Agenda

This meeting of the Executive Committee will be held by electronic means and the proceedings of the Executive Committee will be conducted publicly. 

These measures are necessary to comply with public health guidelines and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Members of Council and participating City Officials will be provided with the video conference details closer to the meeting date.

To provide comments to the Executive Committee, the public may submit written comments to the Committee on any item on the agenda. Written comments may be submitted by writing to exc@toronto.ca

To speak to the Committee, please register by email to exc@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-416-392-4666. Registered speakers will be provided with instructions on connecting to the meeting

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Closed Meeting Requirements: If the Executive Committee wants to meet in closed session (privately), a member of the Committee must make a motion to do so and give the reason why the Committee has to meet privately (City of Toronto Act, 2006).

Notice to People Writing to the Executive Committee: The City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the City of Toronto Municipal Code authorize the City of Toronto to collect any personal information in your communication to City Council or its Committees and Boards. The City collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on the relevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, e-mails, presentations or other communications to the City, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the City will become part of the public record and will appear on the City’s website. The City will also make your communication and any personal information in it - such as your postal address, telephone number or e-mail address - available to the public, unless you expressly request the City to remove it.

If you want to learn more about why and how the City collects your information, write to the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2 or call 416-392-4666. 

toronto.ca/council

This agenda and any supplementary materials submitted to the City Clerk can be found online at www.toronto.ca/council. Visit the website for access to all agendas, reports, decisions and minutes of City Council and its Committees and Boards.

Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Confirmation of Minutes - October 27, 2021

Speakers/Presentations - The speakers list will be posted online at 8:30 a.m. on December 7, 2021.

Communications/Reports

The City Manager recommends that:   

1.  City Council as shareholder request Toronto Hydro Corporation, the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services and Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, to continue a collaborative analysis of the Toronto Hydro Climate Action Plan and relevant City strategies and programs to determine specific goals, outcomes, actions and timelines for enabling Toronto’s net zero climate targets.

2. City Council request the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services and Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, and relevant divisions, agencies and stakeholders, in collaboration with Toronto Hydro, to refine the TransformTO spatial and temporal study of climate actions to include probabilistic adoption scenarios (for example, electric vehicles and heat pumps), resulting in corresponding electricity consumption and demand profiles.

3.  City Council direct the City Manager to report to City Council by the end of the second quarter of 2022 with respect to the analysis referred to in Part 1 above and the consultation and climate adoption scenarios referred to in Part 2 above, and any recommendations regarding new climate action mandates such as a shareholder direction for Toronto Hydro. 

4. City Council direct that the information contained in Confidential Attachment 3 remain confidential in its entirety, in accordance with Section 4.4 of the Shareholder Direction, as it contains technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information of Toronto Hydro Corporation.

At City Council's request from its April 7, 2021 meeting, Toronto Hydro Corporation has submitted a report to the City Manager on its current climate action work and opportunities in key areas including electric vehicles, outdoor lighting, renewable energy, energy storage and non-capital sources of revenue.  

This report responds to further Council direction that the City Manager report on Toronto Hydro's plan and the role Toronto Hydro has in enabling the City's climate change and equity objectives.

Accelerating climate action is essential for the health and prosperity of Toronto and requires all City divisions, agencies and corporations to advance this work.  Toronto Hydro, as the City's wholly-owned electrical distribution company, is a critical enabler of many of the City's climate goals outlined in TransformTO and the staff-recommended Net Zero Strategy, given the significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions that can be realized through electrification to displace fossil fuel use in buildings and vehicles. 

Toronto Hydro's Climate Action Plan (attached to this report with a cover letter and confidential appendix) offers a positive framework to enable the electrification necessary to achieve net zero emissions. It proposes opportunities that include:

- expanding regulated electricity distribution to build a grid that is capable of supporting Toronto’s future zero-emission electricity demand;  
- creating a new, unregulated “Climate Advisory Services” business to facilitate the growth of emerging local clean-tech markets; and 
- making capital investments, focused on modernization of outdoor lighting. 
 

Toronto Hydro submitted its Climate Action Plan to the City Manager on September 30, 2021. City staff have begun reviewing the framework with Hydro, divisions and agencies to determine alignment with the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and other strategies and programs such as City-run climate advisory services, electric vehicles, and street lighting. Further review of financial, economic, environmental, regulatory and timing risks and opportunities is required. Thorough analysis and due diligence will enable City and Toronto Hydro staff to provide recommendations to City Council and the Toronto Hydro Board regarding any new mandates or shareholder direction to Toronto Hydro, City-funded investments, partnerships and other actions. 

The City and Toronto Hydro will continue to collaborate on research and to consider specific investments, programs, policies and other measures to advance the objectives of the Climate Action Plan and a coordinated City-Hydro climate response. This report recommends consideration of specific priority areas and reporting back to Council in Q2 2022 on next steps.

There are no financial implications arising from the approval of this report.  The financial impacts of specific recommended actions will be included with future related reports from the City Manager.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat recommend that:

1.  City Council approve the implementation of a Vacant Home Tax of one percent tax of the current value assessment of the residential property on which the vacant unit is located, effective for the 2022 taxation year collectible in the following year, and adopt the final tax design features for the Vacant Home Tax as set out in Attachment 1 to this report;

2.  City Council appoint the Director, Revenue Services, to administer the complaint process, and to receive and make decisions on complaints with respect to the vacant home tax as set out in Attachment 1.

3.  City Council appoint the Controller to the role of Appellate Authority as set out in Attachment 1, and to receive, hear and make decisions on appeals with respect to the vacant home tax as set out in Attachment 1.

4.  City Council direct that the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer allocate net Vacant Home Tax revenues (after deduction of program operating expenditures) towards affordable housing initiatives through the annual operating and capital budget approval process.

5.  City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to:

a. promote public awareness of the Vacant Home Tax during 2022; and

b. report back during the fourth quarter of 2023 with the findings from the first year of tax collections as part of an annual reporting requirement. 

6.  City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bill to give effect to the Vacant Home Tax at the next Council meeting in January, 2022, and to amend the City of Toronto Municipal Code to add the Vacant Home Tax by-law as Chapter 778.

City Council, at its meeting of July 14-16, 2021, considered the report

EX25.3: Recommended Tax Design and Steps to Implement a Vacant Home Tax in Toronto, which provided recommended tax program design elements to be considered as part of a future tax by-law, including annual declaration responsibility of all homeowners, key definitions of vacant homes, principal residence exemptions, other exempting conditions, administrative matters, tax rate, and general information regarding audit and enforcement functions, complaints and appeals process, offences and penalties and annual reporting requirements.

The subsequent direction from City Council was to undertake public consultation and receive written feedback and advice from stakeholders on the development of the proposed tax program; and to report back during Q4 2021 with the findings from the consultations and any modifications to a finalized tax design and an enabling tax by-law for Council consideration for implementation on January 1, 2022.

This report responds to Council's direction by providing the findings of a public consultation effort conducted in October 2021. Approximately 5,000 residential tenants and property owners responded to a survey seeking feedback on the design of the Vacant Home Tax.  This input affirmed many of the features of the tax proposed in July 2021, and informed other details which are together presented in this report as the final recommended tax design for the Vacant Home Tax. To comply with the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (COTA), the by-law will be presented to City Council for adoption in January 2022 to adopt the recommended Vacant Home Tax.

The proposed by-law would become effective on January 1, 2022, with the first annual property declarations in respect of the 2022 taxation being due in 2023.

There are no additional financial impacts associated with the adoption of this report.

As previously reported in Item EX25.3, the estimated total one-time start-up costs of $11.0 million would be incurred in 2021 and 2022 in order to set up the necessary administrative structure and systems and programming to collect the tax as well as initial communications efforts.  During the consideration of the 2021 Capital and Operating Budgets, funding for the Vacant Home Tax program was confirmed by City Council via approval of a one-time withdrawal of $5.0 million in 2021 and $6.0 million in 2022 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve to provide start-up funding for the City's Vacant Home Tax program, with the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve to be reimbursed with revenue generated from the implementation of the Vacant Home Tax in the future.

The number of vacant homes in Toronto is unknown at this time and will not be known until after full implementation and assessment of the tax declaration and audit process planned for early 2023. However, using metrics from Vancouver's collections on a similar tax as a proxy for Toronto, if 1 percent of Toronto's housing stock is vacant and subject to the tax, at a 1 percent tax rate on average Toronto CVA, the vacant home tax could yield $55 to $66 million in (gross) tax revenue per year.  Actual revenues will be realized starting in 2023 based upon declarations for the 2022 calendar year.

