, available throughout the year (save and except for repairs or emergencies) and appropriately lit for safety after dark through an easement in favour of the City to the satisfaction to the City Solicitor.

5. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a system of direct democracy where residents imagine how their neighbourhood could be improved, suggest potential ideas and then vote on how funds are spent to improve their community through capital projects. 2023 was the first year Participatory Budgeting was implemented in Toronto Centre to determine how community benefits funding should be allocated.

Between May 25 to November 1, 2023, my office hosted online and in-person engagements with local residents and business improvement areas to crowdsource ideas. These ideas were then vetted for costing and feasibility with City staff and presented to the local community to vote on which projects they would like to see funded.

In the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, nine projects were supported by the local community that fit within the allocated budget of $750,000:

• new street planters at four intersections; 
• heritage street banners for the original 10 blocks of Town of York;
• a new public plaza at 109 Front Street East
• custom vinyl-wrapped garbage receptacles;
• new street furniture;
• new bicycle parking;
• cafe tables and chairs for St. James Park;
• new St. Lawrence Heritage Conversation District street signs; and,
• replacement of dead or dying trees in the neighbourhood.

The release of funds for these projects would allow for locally supported capital projects to move forward in a timely manner. Funding for custom vinyl-wrapped garbage receptacles, new street furniture and new cafe tables and chairs for St. James Park require additional review. Funding for replacing dead or dying trees in the neighbourhood has been removed following a conversation with Parks, Forestry and Recreation as it is not eligible for Section 37 funding and is not included in this motion.

Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that:

1. City Council amend the 2024-2033 Capital Budget and Plan of Transportation Services Division to create a new capital sub-project for the development of the following projects, as outlined in Appendix A:

a. $80,000.00 gross, $0 debt, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits obtained from the development at 18-32 Eastern Avenue, 1 Gilead Place and 2 Sackville Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701230) for the purpose of installing 10 Corktown-themed tree guards within the Corktown neighbourhood (Cost Centre: CPT424-02); and

b. $150,000.00 gross, $0 debt, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits obtained from the development at 1-25 Defries Avenue (Source Account: XR3026-3701146) for the purpose of enhancing disused parking laybys on Bayview Avenue by installing permanent planters (Cost Centre CPT424-03).

2. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a system of direct democracy where residents imagine how their neighbourhood could be improved, suggest potential ideas and then vote on how funds are spent to improve their community through capital projects. 2023 was the first year Participatory Budgeting was implemented in Toronto Centre to determine how community benefits funding should be allocated.

Between May 25 to November 1, 2023, my office hosted online and in-person engagements with local residents and business improvement areas to crowdsource ideas. These ideas were then vetted for costing and feasibility with City staff and presented to the local community to vote on which projects they would like to see funded.

In the Canary District, Corktown and Distillery District neighbourhoods, four projects were supported by the local community that fit within the allocated budget of $750,000:

• 10 new iron tree guards;
•  new planters along the Bayview Avenue cycle tracks;
•  new interactive lighting above Underpass Park; and
•  King-Queen Triangle Parkette improvements.

The release of funds for these projects will allow for locally supported capital projects to move forward in a timely manner. As Waterfront Toronto has a current project to improve the King-Queen Triangle Parkette, a review of additional improvements and release of additional funding may follow that project. New interactive lighting above Underpass Park is still under review by City staff.

Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, recommends that:

1. If the Committee of Adjustment decision on Application A0002/24NY, for the property municipally known 3450 Dufferin Street, is not appealed or is upheld by the Toronto Local Appeal Body on appeal, City Council require the Owner to enter into an Amending Section 37 Agreement, pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act (as it read the day before the date Section 1 of Schedule 17 of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 came into force), to make amendments to the existing Section 37 Agreement registered on title to the lands as Instrument AT5385339 to implement the Committee’s decision in a manner, content and form satisfactory to the City Solicitor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.

In 2019, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, and a Draft Plan of Subdivision, were approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal, to permit the redevelopment of the subject property, which is located on the west side of Dufferin Street, south of the intersection of Dufferin Street and the Highway 401 southbound off-ramp.  The approved development consisted of three tall buildings (Buildings “A,” “B,” and “C” from west to east) including a Child Care Facility located within a podium shared by Buildings A, B, and C, and associated with Building C.  The timing of the construction and completion of the Child Care Facility, to a level of substantial performance, was secured in the site specific Zoning By-law Amendment, and in the Section 37 Agreement for the redevelopment and was to be prior to the first residential occupancy of Building C.

As a result of refinements to the design, as generally identified in drawings dated September 15, 2023, a shared podium is now proposed for only Buildings A and B; with Building C proposed to stand alone.  The Child Care Facility is proposed to be located in the easterly portion of Building B, rather than Building C. Further the Owner has advised that Building C will be occupied prior to Buildings A and B.

