Agenda

During the Declared Emergency in the City of Toronto, meetings of Toronto City Council are being conducted by electronic means.  Members of City Council are participating in meetings remotely.

These measures are necessary to comply with physical distancing requirements and a Provincial Order that limits public gatherings.

The meetings of Toronto City Council continue to be conducted publicly and may be viewed live on meeting day at www.toronto.ca/council

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

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

April 28, 2020.

toronto.ca/council

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

- Moment of Silence

- Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

New Business submitted by the Mayor and City Officials

Economic and Community Development Committee Items EC12.2 and EC12.8

Infrastructure and Environment Committee Items IE12.6, IE12.8, IE12.9 and IE12.10

Toronto and East York Community Council Item TE14.75

Members of Council may file petitions.

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

City Council will review the Order Paper.

The City Clerk recommends that:  

1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 27, Council Procedures to provide that during an emergency declared to exist in all or part of the City under section 4 or 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act:

a. Members may participate in a meeting of City Council or a council committee by electronic means and will be counted in determining whether or not a quorum of members is present at any point in time;

b. Members may participate electronically in a meeting of City Council or a council committee that is closed to the public; and

c. a meeting of City Council or a council committee held by electronic means has 30 minutes to achieve quorum.

2. City Council amend the Simplified Procedures for Advisory Bodies to provide that during an emergency declared to exist in all or part of the City under section 4 or 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act:

a. Members may participate in a meeting of a Council Advisory Body by electronic means and will be counted in determining whether or not a quorum of members is present at any point in time; and

b. Members may participate electronically in a meeting of a Council Advisory Body that is closed to the public.

3. City Council authorize local boards governed by the City of Toronto Act, 2006 to amend their own rules of procedure consistent with City Council's procedures to permit electronic participation by board members during an emergency declared to exist in all or part of the City under section 4 or 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, including such local boards as have already made such amendments, without the need for further Council approval; the rules for Business Improvement Area Boards to be amended by City Council as set out in Recommendation 4 below.

4. City Council amend the procedures in Schedule B of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas to provide that during an emergency declared to exist in all or part of the City under section 4 or 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act:

a. Members may participate in a meeting of a Business Improvement Area Board by electronic means and will be counted in determining whether or not a quorum of members is present at any point in time; and

b. Members may participate electronically in a meeting of a Business Improvement Area Board that is closed to the public.

5. City Council authorize the Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board of Directors to meet by electronic means during an emergency declared to exist in all or part of the City under section 4 or 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act in accordance with the following:

a. a member of the Board or any committee of the Board, and the Members of the Corporation may participate in a meeting of the Board or of any committee of the Board, or a meeting of the Members of the Corporation, by electronic means and will be counted in determining whether or not a quorum of members is present at any point in time;

b. a member of the Board or any committee of the Board, and the Members of the Corporation may participate electronically in a meeting of the Board or of any committee of the Board that is closed to the public; and

c. the Board is authorized to defer and reschedule the Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Corporation,

subject to compliance with the Toronto Atmospheric Fund Act, 2005, the Relationship Framework and the 2015 Statement of Investment Principles and the waiver of any provisions in the Operational Guidelines for Remote Participation in Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board Meetings necessary to permit a fully electronic meeting.

The purpose of this report is to amend Council Procedures to facilitate electronic meetings of City Council and committees held during an emergency declared to exist in all or part of the City under section 4 or 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and to authorize local boards to make amendments to their own rules of procedure that are consistent with Council's procedures.

The City Manager recommends that: 

1. City Council receive this report for information.

This report provides City Council with information on the actions taken to date by the City's senior leadership and the Medical Officer of Health in response to the COVID-19 health crisis, and the ongoing management of the emergency.

City officials have ensured that City business and divisional operating and capital activities continue to move forward during the State of Emergency in the City of Toronto declared by Mayor Tory on March 23, 2020, while ensuring that our public health objectives remain the City's priority.

The actions of senior City officials during the current emergency, including service adjustments, new partnerships and coordination with other cities, will continue as the City learns from others and shares our learnings with our colleagues across Canada and around the world in this ever changing, challenging and demanding crisis.

Mayor John Tory recommends that:

1. City Council authorize an extension of the Mayor's delegated authority under Chapter 59, Emergency Management until the COVID-19 municipal emergency has been declared as terminated.

2. City Council amend Physical Distancing By-laws 322-2020 and 323-2020, authorizing an extension of the By-laws to provide that they remain in effect until the municipal emergency has been declared as terminated, or until Council rescinds those by-laws, whichever is first.   

It has been just over a month since I declared a State of Emergency in the City of Toronto and less than 30 days since I took action under Municipal Code Chapter 59.

The emergency declaration came at a critical time – there were at the time only 304 cases of COVID-19 and almost all of those cases were still traceable to travel or a close contact with the virus.

