TABLE OF CONTENTS

REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

AND OTHER COMMITTEES

 As Considered by

The Council of the City of Toronto

on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES COMMITTEE

REPORT No. 1

1Resolutions for the Upcoming FCM National Board of Directors Meeting or FCM Annual Conference

2Toronto Children's Charter

3Children and Youth Action Committee -Status Report on the Report Card

4Homes for the Aged - Uncollectible Accounts

5Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged

6Interim Report - Seniors' Task Force

7Renovations and Addition to Robertson House Shelter for Women

8Other Items Considered by the Committee

APPENDIX "A"

City of Toronto

REPORT No. 1

OF THE COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES COMMITTEE

(from its meeting on January 14, 1999,

submitted by Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair)

As Considered by

The Council of the City of Toronto

on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999

1

Resolutions for the Upcoming FCM

National Board of Directors Meeting

or FCM Annual Conference

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, amended this Clause by adding thereto the following:

"It is further recommended that the following FCM Draft Resolution be adopted:

Moved by:Councillor Layton

Seconded by:Councillor Feldman

'WHEREAS the federal government has announced that it will retain responsibility for program administration of 20,000 co-operative housing units in Ontario, while it proceeds with other housing devolution; and

WHEREAS the federal government has not yet announced that it will similarly retain responsibility for administration of the 44,500 non-profit housing units in Ontario, which, if they are devolved to Ontario, will be subsequently downloaded onto the municipal sector, thus adding to the administrative costs and financial risks faced by municipal governments; and

WHEREAS the federal government has not reached housing devolution agreements with British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and PEI; and

WHEREAS the ongoing federal involvement in housing programs that it currently funds and administers, with manageable debt, rent supplement agreements, and original capital grants for development, will not impede the proposed program reform of municipally funded social housing in Ontario, and is compatible with the new housing supply proposals emerging from the Big City Mayors' Caucus of the FCM; and

WHEREAS housing needs are rising, as shown by increasing hostel usage, growing affordability problems for tenants, rising rents in Toronto and other communities, and the fact that 1.1 million Canadian tenant households are in Core Housing Need; and

WHEREAS there is a federal responsibility to ensure the social well-being of Canadians, including adequate housing for low and moderate-income people; and

WHEREAS federal involvement has been central over the past 50 years in meeting the housing needs of low and moderate-income Canadians, and ongoing federal involvement has been urged by many parties including Toronto's Homelessness Action Task Force chaired by Ms. Anne Golden;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the FCM commend the federal government on its recent announcement not to devolve the administration of the unilaterally funded co-op program to Ontario;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the FCM urge the federal government not to devolve the administration of the non-profit housing programs it currently administers in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and PEI;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the FCM urge the federal government to use the housing programs it currently funds and administers, or similar programs that it chooses to create, to fund much-needed new affordable rental units in partnership with other governments and the private and non-profit sectors;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Toronto send this motion to other municipalities in Ontario who will be paying for social housing, urging them to press the federal minister to retain administrative responsibility for unilaterally funded non-profits.")

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having:

(1)adopted the FCM Draft Resolutions on:

(a)Children's Issues (as amended);

(b)Housing;

(c)Homelessness; and

(d)Immigration and Refugee Issues,

contained in the following communication from Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair, Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee;

(2)directed that the Chair of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee be requested to forward the aforementioned resolutions to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in order to meet its February 3, 1999, submission date;

and requests the concurrence of Council in the action taken:

On January 4, 1999, I received a communication from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities inviting submission of resolutions for debate at the March 3-6, 1999, National Board of Directors meeting or at the Annual Conference from June 4-7, 1999. The resolutions are to be of national municipal interest and fall within the jurisdiction of the federal, provincial and territorial governments acting at the interprovincial level, or FCM itself.

In order to meet the February 3, 1999, submission date, I have attached a series of motions for approval by the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, and Council, that I believe should be tabled for debate at the FCM. These motions relate to housing, homelessness, immigration, and children's issues.

