Decisions

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council approve the Financial Plan - Attachment 1 to the report (May 8, 2024) from the General Manager, Toronto Water and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, prepared for the City of Toronto's Municipal Drinking Water System, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 453/07, for submission to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in compliance with the requirements of the Municipal Drinking Water License renewal process.

The purpose of this report is to obtain City Council approval of a Financial Plan prepared as a condition of the Municipal Drinking Water Licence renewal process under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. A Municipal Drinking Water Licence, issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, approves the operation of a municipal drinking water system. The City of Toronto's current Drinking Water Licence, which was previously approved by City Council in July 2019, expires on January 29, 2025.

The Financial Plan for the City of Toronto’s drinking water system has been prepared in accordance with Ontario Regulation 453/07 and must be approved by a resolution of Council for submission to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing by July 29, 2024.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council grant approval to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with The Corporation of the City of Pickering for the ongoing maintenance, repair and construction, and the cost-sharing of such maintenance, repair and construction, of the Pickering Town Line road on terms and conditions generally as set out in the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services and on such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager of Transportation Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

This report requests authority to negotiate, enter into and execute an agreement with The Corporation of the City of Pickering for the ongoing maintenance, repair and construction of the Pickering Town Line road, a jointly shared 2.75 kilometres north-south local road extending between Finch Avenue East and Steeles Avenue East. The agreement identifies cost-sharing and the protocols of co-operation between The Corporation of the City of Pickering and the City of Toronto for the road, generally as further detailed in this report. This new agreement would replace the old agreement between both parties, which old agreement recently expired on January 1, 2023. The work-related terms will generally continue as they were, with the Corporation of the City of Pickering continuing to undertake all works on behalf of both parties. The new agreement is based on generally the same terms of the previous agreement, with the maintenance unit costs updated to reflect the increases due to inflation during the past ten (10) years and the term updated.  In addition, a definition of capital improvements is included, provisions surrounding capital improvements are included, and a new provision dealing with design and contract administration fees are included. It is anticipated that the annual cost for the ongoing maintenance of the Pickering Town Line road will be in the range of $3700 to $6200, which will be shared equally by both municipalities.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council endorse, in principle, the bikeway projects contained in the Near-Term Implementation Program (2025 - 2027) as outlined in Attachment 2 to the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, as the focus of Transportation Services' cycling budget and capital implementation program, including the initiation of feasibility analyses, public consultation, and detailed design.   

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to initiate the near-term studies of the Major City-Wide Cycling Routes as outlined in Attachment 3 to the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and to bring forward the findings of these studies and recommendations regarding future implementation at the appropriate time.

3. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, as part of the design, installation, and monitoring of new bikeway projects, to continue to work in consultation with the local Councillors, community representatives, and residents to identify and implement changes to the bikeway projects contained in the Near-Term Implementation Program, before and after installation.

4. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to request, as part of the annual budget process, the capital funding required to implement the Near-Term Cycling Implementation Program (2025 - 2027), as well as the operating budget required to fund the maintenance costs of newly constructed bikeways.

5. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to restore the right-turn on red movement on Bloor Street West between the Humber River and Aberfoyle Road until such time as the traffic signal timing is updated, and monitor for safety concerns and make adjustments, as needed.

6. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the first quarter of 2025, on the feasibility of scale-up the delivery of the Cycling Network Plan to 150 kilometres of new and major upgrade bikeway projects for the 2028 - 2030 Implementation Program, with the report to outline the staff resources and budget that would be needed to do so.

7. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to finalize the Scarborough West Rail Trail study undertaken as part of the 2022 - 2024 Cycling Network Plan Update regarding the feasibility of a multi-use trail along the former GN-GECO rail spur line, update the local Councillor on the outcome of the feasibility study, and work with the local Councillor to update the community on the feasibility study including publishing a summary of the study for the public by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

8. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services work with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry, and Recreation to extend, if feasible, the Copperfield Road cycle path west of Manse Road, through Greyabbey Ravine and south of the rail corridor, to connect to Greyabbey Trail.

The Cycling Network Plan, most recently updated and endorsed by Toronto City Council in December 2021, seeks to build on the existing network of cycling routes to Connect gaps in the current network, Grow the network into new parts of the city, and Renew existing parts of the network to improve safety.

This report provides a status update for the 2022 - 2024 Near-Term Implementation Program and seeks City Council endorsement of the 2025 - 2027 Near-Term Implementation Program as a roadmap for the delivery of new and renewed cycling infrastructure in Toronto for the next three years.

The Cycling Network Plan consists of three components:

-  a Vision for the Long-Term Cycling Network;

- a Network of Major City-Wide Cycling Routes; and,

- a Three Year Near-Term Implementation Program.

The Plan components, objectives and indicators align with and support other City policies and initiatives including the Official Plan, TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, RapidTO Surface Transit Network Plan, and the Congestion Management Plan.

A successful city requires a transportation system that is safe for people of all ages and abilities. Research and experience across North America have shown that when cities do not provide safe and comfortable alternatives to driving, the majority of residents travel by motor vehicle. In growing cities like Toronto, where hundreds of new developments are being constructed every year, if every new resident added another car on the street network, the traffic congestion across all parts of the city would be unmanageable. Travel mode choice is a crucial aspect of creating healthy, livable cities, and requires investing in new transit, bikeway and pedestrian projects.  

In 2021, City Council endorsed the 2022 - 2024 Near-Term Implementation Program which committed to 100 kilometres of new bikeways, and 40 kilometres of renewed bikeways which includes upgrades and enhancements to existing cycling routes.

Transportation Services is on track to deliver 75 kilometres of the 100 kilometres new bikeways committed by the end of 2024. While this value falls below the 2022 - 2024 target, it is expected to surpass the previous accomplishment of 65 kilometres over 2019 - 2021 without the unique parameters of the ActiveTO Cycling Network Expansion as a pandemic response program. There are also approximately 25 kilometres of additional projects that have been approved by City Council and are either underway and extending into 2025, or where construction has not yet started due to conflict coordination with other major road projects, or challenges experienced during detailed design. 