On this basis, the Owner submitted an application to the Committee of Adjustment for a Minor Variance to the site specific Zoning By-law to modify the timing of construction and completion of the Child Care Facility.  More particularly, the application sought to postpone the construction and completion of the Child Care facility to “prior to the first residential occupancy of the second most easterly building,” which would align the construction of the Child Care Facility with the first residential occupancy of the building in which the Child Care Facility is located (Building “B”).

In a report to the Committee of Adjustment (the “Committee”), attached as Attachment “1,” Community Planning staff advised the Committee that Children’s Services was satisfied with the proposed change in timing, and that Community Planning staff was of the opinion that the proposal to align the construction of the Child Care Facility with Building “B” met the four tests set out in Section 45(1) of the Planning Act. Community Planning staff also recommended that the Committee impose the following condition of authorization, which was agreed to by the Owner:

“The Owner shall obtain approval from City Council for any changes required to the existing Section 37 Agreement registered on title to the lands as Instrument AT5385339 as an amending Section 37 Agreement to be entered into and registered on title to the lands to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the City Solicitor.”

The Committee authorized the requested variance, subject to the condition requested by Community Planning staff, following a hearing on February 29, 2024. The Notice of Decision (the “Decision”) is attached as Attachment “2.” The Decision may be appealed to the Toronto Local Appeal Body (the “TLAB”) until March 20, 2024.

City Council approval is required to amend the Section 37 Agreement, should the Decision not be appealed or, if it is appealed, the Minor Variance is authorized by the Toronto Local Appeal Body.  This motion will provide staff with the necessary authority to amend the existing Section 37 Agreement, to reflect the revised timing for the construction and completion of the Child Care Facility, and to ensure that the agreement is consistent with the Minor Variance.  Nothing in this motion will fetter the consideration of the Minor Variance application by the Toronto Local Appeal Body, should the Committee’s decision be appealed.

Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that:

1. City Council amend its previous decision on Item 2023.IE7.4 headed "Updates on Vision Zero Road Safety Initiatives - New Traffic Calming Policy, Community Safety Zone Criteria, Zebra Marking Policy, Approach to Area-Based Speed Limit Reductions and Related Council Requests" by adopting the following:

1. City Council amend the 2023 Traffic Calming Policy to delegate to Community Council the authority to request a poll for traffic calming measures in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 190, Polling and Notifications, with the specific requirements as set out in Chapter 190 or as otherwise set by Community Council.

In 2023 City Council approved a number of changes to the Traffic Calming Policy under item 2023.IE7.4 headed Updates on Vision Zero Road Safety Initiatives - New Traffic Calming Policy, Community Safety Zone Criteria, Zebra Marking Policy, Approach to Area-Based Speed Limit Reductions and Related Council Requests. This policy is the basis of determining where speed humps will be installed on a city street following a request.

Among the changes were a reduction to the warranted speed threshold which would now qualify more streets, using the posted speed as a basis, the deletion of the requirement of a petition to gauge support at the outset of the process, and the deletion of the mandatory requirement of a formal Clerk's Poll of households to formalize support at the final stage of approval.

Members of the public who contact 311 to request a traffic calming investigation are no longer able to do so, and are now directed to their local Councillor to place their request.

The new policy places a significant onus with the local Councillor to select and advance traffic calming projects. It now requires that Transportation Services staff liaise with a Councillor to understand community support, based on the Councillor’s discretion, before staff prepare a report to Community Council to authorize a road alteration by-law for locations where the Councillor has indicated support.

This new process which gives the Councillor discretionary authority for the initiation process leaves very little transparency for the public. It is essential to maintain accountability to the public and support confidence in the integrity government, since some traffic calming projects can be controversial and they affect the rights, safety and wellbeing of residents. The Clerk does not directly notify the local residents when a Traffic Calming report is placed on the agenda, and a Clerk’s Poll could be the only form of notice in some instances.

Community Councils always had ad-hoc discretion to modify the process or approve a traffic calming installation for any reason at any time. In the recent changes to the Traffic Calming Policy, members of Council were advised that the mandatory Clerk's Polling requirement of the policy would be removed. I have recently learned that the availability of a Clerk's Poll is now expressly prohibited, even in instances where the local Councillor or Community Council desires one to be held.

The purpose of this motion is to seek City Council approval to modify the 2023 Traffic Calming Policy to allow the flexibility of the option of directing that a Clerk's Poll be conducted upon approval from the Community Council on a case by case basis. This motion does not propose any other amendments to the Traffic Calming Policy.

Requires Re-opening

Item 2023.IE7.4 (November 8 and 9, 2023 City Council Meeting)

Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that:

1. City Council direct the City Manager and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to review and clarify the policy for affixing and removing community posters, placed on utility poles, kiosks and other structures and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee by July 2024.