Annual continuing operating costs are estimated at $3.1 million per year, consisting of salary costs for a total of 25 staff positions, and direct operating expenses such as licensing and data storage/file server costs for systems, printing, postage and communications, banking and payment processing costs, as well as normal office expenditures.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer recommends that:

1. City Council approve the 2022 Tax Supported Interim Operating Budget Estimates totalling $3.625 billion as detailed by City Program and Agency in Appendix 1 attached.

The 2022 Tax Supported Operating and Capital Budgets are scheduled for Council approval in mid- February of 2022. The purpose of this report is to establish the 2022 Tax Supported Interim Operating and Capital Estimates in order to enable Tax Supported City Programs and Agencies to have the necessary spending authority to deliver current services, meet existing contractual commitments and to continue work on previously approved capital projects until the 2022 Operating and Capital Budgets are approved by City Council. 

It should be noted that no funding for new/enhanced services or new capital projects is included in the recommended 2022 Interim Estimates. Any consideration for new funding is subject to the 2022 Budget process.

The 2022 Tax Supported Interim Operating Estimates include $3.625 billion in gross expenditures with a net funding requirement of $3.377 billion. The 2022 Tax Supported Interim Capital Estimates total $1.659 billion, requiring debenture financing of $0.565 billion.

The Interim Budget Estimates provide an interim budget to ensure that adequate spending authority is in place for all Programs and Agencies until such time that Council approves the annual budget.

Operating:

As shown in Table 1, the 2022 Tax Supported Interim Operating Estimates total $3.625 billion in gross spending authority requiring estimated net funding of $3.377 billion.  Net funding requirements for City Operations total $1.888 billion, for City Agencies $0.983 billion and $0.506 billion for Corporate Accounts. Agencies are partially funded by the City and are able to cover a portion of expenditures through own source revenues.  For the purposes of the 2022 Interim Budget Estimates, own source revenues for Agencies have been adjusted to reflect ongoing COVID-19 impacts.

Table 1: 2022 Tax Supported Interim Operating Estimates

Capital:

The 2022 Tax Supported Interim Capital Estimates recognise spending authority approved by Council in 2021 and previous years to continue work on previously approved capital projects. Cash flow funding for 2022 commitments and carry forward funding required to complete capital work undelivered in 2021 total $1.659 billion including $0.565 billion in debt funding.

2022 Tax Supported Interim Capital Estimates are summarized in Table 2 below and detailed in Appendix 2.

Table 2: 2022 Interim Tax Supported Capital Estimates

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer recommends that:

1. City Council receive this report for information.

The purpose of this report is to provide the following information:

1.  Performance of the Funds for the six month period ending June 30, 2021

2.  General Market Update and Benchmark Performance

3.  City of Toronto Investment Policy and Procedures

Short-term volatility due to the pandemic and the economic outlook did create a reversal of some above average results experienced in 2020, especially those with exposures to interest rates.  However, investors with a longer term view and investment horizon, like the City of Toronto, have solid returns over the combined 2-year period ending June 30, 2021.  This 2-year period also marks the anniversary of a majority of the external investment managers that were funded under the purview of the Toronto Investment Board.  Performance of these managers are viewed on a rolling 4-year annualized basis in accordance with the Council adopted Investment Policy.

The City's General Group of Funds ("General Fund") holds the City's working capital and amounts designated for the City's reserves and reserve funds.  The Long Term Fund portion of this portfolio managed by external managers returned 5.4% on an annualized basis for the two year period ending on June 30, 2021.  Overall, including the Short Term Fund, the fund had a total return of 0.4 percent for the six month period ending June 30, 2021, and a 2.7 percent total return on a 4-year annualized return basis. These results outperformed the weighted market benchmark by 0.4 percent and 0.3 percent respectively. When the unrealized gains and losses are excluded from the total return, the book return for the General Fund was 1.2 percent (earned $46.4 million) for the six month period ending June 30, 2021. 

The City's Sinking Fund portfolio, which holds the investment funds for future debt repayments, saw external investment managers have a 4.1% annualized total return for the two year period ending June 30, 2021.   On a shorter term basis, the fund had a total return of -2.4 percent for the six month period ending June 30, 2021, underperforming the weighted market benchmark by 0.2 percent. When excluding the unrealized market gains and losses, the City's Sinking Fund portfolio earned 1.2% (earned $15.0 million) for the six month period ending June 30, 2021 on an earned income basis.  The customized benchmark index used for this portfolio as required by the Investment Policy does not yet have enough history for the 4-year measurement. 

Since January 1, 2018, the City's long-term investments have been managed by the Toronto Investment Board ("Board") under a new Council adopted Investment Policy which is based on the prudent investor standard. The investment portfolios have been progressively phased in to use of the broader range of investments that have become available. Although the overall portfolio risk has been reduced through asset mix diversification, the potential for volatility in total returns over the short term investment horizon still exist while the risk-adjusted total returns over the long term investment horizon are expected to be higher.

The Toronto Investment Board completed an asset mix review during the first six months of 2021 given the impact of the pandemic.  The Board decided that neither the asset mix nor changes to the Investment Policy would be required at this time.  It is a legislative requirement that the Investment Policy be provided to City Council, at least annually, for their review.  A copy of the current Investment Policy is included as Attachment 1 to this report which was last adopted by Council in June 2020. 

In total, there are now four fixed income managers and four global equity managers engaged in managing the long-term investments under the Toronto Investment Board. Both fixed income and equity investment classes are fully funded in accordance with the target asset mix in the Investment Policy with 70 percent allocated to fixed income and 20 percent to global equities.  As at June 30, 2021, approximately 90 percent of both the Sinking Fund and the Long Term Fund were managed by external fund managers with the remaining 10 percent to be allocated to real assets.  The Board continues to evaluate opportunities in the real asset category.

The City's auditor, KPMG LLP, found no exceptions with the compliance to the City's Investment Policy for 2020.   For the first six months of 2021, all funds managed are compliant with the Investment Policy.

The Toronto Investment Board is in the process of hiring a third-party data provider in order to monitor and report on whether or not external investment firms hired are compliant with the terms of the Investment Policy governing Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors.  While this process has taken longer than expected due to the pandemic and other unforeseen issues, contract negotiations are currently underway with a vendor for these services.  It is expected this information and data regarding climate change risk from these reviews be available for the next investment report in mid-2022 and will continue to be reported to City Council on a semi-annual basis.

The City’s General Group of Funds ("General Fund") earned $46.4 million for the six month period ending June 30, 2021.

The investment activities in the six month period ending June 30, 2021 were compliant with the investment policies and goals adopted by City Council. The realized earned income (excluding unrealized gains and losses) for the six month period ending June 30, 2021 was below the 6-month prorated budgeted contribution to the Operating Budget by $27.9 million.  However, there is over $200 million of unrealized gain available as of June 30, 2021, which if required, can be realized to meet budget.

The City's Sinking Funds portfolio earned $15.0 million for the six month period ending June 30, 2021. These earnings are retained within the Sinking Funds and must be used for the purpose of retiring debenture debt at maturity.

The Controller recommends that:  

1.  City Council authorize that the 2022 interim levy for all property classes be based on 50 per cent of the total 2021 taxes billed for each property, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect any additional taxes added to the previous year's taxes as a result of assessment added to the tax roll.

 
2.  City Council authorize that the interim levy apply to assessments added to the tax roll for 2021 that were not on the assessment roll when the by-law was passed.

 
3.  City Council authorize that:

 
a.  the interim bill payment due dates for property tax accounts paid on the eleven (11) installment pre-authorized tax payment plan be: February 15, March 15, April 19, May 16, and June 15, 2022;

 
b.  the interim bill payment due date for the two (2) installment pre-authorized tax payment plan be March 1, 2022; and

 
c.  the interim bill payment due dates for all other property tax accounts on the regular instalment option or on the six (6) instalment pre-authorized tax payment plan be: March 1, April 1, and May 2, 2022.

              
4.  City Council grant authority to introduce the necessary Bill in Council on December 15 and 16, 2021, providing for the levy and collection of the 2022 interim taxes prior to the adoption of the estimates for 2022, which by-law, when enacted, will be effective as of January 1, 2022.

This report requests Council authority to adopt the necessary by-law to levy interim property taxes for all property classes for 2022 and to prescribe applicable interim bill payment due dates. The 2022 interim levy will raise approximately $2.35 billion for City purposes, and will provide for the cash requirements of the City until such time as the 2022 Operating Budget and 2022 final property tax levy are approved by Council.

