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City of Toronto Council and Committees |
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All Council and Committee documents are available from the City of Toronto Clerk's office. Please e-mail clerk@toronto.ca.
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THE CITY OF TORONTO
Clerk's Department
Minutes of the Economic Development Committee
Meeting No. 1
Monday, January 25, 1999.
The Economic Development Committee met on Monday, January 25, 1999, in Meeting
Room 308/309, Metro Hall, Toronto, commencing at 9:30 a.m.
Members Present:
Councillor Brian Ashton, Chair
Councillor Mario Giansante, Vice-Chair
Councillor Sandra Bussin
Councillor Raymond Cho
Councillor Rob Davis
Councillor Frank Faubert
Councillor Michael Feldman
Councillor Douglas Holyday
Councillor Norman Kelly
Councillor Joan King
Councillor Jane Pitfield
Councillor Mario Silva
Councillor Mike Tzekas
Councillor Pitfield declared an interest with respect to item 17 (Proposed Bank
Mergers Update) and advised that the general nature of her interest was that her
spouse was an employee of the Bank of Nova Scotia.
Confirmation of Minutes.
On motion by Councillor Holyday, the Minutes of the meeting of the
Economic Development Committee held on December 11, 1998 were
confirmed.
1.1 The Toronto Lion Dance Festival (Ward 25 - Downtown)
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 4, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, respecting the
Toronto Lion Dance Festival (Ward 25 - Downtown), recommending:
(1) the Lion Dance Festival programme be approved in principle and be deemed to
be in the interest of the City;
(2) the Economic Development Committee request the Grant Review Committee to
allocate funds of $10,000.00 to the Scadding Court Community Centre for the
staging of this event in June 1999; and
(3) Toronto Parks and Recreation Division provide appropriate staff resources
to assist with the Lion Dance Festival.
Mr. Kevin Lee, Scadding Court, made a presentation in connection with the
foregoing matter.
On motion by Councillor Davis, the Committee recommended the
adoption of the report (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner,
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, and forwarded it to the
Municipal Grants Review Committee for consideration.
On motion by Councillor Tzekas, the Committee also requested the
Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report
further to the Economic Development Committee on a policy governing
financial support for community/city festivals.
On motion by Councillor Faubert, the Committee requested the
Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to also
forward the Business Plan for the Toronto Lion Dance Festival to
City Council for consideration at the same meeting that the
foregoing matter will be considered.
The following motion placed by Councillor Tzekas was voted on and
lost:
(1) That the report (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner,
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism respecting the
Toronto Lion Dance Festival be deferred.
(Municipal Grants Review Committee; Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism - January 27, 1999)
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(a))
1.2 Harmonization of User Fees
The Committee had before it a communication (November 25, 1998) from the City
Clerk forwarding to the Economic Development Committee the action of the User Fee
Committee on November 24, 1998, and recommending:
(1) (a) Policy Principles
- Recreation programs are important municipal services which
contribute significant personal, social, economic and
environmental benefits which enhance the well-being of
Toronto citizens, their neighbourhoods and the local
economy;
- the City of Toronto shall ensure all residents year-round
accessibility to high quality community recreation and
leisure programs regardless of their ability to pay;
- the City of Toronto shall ensure equity and fairness to
taxpayers and contribute to the long term vitality of public
recreation services provided by the City and the voluntary
and not-for-profit sectors; and
- the City of Toronto shall encourage maximum opportunity for
the enjoyable, healthful, satisfying and creative use of
leisure time;
(b) Policy Elements
- Client and taxpayers at the forefront of pricing decisions ;
- consistency City-wide;
- quality service standards not influenced by user fees;
- accessibility strategies;
- price based on benefits to user, benefits to community and
operating costs; and
- accountability;
(c) Implementation Guidelines
- Establish list of services which do not charge a user fee
and are available universally;
- where a user fee is to be charged, fees to be based on
different levels of cost recovery (10% to over 100%)
- harmonize January 1999, followed by stable price strategy to
ensure future adjustments are gradual;
- establish effective measures to provide access to low income
individuals and high need communities;
- monitor and adjust fees on an annual basis prior to the
submission of the annual budget; and
- utilize a variety of effective user fee methods, including
current technologies to enhance customer service (e.g.
