Minutes Confirmed on June 13, 2025

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. In addition to, and concurrent with, the authority currently delegated by City Council to the General Manager, Toronto Water, the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, and their respective authorized staff designates in writing, City Council delegate authority to the Executive Director, Development Review, to designate in writing the appropriate staff authorized to sign, on behalf of the City, any application and notification forms as may be required by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks related to the administration of the new Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals application and notification process for municipal wastewater collection and stormwater management systems, related to development review and third-party projects and subject to the partnership agreement.

2. As a condition of the delegation of authority by City Council to the Executive Director, Development Review, and their authorized designates, as set out in Recommendation 1 above, City Council directs the General Manager, Toronto Water, the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, and the Executive Director, Development Review, to update their partnership agreement to reflect the City’s transition from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Transfer of Review Program to the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals application and notification process, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Toronto Water, the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services and the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services.

This report recommends the delegation of authority to the Executive Director, Development Review, to designate in writing the appropriate staff authorized to sign, on behalf of the City, any application and notification forms, as may be required under the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks new Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval application and notification process for municipal wastewater collection and stormwater management systems, related to development review and third-party projects as provided under the partnership agreement. It is further recommended that the General Manager, Toronto Water, the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, and the Executive Director, Development Review, update their partnership agreement to reflect the City's transition from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Transfer of Review Program to the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals application and notification process.

In September 2024, staff who review development applications were consolidated under the newly created Development Review division to expedite the review of all development applications received by the City, with a focus on getting more homes, notably affordable homes, built faster within complete communities. To administer this change, City Council authorized delegation of certain existing planning and infrastructure development review related authorities, including authorities associated with the Transfer of Review Program under the Ontario Water Resources Act and the City's Transfer of Review Agreement, to the Executive Director, Development Review, and the appropriate City staff. Prior to this change, these authorities were delegated to Toronto Water and Engineering and Construction Services. Consolidation under Development Review and delegation of authorities were vital to accelerate the City's development application review process.

In October 2021, City Council authorized the designation of the General Manager, Toronto Water, as the Owner Representative to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for the new Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals. In addition, City Council authorized the General Manager, Toronto Water and the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, in consultation, to designate in writing the appropriate staff within their respective divisions authorized to sign on behalf of the City, any forms, letters of acceptance or such further documents, as may be required by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks related to the administration of the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals. Since 2021, staff have been coordinating with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and planning for the City's transition from the Transfer of Review Program to the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals application and notification process. Conditional on final terms, staff anticipate the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals will be issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in 2025. As a result of this transition and re-organization of staff who review development applications that will be subject to the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals application and notification process from Engineering and Construction Services to Development Review, the delegation of authority to the Executive Director, Development Review, to designate in writing the appropriate staff authorized to sign, on behalf of the City, any application and notification forms, as may be required under the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks new Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals is needed.

Approval of the recommendations in this report will help ensure a smooth transition from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Transfer of Review Program to the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals application and notification process for development applications that are subject to the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals application and notification process.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council adopt Strategy 1 as described, in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 23, 2025) from the General Manager, Toronto Water and the Chief Procurement Officer.

2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to this report (April 23, 2025) from the General Manager, Toronto Water and the Chief Procurement Officer, remain confidential in its entirety as it contains information and confidential instructions to staff respecting a plan to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the City, and direct that the confidential instructions to staff be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the costs and benefits associated with two implementation options for a strategy to replace the City's rapidly failing water Meter Transmission Units.

Aclara, a United States-based company, remains the sole supplier of Meter Transmission Units compatible with the City’s existing water metering technology. Aclara Meter Transmission Units are manufactured in Mexico and shipped directly to Canada.