Approximately 25 kilometres of the projects completed in 2022 - 2023 and expected to be complete by 2024 are on the network of Major City-Wide Cycling Routes, such as Bloor Street West, Eglinton Avenue, and Sheppard Avenue East. These additions bring the total existing Major City-Wide Cycling Routes to over 230 kilometres, or 46 percent of the 500 kilometres network.

The increase in delivery and the quality of projects have been made possible by previous Council investments in complete streets, including increased funding, additional staff, and a new streamlined by-law reporting process approved as part of the 2021 Cycling Network Plan Update.

Transportation Services is expected to exceed its Council directed goal of 40 kilometres of renewed projects by 8 kilometres, with an anticipated delivery of 48 kilometres of upgrades and enhancements. Investing in improving the safety of existing older bikeways contributes to creating an all ages and abilities bikeway network. These upgrades are important improvements, and for many people who cycle, they feel like new infrastructure and unlock access to more destinations by bike and expand the accessibility of the cycling network.

The City of Toronto has made historic investments in the cycling network over the last three years. In 2023, $30 million was invested in new and renewed bikeways, representing the single largest financial contribution in one year for bikeways. Transportation Services has increased capacity to deliver transformative complete streets projects with enhanced safety and public realm features. Bikeway projects more regularly include permanent materials such as raised cycle tracks and green infrastructure. Additionally, the scope of cycling projects have grown to focus on all modes by implementing improvements for people driving (such as new turn lanes), for pedestrians and people with disabilities (such as new or wider sidewalks, curb extensions and raised crossings), and for transit (such as transit priority measures), thereby taking a complete streets approach with considerations for all road users.

Further, Transportation Services has focused on enhancing intersection design and is in the process of implementing over 20 protected intersections, as well as protected signal phasing and leading bicycle intervals to improve safety at intersections, where most serious and fatal collisions occur.

In November and December of 2023, Transportation Services undertook a public consultation process for the 2025 - 2027 Cycling Network Near-Term Implementation Program. Consultation activities included an online survey (over 9,000 completed responses), an interactive map (over 5,000 comments), three online workshops with interest groups and one public virtual meeting (over 300 participants), as well as four public drop-in or pop-up events (one in each Community Council district, attended by approximately 160 people in total).

Throughout the public consultation, there was a consistent message from people who cycle: progress is not only measured by the quantity of bikeways installed, but also the quality of design and the feeling of safety and comfort, especially at intersections.

“Safety” was the top recommended factor for deciding where to put new bikeways among respondents of all types. For people who cycle, “connectivity” was the next most important factor. From people who do not regularly cycle, their second top factor was “current cycling demand”, and they recommended prioritizing the avoidance of impacts to other modes of travel (vehicle lanes, parking, transit), when determining the location and type of bikeways to be implemented.

The routes recommended for the 2025 - 2027 Near-Term Implementation Program are based on public input, City policies and priorities, and technical requirements. The prioritization framework and data sets used to analyze potential routes were updated to reflect lessons learned through the consultation process, including greater emphasis on safety, connectivity, and equity.

Technical feasibility reviews were undertaken to assess, at a high-level, impacts and deliverability of candidate routes based on the design emphasis areas of all ages and abilities and complete streets, including an assessment of existing motor vehicle volumes. The coordination of capital works, especially sequencing or bundling with other planned major projects, is an important factor that greatly influences the implementation schedule. In addition to taking advantage of road work opportunities, other delivery emphasis areas of this near-term program include expanding and connecting to Major City-Wide Cycling Routes, as well as advancing recommendations from recent and underway Neighbourhood Streets Plans.   

Key projects to be delivered in the 2025 - 2027 Near-Term Implementation Program include:

- Etobicoke Greenway and North Etobicoke Hydro Corridor Trails

- Weston Cycling Connections Phases 2 and 3

- Keele Street from Steeles Avenue West to Finch Avenue West

- Lawrence Heights Cycling Connections and upgrade of Marlee Avenue

- Warden Hydro Corridor Trail

- Sandhurst Circle Cycling Connections

- Several sections of Eglinton Avenue, including the EglintonTOday phases, as well as McCowan Road to Kingston Road

- Dupont Street from Dundas Street West to Lansdowne Avenue (major upgrade) and new from Lansdowne Avenue to Davenport Road

- Parkside Drive from Bloor Street West to Lake Shore Boulevard

Transportation Services is proposing that the 2025 - 2027 Near-Term Implementation Program maintains the ambitious target of 100 kilometres of new and major upgrade bikeway projects. Over the past three years, investments have been made in staff resourcing and budget, better preparing the City of Toronto to achieve this commitment.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the installation of the following bikeway projects on:

a. Avenue Road from Bloor Street West to Davenport Road, uni-directional cycle track;

b. Elm Ridge Drive from Newgate Road to the western limit of the Elm Ridge Drive Bridge, bi-directional cycle track;

c. Marlee Avenue from Castlefield Avenue to Roselawn Avenue, cycle track, and Roselawn Avenue to Eglinton Avenue West, bi-directional cycle track;

d. Mill Road from Rathburn Road to Burnhamthorpe Road, bi-directional cycle track;

e. Burnhamthorpe Road from Mill Road to the Toronto City Limit, multi-use trail;

f. O'Connor Drive from Hopedale Avenue to Broadview Avenue, uni-directional cycle track;

g. Broadview Avenue from O'Connor Drive to Cosburn Avenue, uni-directional cycle track;

h. Adelaide Street East from Parliament Street to Power Street, uni-directional cycle track;

i. Richmond Street East from Parliament Street to Power Street, uni-directional cycle track;

j. Power Street from Adelaide Street East to Richmond Street East, uni-directional cycle track;