access smart card and improved registration system);
(2) WHEREAS recreational services in the City of Toronto are a key component
in providing a healthy City and contributing to the quality of life in
communities across Toronto;
AND WHEREAS Toronto should be committed to equal access to these services,
regardless of income, age or geographic location;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the User Fee Committee, after having now
completed the public consultation process, recommend the harmonization of
all user fees for recreational services by the City of Toronto effective
January 1, 1999;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the User Fee Committee recommends the
elimination of all user fees for drop in programs, subscriber programs and
basic instructional programs. ;
(3) that the surcharge for programs and activities for participants outside the
City of Toronto area be retained;
(4) that high needs communities be exempt from paying user fees for
specialized programs;
(5) that an access policy be considered that would ensure low income families
and individuals are not penalized;
(6) that the Budget Committee be requested to consider Parks and Recreation
revenues being placed in general revenues and the Parks and Recreation
budget being considered outside the framework of revenues generated;
(7) that Toronto Community Council s position (November 12, 1998) that there be
no User Fees in the City of Toronto be reiterated; and
(8) that the mandate of the User Fee Committee be expanded to address the issue
of recreational permits with a similar comprehensive consultation process
as that undertaken for user fees for recreation programs.
The Committee also had before it the following reports and communications:
- (December 10, 1998) from Anne Dubas, President, CUPE Local 79, opposing the
introduction of user fees as it is felt that the principle of universal
access will be destroyed forever with the introduction of even minimal user
fees;
- (December 10, 1998) from the City Clerk, North York Community Council,
reporting that North York Community Council, on December 10, 1998, referred
the matter of Parks and Recreation User Fees and the following motions to
the Chief Administrative Officer to establish a broad priority setting
exercise including user fees and all other fees so that Council can
collectively arrive at a decision on its priorities:
(1) Councillor Filion moved that Community Councils be allocated a per
capita budget to set priorities on such areas as Parks and
Recreation user fees, snow removal and garbage pick-up;
(2) Councillor King moved that:
(a) the North York Community Council supports in principle that
the harmonization of user fees for Parks and Recreation
programs should be revenue neutral; and
(b) the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism be requested to develop a clear policy for the
subsidization of programs;
(3) Councillor Shiner moved that the North York Community Council
supports in principle the charging of user fees for Parks and
Recreation programs, except for public skating and outdoor swimming
pools, and that the user fee policy also facilitate the needs of
those who cannot afford such programs.
- (January 12, 1999) from Ms. Maureen Boulter, Chairperson, Lakeshore Area
Multi-Services Project Inc. (LAMP), requesting the Economic Development
Committee to vote for Option #5 from the City s Consultation Guide; and
- (January 12, 1999) from Ms. Jasmin Earle, Chair, The Etobicoke Brighter
Futures Coalition, requesting that the Economic Development Committee
support the removal of most user fees for recreation services.
On motion by Councillor Silva, the Committee deferred consideration
of this matter to its next meeting on February 12, 1999 and
requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism to forward his previously requested report to that meeting.
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(b))
1.3 Employment Area Revitalization Program
The Economic Development Committee had before it the report (January 4, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, respecting the
Employment Area Revitalization Program, introducing members of the Economic
Development Committee to the Local Partnership Program which encompasses
approaches to revitalizing retail and employment areas, and recommending this
report be received for information.
On motion by Councillor Faubert, the Committee deferred
consideration of the report (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner
of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and the proposed
presentation from staff, to its next meeting on February 12, 1999.
(Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism - January 27, 1999)
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(c))
1.4 Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre/MEDTT/Public and Private Sector
Partnership
The Committee had before it a report (January 5, 1999) from the Commissioner of
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, informing and seeking support from
Members of City Council for the establishment of a new Toronto Small Business
Enterprise Centre and to proceed in partnership with the Ministry of Economic
Development, Trade and Tourism (MEDTT) in the delivery of this program/service,
and recommending that:
(1) the City of Toronto proceed to sign a Letter of Agreement with the Ministry
of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism (MEDTT) regarding the
establishment of a Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre (Appendix 1);
(2) the Economic Development Division report back to the Economic Development
Committee with further details regarding the composition of the
public/private sector partnership;
(3) the Economic Development Division prepare a business plan and report back
to the Economic Development Committee; and
(4) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the
necessary action to give effect thereto.
On motion by Councillor Feldman, the Committee recommended to
Council:
(1) the adoption of the report (January 5, 1999) from the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism;
(2) that the existing space utilized by the Economic
Development Division at the North York Civic Centre be
modified to 5,000 square feet to accommodate the combined
Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Economic
Development North Office and that the Commissioner of
Corporate Services be authorized to facilitate this space
allocation by March 10, 1999; and
(3) that ground floor space also be allocated in Scarborough and
Etobicoke Civic Centres for small business services.