Confidential Attachment 1 to this report contains additional information for Council's consideration, along with recommended confidential instructions to staff.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council amend City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 669, Climate Change Goals and Governance, as follows:

a. delete § 669-2.3C(1) and replace it with the following, in order to postpone the reporting to no later than the end of 2025:

1. No later than December 31, 2025, the City Manager, or designate, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, considering the advice of the Executive Director, Environment and Climate, shall provide to City Council an Advanced Plan for actions to achieve the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set out in § 669-2.1B(1) and the greenhouse gas emissions budget for Community emission sources for the period between 2026-2030.

b. delete § 669-2.3D(1) and replace it with the following, in order to postpone the reporting to no later than the end of 2025:

1. No later than December 31, 2025, the City Manager, or designate, shall bring forward for consideration by City Council an Advanced Plan for actions to achieve the 2026-2030 greenhouse gas emissions budget for Corporate emission sources - Buildings.

c. delete § 669-2.3E(1) and replace it with the following, in order to postpone the reporting to no later than the end of 2025: 

1. No later than December 31, 2025, the City Manager, or designate, shall bring forward for consideration by City Council an Advanced Plan for actions to achieve the 2026-2030 greenhouse gas emissions budget for Corporate emission sources - Transportation.  

2. City Council direct that the amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 669, Climate Change Goals and Governance, described in Part 1 above, come into force on May 31, 2025.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, in consultation with the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, to prepare the necessary bill required to give effect to City Council's decision and to make such clarifications, minor modifications, technical or stylistic refinements as may be identified by the City Solicitor.

In response to the climate emergency, in 2021 City Council endorsed the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and adopted the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto community-wide by 2040. At that time, City Council also adopted the first of four short-term action plans (for 2022-2025) to move Toronto toward the 2040 target.

Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 669, Climate Change Goals and Governance, sections 669-2.3C(1), D(1) and E(1) prescribe that the next short-term plan to reduce community-wide and City corporate greenhouse gas emissions over 2026-30 shall be brought forward by June 30, 2025 for consideration by City Council.

Work to date on developing the Net Zero Strategy Action Plan (2026-30) indicates that Building Emissions Performance Standards are a significant action that the City can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions community-wide as buildings represent the single largest source of emissions. Staff have been directed to bring forward a detailed plan for how Building Emissions Performance Standards will be implemented for City Council consideration (2023.EX7.1, Part 12) in the third quarter of 2025 (2024.IE15.4). The report is currently tracking to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting scheduled for September 24, 2025.

Given the expected importance of Building Emissions Performance Standards for the Net Zero Strategy Action Plan (2026-30), this report recommends amending Municipal Code Chapter 669 to allow City Council consideration of the Net Zero Strategy Action Plan (2026-30) and Building Emissions Performance Standards at the same time. The proposed amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 669 would defer Council consideration of the Net Zero Strategy Action Plan (2026-30), and Advance Plans for Corporate emissions from buildings and transportation, from June 2025 to before the end of 2025.

The Net Zero Strategy 2024 Annual Report on implementation progress will proceed as scheduled and be brought forward to Infrastructure and Environment Committee at its June 2025 meeting.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council express its continued support for the transition of City of Toronto owned gas-powered small engine equipment to zero-emission outdoor power equipment.

2. City Council express its continued support for the public promotion of the appropriate use of small engine equipment and sustainable yard care practices to encourage the transition to zero-emission outdoor power equipment by residents and businesses.

3. City Council request the Mayor to include the necessary funding for Recommendations 1 and 2 above, through future budget allocations as described in the Financial Impact Section of the report (April 23, 2025) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry.

4. City Council direct the City Manager to ensure that any of the new contracts for landscaping services on City-owned property specify that two-stroke gas-powered engines may not be used if zero-emission equipment is available.

5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to report back in 2027 on progress to transition City-owned equipment from two-stroke engine to electric, as well as an update on the communication campaign to encourage Toronto businesses and residents to choose quieter, zero emission equipment, with such report to include updated jurisdictional scan of other North American jurisdictions that are transitioning their internal operations to zero-emission outdoor power equipment or have enacted community restrictions or bans.

City Council has considered the issue of two-stroke engine use periodically over the past 25 years. Most recently, in July 2023 (2023.IE5.1), City staff brought forward a report that identified the potential negative impacts of two-stroke engine equipment on climate, health and noise and found that individually these impacts did not provide sufficient rationale for action to be taken to ban the use of two-stroke engines.