I looked – as I do on all public health matters – to Dr. Eileen de Villa’s professional advice. Her advice then, which it remains now, was that we needed as many people to stay home as much as possible, to get all people in the city to keep their distance from one another, to protect the vulnerable, and to keep from overwhelming our health care system.

In order to protect the health of the city and save lives, we took action.

I declared a municipal emergency – the first time in the City's history – to allow us to respond quickly and decisively to the pandemic. To make sure we would always be able to make the quick decisions needed during this crisis.

While we know this health emergency continues and it will continue for some time, we are making progress and just last week we had reason to have cautious optimism that we are slowing the spread of COVID-19 and thanks largely to the physical distancing efforts of Toronto residents, we are saving thousands of lives.

But this month has not been without tragedy.

COVID-19 is leaving a devastating trail in our community. More than 274 residents have died, leaving behind loved ones and friends.

We mourn with these grieving families and we remain committed to preventing as much loss of life as possible during this global pandemic.

During this emergency, Toronto residents and businesses have risen to the challenge and embraced Dr. de Villa's wise words: stay home, stay safe, and take care of each other.

I want to thank the hundreds of thousands of Toronto residents who have done the right and the responsible thing and helped us in this ongoing war to flatten the curve and defeat this virus. They have saved lives. And by continuing to do the right thing and stay home as much as possible, they are continuing to save lives.

I am so proud of this City government and this City Council and how it has responded to this ongoing emergency.

In the face of all of these challenges, so much good work at wartime speed has been done by Dr. de Villa and her public health team, the emergency operations centre led by Chief Matthew Pegg, and staff across each and every city division under the leadership of our City Manager Chris Murray. In responding to this emergency, these individuals and their teams have represented the very best of public service, and have worked tirelessly for weeks to ensure this city remains safe, and that we continue to provide critical services for our residents in these uncertain times.  

This report provides an update on the ongoing emergency and a path forward that will ensure the City government can continue to respond to the emergency, administer other necessary City business, and ensure our focus remains on protecting the health of all our residents and saving lives.

We’re all in this together and it’s only by working together that we can beat COVID-19.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the 2020 tax rates for school purposes, as shown in Column II, which will raise an education tax levy on rateable properties for 2020 of $2,273,085,976 in accordance with provincial regulation O.Reg. 400/98 as amended, prescribing such rates for the City of Toronto, of which $4,612,130 is to be retained by the City pursuant to Ontario Regulation 121/07:  

2. City Council adopt the reductions in tax decreases for the 2020 taxation year on properties in the commercial, industrial and multi-residential property classes by the percentage of the tax decrease set out in Column II in order to recover the revenues foregone as a result of capping, and to allow the decrease percentages set out in Column III: 

3. City Council authorize amendments to City of Toronto By-law 1673-2019 (2020 Interim Tax Levy), to revise the existing interim bill payment due dates as set out below for each of property tax accounts on the eleven (11) instalment pre-authorized tax payment plan (PAP), the regular instalment option, and the six (6) instalment PAP: 

4. For the purpose of spreading out as nearly equally as practical the various instalment due dates (including combining portions of the interim levy and the final tax levy for the eleven instalment PAP as set out in Recommendation 3), City Council authorize amendments to City of Toronto By-law 205-2020 (Tax Levy By-law for 2020) to revise the existing final bill payment due dates as set out below for each of property tax accounts on the eleven (11) instalment PAP, on the regular instalment option, on the six (6) instalment PAP and on the two (2) instalment PAP:

5. City Council authorize amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 767, Taxation, Property Tax, § 767-7 Penalties and Interest to suspend the application of penalties and interest under this section during the period between March 16, 2020 and May 15, 2020, to reflect a 60-day grace period on the payment of property taxes as implemented by the Mayor's Economic Support and Recovery Task Force related to the COVIC-19 pandemic.

6. City Council authorize amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 767, Taxation, Property Tax, Chapter 844 Waste Collection, Residential Properties, and Chapter 849, Water and Sewage Services and Utility Bill to change the August 31 application deadline for the Tax Deferral and Tax Cancellation for Low-Income Persons program, the Single family residential low income relief program, and the Water rebate for eligible low-income disabled persons and low-income seniors program respectively to October 30, 2020 as the new deadline for the 2020 tax year.

7. City Council authorize the introduction of the necessary bills in Council to give effect to Council's decision.

This report recommends adoption of the 2020 education tax rates and property tax levy for school purposes for the City of Toronto, as required by the Education Act. The education tax rates are prescribed by the Ministry of Finance annually by provincial regulation and must be adopted by municipalities each year by by-law. This report also recommends the 2020 percentage of the tax decreases (the ‘clawback’ rates) that are required to be withheld to fund the legislatively mandated capping of property tax increases on properties in the commercial, industrial and multi-residential property classes, as permitted by the City of Toronto Act, 2006. It has been long standing City Council policy to adopt clawback rates sufficient to fund forgone revenues arising from its adopted tax increase capping policy, and as provided for by legislation.