(Report No. 1, Clause 1)
1.5 Factory Theatre Capital Request
The Economic Development Committee gave consideration to the following reports
respecting the Factory Theatre Capital Request:
- (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism, recommending that:
(1) authority be granted to enter into an agreement with the Factory
Theatre s bank for a guarantee of a line of credit in the amount of
$200,000.00 for the period from February 10, 1999 to February 9,
2004, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Solicitor and
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer;
(2) authority be granted to enter into an agreement with the Factory
Theatre with respect to the line of credit guarantee on terms and
conditions approved by the City Solicitor, the Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer and the Commissioner of Economic Development,
Culture and Tourism, including the taking and registration of any
security interest against the assets and property of the Factory
Theatre as considered appropriate by those officials in order to
protect the interests of the City of Toronto; and
(3) the appropriate officials be authorized to take the necessary
action to give effect thereto.
- (January 22, 1999) from Councillor Miller, Ward 19 - High Park-Parkdale,
supporting the recommendations made by the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism and requesting that the Committee approve
this proposal.
The following persons appeared before the Economic Development Committee in
connection with the foregoing matter:
- Mr. Brian Arnott, Chair of the Board, Factory Theatre
- Mr. Roger McTair, Factory Theatre
- Mr. David Baile, Managing Director, Factory Theatre
A. Councillor Davis moved:
(1) that the report (December 15, 1998) from the Commissioner of
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be amended by
amending Recommendation (2) therein by extending the
guarantee for the line of credit by 5 years to the year
February 2009;
(2) that the report, as amended, be adopted; and
(3) that this report and the Committee s action be
forwarded to the Budget Committee for information.
B. Councillor Feldman moved:
That the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer,
report further on the limit the City can take with respect
to applications such as that made by Factory Theatre.
C. Councillor Giansante moved:
That the City of Toronto support a loan of
$200,000.00 at an interest rate that the City would
be charged if it borrowed the money and that we
obtain a security mechanism that does not allow any
further loans to be added on to property.
D. Councillor Silva moved:
That Councillor Giansante s foregoing motion be amended by
recommending that :
(1) Council recommend to the Toronto Arts Council that
any cultural grant to Factory Theatre be
administered in 2000 through to 2004, subject to the
approval of Council, and be conditional on any
outstanding annual repayment monies being deducted
from the company s annual City grant provided by the
City of Toronto.
(2) the loan to Factory Theatre not be considered
precedent-setting and that the appropriate
staff be directed to develop a corporate
policy with respect to requests for capital
support of community groups being
accommodated through loans in order to
address future requests; and
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized and
directed to take the necessary action to give effect
thereto.
E. Councillor Silva moved:
That an interest-free loan of $200,000.00, repayable on an
annual installment basis of $40,000.00 over five years,
beginning in the year 2000, be provided to Factory Theatre
for the purpose of purchasing 125 Bathurst Street, on terms
and conditions satisfactory to the Solicitor and the Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer, including the condition in
the foregoing Recommendation (2); Toronto.
The amendment to the main motion moved by Councillor Davis in (A)(1) lost.
Councillor Davis main motion (A)(2) and (A)(3) carried
Councillor Feldman s motion (B) carried.
Councillor Silva s motions (D) to amend Councillor Giasante s motion (C)
carried, but Councillor Giansante s Motion (C) as amended, lost.
Councillor Silva s motion (E) lost.
The Economic Development Committee, therefore:
(1) Recommended to Council the adoption of the report (December 15, 1998) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism;
(2) forwarded this report and the Committee s action to the Budget Committee
for information; and
(3) requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, in
consultation with the Chief Financial Officer, to report further on the
limit the City can take with respect to applications such as that made by
Factory Theatre.