Staff identified two potential options to proceed and City Council chose to express its support for a ban on the use of gas-powered two-stroke engine equipment, such as leaf blowers and hedge trimmers, as a precaution against the cumulative adverse impacts to human health and climate from noise and air pollution. Staff were directed to identify the resources required to develop and implement a ban on use of two-stroke engine equipment and report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. This report responds to Council's direction and also incorporates information on actions that need to be undertaken by the City to show leadership in the transition towards zero-emission outdoor power equipment.

The approach to implementing a ban and next steps outlined in this report, should the City choose to proceed, are informed by the results of stakeholder consultations, a jurisdictional scan, an equipment assessment and market analysis, along with a corporate asset assessment and analysis, which are summarized in the Comments Section and detailed in the Attachments 1 through 4. 

Given the information detailed in this report, including the resources required to implement a ban, two options are presented for Council consideration, similar to the approach taken in the July 2023 report.  

The resource requirements identified above do not include costs associated with transitioning gas-powered City equipment to zero emission alternatives, as the City has already committed to undertaking this transition under the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy.

As part of this commitment, City Council requested Parks and Recreation, and Environment, Climate and Forestry in 2022 (2022.EC31.4) to develop a plan to phase-out gas-powered equipment. Previously, in 2021 (2021 IE25.21), Council requested Parks and Recreation, Transportation Services and Fleet Services to develop a transition plan and determine feasibility of phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers. In response to these directions the pathway for a corporate transition plan is presented in this report. 

The pathway includes an analysis of the City's small engine equipment inventory to determine replacement timelines, electricity and charging capacity needs. Any electricity and charging capacity assessments and retrofits will be coordinated with related activities across the relevant Divisions, Agencies, and Corporations, and locations to ensure retrofits are completed efficiently, reducing cost and disruptions. Final costs for the corporate transition will need to be factored into future capital budgets of affected Divisions, Agencies, and Corporations, with the scope and scale to be determined. The corporate transition plan presented is aligned with the timeline of the proposed ban and will proceed regardless of the Option chosen by Council. If Option A is chosen the corporate transition plan timeline can be extended based on operational or budget needs.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Forestry (or designate) to negotiate and enter into agreements, including funding agreements, to support the implementation of the Tree Planting Strategy recommendations, each in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Forestry (or designate) to collect the necessary personal information from participants to enable improved administration of the Grants and Incentives Program, including promotion, programming, and monitoring.

3. City Council authorize the Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Forestry (or designate) to apply for funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Growing Canada's Community Canopies initiative directly or in partnership with external organizations to the available limit for tree planting within the jurisdictional boundaries of Toronto.

In 2021, Toronto City Council adopted a tree canopy cover target of 40 percent by 2050 and approved a Tree Planting Strategy to achieve this target. According to the 2018 Tree Canopy Study, the city of Toronto has an average canopy cover of 28.4-31 percent. The canopy study also recognized that 55 percent of the city's land area is privately owned, providing significant potential to expand and improve equitable distribution of the urban forest.

As directed by the Tree Planting Strategy, the City's Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program was developed. This program focuses on increasing tree planting and stewardship activities on private land through funding partnerships with residents, landowners, and eligible organizations and institutions. This program provides Toronto residents equitable access to native trees and shrubs and the numerous benefits they provide. To administer this program, staff are required to collect information from residents engaging with urban forestry grants and incentives to organize events, inform proper distribution of plant material, determine eligibility, track survivability, improve monitoring, and expand tree planting on private lands. 