k. Sudbury Street from Queen Street West to Abell Street, contra-flow bike lane;

l. Steeprock Drive from Chesswood Drive to Dufferin Street, uni-directional cycle track;

m. Whitehorse Road from Steeprock Drive to Rimrock Road, bike lane;

n. Rimrock Road from Whitehorse Road to W.R. Allen Road, bike lane;

o. Whitehorse Road from Steeprock Drive to Rimrock Road, bike lane;

p. Glendale Avenue from The Queensway to Parkdale Road, contra-flow bike lane and bike lane;

q. Parkdale Road from Glendale Avenue (south leg) to Sunnyside Avenue, contra-flow bike lane and bike lane;

r. Sunnyside Avenue from Galley Avenue to Pearson Avenue, contra-flow bike lane and bike lane;

s. Galley Avenue from Sunnyside Avenue to Macdonell Avenue, contra-flow bike lane;

t. Macdonell Avenue from Rideau Avenue to Seaforth Avenue, shared two-way cycling condition;

u. Seaforth Avenue from Macdonell Avenue to Brock Avenue, contra-flow bike lane and shared two-way cycling condition;

v. Harbour Street from Lower Simcoe Street to 130 metres east of Lower Simcoe Street, bi-directional cycle track;

w. Lake Shore Boulevard West from 15 metres west of Lower Simcoe Street to Lower Simcoe Street, bi-directional cycle track;

x. Davenport Road from Wychwood Park to Albany Avenue, uni-directional cycle track; and

y. Davenport Road from Marchmount Road to Winona Drive, uni-directional cycle track.

2. City Council delegate, despite any City of Toronto By-law to the contrary, to the General Manager, Transportation Services, until November 1, 2027, for the purposes of implementing and then addressing operational and safety issues that may arise in relation to the projects identified in Recommendation 1, the authority to implement changes and process and submit directly to Council any necessary bills for by-law amendments to the schedules to City of Toronto Code Chapters on the streets and within the parameters as identified in Attachment 2 to the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, and that such by-laws submitted be made permanent on November 1, 2027.

3. City Council authorize the installation of traffic control signal 50 metres west of the intersection of Jonesville Crescent and Eglinton Avenue East

4. City Council authorize the installation of traffic control signal at the intersection of Hopedale Avenue and O’Connor Drive.  

5. City Council authorize the installation of traffic control signal at the intersection of Roncesvalles Avenue and Galley Avenue.

6. Subject to approval of Recommendation 5 above, City Council authorize removal of the existing pedestrian crossover on Roncesvalles Avenue, immediately north of Galley Avenue in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at Roncesvalles Avenue and Galley Avenue.

7. City Council reduce the speed limit from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour on Steeprock Drive, between Chesswood Drive and Dufferin Street.

8. City Council reduce the speed limit from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour on Whitehorse Road, between Steeprock Drive and Rimrock Road.

9. City Council authorize an all-way compulsory stop control at the intersection of Sunnyside Drive and Pearson Avenue.

10. City Council authorize an all-way compulsory stop control at the intersection of Pearson Avenue and Fuller Avenue.

11. City Council authorize an all-way compulsory stop control at the intersection of Galley Avenue and Sorauren Avenue.

12. City Council authorize an all-way compulsory stop control at the intersection of Macdonell Avenue and Fern Avenue.

13. City Council amend cycling, traffic and parking regulations required in Chapter 886, Chapter 903, Chapter 910, and Chapter 950, as generally described in Attachment 3 - Technical Amendments to the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, for previously approved projects by City Council that have been enacted in phases aligned with the timing of implementation of the appropriate segments of the respective projects over 2024 to 2025 and by-law accuracy.

14. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to continue with the planned delivery of the sidewalk on Westgate Boulevard between Armour Boulevard and Earl Bales trail.

15. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks, as follows:

a. insert a new Section 886-14.2 to read as follows:

"§ 886-14.2 Bicycle operation at a curb lane café where pedestrians access a curb lane café area.

Where a person in charge of a bicycle or a large cargo power-assisted bicycle on a cycle track approaches a curb lane café permit area, where part of the cycle track is marked for pedestrian use in crossing between the sidewalk and the curb lane café permit area and an authorized sign is posted, the person on a bicycle or a large cargo power-assisted bicycle (1) shall stop before the area marked for pedestrian use, (2) shall yield to pedestrians crossing in the area marked for pedestrian use and (3) shall not proceed until all pedestrians have crossed the cycle track."

 16. 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, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services in order to give effect to Recommendation 15 above.

17. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to ensure, where feasible, that all work-zone permits to encroach into the right-of-way on Avenue Road between Bloor Street West and Davenport Road preserve at least 0.6 metres of the curb lane to provide sufficient space for cycle track protection and winter maintenance.

18. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to maintain the right-turn on red movement at the intersection of Mill Road and Burnhamthorpe Road and monitor for safety concerns post installation and report any recommended adjustments, as needed.

19. City Council request that the General Manager, Transportation Services make minor design adjustments to Mill Road based on local Councillor and public consultation feedback to ensure safe operations and to monitor for safety concerns post installation and make adjustments, as needed.

20. City Council request that the General Manager, Transportation Services post on the project website a summary of consultation with Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Paramedic Service regarding emergency response times on Mill Road.

This report seeks City Council authority to install bikeway projects identified in the Cycling Network Plan Near-Term Implementation Program (2022-2024), as well as one missing sidewalk project and an adjustment to Chapter 886.

Cycling Network Plan Projects

The Cycling Network Plan and the associated Near Term Implementation Plan, adopted by City Council in December 2021, seeks to build on the existing network of cycling routes to Connect gaps in the current network, Grow the network into new parts of the city, and Renew existing parts of the network to improve safety. Through this report, Transportation Services is seeking authority for bikeway projects that are proposed to be installed in the near term (2022-2024) for which design and consultation have been completed.