(Budget Committee; Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism;
Chief Financial Officer - January 27, 1999)
(Report No. 1, Clause 2)
1.6 Board Composition for the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO)
The Committee had before it a report (December 9, 1998) from the Chief
Administrative Officer and Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism, responding to a request by the Economic Development Committee for a
status report on the review of the governance structure of TEDCO, a process for
filling the 3 vacancies on an interim basis, and recommending that:
(1) Council confirm the attached amendments to TEDCO s By-Law No. 1 and By-Law
No. 3 as passed by the Board of Directors on April 14, 1998 to set the term
of Council Members on the Board of Directors at 18 months as requested by
the Council of the City of Toronto;
(2) the study of the role, mandate and composition of TEDCO s governance
structure currently being undertaken through the Task Force on ABCs by the
Chief Administrative Officer be coordinated with the study requested by the
Economic Development Committee on TEDCO s future and potential future role
in the City of Toronto s economic development strategy;
(3) in the interim, the seven incumbent board members continue to serve on the
board and the three vacancies be filled by Councillor Brian Ashton as Chair
of the Economic Development Committee and two citizens nominated by the
Mayor;
(4) once these appointments have been made, the Board of Directors elect a
Chair from among its voting members and the President of TEDCO would be a
Director ex officio; and
(5) the appropriate officials be authorized to take the necessary steps to give
effect thereto.
The Committee also had before it a report (January 21, 1999) from the Commissioner
of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, recommending that:
(1) Council confirm the appointment of Frederick Eisen and James Villeneuve, as
nominated by Mayor Lastman, to the Board of Directors of the Toronto
Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) for an interim period until a
comprehensive review of TEDCO s mandate and role in the City s economic
development strategy is completed; and
(2) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the
necessary action to give effect thereto.
On motion by Councillor Feldman, the Committee recommended to City
Council that:
(1) Council confirm the amendments to TEDCO s By-Law No. 1 and
By-Law No. 3 (appended to the joint report (December 9,
1998) from the Chief Administrative Officer and the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism)
as passed by the Board of Directors on April 14, 1998 to set
the term of Council Members on the Board of Directors at 18
months as requested by the Council of the City of Toronto;
(2) the study of the role, mandate and composition of TEDCO s
governance structure currently being undertaken through the
Task Force on ABCs by the Chief Administrative Officer be
referred to a sub-committee established by the Economic
Development Committee to review the composition and mandate
of TEDCO with support from the Mayor s Office and the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism,
such membership to include the following members of the
Economic Development Committee:
Councillor Ashton
Councillor Feldman
Councillor King
Councillor Silva
Councillor Giansante;
(3) in the interim, the seven incumbent board members continue
to serve on the Board of Directors and the three vacancies
be filled by Councillor Brian Ashton as Chair of the
Economic Development Committee and by Frederick Eisen and
James Villeneuve, two citizens nominated by the Mayor whose
appointment be for an interim period until the comprehensive
review of TEDCO s mandate and role in the City s economic
development strategy is completed;
(4) once these appointments have been made, the Board of
Directors elect a Chair from among its voting members, and
the President of TEDCO would be a Director ex officio; and
(5) the appropriate City officials to authorized and directed to
take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
(Report No. 1, Clause 3)
1.7 Uniform Policy for Leashed and Unleashed Dogs in City Parks
The Economic Development Committee had before it the following reports respecting
a Uniform Policy for Leashed and Unleashed Dogs in City Parks:
- communication (December 16, 1998) from the Secretary, Board of Health for
the City of Toronto Health Unit, forwarding the action of the Board of
Health on December 1, 1998, in which it referred the following
recommendations of Community Councils with respect to the Uniform Policy
for Leashed and Unleashed Dogs in City Parks, the establishment of leash-
free zones in the City and the regulation of dog walkers, to the Economic
Development Committee for consideration:
From Toronto Community Council:
(6) the following off leash hours be instituted in Jean Sibelius
Park for a period of six months:
Weekdays : 7:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 10:30
p.m.
Weekends: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 10:30
p.m.
(7) the Park Users Committee of the Annex Residents
Association be recognized as the dog watch community group
for the Jean Sibelius Park, as requested by City policy on
leash-free areas in City parks.
From Etobicoke Community Council:
(2) strongly supported the introduction of leash-free areas in
City Parks and endorsed the Uniform Policy for Leashed and
Unleashed Dogs in Parks;
(4) endorsed the Stoop and Scoop Provision of the proposed by-
law and its appropriate enforcement.