This is an annual report which is procedural in nature. Enacting a by-law that establishes an interim tax levy will permit the City to raise the property tax revenues needed to fund its early to mid-2022 operations until such time as the 2022 Operating Budget and 2022 final tax levy are approved by Council. The interim levy is expected to raise approximately $3.42 billion, consisting of a municipal share of $2.35 billion and an education share of $1.07 billion.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial implications as identified in the Financial Impact section.

The Budget Committee recommends that:

Rates and Fees

1. City Council adopt:

a. effective January 1, 2022, a 3 percent rate increase to the combined water and wastewater consumption rates (paid on or before the due date) charged to metered consumers as shown in the table below and in Appendix B to the report (October 21, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Toronto Water:

b. effective January 1, 2022, an increase of 3 percent to the water and wastewater consumption rates (paid on or before the due date) charged to flat rate consumers, as set out in Appendix B to the report (October 21, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Toronto Water; and

c. effective January 1, 2022 the water and wastewater service fees, as set out in Appendix C to the report (October 21, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Toronto Water.

2. City Council adopt, with respect to assistance for low-income seniors and low-income disabled persons:

a. effective January 1, 2022, the water rebate for eligible low-income seniors and low-income disabled persons be set at a rate of $1.2776 per cubic metre, representing a 30 percent reduction from the Block 1 rate above (paid on or before the due date).

3. City Council authorize the necessary amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 441 - Fees and Charges, Municipal Code, Chapter 849 - Water and Sewage Services and Utility Bill, and any other necessary Municipal Code Chapters as may be required, to give effect to City Council's decision.

4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce any necessary Bills required to give effect to Council's decision and authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, including stylistic, format and organization, minor modifications, technical amendments or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Toronto Water.

Operating and Capital Budgets

5. City Council approve the 2022 Operating Budget for Toronto Water of $471.228 million gross, $1,447.021 million revenue and $975.793 million net for the following services:

6. City Council approve the 2022 staff complement for Toronto Water of 1,883.3 positions comprised of 130 capital position and 1,753.3 operating positions.

7. City Council approve 2022 Capital Budget for Toronto Water with cash flows and future year commitments totaling $8,001.172 million as detailed by project in Appendix 6a to the 2022 Staff Recommended Capital and Operating Budget Notes - Toronto Water.

8. City Council approve the 2023-2031 Capital Plan for Toronto Water totalling $7,081.173  million in project estimates as detailed by project in Appendix 6b to the 2022 Staff Recommended Capital and Operating Budget Notes - Toronto Water.

9. City Council request that all sub-projects with third party financing be approved conditionally, subject to the receipt of such financing in 2022 and if such funding is not forthcoming, their priority and funding be reassessed by City Council relative to other City-financed priorities and needs.

Service Levels

10. City Council approve the 2022 service levels for Toronto Water as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report (November 3, 2021) from the General Manager, Toronto Water titled "Recommended 2022 Service Levels – Toronto Water".

This report presents the recommended 2022 water and wastewater consumption rates and service fees arising from the concurrent adoption by City Council of the 2022 Toronto Water Operating and Capital Budgets.

In accordance with the City Council 10 year capital plan approved in 2015, this report recommends a 3% water and wastewater consumption rate increase, effective January 1, 2022, and inflationary fee increases for certain existing water and wastewater service fees, reflecting cost recovery for these services. 

The recommended 2022 water and wastewater consumption rates and service fees will allow the Toronto Water Program to remain fully self-funded and financially stable, with both operating and capital needs being met without excessive year-over-year fluctuations in pricing over the long term.

The Budget Committee recommends that:

Rates and Fees

1. City Council adopt, effective January 1, 2022, the Solid Waste Management Services Rates and Fees as set out in Appendix A to the report (November 1, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services.
 

2. City Council authorize that the necessary amendments be made to the Municipal Code Chapter 441 (Fees and Charges) and any other necessary Municipal Code Chapters as may be required to give effect to these Recommendations.
 

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce any necessary Bills required to give effect to Council's decision and authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary refinements, including stylistic, format and organization, as may be identified by the City Solicitor, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and General Manager Solid Waste Management Services.
 

4. City Council direct that all the rates, fees and charges set out in Appendix A to the report (November 1, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, adopted by Council in Recommendation 1 and 2 above, continue in full force and effect until such time as they are amended or repealed by City Council.
 

5. City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to negotiate and enter into amending agreements with the City's existing contractors providing the sale and distribution of garbage bag tags to extend the contracts for a term ending December 31, 2023, with one optional year to extend and with the provision that the City, in its sole discretion, may end the contract term earlier than the specified end date, and on any other terms satisfactory to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, and each in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

6. City Council extend the existing authority for the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services or designate, from December 31, 2021 until December 31, 2026, to negotiate and enter into any agreements or related documents necessary to facilitate renewable energy projects from biogas/landfill gas, for the City, including without limitation non-competitive procurement agreements under Municipal Code Chapter 195 (Purchasing), agreements to receive funding, and related amending agreements, on such terms that are acceptable to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 
7. City Council extend the existing authority for the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services or designate, from December 31, 2021 until December 31, 2026, to negotiate and enter into any agreements or related documents necessary to produce, manage, market, distribute, use and sell renewable energy projects, from biogas/landfill gas, resulting from the implementation of Recommendation 6 above and/or the associated environmental attributes, including without limitation non-competitive procurement agreements under Municipal Code Chapter 195 (Purchasing), agreements to receive funding, and related amending agreements, on such terms that are acceptable to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

8. City Council extend the existing authority for the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to continue  to administer the First Nations Engagement Grant Fund for the Green Lane Landfill Renewable Energy Study Project funded through the capital program for qualifying local First Nations to retain, on a verified basis, technical services such as energy, environmental and/or similar consultants to assist with the engagement process over the term of the Study, and to negotiate and enter into any necessary agreements for this grant fund on terms and conditions acceptable to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

 
9. City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, or designate, to negotiate and enter in to any lease agreement, license agreement, easements or similar instruments necessary to implement Recommendations 6 and 7 above where Municipal Code Chapter 213 (Real Property) does not otherwise apply, on terms acceptable to the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services and the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

Operating and Capital Budgets

10. City Council approve the 2022 Operating Budget for Solid Waste Management Services of $377.809 million gross, $390.966 million revenue and $13.157 million net for the following services:

11. City Council approve the 2022 staff complement for Solid Waste Management Services of 1,139.3 positions comprised of 50.6 capital position and 1,088.7 operating positions.

12. City Council approve the 2022 new user fees, market rate user fee changes, and other fee changes above the inflationary adjusted rate for Solid Waste Management Services identified in Appendix 9 to the 2022 Staff Recommended Capital and Operating Budget Notes - Solid Waste Management Services, for inclusion in the Municipal Code Chapter 441 (Fees and Charges).

13. City Council approve 2022 Capital Budget for Solid Waste Management Services with cash flows and future year commitments totaling $625.585 million as detailed by project in Appendix 6a to the 2022 Staff Recommended Capital and Operating Budget Notes - Solid Waste Management Services.

14. City Council approve the 2023-2031 Capital Plan for Solid Waste Management Services totalling $223.535 million in project estimates as detailed by project in Appendix 6b to the 2022 Staff Recommended Capital and Operating Budget Notes - Solid Waste Management Services.

Service Levels

15. City Council approve the 2022 service levels for Solid Waste Management Services as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report (October 20, 2021) from the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services.

This report outlines the recommended 2022 Solid Waste Management Services Rates and Fees arising from the adoption of the 2022 Solid Waste Management Services Operating and Capital Budgets. The recommended rate increase is consistent however fee increases will vary based on customer group and are highlighted in Table 1.

Table 1 highlights the recommended key Solid Waste Management Services Rates and Fees effective January 1, 2022.

Table 1 - 2022 Recommended Rates and Fees Increases (Effective January 1, 2022)

The recommended three (3) per cent increase in Solid Waste Management Services Rates will provide and maintain Council Approved service levels unchanged from the prior year and fund the 2022 Capital Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan. The $15.546 million increase in 2022 operating expenditures over prior year is attributable to the increase in organic collection and processing costs due to volume and contractual inflation adjustments, increase in the Fleet Reserve contribution as per the vehicle replacement plan, reinstatement of advertising and promotion budgets that were previously reduced due to the prior     year's provincial pandemic shutdown, start-up of the Dufferin Renewable Natural Gas Facility and increase in debt principal and interest payments to fund the 10-Year Capital Budget and Plan.