As a result of the property tax relief measures implemented to assist residents and businesses impacted by COVID-19 there are various by-laws and Chapter 767 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code that require amendments.

The City Manager, recommends that:

1.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement, or any other related service agreement(s) with any Ministry of the Government of Ontario, to facilitate the delivery of the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit and, subject to the appropriate budget approvals, and any amendments to agreements allowing the extension of the term of the program beyond 2022, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and in a form approved by the City Solicitor.

2.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to receive and utilize in accordance with program guidelines, administration payments of $250 per approved Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit application or up to 5% of the funding allocation available from 2020 to 2022 for costs associated with ongoing staffing and general administration to implement the program.

3.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, as appropriate, to enter into agreements or other suitable arrangements with other City of Toronto Divisions, Provincial Ministries, community agencies, private entities and/or individuals to deliver the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit in accordance with the provincial program guidelines.

In December 2019, the provincial and federal governments announced the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) program, a new funding program under the National Housing Strategy. The Province has confirmed Toronto's funding allocation for the first two years of the program, $7.5M in 2020-2021 and $9.9M ($2.4M new funding) in 2021-2022. This is estimated to provide 1,300 households with a housing benefit to assist with rental affordability challenges. Benefit amounts are estimated to range from $500 to $1,200 per month, based on a formula set by the Province that uses information such as household income, household composition, and the local average market rent.

Housing benefits under COHB will be offered to households who have been on the centralized waiting list for rent-geared-to-income housing for a long period of time and households that fall within one of the priority groups. Priority groups include Indigenous people, persons with physical disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. COHB recipients must agree to be removed from the centralized waiting list.

New funding through COHB is a very positive development for the City, as it will support ongoing efforts to address Toronto's complex and growing housing challenges, which include a rise in housing unaffordability. COHB provides households on the centralized waiting list with the option to receive rental assistance sooner. In addition, housing benefits are portable, providing households with the flexibility to stay in their current home or find housing in a preferred location, closer to employment, social support networks, child care, and schools, or move to other communities across Ontario.

The Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) division will administer COHB. The purpose of this report is to provide the General Manager of SSHA with the necessary authorities to receive COHB funding throughout the program term of 2020 to 2029, enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Province and implement the program.

As detailed further, program design and implementation will be guided by the program guidelines provided by the Province, which outline program requirements such as the benefit calculation formula, criteria for assessing initial and continued eligibility, and spending requirements.

Council approval is particularly important at this time, as the City responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and is rapidly implementing a range of critical housing stability measures. The provision of new housing benefits under COHB is an important component of these efforts.

The City Manager recommends that:

Implementation Considerations

1.  City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, in consultation with Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and enter into a non-competitive agreement with Horizon North Inc. (or its affiliate NRB) for the design, delivery and installation of up to 110 modular rental units ("Phase One") to be used as permanent supportive housing on sites to be identified and  based on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 
2.  City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO and the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management to conduct a Request for Proposals ("RFP") process and to select a manufacturer to design, build, and install modular homes for subsequent phases of the modular housing initiative.

 
3.  City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to issue an RFP and to select non-profit housing providers to operate the supportive housing units to be developed under Phase One of the modular supportive housing initiative.

 
4.  City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, to negotiate and execute on behalf of the City, a municipal housing facility agreement (the City's "Contribution Agreement"), with the non-profit housing providers selected through the competitive process referred to in Recommendation 3, or a related corporation, to secure the financial assistance being provided and to set out the terms of the operation of the new affordable rental housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and in a form approved by the City Solicitor.

 
5.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to negotiate and enter into any agreements with the non-profits housing providers selected to operate the modular housing projects, for any operating funding that may be available, including, but not limited to rent supplement or grant funding agreements, on terms and conditions agreed to by the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration and in a form approved by the City Solicitor.

 
6.  City Council authorize severally each of the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to execute, on behalf of the City, any security or financing documents required by the non-profit housing providers selected for each of the modular supportive housing sites to secure the financing necessary to acquire the leasehold interest in the land and modular units, as well as any subsequent refinancing, including any postponement, confirmation of status, discharge or consent documents where and when required during the term of the municipal housing facility agreement, as required by normal business practices, and provided that such documents do not give rise to financial obligations on the part of the City that have not been previously approved by Council.

 
7.  City Council authorize the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO to act as the City's agent and to submit all required applications required to obtain required planning approvals.

 
8.  City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management and Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to:

 
a.  prioritize Phase One and future modular housing sites, identifying ways to expedite the necessary building and planning approvals; and

 
b.  develop design guidelines for subsequent phases of the modular housing initiative in consultation with the General Manager, Shelter, Support & Housing Administration and non-profit operators.