From North York Community Council:
(1) WHEREAS our recreational parks are being overrun by
irresponsible dog owners who are allowing their dogs to run
loose; and
WHEREAS the responsible dog owner has become increasingly
fed up with the conduct of the irresponsible dog owner; and
WHEREAS the irresponsible dog owner has put the City in a
very difficult situation; and
WHEREAS it has contributed in the public having less faith
is trusting loose dogs; and
WHEREAS the City's enforcement of the dog loose leash by-law
should become heightened;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City's Health Department
carry out aggressive enforcement of the following by-laws as
they relate to dogs and dog owners:
Dog loose leash, stoop and scoop, noise and biting.;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
(1) should an offence be acknowledged by the City's
Health Department, the dog owner be given written
warning on a first and second offence of the by-law;
and
(2) should a third offence be acknowledged by the City's
Health Department, that a fine be set for the dog
owner at a minimum fine of $1,000.00;
AND:
5. Recommendation (4) embodied in the joint report
(June 30, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism and the Medical
Officer of Health, as amended by Clause 1 of Report
No. 7 of the Community and Neighbourhood Services
Committee, be amended to provide for the following:
That the off-leash area in Sherwood Park be
discontinued pending the fast track
evaluation that is currently under way. ;
and that this amendment also be forwarded to the
Economic Development Committee;
- communication (November 18, 1998) from the Interim Contact, Scarborough
Community Council, advising that Scarborough Community Council on November
12, 1998, made no recommendation with respect to The Uniform Policy for
Leashed and Unleashed Dogs in Parks.
- communication (October 22, 1998) from the Interim Contact, Etobicoke
Community Council, forwarding the action of the Etobicoke Community Council
on October 15, 1998, and advising that the Etobicoke Community Council:
(1) endorsed the following proposals of the Toronto Humane
Society with respect to the draft animal care and control
legislation that Toronto City Council:
(i) adopt a policy whereby all animals that are adopted
from municipal pounds are micro-chipped;
(ii) adopt a policy whereby guard dogs and personal
assistance dogs are micro-chipped; and
(iii) consult with a micro-chip company on the means to
administer such a system;
(2) strongly supported the introduction of leash-free areas in
City Parks and endorsed the Uniform Policy for Leashed and
Unleashed Dogs in Parks;
(3) endorsed the recommendations of the Animal Alliance of
Canada, the Animal Protection Institute, the Canadian
Alliance for Furbearing Animals and Zoocheck Canada Inc. For
amendments to the draft animal care and control legislation;
and
(4) endorsed the Stoop and Scoop Provision of the proposed by-
law and its appropriate enforcement ;
The Committee also had before it a communication (January 20, 1999) from Daniela
Quaglia, Public Affairs Advisor, Toronto Humane Society.
On motion by Councillor King, the Economic Development Committee
forwarded the report (December 16, 1998) from the Secretary, Board
of Health and related material, to the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism for incorporation into the report
he has been previously requested to prepare on the review of off-
leash areas in City parks.
(Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; cc: Medical Officer of
Health - January 27, 1999)
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(d))
1.8 Future of the World City Committee
The Committee had before it a communication (December 17, 1998) from the Chair,
World City Committee, forwarding the action of the World City Committee on
December 16, 1998, and recommending to City Council that the World City Committee
continue for an additional six months, with its present mandate and terms of
reference and the quorum for the World City Committee be set at a minimum of five
(5) members.
The Committee also had before it an Excerpt of Clause No. 2 of Report No. 2 of The
Committee to Review The Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team, titled Terms
of Reference for Special Task Forces , as adopted by The Council of the City of
Toronto at its meeting held on March 4, 5 and 5, 1998.
On motion by Councillor Feldman, the Committee recommended to City
Council that:
(1) the mandate of the World City Committee be extended for a
further three months.
On motion by Councillor Giansante, the Committee recommended to
City Council that:
(1) Councillor Giansante s resignation from this Committee be
accepted;
(2) quorum be reduced to five members; and
(3) the World City Committee be requested to submit its Final
Report for consideration by the Economic Development
Committee within two months.
(Report No. 1, Clause 4)
1.9 Fashion Industry Liaison Committee (Filc) Membership
The Economic Development Committee had before it the report (January 4, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Respecting Fashion
Industry Liaison Committee (FILC) Membership, addressing motions moved by
Councillors Brown and Moscoe, that representatives of the Etobicoke and North York
garment industries be added to the membership of FILC, and recommending that this
report be received for information.
The Committee also had before it a communication (November 6, 1998) from the City
Clerk forwarding to the Economic Development Committee the action taken by City
Council on October 28, 29 and 30, 1998 (Clause No. 3 of Report No. 3 of the
Economic Development Committee, headed Fashion Industry Liaison Committee
Membership and 1997/1998 Activities ), and advising that Council amended the
Clause by adding the following:
It is further recommended that:
(1) Councillor Kelly be appointed to the Fashion Industry Liaison
Committee as the representative of the Economic Development
Committee; and
(2) the following motions be referred to the Economic Development
Committee for consideration:
Moved by Councillor Brown:
It is further recommended that a representative of the
Etobicoke garment industry be added to the membership of the
Fashion Industry Liaison Committee.