The three (3) per cent utility rate increase for 2022 is recommended to maintain the contribution to Waste Management Reserve fund in line with last year's forecast to finance future capital investments, which include the construction of the third Anaerobic Digester, Landfill Gas Development or Energy from Waste initiatives and Dufferin Waste Facility Site Improvement.

The 2022 Operating Budget expenditure is $390.966 million, representing an increase of $11.651 million or 3.1 percent increase over the prior year approved budget including a $13.157 million contribution to the Waste Management Reserve Fund, all of which are offset by total revenues of $390.966 million.

The 2022 Capital Budget is $69.729 million including carry-forwards, which is comprised of $63.668 million in new 2022 funding and $6.061 million in funding carried forward from 2021 into 2022. The 2022 Capital Budget and Plan remains generally unchanged from last year focusing on the following key capital objectives and priorities for Solid Waste Management Services:

- To safely and efficiently collect materials from 875,000 homes, business and public spaces by implementing Council's direction on health and safety by installing telematics solutions on vehicles in support of Vision Zero 2.0;

- To manage 900,000 plus tonnes of material in an environmentally and fiscally sustainable manner which includes constructing a 3rd Anaerobic Digester to help address organics processing capacity constraints;

- To continue investigating long-term disposal options including landfill capacity development and energy from waste and strategically using alternate landfill sites;

- To continue to develop and invest in renewable energy such as Renewable Natural Gas facilities.

The Budget Committee recommends that: 

Operating and Capital Budgets

1. City Council approve the 2022 Operating Budget for Toronto Parking Authority of $105.9 million gross, $120.3 million revenue and ($14.4 million) net for the following services:

2. City Council approve the 2022 staff complement for Toronto Parking Authority of 326.5 operating positions.

3. City Council approve 2022 Capital Budget for Toronto Parking Authority with cash flows and future year commitments totaling $132.6 million as detailed by project in Appendix 6a to the 2022 Staff Recommended Capital and Operating Budget Notes - Toronto Parking Authority.

4. City Council approve the 2023-2031 Capital Plan for Toronto Parking Authority totalling $68.9 million in project estimates as detailed by project in Appendix 6b to the 2022 Staff Recommended Capital and Operating Budget Notes - Toronto Parking Authority.

5. City Council direct the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the President of Toronto Parking Authority, to report to the Budget Committee on an updated Income Sharing Renewal Agreement no later than December 31, 2022.

6. City Council request that all sub-projects with third party financing be approved conditionally, subject to the receipt of such financing in 2022 and if such funding is not forthcoming, their priority and funding be reassessed by City Council relative to other City-financed priorities and needs.

Service Levels

7.  City Council approve the 2022 service levels for Toronto Parking Authority as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report (November 3, 2021) from the President, Toronto Parking Authority.

8. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 to the report  (September 10, 2021) from the President, Toronto Parking Authority remain confidential in its entirety, as it pertains to personal matters about identifiable individuals, including municipal or local board employees, and labour relations or employee negotiations, and the security of property belonging to the City or one of its agencies or corporations.

This report provides the recommended 2022 Service Levels for Toronto Parking Authority in comparison to service levels planned and achieved from 2019 to 2021.

Service levels have historically been presented in the Budget Notes for each Program/Agency for review by Budget Committee and approval by City Council.  Beginning in 2020, as part of the budget modernization project, service levels were provided in a separate document in an effort to deliver a more efficient and simplified budget process that will create greater opportunities for public participation through inclusive and outcome focused budget materials.

The Budget Committee recommends that: 

1. City Council approve the establishment of a discretionary reserve fund called the 'Toronto Public Library IT Asset Replacement Reserve Fund' in Appendix B, Schedule 7 - Corporate Discretionary Reserve Funds of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 227, Reserves and Reserve Funds, the purpose of which is to provide funding to purchase Information Technology equipment for Toronto Public Library as part of the annual replacement cycle for Information Technology equipment, with criteria set out in Appendix G to the report (November 3, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

2. City Council approve the establishment of a Stabilization Reserve called the 'Debt Servicing Stabilization Reserve' in Appendix A, Schedule 3 - Stabilization Reserves of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 227, Reserves and Reserve Funds, the purpose of which is to reduce the volatility of the City's annual debt service costs, with criteria set out in Appendix H to the report (November 3, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

3. City Council authorize that the name of the 'Sony Centre Facility Fee Reserve Fund' be changed to the 'TO Live Facility Fee Reserve Fund' and that the criteria sheet, reflecting changes to the purpose, and its contribution and withdrawal policies be amended, as outlined in Appendix I to the report (November 3, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and amend Appendix B, Schedule 8 of Chapter 227 to reflect the revised purpose.

4. City Council adopt a change in name of the 'Public Health Efficiency Reserve Fund' account to the 'Public Health Reserve Fund', as well as a change to its purpose and criteria as reflected in the revised Criteria Sheet in Appendix J to the report (November 3, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and amend Appendix B, Schedule 7 of Chapter 227 to reflect the revised name and purpose.

5. City Council authorize that the names of the following accounts be changed to be consistent with the change in name of their respective Divisions, and amend the schedules of Chapter 227 as set out in the following table:

6. City Council direct the following accounts, which have zero balances, be closed and deleted from the Schedules to Chapter 227 as set out in the table to follow.

7. City Council direct that the balance of the 'Toronto Centre for the Arts Improvement Reserve Fund' in the amount of $213,689.00 be transferred to the 'TO Live Facility Fee Reserve Fund' and it be closed and deleted from Appendix B, Schedule 8 in Chapter 227.

8. City Council direct that the balance of the 'Toronto Centre for the Arts Stabilization Reserve' in the amount of $372.76 be transferred to the 'TO Live Facility Fee Reserve Fund' and it be closed and deleted from Appendix A, Schedule 3 in Chapter 227.

9. City Council direct that the balance of the 'Water Efficiency Loan Reserve Fund' in the amount of $2,393,277.21 be transferred to the Water Capital Reserve Fund (deferred revenue) and it be closed and deleted from Appendix C, Schedule 16 in Chapter 227.

The City of Toronto (City) maintains balances that are recognized as revenues in future years, in addition to reserves and reserve funds that provide future funding offsets.  This report provides balances for obligatory reserve funds (deferred revenues) and reserves and discretionary reserve funds as at September 30, 2021.

In addition, this report requests Council approval for administrative amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 227, Reserves and Reserve Funds ("Chapter 227"). This includes a request to establish a new reserve and discretionary reserve fund change the names/purposes of a number of reserves and reserve funds to better reflect divisional allocation, and close five reserve/reserve fund accounts and transfer residual balances accordingly.

As at September 30, 2021, the City recognized $8,978.8 million in total deferred revenues (obligatory reserve funds) and discretionary reserve funds, an increase of $1,393.0 million from the December 31, 2020 balance of $7,585.8 million. These balances are subject to annual changes based on receipts from third parties, recognition of amounts into revenue based on third party agreements and revenue recognition principles and transfers between funds, based on Council approvals. A total of 97.1 percent of the City's deferred revenues and reserves are fully committed, with the breakdown of the total balance as follows:

- Committed funds included in the City's reserves, or in support of legislated, contractually bound or Council-directed activities ($8,059.6 million);

- Committed funds to fund capital costs and pressures on rate-based activities ($655.5 million);

- Uncommitted funds of $263.7 million, or 2.9 percent of the total balance, to respond to various unanticipated costs and to stabilize various funding sources, including the tax base.

The Budget Committee recommends that:

1. City Council approve in-year budget adjustments to the 2021-2030 Approved Capital Budget and Plan as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report (November 19, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

This is to advise that prior to Budget Committee on November 19, 2021, a Capital Variance Report for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, with additional analysis and recommendations will be submitted for consideration. Due to accelerating the agenda to ensure 2022 rate budget materials are publicly shared and to the additional complexity associated with analyzing financial implications of COVID-19, additional time is required to provide detailed review and analysis for the variance reports, in advance of the Budget Committee meeting.

The Capital Variance Report will contain capital spending results for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as well as projected expenditures to December 31, 2021. The report will also request City Council's approval for in-year budget adjustments to the 2021 Approved 2021-2030 Capital Budget and Plan.