Funding and Financing Considerations

 
9.  City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to negotiate and enter into any agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation ("CMHC") for any funding and financing available to support the modular housing initiative, substantially on the terms outlined in Confidential Attachment 1, and on such other or amended terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and in a form approved by the City Solicitor.

 
10.  City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Community & Social Services to urgently request the Ontario Government to make available operating funding to support the City's modular supportive housing initiative and authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to negotiate and enter into any agreements necessary to secure such funding.

 
11.  City Council amend the 2020 - 2029 Capital Budget and Plan for Shelter Support and Housing Administration by adding a new capital project called "Modular Homes Project" with a total project cost of $47.5 million and cash flows of $20.9 million in 2020 and $26.6 million in 2021, with budgeted funding of $28.75 million provided from the Development Charges Reserve Fund for Affordable Housing (XR2116), and the balance in grant and re-payable loans from CMHC and recoverable debt from non-profit housing providers by way of lease payments to the City, subject to finalizing negotiations with CMHC.

 
12.  City Council approve the establishment of an obligatory reserve fund account called the "Modular Housing Reserve Fund" in Schedule 15 - Third Party Agreements Obligatory Reserve Funds, of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 227, the purpose of which is to receive funds from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the design/purchase/installation of modular housing as well as lease payments from non-profit operators to repay the CMHC loan, as set out in Appendix A.
 

13.  City Council authorize the City Solicitor to complete the transactions provided for in City Council's decision on behalf of the City, including making payment of any necessary expenses related to finalizing the funding and financing agreements with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and amending or waiving the terms and conditions, as the City Solicitor may from time to time consider reasonable.
 

14.  City Council authorize the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to compensate CreateTO on a direct cost-recovery basis for provision of the following goods and services to be performed by CreateTO and its contractors, with prior approval from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat for such expenses:

a.  Preparing the identified sites for construction, including undertaking necessary environmental studies and remediation, community consultations, planning and other consultant studies to support expedited delivery of the identified sites for modular supportive housing; and

 
b.  Entering into and administering the contract or any other agreements required to be entered into with the manufacturer of modular units, for the manufacture and installation of the modular units.

 
15.  City Council exempt the 250 modular affordable rental homes to be developed in Phases One and Two of the modular housing initiative from development charges, planning and permit fees, and parkland dedication all units (as outlined in Table 1).

 
16.  City Council exempt the 250 modular affordable rental homes to be developed on the identified sites in Phases One and Two, from taxation for municipal and school purposes for the term of the municipal housing facility agreement (as outlined in Table 2).

 
17.  City Council authorize City staff to cancel or refund any taxes paid after the effective date of the municipal housing facility agreement.

 
18.  City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the report dated April 27, 2020,  from the City Manager remain confidential in its entirety until such time as Canada Mortgage and Housing advises the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat that the same may be disclosed to the public.

At its meeting on June 18 and 19, 2019, City Council requested staff to report to the Planning and Housing Committee with a plan to implement a new modular supportive housing initiative. In response to this request, staff prepared a report for the March 23, 2020 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee which was subsequently cancelled due to suspension of Council and Committee meetings due the COVID-19 emergency.

This report includes the content of that planned report with an added urgency to increase the supply of affordable housing as soon as possible, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report recommends Council approve the purchase and installation of 110 modular units to be used as supportive housing for homeless individuals within the City's shelter system by September 2020 and another 140 units in 2021.

COVID-19 and Housing and Homelessness

Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto was already experiencing an unprecedented demand for homeless services due to various factors including a lack of affordable housing options in the city. Despite adding 3,000 shelter spaces since 2015, shelter occupancy remains at capacity with over 8,000 shelter users each night.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has quickly amplified the pre-existing challenges within Toronto's housing and homeless systems. In addition, it has caused considerable added strain on the emergency shelter system largely due to requirements around physical distancing and isolation.

In late March, in response to the health emergency impacting the well-being of residents in the city, and the urgent need to find safe and secure accommodation for the City's homeless population, the Mayor asked staff to find ways to expedite the delivery of modular supportive housing, with the aim of getting 110 new homes ("Phase One") open by September 2020, subject to final approval by Council. These modular homes are intended to be used as supportive housing by layering in housing benefits and health supports to the affordable rental homes, utilizing financial support from other orders of government.

By implementing modular supportive housing to provide homes for those living outside or in our shelter system, the City is creating permanent housing solutions to help some of our most marginalized residents live in dignified housing with supports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative will also save lives by providing individuals with safe spaces to exercise physical distancing and self-isolation.

