Minutes Confirmed on April 23, 2013

Executive Committee

Meeting No.:
29
Contact:
Kelly McCarthy, Committee Administrator
Meeting Date:
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Phone:
416-392-1147
Start Time:
9:30 AM
E-mail:
exc@toronto.ca
Location:
Committee Room 1, City Hall
Chair:
Mayor Rob Ford

EX29.1 - Toronto’s Management Information Dashboard - Q4 2012 Results

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee:

 

1.         Received the report for information.

 

2.         Requested the City Manager to report to the September 24, 2013 Executive Committee meeting with an update on increased frequency of management information reporting on the City's website, including economic and service level indicators.

Origin

(March 6, 2013) Report from the City Manager

Summary

This report and the accompanying attachment, entitled Toronto's Management Information Dashboard – Q4 2012 Results (Dashboard), provides a high level summary of key economic and social indicators as well as other operational statistics from City Divisions, Agencies and Corporations.

 

The Dashboard is intended to provide information to assist in assessing trends and directions of key indicators for the City of Toronto as a whole, and City of Toronto services. It includes the most current information available for 2012 and compares it to previous periods, previous years and any targets established for those indicators.

 

Generally speaking, the economic and community indicators were positive in 2012 in relation to 2011. However, there were some signs of slowing economic growth in the latter half of 2012.

 

The economic health of many of the Eurozone countries and the significant reductions in U.S. Federal Government expenditures may have uncertain impacts on Toronto in 2013 and beyond.

 

Staff continue to monitor a number of indicators, such as those included in the Dashboard, on an ongoing basis to support management decision-making and planning processes.

Background Information

(March 6, 2013) Report from the City Manager on Toronto’s Management Information Dashboard - Q4 2012 Results
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56577.pdf
Attachment - Toronto’s Management Information Dashboard - Q4 2012 Results
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56578.pdf

Motions

1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

That the Executive Committee request the City Manager to report to the September 24, 2013 Executive Committee meeting with an update on increased frequency of management information reporting on the City's website, including economic and service level indicators.


2 - Motion to Adopt Item as Amended moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

EX29.2 - Infrastructure Ontario Refinancing of Toronto Community Housing Mortgages

(Submitted for City Council Consideration on April 3, 2013)
Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council, in its capacity as Shareholder of Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCH):

 

a.         pursuant to Section 6.3.1 (a) of the City's Shareholder Direction to Toronto Community Housing (TCH) approve the term sheet attached as Attachment 1 to this report (March 6, 2013) from the City Manager (the Term Sheet) between Toronto Community Housing (TCH) and Infrastructure Ontario for refinancing totalling $154,703,882, in order to address the renewal of 18 Toronto Community Housing (TCH) mortgages totalling $60,447,135, as well as obtaining incremental financing of $94,256,747 (less transaction costs and legal fees);

 

b.         approve the extension of TCH's mortgage subsidy for 13 identified properties, based on the current monthly mortgage payment, until the end of 2043,

 

            both on condition that:

 

i.          the net amount of incremental financing be deposited to a new special reserve other than the State of Good Repair Fund dedicated to the repair or replacement of building components with a useful life of at least 30 years and

 

ii.         Toronto Community Housing (TCH) report annually, through TCH's Annual Report to Council, on the status and use of funding deposited to such special reserve;

 

c.         authorize the City Manager or his delegate to execute on behalf of the shareholder an agreement among the City, Toronto Community Housing (TCH) and Infrastructure Ontario providing lender security over City subsidies payable with respect to the mortgaged properties as described in the Term Sheet on terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager or such delegate and in a form approved by the City Solicitor.