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(a) FCM Draft Resolution on Children's Issues

WHEREAS the rate and depth of child poverty in Canada continues to rise and is currently at an unacceptable national rate of 23 percent; and

WHEREAS there is significant evidence of the positive impact of investments in early childhood development on children's health and well-being; and

WHEREAS the federal and provincial governments have committed to developing a National Children's Agenda, a collective strategy to improve the well-being of Canada's children; and

WHEREAS the federal government has introduced a National Children's Benefit that increases federal benefits to low income families and facilitates provincial and territorial reinvestment in services and benefits for children in low income families; and

WHEREAS the federal government pledged in 1989 to eliminate child poverty by the year 2000; and

WHEREAS municipalities across Canada are involved in a number of community-based initiatives to improve the well-being of children, and, in some cases, have significant responsibilities for the provision of services and programs for children;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal, provincial and territorial governments be urged to involve municipalities in developing a National Children's Agenda, and further that the federal government be urged to enhance its funding support to federal initiatives, such as the National Children's Benefit, focussed on reducing child poverty, and on initiatives, such as the Community Action Program (CAPC), Child Care Programs, and the Canada Pre-Natal Nutrition Program, to improve the well-being of children in communities.

(b) FCM Draft Resolution on Housing

WHEREAS communities across Canada have rising numbers of residents with housing affordability problems, with 1,151,000 Canadian tenant households in Core Housing Need as of 1996, and rising numbers who are homeless; and

WHEREAS such housing need is closely related to declining average tenant incomes (down 12.4percent from 1991-1996) and rising numbers of young families and children in poverty, but rising housing costs in many Canadian communities; and

WHEREAS the federal government, with the provinces, has a responsibility to ensure the health and social well-being of Canadians, including adequate housing for low and moderate-income Canadians; and

WHEREAS the federal government has for five years been withdrawing from affordable housing, including flatlining subsidies while needs grow, eliminating support for new social housing in 1993, and devolving responsibility for administration of housing programs to the provinces under agreements whereby federal spending will decline to zero over approximately 30-40 years; and

WHEREAS devolution of federal responsibility for administering housing programs should not mean withdrawal of the federal government from contributing to adequate housing for low and moderate-income Canadians; and

WHEREAS Canada has endorsed international covenants, including the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements which speaks of a right to adequate housing, and yet Canada has been criticized by the United Nations for failure to live up to such intentions;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urge the federal government, notwithstanding federal housing devolution to the provinces, to reinvest in housing all housing related expenditure savings that have accrued to it, or will accrue to it, and additional funding sufficient to meet the need for new construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing.

(c) FCM Draft Resolution Regarding Homelessness

WHEREAS homelessness is considered by many to have reached crisis proportions with several municipalities (e.g., Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver) declaring homelessness a national disaster; and

WHEREAS the rate and depth of poverty in Canada continues to rise, placing people at further risk of becoming homeless; and

WHEREAS homelessness has been linked to policy changes in the areas of income support and social housing programs, which are provincial and federal jurisdictional responsibilities; and

WHEREAS federal and provincial funds are needed to develop the capacity of all municipalities to provide homeless supports and services, such as emergency shelter, to allow people the option of remaining in their home community and to reduce service demand on larger cities; and

WHEREAS Toronto's Homelessness Action Task Force has clearly identified the responsibility of all levels of government to address homelessness; and

WHEREAS municipalities, along with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, identify the need for partnerships between all levels of government to effectively address homelessness;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal government be urged to take the lead in establishing an interministerial process, in partnership with provincial and municipal governments, to develop a national strategy to address the systemic causes of homelessness.

(d) FCM Draft Resolutions on Immigration and Refugee Issues

(1)WHEREAS municipalities are the level of government most directly impacted by federal and provincial immigration and refugee policies, programs and practices; and

WHEREAS municipalities have historically been excluded from the table when policy and program decisions are made;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal government be urged to establish formal links directly with municipalities to enable direct and ongoing input on relevant policy and program issues.

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(2)WHEREAS the federal government has jurisdictional responsibility with respect to immigrants and refugees; and

WHEREAS refugee claimants are not eligible for federal settlement programs and that municipalities, along with the provinces, assume financial responsibility for the cost of supports and services provided to refugee claimants, such as social assistance benefits and hostel services; and

WHEREAS municipalities, along with the provinces, assume financial responsibility for the cost of social assistance benefits to immigrants as a result of sponsorship breakdown;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal government be urged to assume responsibility for costs afforded to provinces and municipalities for the provision of supports and services to refugee claimants and to immigrants defaulting on their sponsorship agreements.

