Item - 2017.CD22.13

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to consult with Rexdale Community Hub Board and tenants to review and identify an appropriate City governance model for the Rexdale Community Hub and required resources, and report to the October 23, 2017 Community Development and Recreation Committee meeting.

At 77,000 square feet and with 11 community service tenants, the Rexdale Community Hub (RCH) is the largest and most comprehensive community hub operating in the City.  In 2007, the City and United Way partnered on the development of a multi-service hub at 21 Panorama Court located in North Etobicoke in Ward 1.  The City capital contribution of $4.79 million, leveraged an additional $8.9 million in external funding from the United Way, Provincial and Federal Governments. This combined investment funded the state of good repair and other critical capital needs to transfer a 1970s school into an updated, customized facility including administrative, program and community space in a 'one-stop shop'.

Since opening in 2012, the Hub has become an important community gathering place and services offered include Toronto Employment and Social Services employment centre, family resource programs; children and youth programs, Primary care and health promotion; congregate dining and healthy cooking; settlement and newcomer services; civic engagement; legal services; housing support; arts, music and culture programs; and multi-purpose community space designated for use by small and emerging resident groups.

The combined annual operating budgets invested in the community in 2016 from the Rexdale Community Hub tenants was approximately $26,330,000.  This represents a significant investment in a neighbourhood improvement area that experiences high levels of unemployment, low income and social assistance, diabetes and mental health.  In order to manage the affairs of the Hub, the tenant groups formed the Rexdale Community Hub Board.  However, the Hub's increasing operating costs result in fiscal pressures on tenants to rely on program dollars to cover core administrative costs.  This further challenges organizations to sustain programs where efforts are focused on facility management.  Regrettably, very little funding is allocated to hub administration given size of facility, number of programs and participants, and number of tenants. 

It is vital that the City continue to support the viability of Rexdale Community Hub so that residents receive the much needs services they deserve and need.