The Budget Committee recommends that: 

1. City Council approve the budget adjustments and any associated complement changes detailed in Appendix D1 to the report (November 19, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to amend the 2021 Approved Operating Budget with no impact on the Net Operating Budget of the City, and approve the expenditure authority as detailed in Appendix D2 to the report (November 19, 2021) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

This is to advise that prior to Budget Committee on November 19, 2021, an Operating Variance Report for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, with additional analysis and recommendations will be submitted for consideration. Due to accelerating the agenda to ensure 2022 rate budget materials are publicly shared and to the additional complexity associated with analyzing financial implications of COVID-19 on operations, additional time is required to provide detailed review and analysis in advance of the Budget Committee meeting.

The Operating Variance Report will contain operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as well as projections to year-end. The report will also request City Council's approval for required amendments to the 2021 Approved Operating Budget that have no impact on the City's 2021 Approved Net Operating Budget.

The Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the City Manager in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to finalize negotiations and enter into and execute a Real Estate Protocol with Metrolinx and the T.T.C. for the Subways Program no later than February  28, 2022, or such other date as agreed to by the parties, based on the terms outlined in this report, and to enter into any such ancillary or related agreements, amendments, extensions and renewals as may be necessary, all on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the City Manager, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, T.T.C., the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services, the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and any other relevant official, in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to submit the necessary bill(s) to amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 213, Real Property to include the Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension to the definition of "Transit Projects".

3. City Council delegate authority to each of the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and the Director, Transaction Services, severally, to approve the disposal to Metrolinx and the use by Metrolinx of certain City lands required by Metrolinx for the Subways Program (the "City Subway Lands"), including surface and subsurface public highway, for nominal consideration, provided that such disposal is:

a. at no net operating cost to the City, and/or the T.T.C. at the time of disposition, which would include, but not limited to, relocation costs, lost revenues or other out of pocket costs;

b. of lands are not required for municipal purposes (current and future) as already identified by the City in its ten year capital plan, as same may be amended from time to time; and

c. subject to existing City and T.T.C. infrastructure and assets and third party utility rights.

4. With respect to the City Subway Lands designated as Public Highway, City Council authorize the permanent closure of any City Subway Lands that are not otherwise required to continue to be designated as public highways and exempt these lands from the requirements of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 162, Public Notice.

5. City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, and the Director, Transaction Services, severally, to utilize the land valuation principles set out in Attachment 2 for the City Subway Lands required by Metrolinx, and, notwithstanding EX16.4, to utilize the same land valuation principles set out in Attachment 2 for City lands required by Metrolinx for its GO Expansion Program.

6. City Council authorize severally each of the Managers in Transaction Services, Corporate Real Estate Management to approve and execute nominal sum licence agreements, Omnibus Permission to Enter Agreements ("O.P.T.E.") or further amending agreements to O.P.T.E.s with Metrolinx to authorize the use of any City-owned or managed property required by Metrolinx to perform due diligence work to facilitate the Subways Program or the GO Expansion Program, on the same terms and conditions as the original O.P.T.E. and such additional and/or amended terms and conditions as may be acceptable to the Director, Transaction Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, and to waive the City’s administrative fee for each new or amending agreement pursuant to Chapter 441 of the Toronto Municipal Code.

7. City Council forward this report to the Toronto Transit Commission Board for information.

This report seeks City Council authority to execute a Real Estate Protocol (the "Protocol") for the Province of Ontario's priority transit projects (the "Subways Program") based on the terms outlined in this report.

The Subways Program delivered by Metrolinx represents a significant investment towards transit expansion within the City of Toronto. The Subways Program includes the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.

To support the delivery of the Province's Subways Program on an accelerated basis, Metrolinx requires interests, both on a temporary and permanent basis, in certain City real property (the "City Subway Lands"). City, Toronto Transit Commission ("T.T.C.") and Metrolinx staff have been working closely to establish terms that govern the access, acquisition, ownership and disposition of real property between the parties. This report outlines those terms and also notes the processes to be followed by Metrolinx to facilitate City and T.T.C. review of City infrastructure to be built on City Subway Lands and other lands to be transferred to the City, and review of Subways Program infrastructure as it relates to City assets and infrastructure. The protocol includes a process for the parties to develop a Commissioning and Acceptance Protocol for City infrastructure.

Staff are recommending the Protocol be executed, in advance of the conclusion of negotiations currently underway with the Province on a Subways Program Term Sheet ("Term Sheet"), and ultimately the negotiation of a Subways Master Agreement ("Subways Master Agreement") between the City, T.T.C. and Metrolinx, as Metrolinx requires land for the Subways Program sooner than these documents can be negotiated and executed.

City staff anticipate reporting back to City Council in 2022 on the conclusion of the negotiation of the Term Sheet and to seek approval to negotiate and execute a Subways Master Agreement based on the terms of the Term Sheet. The Protocol will ultimately form part of the Subways Master Agreement. The Protocol provides that the Term Sheet being negotiated with the Province, if approved by Council, will take precedence over this Protocol should there be any inconsistencies.

In the absence of the Protocol, Metrolinx has and would continue to pursue City property through the Expropriations Act.

The City will transfer the necessary City Subway Land interests to Metrolinx for the Subways Program. These interests will consist of fee simple transfers, easements, licences and permits in respect of City property including City public highway lands (both surface and subsurface), as required for the Subways Program in accordance with the terms outlined in this report. 

In addition, consideration to be paid for City Subway Lands and City lands required for the GO Expansion Program shall be based on terms within this report and as set out in Attachment 1. The Protocol will also further detail conditions upon which the City will accept Metrolinx lands for the purposes of operating and maintaining City assets and infrastructure once constructed by Metrolinx, based on terms within this report.  

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

The Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, recommends that:

1.  City Council request the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO and the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to include the creation of replacement space for Toronto Artscape Inc. within the residential block(s) of the proposed Parkdale Hub development, including nine live-work units, an art gallery and community space.

2.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, in consultation with the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, to initiate lease negotiations with Toronto Artscape Inc. to secure the ongoing delivery of their program within the proposed Parkdale Hub.

3.  City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, to continue negotiations to acquire fee simple interest in the property municipally known as 1337 Queen Street West, as listed in Appendix A and shown on the maps attached as Appendix B (the "Property"), and authorize the initiation of expropriation proceedings for the Property, for the purposes of affordable housing units and operating space for community-based organizations, programs and services.

4.  City Council grant authority to the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, to serve and publish Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate the property municipally known as 1337 Queen Street West, to forward to the Ontario Land Tribunal any requests for inquiries received, to attend the hearing(s) to present the City of Toronto's position, and to report the Inquiry Officer's recommendations to City Council for its consideration.

The purpose of this report is to seek City Council authority for City Staff to take the necessary actions to advance the Parkdale Hub project to Phase three. On November 22, 2021, the CreateTO Board adopted RA27.6 (the "CreateTO Board Report") that presented the Feasibility Study (Phase two) for the Parkdale Hub project and recommended that, subject to City Council approval, CreateTO lead Phase three of the Parkdale Hub project in collaboration with Corporate Real Estate Management, City Planning, Housing Secretariat, Parks, Forestry & Recreation, Toronto Public Library, and Social Development, Finance & Administration. Details of Phase two, including the Feasibility Study as well as an overview of the work program for Phase three are presented in the CreateTO Board Report and its Confidential Attachments.

This report also seeks authority to initiate expropriation proceedings for a fee simple interest the property municipally known as 1337 Queen Street West (the "Property") for the purposes of new affordable housing and community program space.

The Parkdale Hub project is a strategic city-building initiative, and therefore it is appropriate that this City companion report and the CreateTO Board Report be considered jointly by Executive Committee.

The costs to serve and publish the required Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate, together with any costs related to attendance at the hearing(s), if any, will be funded from the 2021-2030 City Council Approved Capital Budget and Plan for Corporate Real Estate Management under account CCA226-10 Parkdale Hub Acquisition

Before proceeding with the expropriation, staff will report to City Council through the General Government and Licensing Committee for approval of the expropriation (the "Stage Two Report"). The Stage Two Report will identify the estimated funding and the funding source for the fair market value of the Property Requirement, as well as any other anticipated costs including disturbance damages, legal and appraisal costs, land transfer tax costs, and all other associated costs stipulated under the Expropriation Act.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial implications as identified in the Financial Impact section.

The Board of Directors of CreateTO recommends that:

1.  City Council authorize the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, in consultation with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief Planner, City Planning, the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the City Librarian, Toronto Public Library and the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, to lead Phase 3 of the Parkdale Hub project, which will include:

a.  preparation of design documents suitable to support a City-initiated rezoning process for the Parkdale Hub, including the Housing Now site(s), based on the Demonstration Plan prepared in Phase 2;

b.  the submission of a business case for the future Housing Now site(s) to the CreateTO Board; and

c.  the competitive procurement of a non-profit affordable rental housing development partner.

