Item - 2011.CD5.9
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Community Development and Recreation Committee on June 29, 2011. The Community Development and Recreation Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
CD5.9 - Priority Neighbourhood Designation
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Community Development and Recreation Committee requested that:
1. The Executive Director, Social Development Finance and Administration provide a report updating the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, including:
a. Recommendations on how to better serve and invest in all neighbourhoods with identified needs.
b. Review and recommend any changes to priority neighbourhood names or designations.
c. A City-wide approach to monitoring neighbourhood health, safety and wellbeing across all Toronto neighbourhoods as part of a Community Partnership Strategy, with a focus on fostering economic and employment opportunities whenever possible.
d. Potential approaches to assisting neighbourhoods to mitigate the impact of events such as the loss of a primary employer (e.g a local hospital).
Origin
Summary
The Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Task Force established under Mayor Mel Lastman identified the importance of strong, safe neighbourhoods to the long term prosperity of Toronto. The Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, adopted by Council in 2005, directed that particular attention be paid to 13 underserved areas of the City and set the groundwork for investments from all orders of government, the private and voluntary sectors. My community has received important investments under the strategy.
The designation of "priority neighbourhoods" has nevertheless added to the stigma of these communities, is prejudicial and divides Torontonians. Given that the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy has been in place for five years, I recommend that council reviews and updates this strategy. This review is not intended to undermine investments from government, the private and voluntary sectors.
Conditions have changed in many Toronto neighbourhoods over the past decade and I believe the continuation of a single list of ranked neighbourhoods is no longer appropriate. The updated strategy should allow for more targeted investments to any and all Toronto neighbourhoods depending on the specific conditions, assets and needs of each neighbourhood.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-39079.pdf
(June 20, 2011) Attachment CD5.9 - City of Toronto Priority Areas with Wards
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-39156.pdf
Communications
Speakers
Councillor Shelley Carroll
Councillor Anthony Perruzza
Councillor Vincent Crisanti
Councillor Adam Vaughan
Motions
That Recommendation 1.c. in Item CD5.9 be amended by adding the following words:
"with a focus on fostering economic and employment opportunities whenever possible."
1. That recommendation 1b in Councillor Crisanti's letter be deleted and replaced by:
1b. "Any recommended changes to priority neighbourhoods names or designations."
2. That recommendation 1c in Councillor Crisanti's letter be amended to add:
"as part of a Community Partnership Strategy".
That the following be added to the report request:
d. Potential approaches to assisting neighbourhoods to mitigate the impact of events such as the loss of a primary employer (e.g a local hospital).
That Councillor Davis' motion 1 be amended to add:
"Review and recommend" at the beginning so that 1b reads:
1b. "Review and recommend any recommended changes to priority neighbourhoods names or designations."