 

2.         City Council, in its capacity as Service Manager under the  Housing Services Act, 2011 (the HSA):

 

a.         grant Service Manager consent to Toronto Community Housing (TCH) pursuant to section 162(2) of the HSA to mortgage those properties described in Appendix 1 of the Term Sheet that require Service Manager consent to secure the obligations of Toronto Community Housing (TCH) to Infrastructure Ontario described in the Term Sheet; and

 

b.         authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to:

 

i.          request all necessary third party waivers, consents or other authorizations which the Service Manager is required to seek in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Term Sheet; and

 

ii.         provide the necessary notice to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing pursuant to Section 163 of the HSA.

 

3.         City Council authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver such other notices, consents, authorizations and agreements on behalf of the City a shareholder or Service Manager in order to facilitate the refinancing of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCH) mortgages on the properties described in the Term Sheet, including, without limitation, amendments to the Operating Agreement between the City and Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCH).

Origin

(March 6, 2013) Report from the City Manager

Summary

The Council approved final report of the Special Housing Working Group, chaired by Councillor Ana Bailão, Putting People First – Transforming Toronto Community Housing made 19 recommendations to address the significant capital repair backlog at Toronto Community Housing (TCH).  Included in the report's recommendations was a direction to investigate the potential of leveraging equity through the refinancing of TCH mortgages.

 

A significant amount of work has occurred as a result of the report and its recommendations, the bulk of which will be reported to Council through the Affordable Housing and Executive committees later this year.   This report deals exclusively with a time sensitive opportunity related to the refinancing of TCH social housing mortgages and recommends that Council approve an Infrastructure Ontario mortgage refinancing proposal that will unlock $93.5 million of TCH equity.

 

The proposal developed by TCH and Infrastructure Ontario would result in the refinancing of 18 TCH properties with mortgages scheduled for renewal in 2013.  Upon approval by Council, TCH will receive mortgage refinancing totalling $154.7 million.  Of this total, $60.4 million will be used to pay out the existing social housing mortgage.  The balance of $93.5 million represents incremental financing of which $11.8 million will be restricted for investment in future capital repairs within the 18 refinanced properties and $81.7 million which will be invested to address capital needs throughout the entire TCH social housing portfolio.

 

The refinancing proposal will have no immediate financial impact to the City but will require a City commitment to extend subsidy funding of mortgages for 13 of the 18 properties, at current levels, to the end of the new 30-year mortgage amortization term.  The extended mortgage subsidy funding has a total nominal value of $105.1 million and a present value of $50.8 million.

Background Information

(March 6, 2013) Report with Appendices A to C, from the City Manager on Infrastructure Ontario Refinancing of Toronto Community Housing Mortgages
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56572.pdf
Attachment 1 with Appendix 1 - Infrastructure Ontario Toronto Community Housing Mortgage Refinancing Proposal (Term Sheet)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56573.pdf

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Frank Di Giorgio (Carried)

EX29.3 - Amending the Lobbying By-law - Time and Place of Lobbying

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Deferred
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee deferred the Item indefinitely.

Origin

(March 5, 2013) Report from the Lobbyist Registrar

Summary

In this report, the Lobbyist Registrar recommends that a provision be added to the Lobbying By-law (Chapter 140 of the Toronto Municipal Code) restricting the time and place that lobbying may occur.  Madam Justice Bellamy recommended in her Report on the Toronto Computer Leasing Inquiry:

 

            105.    Lobbyists’ access to councillors and staff should be restricted to regular office hours and locations.

Background Information

(March 5, 2013) Report from the Lobbyist Registrar on Amending the Lobbying By-law - Time and Place of Lobbying
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56546.pdf

Communications

(March 20, 2013) Letter from John Capobianco, Public Affairs Association of Canada (EX.New.EX29.3.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/comm/communicationfile-35232.pdf

Speakers

Miroslav Glavic
John Nunziata, LLB, Lawyer
Councillor Shelley Carroll

Motions

Motion to Defer Item Indefinitely moved by Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Carried)

EX29.4 - Disabilities Issues Committee - 2010 Municipal Election Update (Item DI5.1)

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Referred
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee referred the Item to the Government Management Committee to be considered at the same time as the forthcoming report from the City Clerk on election reform.

