Agenda

The General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services and the Director of Purchasing and Materials Management Division recommend that:

1.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Rehrig Pacific Company being the highest scoring proponent meeting the requirements for Request for Proposal No. 0401-14-3100 for the manufacturing, distribution and maintenance of the next generation green bin to residents receiving curbside collection of organics for a period of 10 years, commencing on the first day bins are delivered, in accordance with terms and conditions as set out in the RFP and any other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, at a estimated total amount of $31,054,155.00 (including 10% contingency) net of all applicable taxes or charges, or $31,600,708.13 net of HST recoveries.

The purpose of this report is to advise on the results of the Request for Proposal No. 0401-14-3100 (the “RFP”) for the manufacturing, distribution and maintenance of the next generation green bin to household residences receiving curbside collection services of organic materials; and to request authority to enter into an agreement with the highest scoring proponent, Rehrig Pacific Company, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The next generation bins will replace the existing 46.5 litre green bins that were introduced over four years from 2002 to 2005, and are reaching the end of their expected 10-year lifespan.  The new bins have a capacity of approximately 100 litres in size, feature a rodent resistant locking lid and can be collected with automated collection vehicles.  It is expected that the distribution of the new green bins will commence in late 2015 or early 2016.

The total 10-year contract cost for the manufacturing, distribution and bin maintenance for the next generation green bin is $31,054,155.00 (including 10% contingency) net of all applicable taxes and charges, or $31,600,708.13 net of HST recoveries.

The total capital cost for the initial purchase and distribution of the next generation green bins and the collection of old bins is estimated at $27,098,500.00 (including contingency) net of all applicable taxes and charges or $27,575,433.60 net of HST recoveries. Funding in the amount of $27,575,433.60 is included in the 2015 Approved Capital Budget and 2016 to 2024 Capital Plan for Solid Waste Management Services in the Capital Account CSW004-20-04 with an estimated cash flow of $11,093,000.00 in 2015 $16,482,400.00 in 2016 as shown in Table 1.

The total 10-year operating costs for the period 2017 to 2026, related to bin maintenance and additional bin deliveries to new residents is $3,955,655.00 (including 10% contingency) net of all applicable taxes and charges or $4,025,274.53 net of HST recoveries, funding of which will be included in 2016-2025 annual Operating Budget Submissions. The operating annual impact, starting in mid-2017, is estimated to be $447,252.73 (excluding inflationary adjustments) as described in Table 1.

Table 1: Capital and Operating Budget Impact

Please see Staff Report for Table 1.

Given the instability of plastic resin market prices (which is the major material cost for the bins) the 18 month production time required for the initial distribution and the 10-year contract, the City included a contingency utilizing a resin price adjustment formula in the RFP to mitigate risks involved with resin pricing. Resin price adjustments can raise or lower the price of the bins to the City and will commence when the initial deliveries start. The pricing will be reviewed and adjusted based on a resin price index according to the terms of the contract as set out in Section 3.13.2 Resin Price Adjustment of the RFP. The resin price is based on a published index, either CDI or Plastic News. The resin formula states the price fluctuation per Bin, based on the resin price fluctuation per pound in US dollars.

The City also recognized in the RFP that the cost to deliver bins to new residents and maintain existing bins throughout the 10-year contract will increase due to the potential increases in fuel prices, labour costs, etc. To account for this inflation, upon completion of the initial distribution of green bins, the City will annually adjust the distribution bid price and maintenance price for future years by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Toronto from the preceding year, according to the terms of the contract as set out in Section 3.9.2. of the RFP.

The recommended inflation factor is currently 2% per annum.

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

The Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services and the Director, Purchasing and Materials Management Division, recommend that:

1.  City Council declare Domti Engineering and Construction Limited ineligible to bid on or be awarded any City of Toronto construction tender calls for a period of one year as a General Contractor or Sub-Contractor, from the date City Council approves this recommendation.

2.  City Council declare that any legal entity that is related to or has the same operating mind as Domti Engineering and Construction Limited be ineligible to bid on or be awarded City of Toronto construction tender calls for a period of one year as a General Contractor or Sub-Contractor, from the date City Council approves this recommendation.