2.  City Council authorize the public release of Confidential Attachments 1, 2 and 3 to the report (November 8, 2021) from the Vice President, Land and Development Planning, CreateTO following the closing of all purchase and/or sale and/or transaction(s), as they pertain to a proposed or pending acquisition or sale of land for municipal or local board purposes and a position, plan, or instruction to be applied to negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the City of Toronto.

At its meeting on November 22, 2021, the Board of Directors of CreateTO considered Item RA27.6 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (November 8, 2021) from the Vice President, Land and Development Planning, CreateTO:

The purpose of this report is to provide the Board with an overview of the findings and recommendations of the Feasibility Study (Phase 2) for the Parkdale Hub project. CreateTO staff have been leading this work in collaboration with City divisional partners, at the direction of City Council. This report follows an initial information report and presentation to the CreateTO Board introducing the Parkdale Hub project at its meeting on May 11, 2021.

This project represents a strong opportunity for CreateTO to lead a transformational city-building initiative that will deliver wide-ranging social, cultural and economic benefits to the Parkdale community, including:

- The creation of new non-profit affordable rental housing;

- The revitalization and expansion of the Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre;

- The reconstruction and expansion of the Parkdale Library branch;

- The ongoing delivery of Artscape’s cultural hub program, which includes affordable live-work residences for artists;

- The creation of new community space and design elements that will strategically connect programs, services and people – creating an integrated “Hub”; and

- Significant enhancements to the public realm and the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings and improved connectivity with the adjacent properties.

The second phase of the Feasibility Study included advancing architectural design work, a construction phasing strategy, environmental due diligence, negotiations for a strategic property acquisition, a preliminary civil engineering assessment, high-level costing analysis, and ongoing community and stakeholder engagement. The results of these activities are presented in this report and its attachments. Based on these findings, staff recommend that the project advance into Phase 3 - which would include a City-led rezoning process, the submission of a project business case to the CreateTO Board, and a competitive call for a non-profit housing development partner (led by the Housing Secretariat).

The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that:  

1. City Council approve the temporary road closures for the Ontario Line King-Bathurst Station, as per the following details:

a. Temporary closure of the east sidewalk to pedestrian traffic and a portion of the northbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on Bathurst Street, between King Street West and Stewart Street, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

b. Temporary closure of the south sidewalk to pedestrian traffic and eastbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on King Street West, between Bathurst Street and a point 37 metres east, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

c. Temporary closure of the east sidewalk to pedestrian traffic and northbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on Bathurst Street, between King Street West and a point 38 metres north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

d. Temporary closure of the north sidewalk to pedestrian traffic and westbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on King Street West, between Bathurst Street and a point 45 metres east, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

e. Temporary closure of the north sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on Stewart Street, between Bathurst Street and a point 32 metre east, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

f. Temporary closure of a portion of the eastbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on Stewart Street, between Bathurst Street and a point 36 metres east, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to require the provision of temporary pedestrian walkways as a condition of permit, at the Ontario Line King-Bathurst Station, as per the following details:

a. Provide a temporary 1.8 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the northbound curb lane on Bathurst Street, between King Street West and Stewart Street, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

b. Provide a temporary 2.1 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the eastbound curb lane on King Street West, between Bathurst Street and a point 37 metres east, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

c. Provide a temporary 1.8 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the northbound curb lane on Bathurst Street, between King Street West and a point 38 metres north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

d. Provide a temporary 2.1 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the westbound curb lane on King Street West, between Bathurst Street and a point 45 metres east, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

e. Provide a temporary 1.8 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the eastbound curb lane on Stewart Street, between Bathurst Street and a point 36 metres east, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

3. City Council approve the traffic regulation amendments associated with the Ontario Line King-Bathurst Station and authorize the requisite associated amendment to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters 910, Parking Machines and Meters, Chapter 925, Permit Parking and Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, as listed in Attachment B of the report (November 23, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

4. City Council direct that King Street, Bathurst Street and Stewart Street be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when the Ontario Line project is complete.

5. City Council approve the temporary road closures for the Ontario Line Queen-Spadina Station, as per the following details:

a. Temporary closure of the south sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on Queen Street West, between Spadina Avenue and a point 53 metres west, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

b. Temporary closure of the eastbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on Queen Street West, between Spadina Avenue and a point 83 metres west, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

c. Temporary closure of the east sidewalk to pedestrian traffic and curbside parking lane to vehicular traffic on Spadina Avenue, between Queen Street West and Bulwer Street, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

6. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to require the provision of temporary pedestrian walkways as a condition of permit at the Ontario Line Queen-Spadina Station, as per the following details:

a. Provide a temporary 2.1 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the eastbound curb lane on Queen Street West, between Spadina Avenue and a point 53 metres west, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

b. Provide a temporary 2.1 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the curbside parking lane on the east side of Spadina Avenue, between Queen Street West and Bulwer Street from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

7. City Council approve the traffic regulation amendments associated with the Ontario Line Queen-Spadina Station and authorize the requisite associated amendment to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 910, Parking Machines and Meters, and Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, as listed in Attachment B of the report (November 23, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

8. City Council direct that Queen Street and Spadina Avenue be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when construction of the Ontario Line project is complete.

9. City Council approve the temporary lane closures for the Ontario Line Osgoode Station, as per the following details:

a. Temporary closure of the east sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on University Avenue, between Queen Street West and a point 110 metres north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

b. Temporary closure of the northbound bike lane to cyclists on University Avenue, between Queen Street West and a point 122 metres north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

c. Temporary closure of the northbound auxiliary lane to vehicular traffic on University Avenue, between Queen Street West and a point 102 metres north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

d. Temporary closure of the southbound innermost median lane to vehicular traffic on University Avenue, between a point 17 metres north of Queen Street West and a point 63 metres further north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

e. Temporary closure of the west sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on Simcoe Street, between Queen Street West and the public laneway south of Queen Street West, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

f. Temporary closure of an 8.4 metre wide portion of the southbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on the west side of Simcoe Street, between Queen Street and Richmond Street, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

10. City direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to require the provision of temporary pedestrian walkways and bike lanes as a condition of permit at the Ontario Line Osgoode Station, as per the following details:

a. Provide a temporary 2.1 metres wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the northbound bike lane on University Avenue, between Queen Street West and a point 110 metres north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

b. Provide a temporary 2.0 metres wide northbound bike lane in the realigned northbound lanes on the east side of University Avenue, Queen Street West and a point 122 metres north, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

c. Provide a temporary 2.1 metres wide pedestrian walkway on the east side of Simcoe Street, between Queen Street West and Richmond Street, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

d. Provide a 1.5 metres wide bike lane on the east side of Simcoe Street, between Queen Street West and Richmond Street West, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

11. City Council approve the traffic regulation amendments associated with the Ontario Line Osgoode Station and authorize the requisite associated amendment to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 910, Parking Machines and Meters, and Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, as listed in Attachment B of the report (November 23, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

12. City Council direct that University Avenue and Simcoe Street be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when construction of the Ontario Line project is complete.

13. City Council approve the temporary road closures for the Ontario Line Queen Station, as per the following details:

a. Temporary full road closure to vehicular traffic on Queen Street West, between Bay Street and Yonge Street, and on Queen Street East, between Yonge Street and Victoria Street, from May 1, 2023 to November 30, 2027.

b. Temporary closure of a portion of the south sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on Queen Street East, between Victoria Street and a point 20 metres west, from May 1, 2023 to November 30, 2027.

c. Temporary full road closure to vehicular traffic on James Street, between Queen Street West and Albert Street, from May 1, 2023 to November 30, 2027.

d. Temporary closure of a portion of the east sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on James Street, between Queen Street West and a point 43 metres north, from November 1, 2025 to November 30, 2027.

e. Temporary closure of the southbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on Victoria Street, between a point 41 metres north of Queen Street East and a point 19 metres south of Queen Street East, from May 1, 2023 to November 30, 2027.

14. City Council authorize the conversion of Albert Street, between Bay Street and James Street, to a two-way traffic operation and authorize the associated amendments to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 910, Parking Machines and Meters, Chapter 903, Parking for Persons with Disabilities and Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, as listed in Attachment B of the report (November 23, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

15. City Council approve the permanent installation of additional streetcar tracks in the westerly middle lane on York Street, between Queen Street West and Adelaide Street  West, to accommodate TTC 501 Queen streetcar detour during the Ontario Line Queen Station construction and provide ongoing streetcar network resilience and authorize the associated amendments to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 910, Parking Machines and Meters, and Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, as listed in Attachment B of the report (November 23, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

16. City Council approve the installation of westerly southbound cycle track in effect at all times on York Street, between Richmond Street West and King Street West and amend Schedule E, Cycle Tracks, to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 886, Footpaths, Pedestrian Ways, Bicycle Paths, Bicycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks.