This report seeks Council authority to install 7.23 centreline kilometres of new bikeways associated with eight projects on the following streets:

- Avenue Road: Bloor Street West to Davenport Road (cycle track, Ward 11)

- Beltline Gap Connections

- Roselawn Avenue / Elm Ridge Drive: Allen Greenway to Marlee Avenue (bi-directional cycle track and multi-use trail, Ward 8)

- Marlee Avenue: Castlefield Avenue to Roselawn Avenue (cycle track, Ward 8) and Roselawn Avenue to Eglinton Avenue West (bi-directional cycle track, Ward 8)

- Allen Greenway: Elm Ridge Drive to Wembley Road (multi-use trail, Ward 8)

- Centennial Park Cycling Connections

- Mill Road: Rathburn Road to Burnhamthorpe Road (bi-directional cycle track, Ward 2)

- Burnhamthorpe Road: Mill Road to Etobicoke Creek (multi-use trail, Ward 2)

- Leaside Bridge to Danforth Avenue Cycling Connections

- O'Connor Drive: Hopedale Avenue to Broadview Avenue (cycle track, Ward 14)

- Broadview Avenue: O'Connor Drive to Cosburn Road (cycle track, Ward 14)

- Power Street Project

- Adelaide Street East: Parliament Street to Power Street (cycle track, Ward 13)

- Richmond Street East: Parliament Street to Power Street (cycle track, Ward 13)

- Power Street: Adelaide Street East to Richmond Street East (cycle track, Ward 13)

- Sudbury Street: Queen Street West to Abell Street (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 9)

- Steeprock-Bathurst Manor Cycling Connections

- Steeprock Drive: Chesswood Drive to Dufferin Street (cycle track, Ward 6)

- Whitehorse Road: Steeprock Drive to Rimrock Road (bike lane, Ward 6)

- Rimrock Road: Whitehorse Road to W.R. Allen Road (bike lane, Ward 6)

- West Parkdale Cycling Connections

- Glendale Avenue: The Queensway to Parkdale Road (contra-flow bike lane and bike lane, Ward 4)

- Parkdale Road: Glendale Avenue (south leg) to Sunnyside Avenue (contra-flow bike lane, bike lane, and shared-condition bikeway Ward 4)

- Sunnyside Avenue: Galley Avenue to Pearson Avenue (contra-flow bike lane and bike lane, Ward 4)

- Galley Avenue: Sunnyside Avenue to Macdonell Avenue (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 4)

- Macdonell Avenue: Rideau Avenue to Seaforth Avenue (shared-condition two-way cycling, Ward 4)

- Seaforth Avenue: Macdonell Avenue to Brock Avenue (contra-flow bike lane and shared-condition two-way cycling, Ward 4)

This report seeks Council authority to make by-law amendments associated with improvements to 0.75 centreline kilometres of existing bikeways on the following streets:

- Harbour Street: Lower Simcoe Street and 130 metres east of Lower Simcoe Street (multi-use trail to cycle track and sidewalk, Ward 10)

- Lake Shore Boulevard West: 15 metres west of Lower Simcoe Street and Lower Simcoe Street (multi-use trail to cycle track and sidewalk, Ward 10) 

- Davenport Road: Wychwood Park and Albany Avenue (traffic and parking, Ward 12)

- Davenport Road: Marchmount Road and Winona Drive (traffic and parking, Ward 12)

Further, as part of this report, Transportation Services is seeking Council authority to install a new traffic control signal 50 metres west of the Jonesville Crescent and Eglinton Avenue East intersection to prepare for a new trail connection south of Eglinton Avenue East.

Transportation Services is continuing to utilize the streamlined reporting process for by-law amendment submissions associated with cycling infrastructure projects approved by Council for implementation. Once projects are approved by Council, the streamlined process involves delegation of authority to submit bills directly to Council for a discrete period of time after project implementation, which enables Transportation Services to make minor adjustments to constructed conditions without delay and based on local Councillor and public feedback, such as parking adjustments to improve sightlines, adjustments or addition of accessible loading areas, and similar modifications.

The changes proposed as part of the projects identified above would improve both safety and mobility options by providing improved cycling connections to transit, parks, local schools, businesses, and residences. Pedestrian improvements have also been included in the projects, wherever feasible, including curb extensions, new sidewalk installations, pedestrian head start signals, and motor vehicle lane adjustments.

In addition, this report seeks to make minor housekeeping amendments to existing bikeways and their associated traffic and parking by-laws on the following streets:

- Danforth Avenue at Thyra Avenue (traffic and parking, Ward 19)

- Davenport Road: Bedford Road to Dupont Street (traffic and parking, Ward 9 and 11)

- University Avenue: College Street to Dundas Street Avenue (traffic and parking, Ward 10 and 11)

- Silverthorn Avenue: Rogers Road to St. Clair Avenue (traffic and parking, Ward 9)

As part of this report, Transportation Services is recommending a one-block extension of missing sidewalk on Westgate Boulevard between Armour Boulevard and the connection to the Earl Bales Park Trail to align with the Basement Flooding Protection Program construction.

A map of the Cycling Network and Missing Sidewalk projects proposed in this report is included as Attachment 1.

Finally, this report recommends the addition of a new offence provision for CaféTO curb lane patios adjacent to cycle tracks. The new offence provision would make clear that people cycling in a cycle track must yield to people actively entering or exiting a CaféTO curb lane patio.

This new offence provision would be similar to that found in Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886- Sections 14 and 14.1 which address bicycle operation at transit stops and accessible loading areas which prohibits people cycling in a cycle track from, among other things, passing a Toronto Transit Commission bus which is stationary for the purpose of taking on or discharging a passenger and that people cycling must yield to people actively utilizing accessible loading areas, respectively.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council approve the concept of On-Street Logistics Mini-Hubs as a permanent program, so that courier organizations / companies can apply to access an On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub where locations are deemed suitable by the General Manager, Transportation Services. 