There is no financial impact from Recommendation No. 1 and Recommendation No. 2.

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

The General Manager, Transportation Services recommends that:

1.  City Council approve the proposed warrants for establishing a 30 km/h speed limit in the absence of traffic calming, as contained in Appendix 'A' attached to this report, and that such speed limits, if warranted, be restricted to local and collector roads.

2.  City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on what implications the Ministry of Transportation's proposal to amend the current default speed limit, in the Highway Traffic Act, would have on the City of Toronto.

The purpose of this report is to respond to a request from the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on a proposed set of criteria under which the implementation of a 30 km/h speed limit could be recommended on streets in the absence of traffic calming.  Currently in the City of Toronto, a 30 km/h speed limit is considered on local and collector roads but only in conjunction with traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, road narrowings, curb "bump-outs", etc.  Recently, however, there have been several requests for speed limit reductions to 30 km/h even without the implementation of traffic calming measures

The criteria recommended in this report for the implementation of a 30 km/h speed limit is based on the development of four warrants: (1) Petition (ensures there is a basic level of community support); (2) Road Environment (classification, pavement width, speeds and volumes); (3) School and Cycling Environment (proximity to schools, parks and cycling facilities); and (4) Pedestrian and Traffic Environment (existence of sidewalks, parking, geometric design elements).   These warrants will assist staff in determining when to consider a reduction in the speed limit to 30 km/h even in the absence of traffic calming measures.

This report also seeks Council's approval to have the General Manager, Transportation Services report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the Ministry of Transportation's proposal to change the default speed limit in the Highway Traffic Act (currently set at 50 km/h) and to identify the implications such a change may have on the City of Toronto.

The cost associated with the change in speed limit to implement 30 km/h, if approved, will be based on the number of requests for speed limit reductions and how many new signs and poles will be required for each location.  The cost of manufacturing and installing one sign is approximately $225.00.  The volume of requests and implementation could require additional funds.  If operating budget pressures are identified, any necessary additional funds would have to be secured during the annual budget process.

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

The General Manager of Transportation Services and the Director of Purchasing and Materials Management Division recommend that:

1.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0189 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 1, within Toronto and East York Area 1, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons to Gazzola Paving Ltd, being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price of $26,895,932.69 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

2.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0190 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 2, within North York District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons to Maple Crete Inc., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $26,481,924.62 net of HST recoveries including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

3.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0191 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 3, within North York District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons, to D. Crupi and Sons Limited, being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $24,006,471.45 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

4.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0192 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 4, within Scarborough District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 winter seasons, to D. Crupi and Sons Limited, being the lowest bidder meeting specifications for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $31,243,859.51 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

5. City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0193 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 5, within Etobicoke York District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 winter seasons, to Steed and Evans Limited, being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $29,492,066.48 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

6.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0194 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 6, within Toronto and East York Area 1, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons, to K.J. Beamish Construction Co. Ltd being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $28,745,836.30 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

7. City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0195 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 7, within Toronto and East York Area 2, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons, to A&F Di Carlo Construction, being the lowest bidder meeting specifications for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $26,221,085.42 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

8. City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0196 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 8, within Scarborough District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons, to Defina Haulage Ltd., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $32,287,731.86 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

9.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-14-0197 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads, Depot 9, within Etobicoke York District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons, to Carillion Canada Inc., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications for a grand total price for the seven winter seasons of $28,013,780.87 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year.

The purpose of this report is to advise on the results of the Requests for Quotation (RFQ) 6032-14-0189,  6032-14-0190, 6032-14-0191, 6032-14-0192, 6032-14-0193, 6032-14-0194, 6032-14-0195, 6032-14-0196 and 6032-14-0197 for Winter Maintenance on City of Toronto Roads, Salting, Snow Ploughing and Snow Removal for Expressways, Arterial and Collector Roads for the winter seasons from 2015-2016 to 2021-2022 [seven (7) winter seasons], in accordance with specifications as required by Toronto Transportation Services and service levels as approved by City Council, and to request authority to award the contracts to the recommended bidders.

