Item - 2016.GM12.9
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on June 7, 2016 with amendments.
- This item was considered by the Government Management Committee on May 9, 2016 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on June 7, 2016.
GM12.9 - Victoria University Act - Assessment Appeal of 131 Bloor Street West
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on June 7, 8 and 9, 2016, adopted the following:
1 City Council adopt the confidential recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 25, 2016) from the City Solicitor and the Treasurer.
2. City Council authorize the public release of all or a portion of the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 25, 2016) from the City Solicitor and the Treasurer, at the discretion of the City Solicitor and City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 25, 2016) from the City Solicitor and the Treasurer remain confidential as it contains advice and information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege and pertains to litigation or potential litigation.
3. City Council refer the following Government Management Committee Recommendation 3 to the Treasurer and request the Treasurer to meet with representatives of Victoria University regarding the implications of a request to amend the Victoria University Act and to report back to the November 14, 2016 meeting of the Government Management Committee on the results of the consultation:
Recommendation to be referred:
3. City Council authorize the Treasurer, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to request that the provincial government amend the Victoria University Act to make the tax exemption sections in that Act consistent with the tax exemption sections in the Assessment Act and the enabling legislation for other public universities in Toronto and Ontario.
Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 25, 2016) from the City Solicitor and the Treasurer remains confidential it its entirety at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it contains advice and information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege and it pertains to litigation or potential litigation. All or a portion of the confidential recommendations in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 25, 2016) from the City Solicitor and the Treasurer will be made public at the discretion of the City Solicitor.
Confidential Attachment - Advice or communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation or potential litigation that affects the City.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/gm/bgrd/backgroundfile-92560.pdf
(April 25, 2016) Confidential Attachment 1 - Victoria University Act - Assessment Appeal of 131 Bloor Street West
Motions (City Council)
That City Council refer Government Management Committee Recommendation 3 to the Treasurer and City Council request the Treasurer to meet with representatives of Victoria University regarding the implications of a request to amend the Victoria University Act and to report back to the November 14, 2016 meeting of the Government Management Committee on the results of the consultation.
Recommendation to be referred
3. City Council authorize the Treasurer, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to request that the provincial government amend the Victoria University Act to make the tax exemption sections in that Act consistent with the tax exemption sections in the Assessment Act and the enabling legislation for other public universities in Toronto and Ontario.
GM12.9 - Victoria University Act - Assessment Appeal of 131 Bloor Street West
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Confidential Attachment - Advice or communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation or potential litigation that affects the City.
Committee Recommendations
The Government Management Committee recommends that:
1 City Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 25, 2016) from the City Solicitor and the Treasurer.
2. City Council authorize the public release of all or a portion of the confidential instructions in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (April 25, 2016) from the City Solicitor and the Treasurer, once adopted by City Council at the discretion of the City Solicitor and direct that the remainder of Confidential Attachment 1 remain confidential as it contains advice and information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege and pertains to litigation or potential litigation.
3. City Council authorize the Treasurer, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to request that the provincial government amend the Victoria University Act to make the tax exemption sections in that Act consistent with the tax exemption sections in the Assessment Act and the enabling legislation for other public universities in Toronto and Ontario.
Origin
Summary
This report advises City Council on legislation that applies to 131 and 151 Bloor Street West and other properties owned by Victoria University that exempts portions of these properties from taxation even when they are not used and occupied by the university. This report recommends that City Council request that the province amend the Victoria University Act to bring its tax exemption provisions in line with the Assessment Act and other university acts. This report also highlights the impact the tax exemption provisions for Victoria University have on the assessments of 131 Bloor Street West and advises Council on assessment appeals of that property. The Confidential Attachment outlines a settlement proposal for the assessment appeals of 131 Bloor Street West.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/gm/bgrd/backgroundfile-92560.pdf
(April 25, 2016) Confidential Attachment 1 - Victoria University Act - Assessment Appeal of 131 Bloor Street West