Origin

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee

Summary

The Disability Issues Committee on February 14, 2013, considered a presentation by the Director, Elections and Registry Services, City Clerk's Office, on Making Elections Accessible.

Background Information

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee on Disabilities Issues Committee - 2010 Municipal Election Update (Item DI5.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56583.pdf

Motions

Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

That the Item be referred to the Government Management Committee to be considered at the same time as the forthcoming report from the City Clerk on election reform.

EX29.5 - Disabilities Issues Committee - 2012 Progress Report - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Implementation (Item DI5.2)

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee requested the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, to circulate the draft recommendations on public consultation on the accessibility requirements of the Ontario Building Code to the Disability Issues Committee members for comments and feedback, in order that the Chair of the Disability Issues Committee may incorporate their comments in the report to City Council.

Origin

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disabilities Issues Committee

Summary

The Disability Issues Committee on February 14, 2013, considered the 2012 Progress Report: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Implementation.

 

Staff from the Office of Equity, Diversity and Human Rights, City Manager's Office, gave a presentation to the Disability Issues Committee on the 2012 Progress Report: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Implementation.

Background Information

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee on Disabilities Issues Committee - 2012 Progress Report - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Implementation (Item DI5.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56584.pdf

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

EX29.6 - Affordable Housing for Persons with Disabilities - Update from the Housing, Outreach and Transportation Working Groups of the Disability Issues Committee

(Submitted for City Council Consideration on April 3, 2013)
Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council forward the following Recommendation 1 in the report (January 28, 2013) from the Disability Issues Committee Housing Working Group, to the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, for inclusion in the public consultation on accessibility requirements of the Ontario Building Code:

 

             “1.      Accessible Housing: Recommendation: Require all new/ retrofitted condos and apartments to have accessible units as part of a building permit and licensing requirements.- Wheelchair signage, braille signage audio smoke/ fire alarms per building code (updates anticipated) per Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). They could be asked to have 100 percent units with accessible wide doors, large washrooms, grab bars and 10 percent with lower counters and option for wheel-in shower. Parking and amenities to be 100 percent.”

 

2.         City Council forward the following Recommendations 1 and 3 in the report (January 28, 2013) from the Disability Issues Committee Housing Working Group, to the Planning and Growth Committee for consideration in the review of the City's Official Plan:

 

“1.       Accessible Housing: Recommendation: Require all new/ retrofitted condos and apartments to have accessible units as part of a building permit and licensing requirements.- Wheelchair signage, braille signage audio smoke/ fire alarms per building code (updates anticipated) per AODA. They could be asked to have 100 percent units with accessible wide doors, large washrooms, grab bars and 10 percent with lower counters and option for wheel-in shower. Parking and amenities to be 100 percent.

 

3.         Toronto’s Group Home Bylaws: Recommendation: That Toronto’s Group home bylaws be fully reviewed so that the current bylaws which restrict where people who use group homes can live (a form of discrimination) be removed.”

 

3.         City Council forward the following Recommendations 2 and 4 in the report (January 28, 2013) from the Disability Issues Committee Housing Working Group, to the Affordable Housing Committee for consideration and review:

 

2.         Accessible/Affordable Housing and Shelter: Recommendation: Offer incentives to home owners to provide an apartment to a student or someone with a disability (home sharing program). Especially, people with a diagnosis of mental health issues, homeless youth, vision, hard of hearing people with a developmental disability, autism etc., that is safe, clean, and affordable. Subsidy could be offered to tenet to offset rental/ heat/ hydro costs.

 

4.         Youth-in-Transition (with disabilities): That the City of Toronto fully reviews the means by which to increase housing to youth-in-transition that have housing issues that are disability-specific and specific to transitional-aged youth.

 

Recommendation: That a task force be arranged to review this issue and it’s complexities if needed.”