Article IV Posters on Public Property in Chapter 693 of Toronto Municipal Code defines the regulations that are required for placing community posters on public property. Sections 693-29 to 693-33 describes various restrictions and guidelines that are outlined in this policy. Posters from persons, charities, religious organizations, community organizations and schools may attach community posters on utility poles.

However, even if a community poster complies with all these criteria, Section 693-34 implies that the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards is permitted to remove community posters at any time and without notice. There is a lack of clarity for how long a poster can remain on one site, who can remove it, and the policy reach on which matters of concern (such as missing persons, property, pets, or community event) are eligible content. It seems that if the flyers posted on utility poles are not community flyers, residents are encouraged to contact 311. Municipal Licensing and Standards will investigate and take appropriate enforcement action and undertake to have illegally placed poster(s) removed. Municipal Licensing and Standards will initiate removal of unauthorized posters by contacting the appropriate division/external agency. Other than the original sponsor of the poster, can any citizen remove a poster as a form of enforcement? What is the process for review of those posters that are seen by some as hate inspired?

Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, recommends that:

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to review all City-run and funded Canada Day events across the City, including a review of the equitable distribution in terms of population and geography, and report to the April 30, 2023 meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee, on a plan to celebrate Canada Day in the inner suburbs on an annual basis, starting with Canada Day 2024.

Canada Day is an important opportunity for community members to gather. Many have memories of BBQs and fireworks. In Willowdale, community members used to have the chance to gather on Yonge Street and watch fireworks launched off of the North York Civic Centre. In a community where the visible minority population is 83,000, including newcomers and immigrants, and 74,000 residents have a mother tongue that is neither English nor French, it is important to bring people together to share meaningful experiences.

After COVID, the City stopped Canada Day fireworks in Willowdale which had previously happened for 20 years and focused its investment at the waterfront.

It’s been said that Toronto is a city that is one-hour away from itself. Willowdale is very far from the waterfront. I know many of my constituents are not able to benefit from these investments, especially families with younger children for whom the added travel time at a late hour would make it difficult.

As a high growth centre, Willowdale has done a lot of heavy lifting adding thousands of units of housing to Toronto and welcoming many tax paying newcomers into our city. While fireworks are offered in other neighbourhoods from various sources of funding including different City divisions, Willowdale has been left out. 

We would like to understand the distribution of Canada Day events, regardless of funding sources, across the city to better understand the equity of this distribution based on population and geography. We would also like to understand the feasibility of restoring Canada Day celebrations to Mel Lastman Square to serve the present and future hundreds of thousands of people who will be moving to the North York area. As our city grows, we need to have a plan to foster stronger connectivity outside of the downtown core that already has a lot of events and programming.

Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Parthi Kandavel, recommends that:

1. City Council amend Parks, Forestry and Recreation’s 2024 Council Approved Capital Budget and 2025-2033 Capital Plan to:

a.  amend the Huron Washington Parkette Improvements sub-project in the Park Development project in the amount of $400,000 gross and $0 debt, increasing the total project cost from $556,273 to $956,273, with cash flow commitments in 2024, fully funded by the following sources that have been received and eligible for use for the construction phase of parkette improvements:

1. $90,000 from Section 37 funds obtained from the development at 316 Bloor Street West (Source Account: XR3026- 3701257); and

2. $310,000 from the Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu from the sources included in the chart below:

b. create a new capital sub-project known as Ramsden Park Improvements in the Park Development project, with a project cost and cash flow of $103,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, fully funded by Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu from the sources included in the chart below, to install accessible benches and picnic tables with concrete pads in Ramsden Park.

This motion requests authority from City Council to advance two service improvement capital projects in Ward 11. 

The 2024-2033 Council Approved Capital Budget and Plan for Parks, Forestry and Recreation includes a planned project for improvements to Huron Washington Parkette. To advance the construction phase of the preferred design of the community, additional funds in the amount of $400,000 are required which requires an amendment to the project cost, from $556,273 to $956,273, with cash flow commitments in 2024. The improvements will be fully funded from the following sources: $90,000 from the Section 37 funds obtained from the development at 316 Bloor Street West (Source Account: XR3026-3701257) and $310,000 from various Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu generated from developments in proximity to Huron Washington Parkette. 

In addition, in order to improve accessibility and gathering spaces in Ramsden Park, Council authority is required to advance a new capital project in the Park Development project called Ramsden Park Improvements with a project cost and cash flow in 2024 of $103,000 with funding from various Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu generated from developments in proximity to Ramsden Park.   

The funds for both projects have been received and are eligible for these purposes.  Staff resources to advance both projects are in place. Any incremental operating impacts associated with the improvements to Huron Washington Parkette and Ramsden Park, if required, will be submitted for consideration through future budget submissions. 

