Item - 2012.GM10.8

The Government Management Committee: recommends that:

1.         City Council grant authority to Real Estate Services to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP), on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Director of Real Estate Services and the Acting Director, Purchasing and Materials Management, to retain a qualified proponent to evaluate the City's portfolio and potential outdoor billboard sign opportunities on other City of Toronto properties and for the development of  a strategic plan to  manage and market the portfolio, including the negotiation of agreements with third party sign operators on behalf of the City, for a term of up to five years, subject to City approval.

2.         City Council grant the Director of Real Estate authority to select and execute an agreement with the successful vendor with a term of up to five years.

3.         City Council direct that the 2012 Approved Operating Budget for Facilities Management and Real Estate be increased by $150,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by increased outdoor advertising revenue.

4.         City Council request the Chief Corporate Officer, prior to exercising the authority given in Recommendation 1, to bring forward the RFP  scope of work to the Government Management Committee for review and approval.

5.         City Council direct that the number of locations be limited to 29.

6.         City Council direct that the proposed RFP contain the following provisions:

a.         The intent is to review and renew the existing sign agreements to achieve the market value.

b.         Any proposed changes to the existing portfolio be in compliance with the Harmonized Sign By-law.

c.         The strategy provide opportunities for public consultation and input from local Councillors. 

7.         City Council direct that the successful vendor shall agree not to take on any client who is applying for a sign on City property while under contract to the City, or for two years after completion of the contract.

8.         City Council direct that any further locations be forwarded to the Government Management Committee for approval.

9.         City Council direct that the final report of the consultant be presented to the Government Management Committee for discussion.

Real Estate Services continues to seek new opportunities to monetize City properties and develop long term revenue streams.  To this end Real Estate Services seeks approval to invite vendors to submit proposals for the exclusive right to evaluate and develop a management plan for the City's outdoor advertising portfolio (billboards, columns, etc.) on the City of Toronto properties including those listed in Appendix A ("Portfolio").  The required management services would include consulting, planning and negotiation services for existing and potential outdoor advertising opportunities.

The City of Toronto’s Portfolio would be best managed by a vendor whose core business focuses on the outdoor advertising industry.  This expertise would assist in the identification of improvements to the City's portfolio that would maximize its revenue generation for the City and diminish its visual impact on the public realm.