Modular Housing and Required Authorities

Modular housing, which is prefabricated housing built in a factory and then transported to the site where it is assembled, is considered a faster and a more cost-effective construction option than conventional construction methods. As showcased in many jurisdictions in North America, modular housing provides an opportunity to respond rapidly to the city's urgent homelessness situation.

Following the Mayor's request, an inter-divisional team of CreateTO and City staff reached out to a number of modular housing providers across Canada to ascertain which ones could deliver Phase One of the modular housing initiative within the tight timeframe. Based on discussions and research, staff recommended to the Mayor that preliminary discussions proceed immediately with Horizon North Inc. (or its subsidiary, NRB) with respect to Phase One, subject to negotiation of an acceptable agreement and Council approval to proceed with a non-competitive process.

This report seeks Council authority for staff to enter into negotiations and formalize agreements with Horizon North Inc. or its subsidiary NRB, for the design and installation of Phase One. Staff recommendation to proceed with a non-competitive process for Phase One only, is based on research and outreach to a number of modular manufacturers in the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada taking the following factors into account:

a) There is limited competition in the market with only a handful of companies that have actually delivered residential modular housing;

b) Horizon North Inc./NRB has extensive experience (over 40 years) in the modular residential housing industry;

c) Horizon North Inc./NRB has successfully delivered hundreds of modular homes in City of Vancouver and across the province of British Columbia; and

d) This is the only manufacturer contacted who confirmed they can meet the urgent, emergency timelines required for Phase One.
 

This report also seeks authority for the Housing Secretariat, Corporate Real Estate Management and CreateTO, in consultation with other City divisions, to identify sites appropriate for the modular housing initiative. Additionally, it seeks approval to allocate $28.75 million in City funding and about $12.76 million in Open Door program incentives to support the creation of up to 250 modular supportive homes, with 110 homes to be delivered by the end of September 2020 and the remaining 140 homes to be delivered in early 2021. For clarity, the City funding and Open Door incentives have been budgeted in the Housing Secretariat's affordable housing investment plan and are not new/unplanned costs for the City.

The modular housing initiative will be the subject of a further report to Council to obtain the required authority to enter into the leases with the chosen non-profit housing operators for the City sites to be identified.

Intergovernmental Support to Deliver Modular Housing

Staff have been working with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to secure funding and financing to deliver this project by way of a submission to the CMHC Innovation Fund. CMHC has reviewed the submission, is supportive of making a significant investment, and is currently working with the City to finalize the legal agreements to facilitate the delivery of Phase One plus an additional 140 units as part of a future phase ("Phase Two") (See Attachment 6).

The overall cost to deliver 250 modular supportive homes is estimated to be $47.5 million, excluding land and City incentives. It is proposed that this amount be funded through a combination of the City's Development Charges Reserve Fund for Subsidized Housing (XR2116) and funding and financing from CMHC's Affordable Housing Innovation Fund. The financing obligations will be supported through rent payments made to the City by the future non-profit operators for the sites, funded through their operating revenues. However, the City of Toronto will ultimately be responsible to CMHC for the debt obligation.

Operating funding for health related support services and housing subsidies will also be requested from the Province, so that deeply affordable supportive homes can be delivered at the sites. It should be noted that there is a risk of not being able to operate these units as deeply affordable supportive housing in the absence of financial support from other orders of government.

The partnership model proposed in this report for developing and operating new supportive homes, through support from all orders of government and community partners, is critical to reducing homelessness.

Implementing modular housing would also reduce ongoing and sunk costs to the public sector and make a profound contribution towards expediting Toronto's recovery from COVID-19. To illustrate this point, supportive housing on average, costs roughly $2,000/unit/month to operate versus emergency shelters which costs almost double to operate pre-COVID (and about triple under the current COVID-19 situation). Helping people find permanent affordable and supportive housing also reduces costs to the health care and justice systems.

Much like other investments in infrastructure, affordable housing also has an economic stimulus effect in terms of jobs created due to design, manufacture, construction or renovation, etc. which would help "jump start" economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, now is the time for all orders of government to act to protect residents from the life threatening coronavirus and other vulnerabilities, and build our resilience as a city, region and country. It is essential that all orders of government also align resources immediately and shift the focus away from providing costly emergency measures to providing suitable, adequate and affordable housing with wrap around services to reduce homelessness and improve the health and overall well-being of our most vulnerable.

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council delegate authority to the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in accordance with a City Council-approved Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Service Plan, to:

a.  submit applications to any government or agency for funding related to housing and homelessness services;

b.  enter into agreements with other levels of government and government agencies for the purposes of receiving funding for housing and homelessness services in Toronto; and

c.  enter into agreements with other entities, including City divisions, federal or provincial agencies, community organizations, private entities, or individuals, to spend federal and provincial funding in accordance with the federal and provincial program requirements and guidelines;

and that the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 169, Officials, City, be amended accordingly.