The total cost to the City of Toronto for all nine contract awards (for Depot 1 to Depot 9) for the seven (7) winter seasons (2015-2016 to 2021-2022) is $253,388,689.20 net of HST recoveries, $281,376,983.88 including all taxes and charges and $249,006,180.43 net of all applicable taxes and charges, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after Year 1. 

The annual cost estimate of 3% growth is consistent with the increase in winter maintenance contract prices over the last 7 years. Funding in the amount of $14,018,310.03 for the period of October 15 to December 31, 2015 is required, of which $10,897,921.66 is included in the 2015 Recommended Operating Budget for Transportation Services. The approval of the nine contract awards will commit the City to an additional $3,120,388.37 in winter maintenance contract costs which are not currently included in Transportation Services' 2015 Operating Budget.  The shortfall could be funded from the Winter Maintenance Contribution Reserve Fund XR1411.

The remaining first winter’s (2015-2016 season) funding need ($19,050,523.88) between January 1 and April 15, 2016, along with the first part of the second winter’s adjusted cost, will be included in the 2016 Operating Budget Submission.  The budget for the first winter season requirement is $33,068,833.92 net of HST recoveries. The following funding details include the contract cost increase of $3,120,388.37 which is not part of the 2015 Recommended Operating Budget for Transportation Services.

Estimated Costs – Years 2-7

Total Estimated Costs – Years 1-7 (2015-2016 season to 2021-2022 season)

Future funding will be requested in subsequent annual Transportation Services Operating Budget Submissions for the required portions of the contract period. 

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

The General Manager of Transportation Services and the Director of Purchasing and Materials Management Division recommend that:

1.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-15-0025 for Winter Maintenance on Local Roads, Spreading of Salt or Treated Sand, Depot 11, within North York District for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 winter seasons to Fermar Paving Ltd., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price of $6,486,781.24 net of HST recoveries, including an annual estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1;

2.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-15-0026  for Winter Maintenance on Local Roads, Spreading of Salt or Treated Sand, Depot 12, within North York District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022  winter seasons to Fermar Paving Ltd, being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price of  $6,146,818.34 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1;

3.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-15-0027 for Winter Maintenance on Local Roads, Spreading of Salt or Treated Sand, Depot 10, within Etobicoke - York District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 winter seasons to Fermar Paving Ltd., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price of $8,103,944.63 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1;

4.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-15-0028 for Winter Maintenance on Local Roads, Spreading of Salt or Treated Sand, Depot 13, within Scarborough District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 winter seasons, to Fermar Paving Ltd., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grand total price of $5,788,910.29 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1; and,

5.  City Council grant authority to award RFQ 6032-15-0029 for Winter Maintenance on Local Roads, Spreading of Salt or Treated Sand, Depot 14, within Scarborough District, for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 winter seasons, to Fermar Paving Ltd., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications, for a grant total price of $5,639,591.97 net of HST recoveries, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after year 1.

The purpose of this report is to advise on the results of the Requests for Quotation (RFQ) 6032-15-0025,  6032-15-0026, 6032-15-027, 6032-15-0028, and 6032-15-0029 for Salting Local Roads in the North York, Etobicoke -York and Scarborough Districts for the winter seasons from 2015-2016 to 2021-2022 [seven (7) winter seasons], in accordance with specifications as required by Toronto Transportation Services, and service levels as approved by City Council, and to request authority to award the contracts to the recommended bidders.

The total cost to the City of Toronto for all five contract awards (for Depot 10 to Depot 14) for the seven (7) winter seasons (2015-2016 to 2021-2022) is $32,166,046.47 net of HST recoveries, $35,718,978.49 including all taxes and charges, and $31,609,715.48 net of all applicable taxes and charges, including an estimate of the annual cost adjustments using 3% per year after Year 1.