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(3)WHEREAS the federal government is attempting to devolve the management of settlement programs to the provinces as part of the Settlement Renewal Initiative; and

WHEREAS agreements have not been negotiated with all provinces with respect to settlement renewal; and

WHEREAS the 1998 legislative review report, "Not Just Numbers: A Canadian Framework for Future Immigration," commissioned by the Honourable Lucienne Robillard, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, called for the federal government to maintain an ongoing role in settlement and integration services, even as it devolves responsibility for the direct administration of these programs to the provinces; and that adequate funds be committed to ensure equitable access to settlement services; and

WHEREAS the community-based social service sector which provides the majority of settlement and immigration services is struggling to provide core services in the context of reduced budgets, more targeted government funding, staff cutbacks and organizational restructuring;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal government be urged to maintain an ongoing role in settlement and immigration services, ensuring adequate funding is available and targeted to the community-based service sector providing the majority of these services.

2

Toronto Children's Charter

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, amended this Clause by striking out the recommendation of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"It is recommended that:

(1)City Council support, in principle, the statements contained in the 'Toronto Children's Charter', as set out in the communication dated December 3, 1998, from the City Clerk, subject to adding the following new statement as No. (10) and renumbering the original No. (10) accordingly:

'(10)All Toronto children have the right to be protected from physical, psychological and sexual abuse both in and out of the home';

(2)such statements, as amended, be incorporated into the City's Strategic Plan; and

(3)the 'Goals for the City of Toronto', as set out in the communication dated December3, 1998, from the City Clerk, be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer and the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, for incorporation into both the Community and Neighbourhood Services Department's Business Plan, and a future report outlining the partnerships, timeframes, costs, and policies associated with the implementation of the aforementioned Toronto Children's Charter.")

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation of the Children and Youth Action Committee embodied in the following communication (December 3, 1998) from the City Clerk, subject to amending the Toronto Children's Charter by adding the following new provision as No. (10):

"(10)All Toronto children have the right to be protected from child abuse in or out of the home.";

and renumbering the original No. (10) accordingly:

Recommendation:

The Children and Youth Action Committee recommends that the Draft Toronto Children's Charter be approved.

Background:

The Children and Youth Action Committee on November 23, 1998, gave consideration to a communication from Councillor Chow forwarding the Draft Toronto Children's Charter.

Councillor Sherene Shaw provided a verbal update on the release of the Draft Children's Charter.

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(Communication from Councillor Olivia Chow,

Child and Youth Advocate.)

Background:

The purpose of the Toronto Children's Charter as drafted by the Children and Youth Advocate is to incorporate the spirit and substance of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and to serve as a benchmark by which to assess in a local context Canada's implementation of the Convention.

The Convention is the first international treaty which incorporates the full range of children's civil and political rights. In its 54 articles, it develops these general principles:

-States shall ensure each child enjoys full rights without discrimination or distinctions of any kind.

-The child's best interests shall be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social institutions, courts, administrative authorities or legislative bodies.

-Every child has an inherent right to life and States shall ensure, to the maximum extent possible, child survival and development.

-Children have the right to be heard.

Work began on drafting the Convention in 1979 - the International Year of the Child - and it was unanimously adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989. Since then the Convention has become the most widely-ratified human rights treaty in history. Only two nations - the United States and Somalia - have failed to ratify it.

In the same week as the Convention was adopted by the UN, the Canadian House of Commons passed a resolution pledging to end child poverty by the year 2000. Canada had played a leading role in drafting the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in convening the World Summit for Children in 1990. Our country ratified the Convention on December 13, 1991.

To monitor the implementation of the Convention, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, composed of international experts, was formed. Nations which have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child are required to report on measures they have taken to implement its terms.

In June 1995, in its response to the Canadian report, the Committee on the Rights of the Child praised Canada for its commitment to children's rights, but raised some concerns about the country's progress in meeting the terms of the Convention and made some recommendations.

These include:

"The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen the cooperation between mechanisms existing in its legal and administrative framework and enhance the coordination between federal, provincial and territorial authorities in the field of children's rights with a view to eliminating any possibility of disparity or discrimination in the implementation of the Convention and ensuring that the Convention is fully respected in all parts of its territory...

The Committee also emphasizes the need to take immediate steps to tackle the problem of child poverty and make every feasible effort to ensure that all families, particularly single parent families, have adequate resources and facilities...

The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to ensure that children from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, such as aboriginal children, benefit from positive measures aimed at facilitating access to education and housing..."

In the three years since the report of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, children's rights advocates have become increasingly concerned about the progress of Canadian governments in meeting the terms of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and about the country's commitment to end child poverty.

The incidence of child poverty is increasing. In Toronto, according to 1996 census data, 108,000 or 38 percent of children under the age of ten were living in poverty. That was an increase of 66percent in five years.