 

4.         City Council forward the following Recommendations 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the report (January 28, 2013) from the Disability Issues Committee Housing Working Group, to the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, requesting a response by way of a presentation to the Disability Issues Committee, including policies and procedures related to rent geared to income units:

 

“5.       Creating accessible communications within the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) -This includes equitable access to the information and application process. This includes transparency of complaints processes that are pertinent to human rights, equity and fairness.

 

             Recommendations: All persons inquiring about housing at the TCHC gain access to applications for housing and when required that application is made accessible.  An accessible format may include access to a Braille copy, or a copy by e-mail for accessible screen reader use. Access in different languages should also be considered when required.

 

6.          Insuring that staff of the TCHC has the correct information about TCHC’s policies on accessibility and Inclusion including knowledge of the Human Rights Code and the AODA

 

             Recommendations: That agency-wide training and education on the policies and procedures of the TCHC pertaining to disability be under-taken and re-emphasized for all current staffs in the organization.

 

             -          That policies and procedures related to accessibility and housing be taught to all staff.

             -          The messaging about Disability and housing has to reflect the TCHC’s desire to include all marginalized groups into its housing services and that the TCHC’s goal is to provide access to all of those that qualify.

 

7.         Insuring Equal and Fair Access to Parking in TCHC units.  Sometimes a parking space in a TCHC unit is required for when the tenets stated (ease of access) and for attendant care services.

 

             Recommendations: A full review of current parking policies at the TCHC is needed with an accessibility/disability lens in mind that is inclusive persons with disabilities that are TCHC tenets.

 

8.         Information on modifying a currently modified unit to make it accessible.

 

             Recommendations: That the TCHC develop, implement and disseminate an accessible policy with consultation from the disability community that communicates clearly and simply about individualized accessibility within TCHC units. This can include but is not limited to ceiling tracts, grab bars, accessible toileting, voice systems for doors, braille in kitchen areas etc.

 

              -         That these policies and procedures be communicated to all staffs of the TCHC.

 

9.         That the TCHC develop an awareness of how their current policies and procedures impact other systems and supports for persons with disabilities. In some areas of communication in the TCHC there is a lack of various policies and programs that directly impact TCHC tenets with disabilities such as Community Start Up, the Assistive Devices Program and Direct Funding to name a few.

 

             Recommendations: Agency-wide education about accessibility and housing that is inclusive of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA Act. The training should include information about social services access as it pertains to disability."

 

5.         City Council invite the Executive Director, Human Resources, to make a presentation to the Disability Issues Committee on how Human Resources will respond to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, as it pertains to the City’s recruitment and employment strategies.

Origin

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee

Summary

The Disability Issues Committee on February 14, 2013, considered updates from the following members of the Disability Issues Committee Working Groups:

 

-           Terri-Lynn Langdon, Housing Working Group;

 

-           Valentina Gal, Outreach Working Group; and

 

-           Tracy Odell, Transportation Working Group.

Background Information

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee on Affordable Housing for Persons with Disabilities - Update from the Housing, Outreach and Transportation Working Groups of the Disability Issues Committee (Item DI5.5)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56592.pdf

Speakers

Councillor Adam Vaughan

Motions

1 - Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Cesar Palacio (Carried)

That the Item be referred to the City Manager.


2 - Motion to Reconsider Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

3 - Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

EX29.7 - Snow Removal and Persons with Disabilities - Update from the Housing, Outreach and Transportation Working Groups of the Disability Issues Committee (Item DI5.5a)

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Referred
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee referred the Item to the General Manager, Transportation Services, for a report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Origin

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee

Summary

The Disability Issues Committee on February 14, 2013, considered updates from the following members of the Disability Issues Committee Working Groups:

 

-            Terri-Lynn Langdon, Housing Working Group;

 

-           Valentina Gal, Outreach Working Group; and

 

-           Tracy Odell, Transportation Working Group.