The purpose of this report is to renew City Council authority for the continuation of the Grants and Incentives Program and enable staff to collect the necessary data that will help advance the City's strategic priorities to invest in people and neighbourhoods, tackle climate change, and build resilience. This report also requests City Council acknowledgement that the Environment, Climate and Forestry division has supported applications for funding opportunities from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Growing Canada's Community Canopies initiative for tree planting in Toronto. If approved for funding, projects will support planting of 200 additional caliper trees in 2025 and support the City's commitment to achieve a healthy, sustainable urban forest with a canopy cover of 40 percent by 2050.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, in consultation with Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to extend the existing License Agreement with High Park Initiatives governing the use of the High Park Forest School for a term of 10 years from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2035, with an option to extend for an additional 10 years to July 31, 2045, and to amend the Agreement to address the licensed area and license fees, substantially on terms and conditions as described in Attachment 1 to the report (April 23, 2025) from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and on such other terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and in form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to seek approval from City Council to amend and extend an existing license agreement with High Park Initiatives, the registered charity which operates the High Park Nature Centre in the High Park Forest School building and offers year-round nature-based programming throughout the park. The recommendations in this report will enable High Park Initiatives to continue its programming while addressing operational impacts from recent and planned capital improvements in the park. These improvements include a renovation to the Forest School building and the completion of an outdoor nature education space adjacent to the Forest School. This report recommends amending the licensed area to formalize High Park Initiatives’ current use of the outdoor nature education space as well as the building at 440 Parkside Drive, which will house High Park Initiatives' operations during the Forest School renovation. This report also recommends adjusting High Park Initiatives' annual license fee and extending the term of the license.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee: 

1. Deferred the consideration of this them until the June 11, 2025 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.

The Ministry of Transportation Ontario has notified Magna International Inc. that their application into Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program has been approved, allowing Magna to conduct testing of automated last-mile delivery vehicles on Toronto's streets. This pilot is governed by Ontario Regulation 306/15 under the Highway Traffic Act. The City of Toronto has no regulatory authority over this pilot, however Ministry of Transportation Ontario invited City staff to review Magna's application materials and discuss details with their team. At Ministry of Transportation Ontario's request, City staff submitted comments to help inform Ministry of Transportation Ontario’s decision-making regarding Magna's pilot license application. Staff comments did not offer an opinion on the capability of this vehicle's automated navigation but focused on operational-side measures to enhance safety and ensure the City’s opportunity to learn from the pilot.

Magna's pilot will deploy driverless, three-wheeled automated vehicles to deliver small packages in an area including all of Ward 9 and portions of each of Wards 4, 5, 11 and 12. Each vehicle will have constant human oversight from a 'chase vehicle' with a supervisor capable of immediate intervention, as well as a remote human operator who can assume control during complex scenarios. Important safety measures include maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour, travelling only on roads with a posted limit of 40 kilometres per hour or less, no use of left turns, and adherence to internationally recognized cybersecurity and privacy standards. Magna's pilot will begin in the second quarter of 2025 with a small number of vehicles operating on the city’s streets; further Ministry of Transportation Ontario approval will be required prior to allowing more vehicles. Magna envisions up to 20 vehicles during this pilot.

Automated vehicle deployments for ridesharing, taxi services, deliveries, and long-haul trucking have steadily increased, predominantly in United States' states such as California, Arizona, Florida and other locations that experience less snow and rain than Ontario. This Magna pilot represents an opportunity for the Province, the operator and the City to gain insights into automated vehicle technology and operations within Toronto's unique urban environment.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council endorse the replacement of the existing single-lane Bailey bridge on Unwin Avenue with the Alternative 2 bridge replacement option, as described in the report (April 23, 2025) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, to inform advancement of detailed design and construction of the recommended bridge replacement option.

Transportation Services, in partnership with Engineering and Construction Services, has completed a Replacement Study for the Unwin Avenue Bailey Bridge. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a range of conceptual design alternatives for the replacement of the existing temporary, single-lane modular bridge spanning over the R.L. Hearn circulation channel and provide a recommendation on the preferred bridge replacement option, to be carried forward to detailed design.

The existing Unwin Avenue bridge was constructed in 2008 and is now 17 years old. In 2024, the closure of the Ship Channel bridge for emergency repairs restricted access to the lands south of the Ship Channel and placed significant pressure on the existing single-lane Bailey bridge on Unwin Avenue. In keeping with the need to modernize Port Lands infrastructure to better accommodate both existing and future traffic demands, this study will provide near-term improvements in advance of a future realignment of Unwin Avenue, as established in the 2017 Council-endorsed Port Lands and South of Eastern Transportation and Servicing Master Plan.