Of particular concern in assessing Canada's progress toward implementing the Convention is the growing tendency of senior levels of government to evade their responsibilities to children by reducing funding, by downloading programs and by claiming that they are unable to act because of jurisdictional strictures.

The Toronto Children's Charter was created to maintain public focus on the promises Canada made when adopting the Convention and when it vowed to end child poverty. Discussion of the charter and its ratification by organizations and local governments will serve as a reminder to federal and provincial governments that their promises to children remain unfulfilled.

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Toronto Children's Charter

Children, like other human beings, are entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms but, because of their unique vulnerability, it is incumbent upon adults to ensure not only that children are safe from exploitation and neglect, but that they have access to a fair share of the society's resources. While parents have the primary responsibility for their children's care and upbringing, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child makes it clear that governments have a duty to help families fulfil their responsibilities and to protect the rights of children. The Toronto Children's Charter situates the provisions of the Convention in a local context.

(1)All Toronto children shall be entitled to a standard of living adequate to ensure healthy physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development, well-being, and a good quality of life.

(2)All Toronto children shall be entitled to adequate nutrition on a consistent basis.

(3)All Toronto children shall be entitled to be housed in dwellings that reflect the normal standard of their community.

(4)All Toronto children shall be entitled to spend sufficient time with their families throughout their childhood.

(5)All Toronto children shall be entitled, if their parents so choose, to participate in high quality child care/early education programs designed to meet the best interests of the child.

(6)All Toronto children shall be entitled to participate in recreational and leisure activities, in the form of play, creative expression, and skill development opportunities.

(7)All Toronto children shall be entitled to receive primary, secondary and higher education to enable them to reach their full potential.

(8)All Toronto children shall be entitled to the highest attainable level of health and the assurance that the resources necessary to ensure life-long good health are available.

(9)All Toronto children have the right to be served by governments which acknowledge their responsibility to improve the health and well-being of children and work co-operatively to ensure adequate and equitable funding for children's programs.

(10)The foregoing rights shall apply to all Toronto children without discrimination according to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, ability/disability, ethnic origin, language, region, property or class, religion, or any other distinction. This may entail the use of affirmative action or equity programs in order to redress situations of special individual, community or regional disadvantage.

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Goals for the City of Toronto

Reduce by half:

(1)Homeless children living in shelters.

(2)Children waiting for childcare and resource services.

(3)Low birth weight babies.

(4)Latch key children.

Currently in Toronto:

(1)Over 1,100 children are living in shelters every night.

(2)15,000 children are waiting to access childcare/early education programs.

(3)one in 15 (6.7 percent) babies are born with low birth-weight.

(4)One in four children (25 percent) ages 6-12 are left on their own before and after school without supervision.

(5)53,000 children use food banks.

(6)22 percent of students do not complete their secondary school education.

(7)Over one in three (38 percent) children live in poverty.

3

Children and Youth Action Committee -

Status Report on the Report Card

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation of the Children and Youth Action Committee embodied in the following communication (December 3, 1998) from the City Clerk, subject to adding to the recommendations of the Report Card Working Group the following RecommendationNo. (6):

"(6)that the Report Card be submitted to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, and Council, by April 1999.":

Recommendation:

The Children and Youth Action Committee recommended to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee the adoption of the following recommendations contained in the report (November 19, 1998) from the Report Card Working Group:

(1)that the Vision for Children be confirmed;

(2)that the Report Card Conceptual Framework be adopted;

(3)that program representatives be appointed by the appropriate sectoral officials to the Technical Working Group;

(4)that sectors expedite access to their program's data by the Technical Working Group; and

(5)that appropriate sectoral officials propose realistic benchmarks for programs under their jurisdiction.

Background:

The Children and Youth Action Committee on November 23, 1998, gave consideration to a report (November 19, 1998) from The Report Card Working Group submitting a status report on the Report Card.

Mr. Marvyn Novick, Ryerson Polytechnic University, provided a verbal report on the Report Card.

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(Communication dated November 19, 1998, addressed to

the Children and Youth Action Committee,

from the Report Card Working Group)

As directed by the Children and Youth Action Committee (CYAC), a Framework for the Report Card has been developed and is described in the attached document. Used in conjunction with the collective Vision for Children developed through extensive community consultation, this framework provides the basis on which the Report Card on the Status of Children in the City will be developed. To produce the Report Card for release in March 1999 as planned, it is critical that the CYAC today approve the recommendations contained in the attached report.

Respectfully submitted by The Report Card Working Group.