The annual cost increase by 3% growth is consistent with the increase in winter maintenance contract prices over the last 7 years.  Funding in the amount of $1,610,504.90 for the period of November 1 to December 31, 2015 is included in the 2015 Approved Operating Budget for Transportation Services.  The remaining amount of $2,587,368.53 for the balance of the contract period from January 1 to April 15, 2016 along with the first part of the second winter's adjusted cost will be included in the 2016 Operating Budget Submission for Transportation Services.  The budget for the first winter season requirement is $4,197,873.44 net of HST recoveries. Funding for the subsequent winter seasons (2016/17 to 2021/22) will be included in respective annual Operating Budget Submissions for Transportation Services. ST

Estimated Costs – Years 2-7

Total Estimated Costs – Years 1-7 (2015-2016 season to 2012-2022 season)

The Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer has reviewed this report and agree with the financial impact information.

The General Manger of Toronto Water and Director of Purchasing and Materials Management recommend that:

1.  The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, in accordance with Section 195-14C of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 195 (Purchasing By-Law), grant authority to award Contract MCP15-20WS, Tender Call 23-2015 for The Full Length Trenchless Rehabilitation (CIPP System) of Existing Watermains on Commercial and Residential Streets in Toronto and East York Districts to Fer-Pal Construction Ltd., in the amount of $22,120,183.20 net of all taxes ($22,509,498.42 net of HST recoveries), having submitted the lowest compliant bid and meeting the specifications in conformance with the Tender requirements.

The purpose of this report is to advise of the results of Tender Call 23-2015, The Full Length Trenchless Rehabilitation (CIPP System) of Existing Watermains on Commercial and Residential Streets in Toronto and East York Districts, in accordance with specifications as required by Toronto Water, and request the authority to award a contract to Fer-Pal Construction Ltd., in the amount of $22,120,183.20 net of all taxes ($22,509,498.42 net of HST recoveries).

The total amount to award Contract MCP15-20WS, The Full Length Trenchless Rehabilitation (CIPP System) of Existing Watermains on Commercial and Residential Streets in Toronto and East York Districts, identified in this report is $24,995,807.02 including HST and all applicable charges ($22,120,183.20 net of HST and all applicable charges). The cost to the City, net of HST recoveries, is $22,509,498.42. The engineering estimate for this project was $21,128,655.25 including HST and all applicable charges ($18,697,925.00 net of HST and all applicable charges).

Funding is included in 2015 Approved Capital Budget and 2016-2024 Capital Plan for Toronto Water. Funding details are provided below (net of HST recoveries):

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

The General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services and the Director of Purchasing and Materials Management recommend that:

1.  City Council authorize the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services to award and enter into an agreement with Green for Life Environmental Inc., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications outlined in RFQ 6035-15-3000 for containerized collection, transportation and off-loading of materials in the City of Toronto for a period of ten (10) years commencing on July 1, 2016 to June 26, 2026, for a grand total contract value of $161,989,228.36 including estimated annual adjustments for Consumer Price Index (CPI) net of HST recoveries.

The purpose of this report is to advise on the results of the Request for Quotation (RFQ) 6035-15-3000 for the collection, transportation and off-loading services of containerized garbage, recyclable materials, organic materials, bulky items and durable goods from multi-residential units, non-residential locations, agencies, corporations, schools and related facilities in the City of Toronto for a ten (10) year period beginning on July 1, 2016.  The current containerized collection contract expires on June 30, 2016.

This report also requests the authority to enter into a legal agreement with Green for Life Environmental Inc., being the lowest bidder meeting specifications.

The total estimated contract award value is $179,881,906.50 inclusive of all applicable taxes and estimated annual CPI adjustments of 2%.  The total potential cost to the City is $161,989,228.36 including adjustments for CPI and net of HST recoveries. The estimated funding for the period of July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 is approximately $7,396,956.89 and the funding required for 2016 will be included in the 2016 Recommended Operating Budget for Solid Waste Management Services in cost centre SW0904. Funding details are provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Recommended Containerized Collection Contract – City of Toronto -

net of HST Recoveries ($'s)

The recommended new contract will require an additional $2,379,274 gross in 2016 for the period July 1 to December 31, compared to the 2015 Approved Budget.  The incremental increase in 2017, including CPI adjustment is $2,527,213 for a total annualized increase is $4,906,487 gross.  Funding for the increased costs will be requested during the 2016 and future Budget processes and will generate a net zero expenditure impact.