Background Information

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee on Snow Removal and Persons with Disabilities - Update from the Housing, Outreach and Transportation Working Groups of the Disability Issues Committee (Item DI5.5a)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56593.pdf

Motions

Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Carried)

That the Item be referred to the General Manager, Transportation Services, for a report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

EX29.8 - Issues and Workplan of the Taxicab Advisory Committee - Request for Presentation to the Disability Issues Committee (Item DI5.6)

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to give a presentation to the Disability Issues Committee on the issues and workplan of the Taxicab Advisory Committee.

Origin

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee

Summary

The Disability Issues Committee on February 14, 2013, considered the Taxicab Advisory Committee, a program advisory committee that facilitates input and communication between the taxicab industry, the riding public, and the City of Toronto.

 

John Nunziata, LL.B, Barrister and Solicitor, on behalf of Wheelchair Accessible Transit and Toronto Para Transit, addressed the Disability Issues Committee.

Background Information

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee on Issues and Workplan of the Taxicab Advisory Committee - Request for Presentation to the Disability Issues Committee (Item DI5.6)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56598.pdf

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Vincent Crisanti (Carried)

EX29.9 - Toronto Police Service Workplan - Request for Presentation to the Disability Issues Committee

(Submitted for City Council Consideration on April 3, 2013)
Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council invite the Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board and the Chief, Toronto Police Services to make a presentation to the Disability Issues Committee on the Toronto Police Services Workplan, with respect to persons with disabilities.

Origin

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee

Summary

The Disability Issues Committee on February 14, 2013, considered the Toronto Police Services Workplan, with respect to persons with disabilities.

Background Information

(February 21, 2013) Letter from the Chair, Disability Issues Committee on Toronto Police Service Workplan - Request for Presentation to the Disability Issues Committee (Item DI5.7)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56599.pdf

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

EX29.10 - Use of Toronto Hydro Poles for Toronto Police Service CCTV Cameras

(Submitted for City Council Consideration on April 3, 2013)
Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
All

Committee Recommendations

The Executive Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council request the City Manager, in consultation with Councillor Michael Thompson, Vice-Chair, Toronto Police Services Board, to work with Toronto Hydro to review the terms, conditions and fees associated with an Attachment Agreement for the use of poles for the installation of Toronto Police Service CCTV cameras, and report back to the Executive Committee, the Toronto Police Services Board, and the Board of Toronto Hydro.

Origin

(February 14, 2013) Report from the Chair, Toronto Police Services Board

Summary

The purpose of this report is to recommend that Toronto Hydro review the terms, conditions and fees that are outlined in the Attachment Agreement regarding the use of hydro poles for the installation of Toronto Police Service CCTV cameras.

Background Information

(February 14, 2013) Report with Appendix A, from the Chair, Toronto Police Services Board on Use of Toronto Hydro Poles for Toronto Police Service CCTV Cameras
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56275.pdf

Communications

(March 20, 2013) Submission from Adam Berel Wetstein (EX.New.EX29.10.1)

Motions

1 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

That:

 

City Council designate Councillor Michael Thompson, Vice-Chair, Toronto Police Services Board to meet with the CEO of Toronto Hydro to negotiate a resolution to this issue and report back to the Executive Committee, the Toronto Police Services Board, and the Board of Toronto Hydro.


2 - Motion to Adopt Item as Amended moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

3 - Motion to Reconsider Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

4 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

That City Council request the City Manager, in consultation with Councillor Michael Thompson, Vice-Chair, Toronto Police Services Board, to work with Toronto Hydro to review the terms, conditions and fees associated with an Attachment Agreement for the use of poles for the installation of Toronto Police Service CCTV cameras, and report back to the Executive Committee, the Toronto Police Services Board, and the Board of Toronto Hydro.


5 - Motion to Adopt Item as Amended moved by Councillor Michael Thompson (Carried)

EX29.11 - Exploring Term Limits for City Councillors and Mayor - Motion MM30.8 referred by City Council on February 20 and 21, 2013

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Deferred
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee deferred the Item indefinitely.