Framework for the 1999 Report Card on

The Status of Children in the City of Toronto

Introduction:

The development of a Report Card on the Status of Children in the City of Toronto is an important initiative being sponsored by the Child and Youth Advocate and the Children and Youth Action Committee. On June 3, 1998, a large group of professionals concerned about children's well-being met to discuss their vision for children and how the City's progress on behalf of children might be best measured. City-wide community meetings hosted by Councillors were held to validate the vision and discuss success indicators for local communities.

A small working group co-chaired by Marvyn Novick and Marna Ramsden has developed the attached conceptual framework and workplan that would allow publication of a Report Card in the early spring of 1999. In order for the project to proceed quickly and successfully, the partners in the process from the municipal, education and child welfare sectors must take the following action:

(1)appoint program representative(s) to the Technical Working Group. The individual(s) must have the technical capability, knowledge and authority to act on behalf of the program area represented in the collection and interpretation of data;

(2)make available to the Technical Working Group the data required; and

(3)propose realistic benchmarks for their areas of responsibility.

The Report Card Framework:

It is accepted as given that:

-There is a vast amount of knowledge about various determinants of healthy child development and the associated short and long-term outcomes for children.

-That children's experiences in the first two years of a child's life are extremely important determinants of future development. The research results point not only to the tremendous benefits of providing stable and stimulating environment to the infant child, but also to the dangers of neglect, lack of stimulation and inconsistent and negative parenting practices.

-While many poor outcomes for children are associated with low family income, the elimination of poverty is not by itself a sufficient condition or guarantee of better outcomes.

-While pressure must be maintained on the national and provincial governments to take significant action to address child poverty, we, as service professionals, community members and councils must also focus on preventing and eliminating the long-term effects of poverty.

-Undoubtedly, the child's family has the greatest impact on long term developmental outcomes. In fact, it also has the primary responsibility for the outcomes. But, any family that lacks economic security, safe and stable housing, and access to community supports and resources is unlikely to be able to fulfil its role. That child's potential most likely will not be reached. Nor is their childhood likely to be healthy, happy and content.

Recommended Framework:

The overall approach to the Report Card is depicted in Chart 1.

The framework builds upon the knowledge of determinants of child well-being. In general, the determinants lead to short and long term outcomes that can be measured. These outcomes can in turn become determinants of future outcomes. For example, access to preschool developmental experiences will affect the extent of school readiness, which, in turn, affects the educational outcomes in later grades. It is critical to the framework that the predicted outcomes can be modified (positively and negatively). Some indicators are suitable for benchmarking because they can represent positive states affecting future well-being of children. The benchmarks should be consistent with the "Vision for Children" and related strategies.

Vision for Children:

Vision for Children is a summary of what we learned from consultation with both the public and service professionals in this City. A vision for children will be a part of the foundation on which this City's Social Development Strategy is built. This vision also underlies the approach to the Report Card, and drives the indicators that we choose to measure, the benchmarks we set and strategies we adopt to make progress on behalf of children in this community.

The Vision for Toronto's Children

-Regardless of the socio-economic status of his/her family and community, every child has the right to childhood experiences which promote the chances of developing into a healthy, well adjusted and productive adult.

Determinants and Outcomes:

The Report Card will not present strategies leading to the achievement of the common vision. It will, however, present outcomes, and compare them against defined benchmarks and long term goals. The indicators and benchmarks will be determined in the first round by the participating partners from education, community services, public health, recreation and child welfare sectors. Benchmarks should be:

-locally actionable;

-measurable;

-sufficiently ambitious; and

-realistic.

It is important to recognize that often the achievement of a benchmark requires inter-sectoral co-ordination and co-operation. It is therefore important for everyone to understand why a particular indicator has been selected for benchmarking and what the benefits of achieving a particular target are. In focusing on the equalization of outcomes for children, it is proposed that the benchmarks be set empirically according to the experience of children in those communities with a prevalence of positive outcomes. Building on research that clearly demonstrates a "gradient" or a correlation between positive outcomes and income, the benchmarks aim to minimize and ultimately eliminate the effects of income (Chart 2).

Chart 3 illustrates the conceptual framework for development of indicators. The main determinants of child well-being are all represented.

The determinants of child well-being:

-Health;

-Safety;

-Economic security;

-Readiness to learn;

-Positive parenting and secure attachment;

-Family resources and capabilities;

-Community assets and resources; and

-Infrastructure and policy frameworks from all three levels of government.

In order to facilitate the development of the benchmarks in the short time available, the following list is being recommended.

Health:

Children be born healthy:

-Minimize unwanted pregnancies (public education).