2. Should City Council approve Recommendation 1 of the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, City Council approve the On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub pilot location located on the west side of St. George Street between a point 88.7 metres north of Russell Street and a point 27.5 metres further north (in the vicinity of 60 St. George Street) for five (5) parking spaces, as a permitted installation to be operated by Purolator Incorporated and approve the amendment of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, Schedule XLVII: On-street Logistics Mini-hub Parking Areas to include this location.

3. City Council approve the amendments to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, to allow the permitting of On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub areas, generally as outlined in Attachment 1 to the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

4. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Schedule 2 (Transportation Services) by creating and adding a new fee to "Appendix C" for the On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub non-refundable permit of $6,401.80 (plus Harmonized Sales Tax) per year, per parking space displaced, and adjusted yearly for inflation. 

5. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 441, Fees and Charges, Schedule 2 (Transportation Services) by creating and adding a new fee to "Appendix C" for the On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub non-refundable application fee of $218.20 (plus Harmonized Sales Tax) per Mini-Hub area requested, and adjusted yearly for inflation.

6. City Council establish new offences and establish new associated penalties and amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 610, Penalties, Administration of, generally as outlined in Attachment 2 to the report (May 13, 2024) from 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, minor modifications, technical amendments, or By-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services in order to give effect to Recommendations 2 to 6, inclusive, above.

On June 15 and 16, 2022, City Council approved a pilot project of up to eighteen (18) months for Toronto's first On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub, to further support and investigate last-mile deliveries in combination with electric cargo bike operations.

The Mini-Hub, which is a repurposed shipping container, was located within a parking layby on St. George Street within the University of Toronto's downtown campus. The multifunctional structure has been operated by Purolator Incorporated courier company and has served as a redistribution center for the pick-up and drop-off of packages by customers and a storage location for the company's large cargo e-bike delivery fleet.

Following the completion of the Mini-Hub's pilot period, which ended in April of this year, Transportation Services is reporting back to City Council to provide information about the outcome of the trial and recommend next steps. Given the findings from the pilot, which are detailed in this report, Transportation Services is seeking City Council's approval to allow the creation of an On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub program that can be rolled out in other areas of the city with other courier companies where locations are deemed suitable and to approve the continued operation of the Mini-Hub on St. George Street. In addition, the report also seeks Council's approval to establish an On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub permit fee ($6,401.80 per year, per parking space displaced) and an application fee for an On-Street Logistics Mini-Hub ($218.20 per request) that would be charged to courier companies wanting to participate in the program, including administrative penalty amounts for unauthorized vehicles parking, stopping and standing in the Mini-Hub area and courier companies do not properly display the permit issued for the Mini-Hub.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council endorse the Preliminary Recommended Alignments and Designs included in Attachment 1 for the purposes of completing the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment’s mandatory phase 3 public consultation and request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back on the feedback received from the consultation and any resulting refinements made as part of finalizing Preferred Alignments and Designs, where appropriate.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to report back no later than the December 17, 2024 meeting of City Council, through Infrastructure and Environment Committee, to request Council endorsement of the Preferred Designs and authority to prepare the Environmental Study Report and issue a Notice of Completion of Phase 3 and 4 of the ReNew Golden Mile Environmental Assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process.  

3. City Council direct the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back no later than the December 17, 2024 Meeting of City Council, through Planning and Housing Committee, on amendments to the Official Plan, and the Zoning By-law, where necessary or required to support and / or align with the ReNew Golden Mile Environmental Assessment.

4. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to coordinate to ensure the matters in Recommendation 2 and Recommendation 3 above are brought to the same meeting of Council for consideration.

5. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to coordinate with the landowners of 1911 - 1921 Eglinton Avenue East, 800 Warden Avenue and 1941 Eglinton Avenue East and further study options for the O’Connor Drive Extension between Lebovic Avenue and Birchmount Road, to determine whether any adjustments are required, where appropriate, to respond to the matters raised by these landowners, before reporting back to Council on the finalized Preferred Alignments and Designs.

The ReNew Golden Mile Environmental Assessment Study was initiated in 2022. The Environmental Assessment Study builds on the Golden Mile Secondary Plan and Golden Mile Transportation Master Plan approved by City Council in October 2020.

The Golden Mile area, generally consisting of lands located along Eglinton Avenue East and Craigton Drive, between Victoria Park Avenue and Birchmount Road, has been influenced by agricultural, industrial, and commercial eras of development. The area became known as the "Golden Mile of Industry" during the post-World War II era with the construction of large-scale manufacturing buildings along Eglinton Avenue East, between Pharmacy Avenue and Birchmount Road. Large-scale commercial development generally occurred during the 1990's, replacing many of the former industrial buildings that fronted onto Eglinton Avenue East.

The Golden Mile Secondary Plan advanced a vision for a new mixed-use community  with a range of tall, mid-rise and some low-rise buildings to be constructed over the next 20+ years. There are 14 sites with active development applications within the Plan Area. City Council has approved or accepted settlement offers for 12 of the 14 sites. These approvals and accepted settlement offers, combined with the balance of development potential for other sites in the area is currently estimated to accommodate approximately 32,700 residential units, 54,000 to 56,000 residents and 19,000 jobs (including replacement jobs).

The Environmental Assessment Study is completing phases 3 and 4 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process and establishing the alignments and designs of five new and reconfigured streets to support future development and growth. The process involves developing and evaluating alternative street alignments and designs for the following transportation infrastructure:

- A potential reconfiguration of O’Connor Drive, along with an extension to Birchmount Road

- A new east-west public street north of Eglinton Avenue East from Victoria Park Avenue to Birchmount Road (“Golden Mile Boulevard”)

- A realignment, widening and reconfiguration of Craigton Drive to directly connect to Ashtonbee Road

- A potential reconfiguration of Thermos Road and Sinnott Road at the Eglinton Avenue East intersection.