City Council authority is required for the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA), to receive funding and enter into funding agreements with other levels of government for housing and homelessness programs and to spend that funding in accordance with the agreements and program guidelines.

This report seeks to update the authority of the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA), under the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 169, Officials, City, Article 6, to enter into agreements with other levels of government for the purposes of receiving funding for housing and homelessness programs in Toronto; and to enter into agreements with community agencies to spend federal and provincial grant funding, in accordance with the City Council-approved SSHA Service Plan and federal and provincial program requirements and guidelines.

Municipal Code Chapter 169, Article 6, currently gives the General Manager, SSHA, authority to receive and spend only Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) funding. This authority was granted in 2001 and is out-of-date, as SCPI has been replaced by Reaching Home and does not include the new provincial Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative and Home for Good programs.

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt and certify the 2020 recommended Operating Budgets and Levy requirements of the following Business Improvement Areas:

This report brings forward Business Improvement Area (BIA) annual Operating Budgets for approval by City Council as required by the City of Toronto Act, 2006. City Council approval is required to permit the City to collect funds through a special tax levy on the commercial and industrial properties within the respective BIA boundaries.

There are currently 83 established BIAs in the City of Toronto. The approval by City Council of the 2020 Operating Budgets for 83 BIAs takes multiple phases. City Council previously approved the 2020 Operating Budgets for 55 BIAs through Reports 1 and 2 at its meetings on December 17-18, 2019 and January 29, 2020, respectively. One BIA, Historic Queen East, is inactive. Included in this Report 3 is the 2020 Operating Budgets for 24 BIAs for City Council approval.

Three BIAs remain outstanding subject to the BIAs' Board of Management and General Membership decisions. City staff will bring forward a final report at the next opportunity to conclude the approval of the 2020 Operating Budgets for the BIAs.

The recommendation in this report reflects the Board-adopted 2020 Operating Budgets by the respective BIAs' Boards of Management and General Membership. Complete budgets and supporting documentation have been reviewed by City staff to ensure that the 2020 Operating Budgets for BIAs reflect Council's approved policies and practices.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to implement an aerial spray using a biological control agent, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk), where necessary in Ward 2.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to consult with Toronto Public Health, Transportation Services and Toronto Police Service to coordinate implementation of the proposed aerial spraying of the biological control agent Btk.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce a bill to implement a control strategy for European Gypsy Moth (EGM) infestation through aerial spraying of the biological control agent, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) in Ward 2.

In an effort to protect the City's tree canopy against invasive pests, it is necessary for the City to implement a European Gypsy Moth control program in Spring of 2020, which would include an aerial spray in a portion of the Princess-Rosethorn neighbourhood, located in Ward 2 (Etobicoke Centre). The area to be treated is referred to in this report as the Princess Margaret Spray Block.

The report requests that City Council grant authority to Urban Forestry to implement an aerial spray program in the affected area as well as authorize the City Solicitor to introduce a bill to allow Urban Forestry to execute an aerial spray program in the affected area of Ward 2.

European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) (EGM) is an invasive alien pest that was first found in Ontario in 1969. This pest cannot be eradicated. If left unchecked, populations can grow to outbreak levels, which can lead to tree defoliation and ultimately affect the health of the urban forest canopy. The EGM population fluctuates in relation to environmental and biological controls. In 2007, 2008, 2013, 2017 and 2019 Toronto implemented aerial spray control programs when EGM populations attained outbreak levels. Those measures were successful in reducing the population to acceptable levels.

Survey data collected in the fall of 2019 indicate that the EGM population is at a high level in the area defined as the Princess Margaret Spray Block and requires intervention in order to mitigate the impact to forest health and to alleviate the nuisance caused by this pest. This report presents the results of the survey along with recommended control measures, which include an aerial application of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) to manage the infestation.

At present, aerial spraying is proposed to treat a total of twenty-six (26) hectares of land in Ward 2. Ground-based spraying, systemic tree injection and mechanical egg mass removal is also proposed for various locations within multiple other wards to treat approximately 900 additional individual trees. This control strategy is expected to reduce the EGM populations as well as mitigate potentially severe canopy defoliation from occurring in the targeted areas. The control strategy would result in the significant decline in the health of the trees and/or the prevention of tree loss in the area to be treated.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the installation of bicycle lanes on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 2 - Designated Bicycle Lanes, to the report (February 26, 2020) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

a. Douro Street (from Shaw Street to King Street West);
b. Roxton Road (from Dewson Street north to Harbord Street); and
c. Wellington Street (from Niagara Avenue to Strachan Avenue).