Origin

(February 27, 2013) Member Motion from Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, seconded by Councillor Jaye Robinson

Summary

Many cities impose a term limit on elected representatives to encourage a healthy turnover in representation and ideas.  Toronto must investigate if limiting the length of time Councillors and the Mayor can remain in office will make Toronto's government more reflective of the demographics and political aspirations of this City's residents.

 

Participation in municipal politics in Toronto is lacking.  Toronto needs to discuss whether or not term limits will encourage greater engagement in civic politics.  If term limits will ensure that Torontonians get the representation they deserve, they should be adopted.  This Motion is intended to explore if term limits are the key to making Toronto City Council more reflective of the demographics, ideas and talents of Toronto.

 

The Municipal Elections Act (1996) details who can be a candidate for municipal office in any municipality on Ontario.  Currently there is no limit to the number of consecutive times a Toronto City Councillor or Mayor can be elected.

 

(Submitted to City Council on February 20 and 21, 2013 as MM30.8)

Background Information

(February 27, 2013) Member Motion from City Council on Exploring Term Limits for City Councillors and Mayor (MM30.8)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56466.pdf
Letter from Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon submitted to City Council for its meeting of February 20 and 21, 2013
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56670.pdf

Speakers

Miroslav Glavic

Motions

Motion to Defer Item Indefinitely moved by Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Carried)

EX29.12 - Capping the Municipal Land Transfer Tax - Motion MM30.16 referred by City Council on February 20 and 21, 2013

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Referred
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee referred the Item to the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer with the request to report to the July 3, 2013 Executive Committee meeting on the following:

 

1.         Potential options for, and the related implications of, implementing a cap on municipal land transfer tax revenue for 2014 and beyond.

 

2.         Increasing the level of rebates of Municipal Land Transfer Tax for first-time homebuyers.

 

3.         Ways to end the Land Transfer Tax by reducing it by 25% per year over 4 years.

 

4.         Reducing the Land Transfer Tax by 10%.

Origin

(February 27, 2013) Member Motion from Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, seconded by Councillor Michelle Berardinetti

Summary

Following its inclusion as a taxation measure under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) came into effect on February 1, 2008.  It applies to purchases on all properties in the City of Toronto and is in addition to the land transfer tax collected by the Province.  While having no municipal mandate, the MLTT raises an estimated $350 million annually.  These funds are dedicated to general revenues.

 

While it would be beneficial to home buyers, real estate agents and the real estate market in Toronto to reduce or eliminate the MLTT, the tax is a significant source of revenue for the City.  Budgetary offsets would need to be found before any such measures are considered.

 

Capping the MLTT on the other hand, would recognize the need for predictable and stable revenue, that which is provided by the existing MLTT.  It would eliminate the need for the City to find financial offsets through reductions in important city programs and services.  It would also prove to be less of a burden to purchasers and sellers of real estate and the Toronto real estate market over time.

 

(Submitted to City Council on February 20 and 21, 2013 as MM30.16)

Background Information

(February 27, 2013) Member Motion from City Council on Capping the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MM30.16)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56465.pdf

Communications

(March 15, 2013) Letter from Ann Hannah, President, Toronto Real Estate Board (EX.New.EX29.12.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/comm/communicationfile-35237.pdf

Speakers

Miroslav Glavic

Motions

1 - Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Amended)

That the Item be referred to the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer with the request to:

 

1.         Report to the Executive Committee on potential options for, and the related implications of, implementing a cap on municipal land transfer tax revenue for 2014 and beyond.


2 - Motion to Amend Motion moved by Councillor Peter Milczyn (Carried)

That the report include increasing the level of rebates of Municipal Land Transfer Tax for first-time homebuyers.


3 - Motion to Amend Motion moved by Councillor David Shiner (Carried)

That the report further include ways to end the Land Transfer Tax by reducing it by 25% per year over 4 years.


4 - Motion to Amend Motion moved by Mayor Rob Ford (Carried)

That the report include reducing the Land Transfer Tax by 10%, and that the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer report back to the July 3, 2013 Executive Committee meeting.

