Agenda

Presentation to Past Board Chair and Vice-Chair, Toronto Zoo.

It is recommended that:

1.  The Board approve, in principle, the concept related to a demonstration and fully functional Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) train ride at the Toronto Zoo, as outlined in the unsolicited proposal received from Magnovate, subject to:

a.  The Magnovate submission being selected as the successful proposal following completion of a formal “Swiss Challenge” process;

b.  Proof that Magnovate has secured full financing for the project and assurances that all funding requirements for the proposed project will be on a net zero basis to the Board, and the City; and

c.  Negotiation of the terms of an agreement acceptable to the Board.

2.  Staff be directed to proceed with a formal “Swiss Challenge” process, in consultation with the City of Toronto Purchasing and Materials Management Division (PMMD) and the City Solicitor, and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to determine the extent of the competitive market to ensure transparency, fair competition, and best value for the Toronto Zoo in relation to the unsolicited proposal from Magnovate Transportation Inc. (Magnovate).

3.  Based on the evaluation team review of any submissions to the RFP, in accordance with Toronto Zoo Policy FIN-008, staff provide Magnovate with an opportunity to match any competing proposals determined to be superior to its  original unsolicited proposal.

4.  Any other proponent considered for the project as a result of the “Swiss Challenge” process be required to meet the same conditions expected of Magnovate in Recommendation 1a, 1b, and 1c.

5.  Staff report to the Board of Management on the results of the RFP and “Swiss Challenge” process and submit further recommendations for approval, as necessary.

This report reviews an unsolicited proposal received from Magnovate Transportation Inc. (Magnovate) to construct a demonstration and fully functional Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) train ride on the site of the original Domain Ride route at the Toronto Zoo and recommends approval for staff to proceed with a formal “Swiss Challenge” to the proposal.

It is recommended that the Board receive this report for information.

This report is intended to update the Board of Management on the disposal of surplus property.

It is recommended that the Board receive the attached Executive Summary and the annual Conservation & Education Programs Booklet for information.

This report provides the Board with a summary of the Toronto Zoo Conservation & Education Programmes Booklet 2014-2015. In addition, the Toronto Zoo web site has additional information on these activities and programs. There are a number of information brochures also available.

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

The purpose of this report is to update the Board of Management on environmental initiatives achieved and environmental priorities for the Toronto Zoo in 2015. The Toronto Zoo continues to complete projects to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, waste diversion and employee and public engagement to reduce its overall carbon footprint. The Toronto Zoo has also re-commitment to environmental sustainability by establishing it as a core value of the Zoo in the new 2015 Strategic Plan. Significant movement towards the 2027 greenhouse gas emission targets of the Green Plan will require larger capital projects and are being considered during the Master Plan process.

There is no financial impact from this report.

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

The Toronto Zoo makes contributions in the areas of wildlife care, reproductive, veterinary, behavioural and nutritional sciences, and species preservation and habitats with many partners, including conservation groups, governmental organizations, environmental organizations, other wildlife care facilities, as well as universities and colleges.

This report focuses on the partnerships with universities and colleges related to collaborations on projects related to their area of interest.  The strong partnerships formed with other research and academic institutions allow the Zoo to share resources such as personnel, expertise, equipment and training which assist us in advancing towards our common goals.

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

This report focuses on the primary activities and achievements of the Adopt-A-Pond and Turtle Island Conservation Programmes at the Toronto Zoo for the year 2015.

It is recommended that the 2015 Great Lakes Program Report be received for information.

Highlights of a novel year for the 20+ year initiative entitled Great Lakes Program follows.  Classroom statistics totaled over 15,500 participants in 12 school boards.  The development of new initiatives for the Great Lakes was the key focus for 2015 and into 2016.  New initiatives include two additional grades, creation of a bilateral podcast, adding a satellite educator for Southwestern Ontario, and new elementary student resources.

The Great lakes Program is grant funded.  All staff delivering this program are non-permanent, some working over eight years with this conservation program.  Expenses reflect the level of funding and deliverable objectives with these grants.  Over a five year period, the annual budget has ranged from approximately $250K to $500K.

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

This report updates the Board on developments related to the significant progress of ZooShare Biogas Co-operative Inc. (ZooShare) in relation to the planned construction of a biogas facility on the lands leased to ZooShare by the Board.

It is recommended that the report be received for information.

This report will update the Board of Management on the year-to-date visitor statistics and revenue results for the period ending 2016-03-31. Included in this report is a dashboard highlighting some of the key metrics.