The study was conducted using a decision-making matrix to rank the performance of three conceptual bridge alternatives based on several key factors and both qualitative and quantitative scoring criteria. The evaluation was further supported by a structural and civil capital cost estimate to assess the short-term capital needs of each alternative.

Based on the point-based evaluation and ranking, Alternative 2, the complete replacement of the existing bridge with a two-lane, heavy-duty modular bridge was identified as the preferred replacement option. This alternative offered the best balance between constructability, technical performance, durability, and cost. Supporting technical studies, including topographic surveys, subsurface utility engineering, geotechnical investigations, and arborist studies were also completed as part of the study to help inform the evaluation and detailed design.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request that the City Manager, in coordination with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the Executive Director, Development Review, and other relevant departments, to engage with the Toronto Transit Commission and Toronto Region Conservation Authority to seek their cooperation in addressing flooding associated with Taylor-Massey Creek in the area of Eglinton Avenue East, between Birchmount Road and Kennedy Road.

2. City Council request that the City Manager collaborate with the Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the affected developers to develop a flood remediation strategy for the subject area, including potential infrastructure solutions and cost-sharing opportunities, and report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee on cost sharing arrangements and any budget implications.

3. City Council request the City Manager in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the Executive Director, Development Review, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the development of a flood remediation strategy for the subject area with recommendations to remediate flooding in the subject area by no later than the first quarter of 2026.

I am moving this request as Chair of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. The floodplain associated with Taylor-Massey Creek near Eglinton Avenue East between Birchmount Road and Kennedy Avenue in Scarborough spills during regional (high) flood events. The primary cause of this flood spill is an undersized culvert underneath the Canadian National Rail line and on top of the Toronto Transit Commission subway easement. Figure 1 illustrates the extent of the floodplain and the location of the noted culvert. Toronto Transit Commission is proposing to undertake repairs on this culvert that would require review and approval by Toronto Region Conservation Authority.

The broader area consists of a mix of single-family residential developments, commercial plazas, and mid-rise buildings and will be served with Higher-Order Transit with the upcoming opening of the Eglinton Light Rail Transit. Development pressures including new housing exist within the subject area. Several landowners have presented concepts for redevelopment along and north of Eglinton Avenue. However, redevelopment and intensification opportunities are limited due to the extent of the flood hazard and lack of safe access. Provincial, City and Toronto Region Conservation Authority policies prohibit new development in floodplains and as a result the City and Toronto Region Conservation Authority cannot support these development applications until the floodplain is remediated.

The Toronto Transit Commission is in the process of identifying options to remediate the Taylor-Massey culvert that is currently in poor condition. Consultation between the Toronto Transit Commission and Toronto Region Conservation Authority in respect to their regulatory role in managing flood hazards has taken place. Through these discussions, Toronto Region Conservation Authority has identified an opportunity to replace the existing undersized culvert with a larger structure to reduce the extent of the flood hazard in the subject area. Toronto Transit Commission has indicated that the cost of replacing the culvert with one appropriately sized to mitigate flooding is of concern within current budgetary constraints and project timelines.

There is an opportunity to develop a flood remediation strategy to reduce the flood hazard associated with Taylor-Massey Creek, protect existing and future infrastructure, and enable redevelopment along the Eglinton Light Rail Transit line. This strategy would include alternative culvert replacement options, other mitigation strategies as well as cost sharing opportunities with the development community. To date, one private landowner, Bentall Green Oak, located at 2293 Eglinton Avenue East has expressed interest in exploring collaborative solutions. Ongoing discussions between City staff, the Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto Region Conservation Authority, and the development community will be essential to developing and implementing viable remediation strategies.

(See Figure 1 titled "Figure 1: Subject Area Location"),

in the Summary section of the letter dated

April 15, 2025 from Councillor Paul Ainslie

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the Executive Director, Social Development, or their designates, to develop and implement a pilot program, ahead of summer 2025, aimed at expanding access to air conditioning for low-income seniors living in multi-unit residential buildings in Toronto, with the pilot program to include the following:

a. program eligibility criteria;

b. collection of personal information for the purpose of determining eligibility;

c. administration of air conditioner benefits; and

d. evaluation framework.