The increase in pricing for this contract is due primarily to the following:

- The current contract pricing, which was awarded in 2007, was significantly below the second lowest bidder at the time (less than 50%) and the City has benefited from this price structure for the last seven (7) years.

- The new contract contains significant improvements to the electronic capture of bin lift information and data capture.  This data is used to invoice/bill the City's customers for their waste collection services disposal.

- Changing the life expectancy of the collection vehicles – the new contract calls for vehicles no older than five (5) years at any time.

- A contingency of $1.0 million per year excluding all taxes has been added to the budget for emergencies or other unplanned/unforeseen work that may be required in each of the years in the contract term.

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

The General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, recommends that:

1.  The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee receive this report for information.

Beginning June 1, 2015 the list of plastic film materials accepted in the Blue Bin Recycling Program will be expanded.  With the addition of this material, it is anticipated that approximately 3,500 additional tonnes will be recycled and diverted from landfill. This change will increase the amount of Blue Bin diversion by 2% and overall residential diversion by 0.35%.

Plastic shopping bags were added to the Blue Bin program in 2008.  The change will expand the range of plastic film materials.  Some examples include, but are not limited to, milk bags, dry cleaning bags, newspaper/flyer bags, in-store produce bags and frozen vegetable bags.  A comprehensive communications campaign will be introduced to educate and inform the public of the new list of acceptable plastic film materials.

The additional revenues from the sale of the film, reduced landfill costs and increased stewardship funding will offset the additional operating costs, thus resulting in an annual net savings of approximately $8,527 per year and $4,974 in 2015 based on seven months of savings.

It is anticipated that there will be a savings of approximately $8,527 per year to add the plastic film materials to the Blue Bin Recycling Program.  Revenues from the sale of the added plastic film materials, avoided landfill disposal costs and increase in Blue Box steward funding (due to the capture of these new materials), are expected to offset any potential increase in costs (including collection, transfer, processing, and promotion and education).

The following Table summarizes the estimated savings of this initiative:

As a result, net operating impacts arising from the addition of these materials to the Blue Bin Recycling Program will be accommodated within the Approved 2015 Solid Waste Management Services Operating Budget.

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

City Council on February 10 and 11, 2015, referred Motion MM3.26 to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Snow removal vehicles are outfitted with GPS units. As a result of this technology, Transportation staff know the exact location of snow removal vehicles in order to keep track of and supervise the contractor's work. The location of snow removal trucks, where they have been and where they are headed, would be very helpful to Toronto residents as they plan their own snow clearing efforts. Mapping snow removal operations online would be a welcome service enhancement for Toronto residents.

City Council at its meeting on February 10 and 11, 2015 adopted Government Management Committee recommendations in the report dated October 21, 2014 from the Chair, Toronto Police Services Board. In accordance with Recommendation 2 in this report, City Council forwarded the report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee for further consideration.

Councillor Jaye Robinson recommends that:

1.  The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee direct the General Manager, Toronto Water, in consultation with other city divisions, as appropriate, to review Toronto Water's response to "no water" calls during February's extreme cold snap and report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in the second quarter of 2015 with concrete recommendations to improve Toronto Water's communications during extreme weather events. 

February's extreme cold temperatures have had a dramatic impact on the pipes that deliver water to Toronto's homes and businesses.

The result has been an unprecedented volume of calls reporting frozen pipes in a very short period of time.

Like the July 2013 storm and the December 2013 ice storm, extreme weather poses serious communications challenges, from disseminating reliable and helpful information to keeping residents and businesses abreast of the latest developments.

Unfortunately, extreme weather is the new normal. We have to learn how to quickly expand and upscale our communications to respond effectively to the next crises.