17. City Council authorize the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services to negotiate and enter into and execute an agreement, including all amendments and renewals and ancillary agreements, with Metrolinx and TTC for the delivery of work on York Street and Adelaide Street for the purposes of facilitating the installation of the TTC 501 streetcar detour tracks as part of the Ontario Line Project, substantially in accordance with terms and conditions set out in this report and on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

18. City Council approve the temporary closure of the north sidewalk to pedestrian traffic and westbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on Queen Street East, between Sherbourne Street and George Street, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029 for the purposes of the Ontario Line Moss Park Station construction.

19. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to require, as a condition of permit, the provision of a 2.1 metre wide temporary pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the westbound curb lane on Queen Street East, between Sherbourne Street and George Street, from October 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

20. City Council approve the traffic regulation amendments associated with the Ontario Line Moss Park Station and authorize the requisite associated amendment to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 910, Parking Machines and Meters, and Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, as listed in Attachment B of the report (November 23, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

21. City Council direct that Queen Street East be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when construction of the Ontario Line project is complete.

22. City Council approve the temporary road closures for the Ontario Line Corktown Station, as per the following details:

a. Temporary closure of the south sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on King Street East, between Berkeley Street and a point 30 metres west of Parliament Street, from September 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

b. Temporary closure of the eastbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on King Street East, between Berkeley Street and a point 30 metres west of Parliament Street, from September 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

c. Temporary closure of the west sidewalk to pedestrian traffic on Parliament Street, between a point 30 metres south of King Street East and a point 44 metres further south, from September 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

d. Temporary closure of the southbound curb lane to vehicular traffic on Parliament Street, between a point 5 metres south of King Street East and a point 5 metres north of Front Street East, from September 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

23. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to require the provision of temporary pedestrian walkways as a condition of permit at the Ontario Line Corktown Station, as per the following details:

a. Provide a temporary 2.1 metre wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the eastbound curb lane on King Street East, between Berkeley Street and a point 64 metres east, from October 1, 2024 to November 30, 2029.

b. Provide a temporary 2.1 metre wide pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the southbound curb lane on Parliament Street, between a point 5 metres south of King Street East and a point 5 metres north of Front Street East, from September 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029.

24. City Council approve the traffic regulation amendments associated with the Ontario Line Corktown Station and authorize the requisite associated amendment to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking, as listed in Attachment B of the report (November 23, 2021) from the General Manager, Transportation Services.

25. City Council direct that King Street East and Parliament Street be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when construction of the Ontario Line project is complete.

26. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to include  the following as a condition of the permits for the long term road closures detailed in recommendations 1, 5, 9, 13, , 18 and 22 above:

a. Install public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for nighttime illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the City Staff, Ward Councillor and local BIA.

b. Pressure wash the construction site and adjacent sidewalks and roadways weekly, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and ensure safe passage for all road and sidewalk users.

c. Provide appropriate lighting on the existing sidewalks and the proposed pedestrian walkways to ensure safety and visibility of pedestrians at all times.

d. Consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local business improvements areas (BIA) and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications.

e. Install appropriate signage, including  converging mirrors, temporary routes and/or safe diversion routes as necessary, to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists safety is considered at all times.

f. Establish a construction management hub that meets monthly and invite local stakeholders including City Staff, neighbourhood associations, local BIA, and Ward Councillor office.

g. Create a publicly accessible website with regular construction updates and post the website address on the site of each Ontario Line Station.

27. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary bills to give effect to City Council's decision and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make any necessary clarifications, refinements, minor modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor or General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to Parts 1 to 26 above.

The Province of Ontario through its Agency Metrolinx will deliver the Ontario Line, a 15.6 kilometre long, 15-stop fully-automated rapid transit system between Ontario Science Centre and Exhibition Place. When completed, this new transit line will provide relief to the TTC Line 1 Yonge-University and other busy transit routes across the City.

The project is currently in P3 (Project Co.) procurement stage for the south segment of the Line, which extends from Don River to Exhibition Place. Construction of the tunnel and stations is expected to start in the summer of 2022 and be complete in about 7 years. Metrolinx has completed constructability assessments for the King-Bathurst, Queen-Spadina, Osgoode, Queen, Moss Park and Corktown stations and provided details of construction plans, long-term road closures, impacts and mitigation measures. City staff have worked closely with Metrolinx staff to review the construction plans and strategies to seek to minimize construction impacts on the community and road users.

This report provides an overview of early works and station construction related temporary road closures at each of the six downtown stations and its impacts on the community and road users including pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. The temporary road closures discussed in this report are the maximum permitted for the proponents in the procurement stage. The Project Co. procurement process incentivizes the proponents to reduce the number and duration of road closures. Therefore, it is expected that the successful proponent design would require fewer temporary road closures during construction than discussed in this report, resulting in reduced impacts on the community and road users.

Additionally, the report discusses infrastructure improvements on York Street, including installation of a new streetcar track (between Queen Street West and Adelaide Street West) and a new cycle track (between Richmond Street West and King Street West). Metrolinx will install the new infrastructure to accommodate the TTC Queen 501 streetcar detour during the full closure of Queen Street required for the construction of the Ontario Line Queen Station. Finally, the report provides an overview of Metrolinx's outreach to the local community, including BIAs, community, and elected officials and their communication strategy during the project's construction.

The objective of the report is to seek City Council approval for the following:

- Implementation of long term temporary road closures and associated traffic regulation amendments required for the station construction,
 

- Implementation of new infrastructure improvements on York Street, including a new streetcar track and a cycle track, and
 

- Authority to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Metrolinx and TTC for the delivery of the new infrastructure works on York Street, between Queen Street West and King Street West.

There is no financial impact to the City. Metrolinx and the Project Co. are responsible for all costs, including payment of fees to the City for the occupancy of the right-of-way. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommend that:

1. The Executive Committee direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division, to report back in 2022 with final recommendations and proposed by-law amendments to modernize and clarify licensing and zoning regulations for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, as well as recommendations related to the addressing impacts of problematic establishments.

2. The Executive Committee direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards Division and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division, in consultation with Economic Development and Culture and other divisions, as appropriate, to consult with relevant stakeholders and the public on proposed regulatory changes for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, and to include a summary of these consultation efforts in the final report per Part 1 above.

Current business licensing regimes and zoning regulations have not kept pace with the evolution of nighttime culture, and changing business models have blurred the lines between what is commonly taken to be a restaurant, bar, or entertainment venue. There is a need to modernize and clarify the rules to align with evolving business models, and provide flexibility and support for businesses, while ensuring an appropriate level of regulatory oversight to mitigate any potential community nuisance and public safety issues.

This report introduces a framework to update licensing and zoning regulations for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues and provides information and next steps for upcoming consultations with stakeholders, the public, City Councillors, and partner divisions in early 2022.

The review of licensing and zoning regulations for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues responds to a range of City Council directives related to modernizing business licensing and reducing regulatory burden on businesses, supporting public health and safety and addressing problematic establishments serving alcohol, and supporting Toronto's nighttime economy and live music venues. Notably, a 2017 report from the Auditor General also identified issues of regulatory uncertainty resulting in some eating establishments operating as unlicensed nightclubs.

Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) and City Planning staff began reviewing licensing and zoning regulations for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in 2018. While this work was paused at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as public health measures and provincial emergency orders limited operations of businesses in these industries, staff are restarting the review to modernize rules to support businesses, while balancing the need to address potential community nuisance and public safety issues. Economic recovery following the pandemic, and impacts on restaurants and local areas, including active main streets, is also a relevant consideration. Staff recognize that proposed regulatory amendments must be sensitive to the current context, challenges, and the new realities facing these industries during the pandemic, and in recovery.

Staff are considering a range of proposals to update licensing and zoning regulations to address identified issues, including moving towards a licensing approach based on complexity or extent of business activities to ensure there is appropriate and proportional regulatory oversight for businesses. Staff are proposing to modify licence classes to differentiate lower impact and higher impact establishments and determine licence conditions based factors such as venue capacity, liquor service, hours of operation, and entertainment uses. This approach will allow staff to review opportunities to provide more flexibility for businesses in terms of seating, floor plans, and entertainment.