2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the Executive Director, Social Development  to negotiate, enter into, and execute any necessary agreements, including non-competitive agreements or agreements to receive or provide funding, to secure air conditioning units for eligible residents on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the Executive Director, Social Development and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 

3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the Executive Director, Social Development, through the Chief Procurement Officer, to proceed with the Non-Competitive Procurement, in accordance with the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195, Procurement, and associated policies and procedures, if leveraging existing contracts is not a viable option.

Toronto is increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change, including more frequent, prolonged and extreme heat events. Excessive indoor temperatures are a significant concern for many, including residents in multi-unit residential buildings without air conditioning, with the potential for a significant impact on seniors and individuals with health conditions (e.g. chronic heat and lung conditions, asthma, cancer).

In response, the City is launching a pilot program for summer 2025 to provide portable air conditioners to low-income seniors living in multi-unit residential buildings who have a self-identified medical need made worse by extreme heat. The pilot program prioritizes simplicity, equity, and integration with existing City services, using a one-window intake system and a randomized draw to allocate up to 500 air conditioning units, with outreach support from community partners.

This initiative is a Mayoral priority that received funding in Budget 2025, aligns with broader climate change resilience efforts and complements existing supports, such as the City's Hardship Fund.

This report provides an overview of the proposed pilot design and seeks authorization to formally establish the program, which was not granted through prior budget process approval. Staff are intending to utilize existing City contracts to procure air-conditioners, but also exploring alternate procurement options and authorities to ensure these units can be procured as soon as possible. This request is time-sensitive to enable immediate program implementation, with application intake targeted for late May 2025 to support the distribution of air conditioner units in advance of the summer months.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council direct the Chief Engineer and Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services and the General Manager, Transportation Services, to remove the proposed new sidewalk construction project on York Downs Drive from the 25ECS-LU-02SU contract for local road resurfacing and watermain replacement on York Downs Drive.

This motion seeks to amend the plans for construction project 25ECS-LU-02SU - Watermain Replacement and Sidewalk Construction on York Downs Drive from Bathurst Street to Sandringham Drive.

In late June 2025, the City is planning to undertake sidewalk construction and watermain replacements on York Downs Drive from Raeburn Avenue to Armour Boulevard. Notices of this project were distributed to those who are impacted. The sidewalk portion of this project is divided into two components with planned installations on the north side of York Downs Drive between Armour Boulevard and Elderberry Court, and another sidewalk being installed along the south side of the street between Elderberry Court and the cul-de-sac.

After some objections, we distributed surveys to gauge feedback from residents, and most expressed that they are against the plans for the sidewalk installation component.19 out of 20 residents stated their strong opposition towards having sidewalks installed on these streets. Therefore, we request that this project be revised to discard the proposed sidewalk component but continue with the remainder of the construction plan.

Announcements

The Chair acknowledged that the Infrastructure and Environment Committee was meeting on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Chair also acknowledged that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Chair Jennifer McKelvie, during the morning session of the meeting, addressed the Committee and stated that this was her final Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting at the City of Toronto. Chair McKelvie stated that it had been an honour and a privilege to Chair the Committee over the last four years. Chair McKelvie thanked her colleagues on Infrastructure and Environment Committee, thanked City staff including those who have worked on the reports and initiatives brought to Committee, thanked the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure Services, and thanked the City Clerk's Office for their support. Chair McKelvie expressed her appreciation to all of the members of the public who spoke at Committee over the years. Chair McKelvie said that she was proud of the work that the Infrastructure and Environment Committee has accomplished including the Ravine Strategy, the Natural Infrastructure Fund, the Vision Zero road safety initiatives, the creation of the Strategic Capital Coordination Office, and the Climate Action Plan. Chair McKelvie thanked the Members of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for their work and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be a Member. Chair Jennifer McKelvie recognized Mayor Olivia Chow and the Members of Infrastructure and Environment Committee who then addressed the Committee and expressed their appreciation for her work as Chair.

Where the Members of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee listed in the attendance for this meeting participated remotely, they were counted for quorum as permitted by Section 189(4.2) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, and City Council's Procedures.