That's why I'm asking Toronto Water to review and report back on its response to no water calls and frozen pipes during February's extreme cold snap. I'm also asking Toronto Water to bring forward recommendations to improve its response to the next extreme weather event.

We can't predict the next extreme weather event but we can ensure we're better prepared by developing an effective, scalable communications plan.

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam recommends that:

1.  The General Manager, Transportation Services, undertake a review of complaints received by Transportation Services with respect to the Sherbourne and Wellesley Street cycle tracks and report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on May 13, 2015 with solutions on the principle concerns and locations of conflict in Ward 27 and 28, as well as to provide an opportunity for deputations. The following information should be specifically provided in the report back:

a.  locations of frequent parking in bike lanes and separation conditions (bollards and their spacing or curb type);

b.  locations where Wheel-Trans and accessibility taxis cannot serve persons living with disabilities and where the City may not be meeting the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act;

c.  locations where parking obstructions force cyclists to merge unsafely with automotive traffic;

d.  locations where residents feel they are forced to park or be dropped off that are unsafe, due to traffic conditions or poor visibility; and

e.  solutions and recommendations to remedy the conflicts to ensure safer street conditions for all bike lane and road users.

Toronto's cycle tracks are valued infrastructure projects that have demonstrated the City's commitment to implementing safer bike lanes. Two early examples of such lanes have been installed in Ward 27 and Ward 28 along Wellesley Street and Sherbourne Street. In order to ensure that cycling infrastructure can be successfully expanded further in various neighbourhoods and throughout the City, it is important that emerging issues be resolved and that learning opportunities be made to improve design standards.

Two issues flagged on a regular basis are as follows: the improper parking of delivery and passenger vehicles in bike lanes; and access concerns raised by persons with medical issues, disabilities and the elderly who can no longer directly access their homes or medical services and facilities. To date, no comprehensive cycle track design evaluation study has been completed to permanently resolve either of these two outstanding issues.

As the Province of Ontario appears to be moving towards the sale of liquor, wine and/beer in grocery stores, the impact of changes to the bottle return system on City of Toronto resources must be acknowledged.

In the first year of the implementation of the deposit return program for wine and spirit containers sold through the LCBO, a Staff Report to Public Works Committee, October 2008, the General Manager of Solid Waste, claims a reduction of approximately 10,000 tonnes of glass received in the City of Toronto’s recycling program in 2007 and an additional reduction of 13,000 tonnes of glass in 2008.

Any move away from deposit return system would presumably have the opposite impact and possibly would increase costs to the City.

According to the Stewardship Report 2013-14, the Beer Store’s recovery rate for refillable bottles is 99%.

It is important that any change to the sale of liquor, wine and beer, supports the continuity of a bottle return system.

Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon recommends that:

1.  The General Manager of Transportation Services report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on alternate methods of ensuring private snow clearing compliance and a review of Toronto's existing practices. The report to include evaluation of the following:

a.  tracking addresses with repeated snow clearance complaints;

b.  proactive rather than complaint-based enforcement;

c.  comparing with other cities private snow clearing enforcement practices;

d.  clearing the sidewalk immediately upon inspection rather than issuing warnings;

e.  charging a fee per linear metre of sidewalk to fund municipal clearing; and

f.  investigating other methods to increase compliance.

Each winter Torontonians risk their safety navigating snow and ice covered sidewalks. In many parts of the City of Toronto sidewalk clearing is the responsibility of private home owners.

Compliance with the municipal code, which mandates sidewalks be cleared by property owners, is not sufficient to ensure public safety. Fewer than 70 tickets were issued this winter for un-cleared sidewalks despite thousands of reports to Councillors and 311.

Clearly, the City of Toronto needs to investigate new models of enforcement and education to increase compliance with existing bylaws governing snow clearing.

I am asking that the City study employing alternate methods of enforcement to increase pedestrian safety next winter.

Councillor Bailao recommends that the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee :

1.  Request the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services review the eligibility criteria for commercial properties and report back through the 2016 budget process on the impact of expanding the program to allow for larger commercial establishments.