Staff will also develop clear, distinct, and enforceable licensing definitions to differentiate licence classes, and ensure zoning and licensing definitions are harmonized and consistent for ease of interpretation. Staff will also explore modifying restrictions to indoor entertainment uses in eating establishments, and expanding nightclub permissions beyond the downtown area, as well as other proposals developed through further consultations.

Following further analysis and consultation as outlined in this report, staff plan to bring forward a final report with zoning and licensing recommendations and proposed by-law amendments later in 2022. This report will also include recommendations related to addressing select problematic establishments serving alcohol for Committee and Council consideration.

The Economic Development and Culture division (EDC) was notified of the development of this report.

There are no current or known future year financial impacts arising from the recommendations contained in this report.

Future recommendations resulting from the review of licensing and zoning regulations for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues may have financial impacts. This will be discussed as part of the proposed final report in 2022.

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial implications as identified in the Financial Impact section.

The Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office, to select an Indigenous-led organization or consortium to operate the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship through an open competitive solicitation process in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Code Chapters 71 and 195, City policies and procedures.

2.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office, and when appropriate, the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, to negotiate, enter into, and execute, on behalf of the City, an operating, contribution/funding or any related Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship program agreements on such terms deemed necessary and appropriate by the City and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the designated operator of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship or other parties wishing to financially support the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, provided that required City funding is approved through the City's budget process. All such agreements, which may have a term of up to 10 years, shall be based upon respect, consultation and co-operation with the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship operator and draw inspiration from the Two Row Wampum that upholds Indigenous autonomy.

3.  City Council endorse the key goals and elements of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship program model, as detailed in this report, which include: to provide a culturally safe space, connections, supports, programming and resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators; and to be an entrepreneurial resource centre by and for the Indigenous community.

4.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to recommend for City Council's consideration, as part of the 2022 budget process, adequate and appropriate funding for (a) the City's portion of Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship start-up costs between 2022 and first quarter 2024 and (b) a reasonable share of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's annual operating expenses for a period of not less than 10 years.

5.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office, to report back to Council on the status of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in fourth quarter 2022.

6.  City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office, to report regularly on the progress of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee.

At its meeting on October 22, 2021, Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee considered Item AA14.1 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (September 20, 2021) from the Interim General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office:

This report acknowledges that the land we call Toronto is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. It also acknowledges that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

This report updates City Council on the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's purpose, construction, funding, program model, and proposed Indigenous governance and accountability framework.

The planned 22,000 sq. ft. Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship facility will be situated in a commercial space located at 200 Dundas Street East. The first of its kind in Ontario, when it opens in 2023 the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will become one of only a handful of incubators in Canada dedicated to Indigenous economic empowerment and business development. As such, the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship presents a significant opportunity to support and connect First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs across Toronto, Ontario and Canada to critical resources and each other.

After many years of planning, collaboration and conversation with and among Indigenous communities in Toronto and beyond, the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is now moving from planning to implementation. This project is a central pillar of the City of Toronto's collective reconciliation commitments and strategies, including the Reconciliation Action Plan, and concretely addresses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92 which states: "Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects."

A Leadership Advisory Circle of Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, Elders and community members has guided the planning and implementation of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship since April 2019. The Leadership Advisory Circle's advice informs this report's core recommendations that (i) Council direct City staff to use an open, transparent, competitive process to select an Indigenous-led organization or consortium to serve as the operator of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and that (ii) agreements between the City of Toronto and the operator of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship be inspired by the Two Row Wampum's notion of equitable, peaceful, respectful co-existence between different nations.

A preliminary Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship program model has been developed through conversations with the Indigenous community and based on the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle of self-determination. Grounded in needs and objectives defined by the Indigenous community, the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will aim to provide culturally safe spaces, connections, and resources for Indigenous business and social entrepreneurs.

To date, the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship project and facility has been funded through a combination of Council approved Section 37 funds, reallocations within Economic Development and Culture's approved operating budget, and a grant from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Looking ahead, the City’s portion of the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship project's forecast operating costs for 2022 through first quarter 2024, totaling $3,304,729, are currently unfunded. There is also a need and opportunity for the City to confirm a longer-term funding contribution to support annual Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship operating expenses in a manner which strengthens the centre's ability to attract third party funding, advances Toronto's economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19, and represents a generational investment in Indigenous economic empowerment and prosperity.

Accordingly, this report proposes that adequate and appropriate funding to cover the City's portion of Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship start-up costs and to provide an annual contribution for the Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's annual operating expenses be recommended for Council's consideration as part of the 2022 budget process.

The Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends that:

1. The Executive Committee request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee in 2023 with an update that includes the following information on CaféTO:

a.  the total number of complaints and their geographical location;

b.  the nature of the complaints including those that are related to accessibility;

c.  the length of time it took to resolve the complaints;

d.  the total number of complaints resolved and unresolved; and

e.  the demonstrated effectiveness between public education and by-law enforcement.

Jodi Callan, Senior Project Manager, Policy and Innovation Unit, Transportation Services, gave a presentation on Accessibility and CaféTO 2022 to the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee. The presentation focused on a summary of the program in 2021 and gave an opportunity for the Committee to provide feedback on proposed updates CaféTO Guidelines in 2022.

The Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council request the Toronto Transit Commission Board to request the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Transit Commission to arrange a presentation to the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee in the first quarter of 2022 on the removal of the two Market Street bus stops on the 121 route, including an explanation of how an equity and accessibility analysis was used to consider the potential impacts of cancelling or moving bus stop locations in general and these stops in particular.

Summary from the letter (October 28, 2021) from Councillor Wong-Tam:

On October 6, my office received a notice from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) noting the planned cancellation of two stops along the 121 bus route, effective October 10. The two existing stops were located at the intersection of Market Street and Lower Jarvis Street. According to the TTC, these changes are in part due to the new cycling tracks on the Esplanade but was mainly made to achieve the goal of 300-400m distance between stops.

Following the cancellation, many residents – particularly the many senior residents in the area – reached out with complaints about the lack of accessibility of this change.  The stop served three senior buildings including 85 The Esplanade (Old York Towers), 110 The Esplanade (Performing Arts Lodge) and 115 The Esplanade (OWN Coop Housing). In addition, both the bus stop’s proximity to St Lawrence Market made it essential for seniors to access a grocer without a vehicle.

Area residents have expressed concerns that the alternative stop now experiences heavier transit rider traffic, lacks coverings or benches, and increases the travel distance for many residents with mobility challenges. This may lead to increased demand for WheelTrans services for these residents. It appears that the notice and consultation about the removal of this stop, in particular, was not robust enough to consider the unique needs of this neighbourhood and its residents. Furthermore, it would be helpful to hear from the TTC how this decision was approved, and where this decision is documented.

Understanding that the TTC consults with the Advisory Committee for Accessible Transit (ACAT), I believe TAAC and its members would benefit from better understanding the rationale, including the accessibility and equity considerations behind cancelling bus stops and ensuring safety for all.

The Integrity Commissioner recommends that:

1.  City Council amend the Council Member-Organized Community Events Policy as follows:

a.  the prohibition that “in an election year, a Member of Council must not seek donations and sponsorships for any community event that has not been staged in the previous two years” not be applied to the 2022 election year; as a consequence, for this election year only, there would be no requirement to have held a similar community event in prior years; and

b.  the per member cap on all donations received in a calendar year for community events be increased from $10,000 to $20,000 in recognition of the fact that the size of Wards nearly doubled in 2018.

The Integrity Commissioner provides advice on policy matters dealing with issues of ethics and integrity for members of Council under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and Chapter 3 of the Toronto Municipal Code.

Pursuant to the City of Toronto Act, 2006, Council may adopt policies that govern the activities of its members. The Council Member-Organized Community Events Policy governs how and when members may obtain donations for their community events. It was adopted by Council in 2008.

A public health emergency was declared in March 2020 and, as a result, in-person community events have been either been prohibited or discouraged for public safety purposes until now. The upcoming year, 2022, is an election year. The current policy prohibits members from seeking any donations for their community events in an election year if they have not held a similar event in the previous two years. The current policy does not account for the fact that in-person community events could not be held for most of the last two years.

The current policy includes a $10,000 cap on donations a member may receive each year. It should be updated because the size of Wards and the number of constituents per Ward almost doubled when the size of Council was reduced in 2018.

The Integrity Commissioner recommends that Council update the Council Member-Organized Community Events Policy to address these matters.

There are no financial implications arising from the adoption of this report.