2. City Council authorize the installation of Cycle Tracks on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 3 - Designated Cycle Tracks, to the report (February 26, 2020) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

a. College Street (from Bellevue Avenue to Borden Street);
b. Douro Street (from Strachan Avenue to Shaw Street);
c. Lower River Street (from Trolley Crescent South to River Street);
d. Murray Ross Parkway (from Keele Street to Columbia Gate); and
e. Shuter Street (from River Street to Bond Street ).

3. City Council authorize the installation or adjustments of bicycle lanes on the following sections of roadway, as described in Attachment 4 – Contra-flow Bicycle Lanes, to the report (February 26, 2020) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

a. Borden Street (from just north of College Street to Ulster Street);
b. Brunswick Avenue (from just north of College Street to Lowther Street);
c. Dewson Street (from Roxton Road to Shaw Street);
d. Ulster Street (from Borden Street to Brunswick Avenue);
e. Roxton Road (from Dewson Street south to Dewson Street north);
f. Shaw Street (from Harbord Street to Dupont Street); and
g. Sumach Street (from Queen Street to Shuter Street).

4. City Council authorize the amendments to traffic and parking regulations associated with Recommendations 1, 2 and 3 above, as described in Attachment 5 - Amendments to Traffic and Parking Regulations, to the report (February 26, 2020) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

5. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider prioritizing street sweeping for local roads with contra-flow bicycle lanes as part of the review of street sweeping level of service currently being conducted by Transportation Services, to ensure that street sweeping for local roads with contra-flow bicycle lanes will be provided at an appropriate frequency of sweeping on both sides of the street.

6. City Council direct the appropriate city staff to monitor complaints regarding parking enforcement, accessible pick-up/drop-off, or safety relating to the contra-flow bicycle lanes along Borden Street, Ulster Street, Shaw Street, Roxton Avenue and Brunswick Avenue and report back to Toronto and East York Community Council with recommendations to address concerns, if warranted.

7. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to explore the installation of sidewalk bollards on the south side of Ulster Street adjacent the park, while maintaining appropriate sidewalk width to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements in an effort to avoid cars from mounting curbs.

8. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to identify an appropriate area for deliveries and passenger pick-ups and drop-offs along Sumach Street between Shuter Street and Queen Street East or within the immediately adjacent streets and report any recommendations to the Toronto and East York Community Council.

9. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to explore the feasibility of implementing new technology including heated pavement to promote year-round cycling.

10. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to consider improved designs and additions to the public realm for the pre-cast concrete islands along Shuter Street including the installation of planters and soft landscaping.

The Cycling Network Plan and the associated Near Term Implementation Plan (2019-2021), adopted by Council in July 2019 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 is a first quarter update on the initial group of cycling infrastructure projects that are proposed to be installed in 2020 for which design and consultation have been completed.  Additional cycling infrastructure projects proposed for installation in 2020 will be included in upcoming reports.    

This report seeks Council authority to install 4.05 lane kilometres (km) of new cycling infrastructure on the following streets proposed in the Cycling Network near Term Implementation Plan (2019-2021):

- Borden Street (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 11)
- Brunswick Avenue (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 11)
- Dewson Street (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 11)
- Douro Street (bicycle lanes/cycle tracks, Ward 10)
- Murray Ross Parkway (cycle track, Ward 7)
- Roxton Street (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 11)
- Sumach Street (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 13)
- Ulster Street (contra-flow bike lane, Ward 11)
- Wellington Street (bicycle lanes/cycle tracks, Ward 10)
 

This report also seeks Council authority to make improvements to 5.35 lane km of existing cycling infrastructure on the following streets:

- Blue Jays Way (passenger loading zone along bicycle lane: Ward 10)
- College Street at Borden Street: (intersection improvement: Ward 11)
- Lower River Street (bicycle lane to cycle track: Ward 13)
- Shuter Street (bicycle lane to cycle track: Ward 13)
- Shaw Street (street mazing and traffic diversion: Ward 11)

A map of the projects proposed in this report is included as Attachment 1. The changes proposed would improve safety and mobility options by providing improved cycling connections to transit, parks, local schools, event venues, businesses and residences.  Pedestrian improvements have also been included in the projects, wherever feasible, including curb extensions, shortened crossing distances, new sidewalk installations and travel lane adjustments.

While there are varying impacts to traffic operations for motor vehicles, these impacts have been reviewed, analyzed and have been determined by Transportation Services to have acceptable impacts in order to improve safety and comfort of all road users. Minimal impacts to TTC or emergency services is anticipated.

All of the new and upgraded bikeways included in this report are proposed to be installed in 2020.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council approve the proposed infrastructure improvements to The Queensway, Queen Street West, King Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue intersection and its vicinity, as shown in the Attachments 1 to 5 to the report (February 26, 2020) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

2. City Council adopt regulatory amendments listed in Attachment 6 and 7 to the report (February 26, 2020) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

In 2009, City Council adopted the Roncesvalles Avenue Streetscape Improvements – Class Environmental Assessment (EA) which included changes that would transform the configuration of Roncesvalles Avenue, between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West. 