Solid Waste Management Services provides curbside collection services for a fee to small commercial establishments via the Yellow Bag Program. Approved customers pay for service according to the amount of garbage generated and are able to purchase premium (2, 5, or 6 days a week) organics collection services if required.

The eligibility criteria for commercial customers was harmonized following amalgamation and the commercial collection by-laws of the former municipalities were consolidated into one, in 2002. The by-law was designed to encourage Toronto's commercial customers to decrease garbage disposal and increase recycling and organics collection.  From an operational and budgetary perspective, servicing larger commercial properties in excess of 500 square metres and four storeys was not optimal.

With the increase in the redevelopment and revitalization of the city in the commercial sector and the importance of protecting the environment by diverting waste as a priority for all, the size of a building may no longer be reflective of waste generation.

I am therefore requesting staff conduct a review of the eligibility criteria for commercial properties to receive collection services from the city.   This review shall consider the impact of expanding collection services to commercial establishments which exceed the current eligibility criteria.  As any expansion of the current service provided may impact the annual operating budgets and associated revenues, the review will be considered as part of the 2016 budget process.

Councillor Shelly Carroll recommends that:

1.  The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommends that Toronto Water provide a report outlining:

a.  the cost of installing "premise isolation backflow devices" at the public portal of every residential/multi-residential property in the City of Toronto currently required to install a "premise isolation backflow device" for the aforementioned purpose on private property;

b.  the rationale for not funding this program out of the water rate; and

c.  the rationale for including residences with 5 or more units with a shared single-service connection in this program, which places small multi-residential properties in the same category as large commercial properties.

2. This report be provided to the Committee by the end of Q3 of 2015.

I recently held a meeting with several concerned board members of townhouse condominiums in my ward, who were notified by Toronto Water that they are required to install a "premise isolation backflow device" on their properties in order to protect the City's water supply. At this meeting, among other questions about the mechanics of the device, residents asked if the device could still work if installed on the City/public side of the water supply.

The cost of installing this device on private property will be an additional hardship for many condo boards in my ward. In addition to having to pay for the cost of the backflow device and its installation, some properties will also have to cover the costs of reconstructing their water service vaults in order to accommodate the backflow device. In some cases, this may cost upwards of $50,000 to install a device that does not directly protect their properties.

I respectfully request that this matter be added to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee agenda.

Over each of the past five years, there have been approximately 55,000 traffic collisions in the City of Toronto, of which, approximately 11,000 collisions result in personal injury and traffic fatalities have ranged from 35 to 63, per year.

Increased traffic enforcement is one method available to increase safety for our pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Studies on the effectiveness of traditional police enforcement have indicated that a 300 to 500 percent increase over the current level of traffic enforcement is required before substantial traffic safety gains can be maintained. Given the demands on the Toronto Police Services resources, it is clear that any increase in traffic enforcement must be conducted using the most efficient and effective methods possible.

During the last two decades there have been expansions, within North America, to automated enforcement, which now include stop sign, turn restriction enforcement and school bus passing, in addition to the more common speed and red light enforcement. While automated enforcement has been used in other Canadian jurisdictions and throughout the world, it should not be assumed that expanded use of automated enforcement, to stop signs, turn restrictions and speed, in the Province of Ontario, only requires an alteration of our Highway Traffic Act.

In order for Toronto City Council to consider the most efficient and effective options available to increase the level of traffic enforcement, more information is required. An investigation should consider Ontario's regulatory and evidentiary requirements, the ability of available technology to produce the required evidentiary components as well as the impact that additional traffic enforcement would have on the court system.

The recommendation below asks for an investigation of the requirements to expand automated enforcement to speed, stop sign, turn restriction and school bus passing offences within the City of Toronto. Staff within the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of the Attorney General should be requested to participate in a committee along with Transportation Services, Legal and Court Services staff to explore the regulatory and evidentiary requirements, available technologies and the impact on the court system, should the Government of Ontario authorize an automated enforcement expansion pilot within the City of Toronto.