Additionally, the Environmental Assessment Study is exploring other corridor improvements along Jonesville Crescent and Ashtonbee Road to Birchmount Road that do not require completion of phases 3 and 4 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The corridor improvements will ensure these streets are complete streets to support existing and future residents and businesses.

This report provides an update on the status of the Environmental Assessment Study, key findings to date, including the preliminary evaluation, recommendations, and designs, and outlines next steps to finalize the Environmental Assessment Study.

This report recommends that City Council endorse the preliminary recommended alignments and designs for the purpose of consulting the public and completing the next stage of mandatory Municipal Class Environmental Assessment consultation requirements. This report also directs the Interim Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to bring forward a concurrent report on required Official Plan and / or Zoning By-law Amendments to support and / or align with the ReNew Golden Mile Environmental Assessment Final Report. This report was prepared in consultation with City Planning.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services and the Executive Director, Environment and Climate to share the authorities previously granted by City Council in 2021.IE22.8 and 2023.IE9.3, and allow either Division head to separately enter into agreements to support the work of the City of Toronto’s Circular Economy and Innovation unit with those authorities.

The purpose of this interim report is to provide an update on the status of work to develop a 10-year Circular Economy Road Map strategy and implementation plan (Circular Economy Road Map) for Toronto, including the project's planned community engagement and consultation milestones. This report describes the project governance structure developed by staff in response to Toronto City Council's endorsement of the targets and actions outlined in the 2021 TransformTO NetZero Strategy (NetZero Strategy). Specifically, City of Toronto (City) staff established a project governance approach based on NetZero Strategy direction for Solid Waste Management Services, with involvement and leadership from other City Divisions, to develop a City-wide governance structure, strategy and policy framework for the circular economy.

In recognition of the cross-corporate opportunities presented by the City's circular economy transition, this report also provides an update on transferring the City of Toronto's circular economy and innovation program from Solid Waste Management Services to the Environment and Climate. As such, this report recommends the sharing of certain existing authorities authorized by Council to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services with the Executive Director, Environment and Climate. Although Solid Waste Management Services will remain a leading Division in the development and implementation of Toronto's Circular Economy Road Map, moving the program to the Environment and Climate under Corporate Services is expected to improve staff's ability to achieve Council's circular economy goals.

Working towards a circular economy is vital to achieving Council's climate action targets, enabling sustainable consumption choices, and fostering economic resilience and prosperity. However, the City's circular economy transition cannot be achieved by the City government alone. It will require the participation of others outside of Toronto's municipal government and must include residents, businesses, industry, local communities, and other governments. It will also require a transformation in how society currently thinks about waste: from a problem to be hidden from sight, to a resource that can be captured to provide value and positive outcomes for the planet, the City, and its residents. As with existing City of Toronto circular economy initiatives such as the Circular Food Innovator's Fund¹, implementation of the circular economy program will continue to prioritize working with local businesses, other governments and partners, and key industry sectors to identify opportunities for economic prosperity.

¹ The Circular Food Innovators Fund, launched in 2024, is a program aimed at supporting market-ready business solutions to enable the elimination of single-use and takeaway items in Toronto and help to achieve a more circular food system for Toronto residents and businesses.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Received the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services for information.

The City's Long Term Waste Management Strategy (Waste Strategy) was approved by City Council in 2016 and provided recommendations and a long-term planning framework to guide the City’s waste management policy, planning, and program decisions over the next 30 to 50 years. A review of the recommendations after the first five years of implementation was recommended as part of the Waste Strategy,  however, this was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June 2023, as part of its consideration of the Residual Waste Management Work Plan, City Council directed Solid Waste Management Service to submit an interim Waste Strategy update report no later than June 2024 and a final Long Term Waste Management Strategy update (Strategy Review) by June 2025.

The purpose of this report is to provide an interim progress update on the City's Long Term Waste Management Strategy Review. The report provides a summary of the work completed to date, an update on the progress of the Residual Waste Management Work Plan¹, and next steps for engagement with the public and interest groups. 

¹ Residual Waste Management Plan, link: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-236734.pdf

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to amend O. Reg. 595/06, FEES AND CHARGES, to allow the City to charge gas utilities for their use of public lands as Edmonton, Calgary, Regina and Winnipeg do, in order to fund infrastructure resilience against the impacts of climate change.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the fourth quarter of 2024 on whether the current fees charged to gas utilities for pavement degradation resulting from utility cuts fully recover all short and long term related costs and damages incurred by the City.

3. City Council direct the Executive Director, Environment and Climate, to work with Clean Air Partnership and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to explore a collective municipal approach to ensure a fair payment system for fossil fuel pipelines that use municipal property and how best to ensure a level playing field between fossil fuel and low carbon infrastructure investment, and to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the second quarter of 2025.

4. City Council write to the Auditor General of Ontario requesting an investigation of Bill 165 and its impact on Toronto residents.

That Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the Executive Director, Environment and Climate, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to report directly to the June 26, 27 and 28 meeting of City Council with an analysis of Recommendations 1, 2 and 3 in the motion by Councillor Saxe, with the report to City Council to include considerations of staff resources required, the timelines to deliver on the directives, and any recommended change to the wording of the Recommendations.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel responsible for over half of Toronto’s annual greenhouse gas emissions as the primary energy source for heating buildings.

The TransformTO Net Zero Strategy aims to accelerate a rapid and significant reduction in natural gas use in buildings, identifying this as one of four "critical steps" to achieving City Council's goal of net zero emissions by 2040. This critical step is consistent with a worldwide energy transition away from fossil fuels because they are the main cause of climate change.

Enbridge Gas Inc. is the utility serving Toronto's consumption of natural gas through a network of transmission and distribution pipelines that connect to over 550,000 gas customers in Toronto.

