Item - 2018.PG30.3

That:

1. City Council direct the City Manager to report back to the July 23, 24 and 25, 2018 City Council meeting on:

a. establishing an inter-divisional and agency working group to coordinate City efforts to identify local opportunities and to maximize the social and economic impact of the Finch Avenue West LRT investment;

b. integrating "Finch is Open for Business" messaging into City of Toronto communication channels including print publications, posters, social media and press releases;

c. designating Finch West Avenue as a Culture Hotspot for 2019 , 2020 or 2021;

d. exploring a business tax deferral program for Finch Avenue West businesses and building owners;

e. requesting an assessment freeze from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation for the duration of construction on retail properties behind construction hoarding and/or within 200 metres of future Light Rail Transit stations;

f. installing temporary bus shelters where technically feasible, if existing bus shelters have been removed for longer than 6 months to accommodate construction;

g. waiving Street Event Fees for permitted Business Improvement Area/community events along the Finch  Avenue West corridor for the duration of construction;

h. conducting Economic Scans of Finch Avenue West Business Improvement Area areas impacted by construction, including the Emery Village Business Improvement Area; and

i. developing a plan for reducing litter along the Finch Avenue West corridor during construction.

2. City Council direct the City Manager to request Metrolinx to:

a. negotiate arrangements similar to easement agreements that offer financial support and/or incentives for businesses that are directly behind station construction hoarding;

b. establish a "business continuity fund" to be funded equally by the City of Toronto, and Metrolinx, that would allow businesses that are situated behind construction hoarding or adjacent to station construction sites and that can exhibit a loss in revenue to apply for modest financial relief through a forgivable loan(modelled on the Minneapolis/St. Paul program);

c. provide quarterly Community Benefits Program updates, including apprenticeship and employment metrics, to the City of Toronto Economic Development and Culture and Social Development Finance and Administration Divisions;

 d. provide funding for City of Toronto developed television and radio spots promoting Finch Avenue West; and

 e. work with local businesses and Business Improvement Area's to develop promotions and "construction hat specials" to incent those working on the Finch Avenue West LRT  to spend locally.

That City Council amend the Draft By-law in the supplementary report (June 25, 2018) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to delete item 27 of the proposed amendments to Zoning By-Law 569-2013 and item 4 of the proposed amendments to former City of North York By-law 7625 as they pertain to the property at 11 Four Winds Drive, and refer matters related to this property back to staff for further discussions with Metrolinx about finding an alternative location for the planned mechanical structure.

That City Council adopt the following recommendations contained in the supplementary report (June 25, 2018) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning [PG30.3a]:  

1.  City Council amend Planning and Growth Management Committee Recommendation 1 by replacing the draft zoning by-law in Attachment 1 to the report (May 23, 2018) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, with the draft zoning by-law in Attachment 1 to this supplementary report.

2.  City Council determine that no further notice is required in respect of the revised draft Zoning Bylaw Amendment.

That, City Council vary the proceedings to permit Members to ask questions of staff after a motion has been placed.

Councillor Karygiannis, rising on a Point of Order, stated that Councillor Perks' comments were unparliamentary.

Councillor Perks, rising on a Point of Order, asked for clarity on what Item Councillor Perruzza's motion removes from the Planning and Growth Management Committee.

That:

1.  City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with Metrolinx to:

a. Relocate the utility box from 11 Four Winds Drive so that it does not encumber future development so close to a subway station; and

b. Locate a utility box and wires either at 1725 Finch Ave. West or at 1785 Finch Avenue West so that the location of the utility box does not span over two different sites.