Following that approval, the reconstruction of Roncesvalles Avenue was undertaken in two major phases between 2009 and 2011, but stopped just north of the intersection of Queen Street West. The completion of the changes approved in the Roncesvalles Avenue Streetscape Improvements EA to extend to Queen Street West, (i.e. two additional raised streetcar platforms/bicycle facilities on Roncesvalles Avenue) was deferred until that intersection would be programmed for reconstruction.   

As part of the overall state-of-good-repair program, The Queensway, Queen Street West, King Street West, and Roncesvalles Avenue intersection has been programmed for reconstruction in 2021, including the work to replace Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcar track, overhead wire infrastructure, watermain, and sewer infrastructure in this area.

Several improvements are proposed to be bundled with this state-of-good-repair project as part of a complete streets approach to ensure that better safety outcomes can be achieved at the best value. Transportation Services is requesting approval from City Council to reconfigure the intersection, including the approaches to the intersection, to improve: surface transit priority for 501 Queen, 504 King and 508 Lake Shore TTC streetcar routes, safety and comfort for people who walk and bike, and local traffic circulation.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Traffipax LLC being the highest overall scoring proponent meeting the requirements of Request for Proposal Doc2184528757, for:

a. the provision of Red Light Camera services for five (5) years in the amount of $12,441,318.27 net of all taxes and charges ($12,660,285.47 net of HST recoveries) with an option to renew and subject to budget approval, for one additional term of two (2) years in the amount of $3,583,410.51 net of all taxes and charges ($3,646,478.53  net of HST recoveries) at the sole discretion of the General Manager, Transportation Services; and

 
b. the provision of the maintenance of Red Light Camera image processing services for twenty-five (25) months following the end of the initial five-year term or, if renewed, following the end of the option period, in the amount of $215,963.25 net of all taxes and charges ($219,764.20 net of HST recoveries)
 

for a total potential cost of $16,240,692.03 net of all taxes and charges ($16,526,528.21 net of HST recoveries) in accordance with terms and conditions as set out in the RFP and any other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services to be able to negotiate and execute any amending agreement with the existing Partnering Municipalities agreement listed in Attachment 1 to the report (March 2, 2020) from the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Chief Purchasing Officer , and authority to further amend such agreement each time a new Municipality is added to such agreement for the  duration of the contract for the provision of Red Light Camera services between the City of Toronto and Traffipax LLC, all on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Transportation Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to advise on the results of the Request for Proposal Doc2184528757 for the provision of Red Light Camera Services for the City of Toronto, and request authority to award and negotiate an agreement with Traffipax LLC being the highest scoring proponent with the lowest cost for a fixed period of five years in the amount of $12,441,318.27 net of all taxes and charges ($12,660,285.47 net of HST recoveries) with the option to renew the contract for one additional term of two (2) years  in the amount of $3,583,410.51 net of all taxes and charges ($3,646,478.53 net of HST recoveries).  In addition, provision for the maintenance of Red Light Camera image processing services for twenty-five (25) months following the end of the contract term in the amount of $215,963.25 net of all taxes and charges ($219,764.20 net of HST recoveries).

This report also seeks authority to negotiate and execute an amending agreement with existing Partnering Municipalities listed in Attachment 1, and authority to further amend such agreement each time a new Municipality is added to the agreement for the duration of the contract for the provision of Red Light Camera services between the City of Toronto and Traffipax LLC.

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council designate the southerly westbound lane on Front Street East, from Church Street to a point 33 metres east, for westbound left turns.

At its meeting of December 13 - 15, 2016, City Council approved modifications to the section of Wellington Street East at the intersection of Church Street and Front Street through item TE20.44. Consistent with the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area (BIA) Master Plan for the area, the improvements will include a widened boulevard and centre median area, reduced crossing distances for pedestrians, an opportunity for trees, a streetcar loading area, a parking lay-by as well as space for patios and street furniture. The improvements will be constructed is part of a larger coordinated capital project to be delivered in 2020 which involves state-of-good-repair work including Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcar track replacement, various utility upgrades, watermain improvements and roadway resurfacing for this section of Wellington Street East.

East of Church Street, Front Street East is a four lane roadway, with two lanes in each direction separated by a centre median. At its intersection with Church Street, eastbound and westbound traffic diverge around the Flat Iron building with eastbound traffic continuing along Wellington Street and westbound traffic on Front Street.

Transportation Services staff have advised that in order to implement the required Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at the intersection and provide efficient movement of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, that the south curb lane for westbound traffic which currently functions as a through/left turn lane needs to be designated as a left-turn only lane.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Wellington Street East, City Council approval of this recommendation is required.

City Council will introduce and enact General Bills and Confirming Bills.