While the City has clearly identified the need to reduce reliance on natural gas, its actions are limited by the jurisdiction provided in provincial legislation. Whether City Council could enact a by-law to ban the transmission, distribution, sale, or use of natural gas within Toronto depends on the scope of the City’s by-law authority under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and related statutory authorities.  Among other things, section 11 of City of Toronto Act, 2006 limits that authority to those City by-laws that do not conflict with a provincial or federal statute, regulation, order, license, approval or similar instrument.  Additional information about this issue is included in Confidential Attachment 1 to the City Solicitor’s supplemental report on this item.

This report focuses on the matters raised in Council motion 2024.IE11.8, namely the City’s relationship with Enbridge regarding renewable natural gas projects, City staff’s recent comments on Bill 165 which deals with expanding new connections to the provincial natural gas grid, and Enbridge’s use of public property (especially the right of way).

Beyond these specific matters, the City has the ability to influence demand for natural gas through setting standards for greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency for new and existing buildings in Toronto. For new buildings, the City’s innovative Toronto Green Standard recommends energy efficiency and greenhouse gas intensity standards that are intended to become progressively more stringent over time for new residential (minimum 10 units) and non-residential developments. Toronto Green Standard consists of tiers of performance with Tier 1 being mandatory and applied through the planning approval process. It is intended that by May 2028, if adopted by Council, the Toronto Green Standard requirements for near zero greenhouse gas emissions will discourage new natural gas connections for heating or domestic hot water. City Council has also directed staff to develop an Emission Performance Standards by-law to address greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings. If Council enacts a by-law requiring existing buildings to meet such emission standards, then property owners may need to take measures to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from their buildings, which may include reducing the use of natural gas.

Regarding the matters raised in Council motion 2024.IE11.8:

- Renewable Natural Gas - In collaboration with Enbridge, Solid Waste Management Services has developed Renewable Natural Gas production facilities at the City’s Organic Processing Facilities. While the City’s production of Renewable Natural Gas can play a useful role in the energy transition, it will be a limited role because production is itself limited by the amount of biogas and landfill gas available. Solid Waste Management Services is currently working with Enbridge towards development of an Renewable Natural Gas production facility at the City’s Green Lane Landfill

- Bill 165: In April the Executive Director of Environment and Climate made oral and written submissions to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Interior, pursuant to Council authority, detailing concerns about potential negative affordability and climate impacts for Toronto from Bill 165, the Keeping Energy Costs Down Act, 2024. The written submission is Attachment “A” to this report. The Environment and Climate Division is monitoring for consultation opportunities with the Government of Ontario on its forthcoming natural gas policy statement, announced by the Minister of Energy alongside Bill 165.¹

- Enbridge Use of Public Property: Provincial regulation currently precludes the City from applying a land-based charge for Enbridge’s use of the right of way (same for a telecom company, electricity generator, or electricity transmitter or distributor). Municipalities outside Ontario can and do charge gas utilities for use of the right of way (including Edmonton, Calgary and Regina) generating revenue between $24 and $97 per capita annually. Were the Province to amend its regulation and City Council decided to apply a land-based charge to Enbridge’s use of the right of way, it could generate between $73 million and $293 million in total annual revenue based on the range of currently observed charges elsewhere. If City Council decided to apply a land-based charge it could also decide to reduce the amount by the amount Enbridge would otherwise pay in property taxes on its gas pipelines in a given year. City staff plan to engage with the province about potential for regulatory change.

Enbridge could seek to pass on the cost of any land-based charge for use of the right of way to natural gas ratepayers in Toronto. Whether Enbridge could do so would be subject to provincial laws and regulatory approval.

Applying a land-based charge could align with the need to transition away from fossil fuels and move toward lower carbon energy like electricity from Ontario’s relatively clean grid and local renewable generation. To the extent that Council directed any future revenues from a land-based charge for Enbridge’s use of the right of way (if permitted by law) toward adapting City infrastructure like roads, bridges and sewers to withstand the impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuels, such as more frequent and intense storms, this could amplify the climate-related benefits of the charge.

¹https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1004216/the-keeping-energy-costs-down-act

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council direct that the confidential information contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (May 13, 2024) from the City Solicitor, remain confidential in its entirety, as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

This supplementary report to the report from the Executive Director, Environment and Climate Division provides Council with confidential information for consideration in conjunction with the report requested by Council at its March meeting with respect to various issues affecting fuel utilities, including natural gas.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report to Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the results of the quality services pilot in the third quarter of 2025, with the report to include a review of the quality of tree pruning on all 2024 service orders and whether they were conducted in accordance with the ANSI 300 standards.
 

2. Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to include in the scope of review of its tree maintenance programs:

a. What training and certifications are required, industry best practices for conducting tree maintenance services, and the training and certification status of the employees and contractors utilized by the City for tree maintenance;

b. Investigate and review the feasibility for City staff and contractors who perform, supervise, and / or manage tree maintenance to verify that they have read the ANSI 300 Standards and become ISA certified over a period of time;

c. Review of the City’s tree maintenance policies and procedures against the industry standards and practices to ensure tree maintenance quality service outcomes; and

d. Review and assess the feasibility of adopting tree maintenance approaches not currently employed by the City of Toronto such as “cabling trees”.

3. Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the first quarter of 2025 with a plan to protect and enhance Toronto’s tree canopy in all parts of the city as climate change intensifies, with particular attention to the importance of trees in reducing the adverse effects of extreme heat on children, seniors and other vulnerable populations.

Since 2021, Parks, Forestry and Recreation committed to key improvements in contract management, crew oversight and operational efficiencies as guided by Auditor General recommendations in their report entitled "Getting to the Root of the Issues - A Follow Up to the 2019 Tree Maintenance Services Audit" and City Council direction.