Moved by Councillor Moscoe:
It is further recommended that a representative of the
North York garment district be added to the membership of
the Fashion Industry Liaison Committee.
On motion by Councillor Silva, the Economic Development Committee
adopted the report (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and in so doing received
it for information.
(Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; cc: Councillor Chow;
Councillor Kelly; Councillor Moscoe; Councillor Brown; Fashion Industry Liaison
Committee (FILC) - January 27, 1999)
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(e))
1.10 L. B. Pearson International Airport - Development Plan
The Economic Development Committee gave consideration to the attached report
(January 5, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism, respecting the L. B. Pearson International Airport - Development Plan.
The Committee also had before it the following attached communications:
- communication (November 16, 1998) from Mr. Doug Port, Senior Vice
President, Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, Air Canada,
addressed to Councillor Rob Davis;
- communication (November 20, 1998) addressed to Mr. R. Lamar Durrett,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Canada Centre 271, from Mr.
Louis A. Turpen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Toronto
Airports Authority.
The Economic Development Committee requested the City s nominees to
the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Board of Directors
and appropriate GTAA to provide an update of the Authority s
activities, including progress on the Airport Development Program,
at the Committee s meeting on March 26, 1999 forwarded copy of the
aforementioned report from the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism be forwarded to the GTAA and Air
Canada for their information.
(Mr. Doug Port, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Government Relations,
Air Canada Centre 271; Mr. Louis A. Turpen, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Greater Toronto Airports Authority; cc: Commissioner of Economic Development,
Culture and Tourism; Randy McLean, Economic Development Division, Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism - January 27, 1999)
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(f))
1.11 Company Expansion - I D M D Manufacturing Inc., at 45 Progress Avenue (Ward 15 -
Scarborough City Centre)
The Economic Development Committee had before it the report (January 6, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, respecting the
Company Expansion - I D M D Manufacturing Inc., at 45 Progress Avenue (Ward 15 -
Scarborough City Centre).
The Committee adopted the foregoing report, and in so doing
received it for information.
(Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; cc: Mr. William
Fielding, President, I D M D Manufacturing Inc.; Councillor Lorenzo Berardinetti,
Ward 15 - January 27, 1999)
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(g))
1.12 Extension of the Mobile Food Concession Contract - the Toronto Harbour
Commissioners Waterfront Park (Ward 25 - Don River)
The Committee had before it a report (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, recommending that:
(1) the current agreement between the City and Mr. Andreas Dimitropoulos to
operate two mobile food mobile units on a seasonal basis in the Toronto
Harbour Commissioners Waterfront Park be extended for additional two years
to October 31st, 2000; and
(2) the extension be subject to the terms of the agreement as contained in Mr.
Dimitropoulos response to Quotation Request No. 94-9403-14063 and the
terms as set out in this report in the form acceptable to the City
Solicitor and the Commissioner of Corporate Services.
On motion by Councillor Faubert, the Committee recommended to City
Council the adoption of the report (January 4, 1999) from the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.
(Report No. 1, Clause 5)
1.13 Yards Rationalization Update
The report from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism,
respecting the Yards Rationalization Update was not available at the meeting.
The Economic Development Committee reported to City Council that it requested that
the report be submitted to the Committee s next meeting on February 12, 1999.
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(h))
1.14 Film Permitting Update
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 5, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, respecting a Film
Permitting Update and clarifying the reporting on the operation of the Film and TV
Office with respect to harmonized bylaws for film permit issuance, operational
review and the potential to introduce user fees for film permits, and recommending
that the recommendations of report ECO-98-41 Film Permit Issuance Review of
Practices, Procedures, Policies and Bylaws be approved.
The Committee, on November 16, 1998, deferred consideration of the report
(September 8, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism, pending further reports on the impact of introducing a permit fee, and on
suggested motions of Councillor Flint.