Councillor Lily Cheng, seconded by Councillor Jon Burnside, recommends that:

1. City Council amend Parks, Forestry and Recreation’s 2024 Capital Budget and 2025-2033 Capital Plan for the following:

a. create a new capital sub-project known as Glendora Park Off Leash Area Design in the Park Development project, with a project cost of $100,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $50,000 in 2024 and $50,000 in 2025, fully funded by Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu obtained from developments in proximity to Glendora Park to proceed with design for a new off leash area, from sources in the chart below: 

b. create a new capital sub-project known as Ward 18 Parks Study in the Park Development project, with a project cost of $50,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $45,000 in 2024 and $5,000 in 2025, fully funded by various Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu obtained from developments to advance a study of three parks in Ward 18, including Doris-Norton Park, 35 Churchill Avenue and Northtown Park, from sources in the chart below:

This motion requests authority from City Council to amend the 2024-2033 Council Approved Capital Budget and Plan for Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR) to create two service improvement capital sub-projects in the Park Development project, in order to advance design work and a park study to inform future capital project phases.

The first project is for Glendora Park Off Leash Area Design with a project cost of $100,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $50,000 in 2024 and $50,000 in 2025, fully funded by various Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu generated in proximity to the site.  The funds are required to retain professional services to advance design work for a new off leash area in Glendora Park with additional funds to be identified for a construction phase in future budget submissions.

The second project is for the Ward 18 Parks Study with a project cost of $50,000 gross and $0 debt in 2024, with cash flow commitments of $45,000 in 2024 and $5,000 in 2025, fully funded by various Section 42 Above 5% Cash-in-lieu generated in proximity to the parks sites to be included in the study.  The funds are required to retain professional services to advance a study of three parks in Ward 18, including: Doris-Norton Park, 35 Churchill Avenue and Northtown Park.  Pending completion of the study, funds would be required for design and construction phases of work, to be submitted in future budget submissions.

The funds for both projects have been received and are eligible for these purposes.  Staff resources to advance both projects are in place. There are no incremental operating impacts associated with the design and study phases.  Future impacts associated with construction phases of work will be submitted for consideration through future budget submissions.

Mayor Olivia Chow, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie that:

1. City Council, as with the total of seven vehicles previously donated by the City of Toronto to Ukraine in 2022 and 2023, authorize the donation of up to five vehicles at no cost to the Ukrainian government for humanitarian purposes as follows:

a. General Manager, Fleet Services to donate up to two vehicles in April 2024; and

b. Chief of Paramedic Services to donate one vehicle in April 2024 and up to two vehicles by Summer 2024.

2. City Council request City of Toronto agencies and corporations, such as the Toronto Transit Commission, and Toronto Police Services Board, to consider the donation of surplus or end-of-life vehicles to the Government of Ukraine for humanitarian purposes.

3. City Council request the City Manager work with the relevant divisions regarding the provision of three generators for humanitarian purposes.

As we mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the City of Toronto can provide additional support to the Ukrainian government and our Friendship City, Kyiv, for humanitarian purposes.

During a recent meeting with Mr. Oleksandr Shevchenko, Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto, a request for assistance from the City of Toronto was made to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Kyiv. Since 1991, Toronto and Kyiv have been friendship cities, remaining in close contact, and celebrating our 30th anniversary of friendship in 2021.

This motion provides authority for Fleet Services and Paramedic Services to donate up to five vehicles at end-of-life to Ukraine in 2024. These vehicles would add to the seven vehicles already provided to the Ukrainian government over the course of 2022 and 2023. The vehicles would be used to respond to emergency humanitarian situations in Ukraine.

Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that:

1. City Council express its support in principle to the Government of Canada for Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act.
 

2. City Council direct the City Manager to review the proposed Bill C-63 and report back to Executive Committee; such report to include opportunities to align City of Toronto Hate Activity policies and initiatives with online hate prevention principles in proposed Bill C-63.

On February 26, 2024, the House of Commons introduced new legislation under Bill C-63 called the Online Harms Act. The primary framework of this act is to “promote the online safety of persons in Canada, reduce harms caused to persons in Canada as a result of harmful content online and ensure that the operators of social media services”.

If this Bill passes, several online communications and criminal code procedures will potentially need to be revised by all levels of government. Several of the proposed recommendations in the Online Harms Act are aligned with The City of Toronto Hate Activity policy which was recently updated in October 2023.

This motion represents another important step updating the City of Toronto anti-hate strategy.

Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Paul Ainslie that:

1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Pension, Payroll and Employee Benefits to review options for incorporating gender-affirming health care benefits not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan into City employee benefits plans and provide an update to the General Government Committee and the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee by the fourth quarter of 2024.