To date, the service improvements have been focused on strengthening processes and improving productivity and service quality, through the implementation of recommendations that drive a more effective and efficient tree maintenance operation. Improvements to date include: improved contract management practices with better contract language, increased oversight of crews to ensure time is efficiently used, and daily work activities completed, and complaints responded to in a timely manner. Parks, Forestry and Recreation is now turning focus to the quality of tree maintenance services provided to the public and strives for service excellence. 

The purpose of this report is to respond to the outstanding directions from City Council to review options to continuously improve tree maintenance services, the feasibility of the City providing the services directly as well as a summary of the organizational improvements Parks, Forestry and Recreation has implemented over the last two years. The City engaged two consultants to review organizational changes and services that should continue to be outsourced all of which were intended to deliver better service outcomes.

This report includes the consultant's recommendations and findings including data analysis and jurisdictional scan to benchmark Toronto's services against other peer cities and an assessment of the feasibility of better-quality tree maintenance services. Parks, Forestry and Recreation is in the process of implementing these recommendations.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:  

1. Received the report (May 10, 2024) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, for information.

This report provides a summary of the tree by-law appeal volumes, outcomes and rationale, as well as the total number and outcomes of tree removal permits considered by Parks, Forestry and Recreation following the delegation of final decision making on all tree removal permit application appeals to Community Council under Municipal Code, Chapter 27, Council Procedures, Chapter 813 Trees and Chapter 658 Ravine and Natural Feature Protection.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Received the report (May 13, 2024) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, for information.

Paul Martel Park is a City park that features native-plant gardens, trees, seating areas and a gathering space. The park has a long history tied to community advocacy and stewardship and has been a gathering ground for the Indigenous group Earth Helpers Garden Inc. to conduct cultural and environmental activities with a focus on cultivation and restoration of native plants. Parks, Forestry and Recreation has worked collaboratively with Earth Helpers to improve the park and support the programming.

This report responds to member motion from the March 20, 2024 City Council meeting, requesting a feasibility study on park renaming, yurt installation, lighting improvement, raised flower beds, and a washroom facility.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee: 

1. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services to:

a. Minimize property and tree impacts on Ridgewood Road and to the greatest extent possible ensure the design is within the existing right of way, for example through monolithic sidewalks or other design elements as appropriate;

b. Share the recommended design with Ridgewood residents in a mailed notice in the second quarter of 2025;

c. Host walkabouts with community members to discuss specific concerns in the second quarter of 2025; and

d. Host a public information session for Ridgewood residents in the fourth quarter of 2025 on the final design and anticipated timelines for 2026.

The purpose of this report is to provide Infrastructure and Environment Committee with updated cost estimates and project information associated with the potential construction of a sanitary sewer on Ridgewood Road, the costs for which would be recovered from property owners through a local improvement charge.

Road reconstruction and new sidewalk construction is planned on Ridgewood Road, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. Although delivering the proposed sewer with the road reconstruction and new sidewalk could provide some cost and construction coordination benefits, bundling the two projects would result in the 2026 construction start being delayed to accommodate potential sewer design work.

At its meeting on March 20 and 21, 2024, City Council directed the City Manager to consult with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on the feasibility of amending Ontario Regulation 596/06 under the City of Toronto Act (the "Regulation") and to make any other legislative or regulatory amendments to allow the City to impose local improvement charges using different methods from those set out in the Regulation for the construction of the Ridgewood Road sewer.

Toronto Water, in collaboration with the City Manager's Office, has initiated consultation and been informed that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is currently analysing the City's request. Staff will provide an update on the conclusion of consultations with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at an upcoming Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting. It is expected that the time required for regulation amendments will exceed the timelines needed to coordinate the proposed sanitary sewer work with the scheduled road and sidewalk work.

The road reconstruction and new sidewalk work for Ridgewood Road should proceed as planned without bundling with the potential sanitary sewer project until such time that staff can confirm the use of an amended local improvement charge method to fund the sewer work.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council direct the General Manager Toronto Water to report to the City Council meeting scheduled for June 26, 27, 28, 2024 on when detailed design for project 16-03 will be completed and when construction will be commenced; and as an alternative solution to address local basement flooding in the Winston Park Neighbourhood to advance the upgrade of the STM Underground Storage Tank at De Havilland (Mossie) Park as per the directive that was adopted by City Council in July 2013 and July 2019 under item - 2019.EX7.26.

This motion seeks a further update and information on the status, roadmap, outcome, and project start based on the Class Environmental Assessment Study for Basement Flooding Study Area 16 which was completed in 2012. It recommended project 16-03 to help mitigate flooding risks in the area that includes the subject property (107 Whitley Avenue). After the completion of the preliminary design in 2015, project 16-03 was found to be within the council-adopted cost per benefitting property threshold required for a project to proceed to detailed design and construction.

The local Councillor has been advised that the project does not have a planned construction start year and that construction timing is influenced by factors such as design and construction timelines, infrastructure coordination opportunities, available budget envelopes, and the number of Basement Flooding Protection Program (BFPP) projects in the infrastructure planning and design process. Toronto Water has installed a water level sensor in a sewer on Whitley Avenue but at least one owner has argued that this will not solve the type of flooding that has occurred in the area. As the Environmental Assessment was completed 12 years ago, there is a feeling in the neighbourhood that this work is long overdue and homeowners have incurred flooding, property damage and ongoing worry about the consequences of the next extreme weather event. 

On July 17, 2013, City Council directed the General Manager, Toronto Water to incorporate Project 16-03 in Toronto Water's forthcoming 2014 - 2018 update to the Basement Flooding Protection Program. In the same motion, City Council directed General Manager Toronto Water that if the cost per household threshold is exceeded, the underground storm storage tank planned for Anthony Park be separated out from "Project 16-03" and be considered for inclusion in the capital works 2014 budget for Toronto Water.

In July 2019, Council directed Toronto Water to upgrade the STM Underground Storage Tank at De Havilland (Mossie) Park to address issues with basement flooding in the Winston Park Neighbourhood, (as per item EX7.26).