The Committee also had before it the following reports and communications:
- (September 8, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism, reporting on an overview of the importance of the film
industry to the economy of the City, outlining one unified By-law and
comprehensive guidelines to regulate the use of public property for
location filming and recommending that:
(1) the Economic Development Committee endorse the attached Guidelines
for Filming in the City of Toronto and City of Toronto Code of
Conduct for Cast and Crew. (Appendices 1 and 2);
(2) film location permitting for Toronto be coordinated by the Toronto
Film and Television Office in Economic Development with decision
making remaining decentralized;
(3) the Economic Development Committee endorse the attached By-law
(Appendix 3) and recommend that the City Solicitor be authorized to
introduce the necessary Bill in Council to give effect thereto; and
(4) the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
report back as necessary on future developments in the film and
television sector including any operational requirements;
- (November 13, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism, providing revised filming guidelines;
- (undated) from Yolanda Adamovsky, opposing the film policy;
- (October 16, 1998) from S.R. Battista opposing the film policy;
- (January 21, 1999) from Michael O Bee, Scarborough, opposing the film
policy;
- (undated) from Councillor Pam McConnell - Don River, supportive of the film
industry and expressing some concerns.
On motion by Councillor Silva, the Committee recommended to City
Council the adoption of the report (September 8, 1998) from the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism subject
to substituting Appendix 1 titled Guidelines for Filming in the
City of Toronto with the revised Appendix 1 attached to the
further report (November 13, 1998) from the Commissioner.
(Report No. 1, Clause 6)
1.15 Company Relocation - Clean Wear Products Ltd. (Ward 14 - Scarborough Wexford)
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 4, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, respecting the
company relocation of Clean Wear Products Ltd. (Ward 14 - Scarborough Wexford).
On motion by Councillor Feldman, the Committee:
(1) received the report (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner
of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for
information; and
(2) requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism to make available to the Committee in the future
similar information by way of composite reports.
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(i))
1.16 Thank You Toronto/Ontario Campaign
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 4, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, respecting Thank
You Toronto/Ontario Campaign.
On motion by Councillor Silva, the Committee adopted the report
(January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development,
Culture and Tourism and in so doing received it for information.
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(j))
1.17 Proposed Bank Mergers Update
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 4, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, respecting the
Proposed Bank Mergers Update, reporting on the decision of the Minister of Finance
on the proposed bank mergers and recommending that:
(1) staff continue to monitor this issue and report to the Economic Development
Committee as required; and
(2) Economic Development Committee establish an ongoing forum with the
financial services sector including all of the major banks in Toronto, to
address the issues surrounding the structural and technological changes
occurring domestically and nationally in the financial services industry.
These forums will provide input to the City s Economic Development Strategy
Plan
On motion by Councillor Silva, the Committee adopted the foregoing
report (January 5, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism.
(Report No. 1, Clause 11(k))
1.18 Comments on Suggested Amendments to the Report: Feasibility of Establishing A
Telecommunications Authority and Related Matters Respecting Rights-of-way Access
and Use
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 11, 1999) from
the Chief Administrative Officer commenting on the compatibility of the proposed
amendments with the CAO intent to introduce a corporate-wide and strategic City
approach to telecom issues, and recommending that:
(1) recommendation one of the telecommunications report dated November 26,
1998, from the Chief Administrative Officer, be deleted;
(2) any viable proposal from a telecommunications provider be subject to a full
business case analysis by the Telecommunications Working Group and the
Chief Financial Officer to identify the benefits that will accrue to the
City on pre-determined factors and the merit of entering into an Agreement
where the provider requires a term exceeding five years;
(3) the CAO be authorized, as previously recommended, to establish the inter-
departmental Working Group given the Corporate-wide and strategic purpose
of its tasks and further, that the Economic Development Committee consider
whether the interests of Councillors would be better met by serving as a
Steering Committee to the staff Working Group;
(4) a suitable alternative to the Corporate Services Committee for reporting by
the Working Group to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee for
action and to each of the Economic Development and Corporate Services
Committees for information; and
(5) the proposed motion to add recommendation (5) to the November 26, 1998
report of the Chief Administrative Officer, be deferred pending
recommendations from the Chief Financial Officer on overall City finance
policy strategy and practices.
This item was deferred from the Economic Development Committee meeting of December
11, 1998, pending a response from the Chief Administrative Officer on amendments
proposed at Committee.
The Committee also had before it the following reports and communications:
- (November 26, 1998) from the Chief Administrative Officer providing a
review of the context, the use of City rights-of-way and road allowances
for telecommunications infrastructure, an overview of the legislative
environment for municipalities, and recommending that:
(1) the City of Toronto not establish a telecommunications authority,
as defined at this time, since regulation of the industry is under
federal jurisdiction and no authority exists for municipalities to
establish a body of this type;
(2) protection of City interests and its own use of the rights-of-way
be maintained without imposing a five-year term for Agreements with
telecom providers;
(3) Council authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to form an
inclusive inter-departmental working group for the purpose of
exchanging information and facilitating coordination, internal and
external planning with respect to telecom initiatives; and
(4) the inter-departmental working group report to the Corporate
Services Committee through the Chief Administrator s Office on City
needs and uses for its own infrastructure, best uses of these
assets in the interest of the public and businesses, as well as
longer-term strategic measures.
