Item - 2015.EX8.7

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council approve the concept of a landmark community hub for food and learning at the Bloor/Dufferin Toronto District School Board Redevelopment Site focused on linkages between education, community economic development, and a healthy, sustainable urban food system.

2.  City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance, and Administration to enter into discussions on behalf of the City of Toronto, with Toronto Lands Corporation, the Toronto District School Board, the Province of Ontario, FoodShare, and other relevant entities, to explore interest in a landmark community hub for food and learning at the Bloor/Dufferin Toronto District School Board Redevelopment Site.

 
3.  City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance, and Administration to report by the end of 2015 on the outcomes of exploratory discussions with the relevant stakeholders concerning a community hub for food and learning at the Bloor/Dufferin Toronto District School Board Redevelopment Site, and to provide, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, a description of next steps, including the initiation of a master planning process and the financial implications of project planning and development, should there be agreement among the relevant stakeholders to proceed with the project.

4.  City Council forward this report to the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Government of Ontario Cabinet Office Secretariat on Community Hubs, the Toronto District School Board, and FoodShare.

This report seeks authorization for the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to approach the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Toronto Lands Corporation, local community partners including FoodShare, and the Province of Ontario to explore and further develop the concept of a landmark community hub for food and learning at the Bloor-Dufferin TDSB Redevelopment Site. Such an initiative would establish Toronto as a leader in cross-cutting social, educational, environmental, and economic development innovations.

At the direction of Council, staff conducted an assessment of City interests in Bloor/Dufferin as a site for a community hub. The property is strategically important for all four of the City's defined municipal interests in school properties, and in particular is recommended as the setting for a flagship urban agriculture centre/community food hub, as requested by Council in 2013. Such a hub would promote linkages between education, community economic development, and a healthy, sustainable urban food system. Parkland and City services including child care would also be prioritized.

The Province of Ontario has recently agreed to support cities, school boards, and local communities to work together to create innovative community hubs that are responsive to local priorities. In light of renewed interest in a community hub at the Bloor/Dufferin TDSB Redevelopment Site, it is timely for all of the potential partners to review their interests in the site in order to develop a collective vision for the future of Bloor/Dufferin.