Declared Interests

The following member(s) declared an interest:

Councillor Vincent Crisanti - as he holds a Real Estate license and is a member of the Toronto Real Estate Board.

EX29.13 - Thoughtful Collaboration with Ontario Municipalities - Motion MM30.17 referred by City Council on February 20 and 21, 2013

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Deferred
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee deferred the Item indefinitely.

Origin

(February 27, 2013) Member Motion from Councillor Shelley Carroll, seconded by Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker

Summary

The City of Toronto withdrew its membership in the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) in 2004. At the time, we existed in what the Premier of Ontario publicly admitted was "A Legislative Straightjacket that Would Baffle Houdini".

 

To further irritate matters, AMO was entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Province that left unclear the City of Toronto's ability to negotiate any improvements in our legislative and fiscal relationship with the Province.

 

Recently, AMO and its Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario (LUMCO) have demonstrated they are a beneficial venue for thoughtful collaboration between cities as well as a useful venue for each municipality to have one-on-one meetings with appropriate Provincial Ministers and Ministry staff.

 

Those issues that were most difficult to negotiate have been addressed through the City of Toronto Act and the Provincial Municipal Fiscal Sustainability Review, and a new Regional Municipal conversation is starting not only in the GTA but throughout Ontario and through the Large Urban Mayors Caucus on such pressing issues as regional revenue tools and transit expansion.

 

(Submitted to City Council on February 20 and 21, 2013 as MM30.17)

Background Information

(February 27, 2013) Member Motion from City Council on Thoughtful Collaboration with Ontario Municipalities (MM30.17)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56463.pdf
(February 20, 2013) Attachment - Fiscal Impact Statement Notice of Motion (MM30.17)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56671.pdf

Speakers

Councillor Shelley Carroll

Motions

1 - Motion to Defer Item Indefinitely moved by Councillor Norman Kelly (Carried)

2 - Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Redundant)

EX29.14 - Sign By-law Governance Review - Referral to Planning and Growth Management Committee

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Adopted
Wards:
All

Committee Decision

The Executive Committee:

 

1.         In accordance with Appendix B. Section I.2.B of City Council's Procedures Bylaw, referred all aspects of the City's Sign By-law Governance Review to the Planning and Growth Management Committee.

Origin

(March 6, 2013) Memo from Councillor Peter Milczyn

Summary

The Chief Building Official, in accordance with previous City Council directives, is reviewing Sign By-law governance and intends to submit her report this year.  When the Sign By-law was last reviewed by Council in 2010, Executive Committee agreed that all related issues should be addressed comprehensively by the Planning and Growth Management Committee. I am therefore requesting that this continue for the upcoming Sign By-law Governance Review.

Background Information

(March 6, 2013) Memo from Councillor Peter Milczyn on Sign By-law Governance Review - Referral to Planning and Growth Management Committee
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-56582.pdf

Motions

Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Peter Milczyn (Carried)

Procedural Motions

Motion to Adopt Minutes moved by Councillor Doug Holyday (Carried)

That the minutes of the Executive Committee meeting of February 5, 2013, be confirmed.


Mayor Ford proclaimed the week of March 18-22, 2013 as Fraud Prevention Week, and presented a scroll to Jeff Paulin, President of the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Rob Ford, Chair, Executive Committee

Meeting Sessions

Session Date Session Type Start Time End Time Public or Closed Session
2013-03-20 Morning 9:39 AM 12:19 PM Public

Attendance

Members were present for some or all of the time period indicated.
Date and Time Quorum Members
2013-03-20
9:39 AM - 12:19 PM
(Public Session)
Present Present: Paul Ainslie, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Frank Di Giorgio, Rob Ford (Chair), Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Cesar Palacio, David Shiner, Michael Thompson
Not Present: Jaye Robinson
Also present (non-members): Ana Bailão, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Mike Layton, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Josh Matlow, Frances Nunziata, Gord Perks, Adam Vaughan
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council