On motion by Councillor Silva, the Committee recommended to City
Council the adoption of the report (January 11, 1999) from the
Chief Administrative Officer subject to amending Recommendation (3)
to read:
(3) the CAO be authorized, as previously
recommended, to establish the inter-
departmental Working Group given the
Corporate-wide and strategic purpose of its
tasks and that a Steering Committee to the
Working Group consisting of three City
Councillors be established and that the
Striking Committee be requested to recommend
Council representation having regard to the
fact that Councillors Silva, Moscoe and
Fotinos have indicated in interest in serving
on this Steering Committee; .
(Report No. 1, Clause 7)
1.19 Proposed Changes to Revenue Canada Taxation Policy and Heritage Canada s Federal
Production Services Tax Credit
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 5, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, to influence
Federal Government policy and maintain Canada and Toronto s competitive advantage
in the film and television industry, and recommending that:
(1) the Economic Development Committee request Revenue Canada continue their
current practices with respect to treatment of foreign personnel and tax
waiver periods;
(2) the Economic Development Committee request that Heritage Canada maintain
the Federal Production Services Tax Credit at its current level;
(3) this report be forwarded to the relevant Ministers and members of
Parliament and staff be directed to follow up as is appropriate; and
(4) the Minister of Heritage be requested to clarify the position of the
Federal government and respond to the concerns of the Toronto film and
television industry.
On motion by Councillor Kelly, the Committee recommended to City
Council that:
(1) Revenue Canada be requested to continue its current
practices with respect to treatment of foreign personnel and
tax waiver periods;
(2) Heritage Canada be requested to maintain the Federal
Production Services Tax Credits at its current level;
(3) the Minister of Heritage be requested to clarify the
position of the Federal Government and respond to the
concerns of the Toronto film, and television industry;
(4) the Mayor and the Chair of the Economic Development
Committee be requested to meet with the federal Ministers
of Finance, Heritage and Transport to advise them of the
serious economic consequences that the implementation of the
proposed changes to the tax administration would have on the
film and television industry in the City of Toronto; and
(5) Council s action in this respect be forwarded to the
appropriate Ministers and members of Parliament, and that
appropriate City staff be directed to follow-up as
appropriate.
(Report No. 1, Clause 8)
1.20 Space Expansion to the Lower Lobby of the Bluma Appel Theatre
The Economic Development Committee had before it a communication (January 9, 1999)
from the Chair, The Board of Management of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts,
requesting the expedition of Council approval to increase the public space
available in the lower Bluma Appel Theatre lobby to alleviate over-crowding and to
provide better patron service facilities.
On motion by Councillor Feldman, the Committee recommended to City
Council that consent be given to the St. Lawrence Centre for the
Arts to increase the public space available in the lower Bluma
Appel Theatre Lobby by providing an additional 248 sq.ft. of lobby
space to alleviate over-crowding and provide better patron service
facilities.
(Report No. 1, Clause 9)
1.21 Woodbine Park Development - 1999: Project Management
The Economic Development Committee had before it a report (January 15, 1999) from
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, addressing the need
to provide for the continuance of a performance management agreement with EMM
Financial Corporation (EMM) to complete the remaining phases of development of
Woodbine Park, applying City funds and funds from others, and recommending that
subject to the approval of the 1999-2003 Parks & Recreation Capital Works Program,
the continuance of the work by EMM be approved in accordance with the June 30th,
1998 amending agreement to the Section 37 Agreement between the City of Toronto,
EMM and the Ontario Jockey Club, applying City funds and funds from others.
On motion by Councillor Pitfield, the Committee recommended to City
Council the adoption of the report (January 15, 1999) from the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism subject
to the addition of the following Recommendation (2):
(2) authority be granted for the appropriate City
officials to execute an amendment to the agreement
dated June 30, 1998 between EMM Financial Corp. and
the City to provide that EMM can commence, continue
and complete any work relating to the Woodbine Park
Development which is funded by external sources,
without further approval of Council, subject to all
plans and specifications having first been approved
by the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism.
(Report No. 1, Clause 21)
The Committee adjourned its meeting at 12:50 p.m.
Chair.
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