-Pre-natal care (no unattended pregnancies).

-Minimize risk behaviours.

Children stay healthy:

-Immunization.

-Adequate nutrition.

-Nurturing care.

-Access to specialized services.

Safety:

-Free of violence.

-Free of abuse.

-Free of neglect.

-Safe environment.

-Access to Child Welfare services.

Economic security:

-Stable, affordable housing meeting minimum standards.

-Sustainable employment.

-Parental supports.

-Child care.

-Parental leave.

-Income security.

Access to developmental opportunities:

-Stimulating environment at home.

-Early childhood education.

-Access to services for children with special needs.

-Recreation and skill development activities.

Positive parenting:

-Parent education.

-Resource centres.

-Access to specialized services.

-Community supports.

The actual indicators and benchmarks will be initially confirmed by the program representatives from the three main sectors; the Report Card will explain why a particular indicator has been selected for benchmarking. In order to assist communities, service professionals and politicians in the meaningful interpretation of data and the development of relevant strategies, data should be presented at the lowest available geographical level. In most cases this means that data should be aggregated up to census tract level. As with the original report card, wherever possible the data will be mapped.

When approval for the Report Card Framework has been confirmed, a technical team will be assembled to begin the process of gathering and analyzing data. It is clear from the original consultations that there are potentially many more indicators than can be practically absorbed within the body of the main Report Card. However, it should be possible to structure the Report Card in such a way that individual sectors could attach a much wider and more detailed array of information in sectoral reports. For example, the report on Status of Child Care being prepared separately under the auspices of the CYAC can act as a reference point for the readers of the Report Card who require more in-depth analysis of child care services available to families in Toronto.

Summary of Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)The Vision for Children be confirmed.

(2) The Report Card Conceptual Framework be adopted.

(3)Program representatives be appointed by the appropriate sectoral officials to the Technical Working Group.

(4) Sectors expedite access to their program's data by the Technical Working Group.

(5)Appropriate sectoral officials propose realistic benchmarks for programs under their jurisdiction.

(A copy of each of Charts 1, 2 and 3, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee for its meeting on January 14, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)

4

Homes for the Aged - Uncollectible Accounts

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following reports from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:

(a) December 16, 1998

Purpose:

To obtain authorization to write-off an uncollectible account.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The cost associated with this bad debt will be accommodated within the Division's operating budget. Based on current funding arrangements, the cost of uncollectible accounts is shared equally with the Province. A total of $11,359.79 in accommodation arrears is outstanding. There will be no further accumulation of arrears; resident is deceased.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)authority be given to the Homes for the Aged Division to write-off the arrears accumulated on behalf of I.H. while she was a resident at Seven Oaks Home for the Aged; and

(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

On March 12, 1996, I.H. was admitted to Seven Oaks Home for the Aged, where she resided until her death on December 20, 1996.

At the time of admission, her son, D.W., executed an admission agreement on behalf of the resident in which he agreed to pay the full monthly accommodation costs as stipulated under the contract. D.W.'s first payment was dishonoured due to insufficient funds. A letter was immediately forwarded to D.W. advising him of this and requesting a replacement cheque. A follow up letter and subsequent phone calls went unanswered.

On May 6, 1996, the account was referred to the Legal Department for collection action; at this time, accommodation arrears of $4,647.26 were outstanding. A letter was forwarded from the Legal Department which also went unanswered.

By August 1996, still no payment had been made to the account of I.H. Arrears were $8,786.39. Homes for the Aged contacted the Investigations Unit of the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, advising them of the case and requesting their assistance in the suspected financial abuse of I.H. by D.W. The Investigations Unit contacted D.W. in October 1996 and scheduled a meeting with him which he failed to attend. However, on November 5, 1996, D.W. brought to Seven Oaks a payment of $2,000.00 towards arrears of $11,967.59. On November21, 1996, D.W. made a further payment of $1,000.00 and brought in a letter and a repayment schedule, where he indicated that current accommodation costs would be paid in full each month, and an additional payment of $300.00 monthly would be made towards the arrears. This was signed and dated November 20, 1996.

No additional payments were received from D.W. I.H. passed away on December 20, 1996, with arrears owing of $11,359.79. City Legal Services advised, by memo of December 4, 1998, that their investigation revealed there were no assets to satisfy a judgment against the estate of I.H. There were indications that D.W., Power-of-Attorney for I.H., depleted her assets while she was alive. Two probate searches indicated that no will had been probated and no administrator appointed. City Legal Services recommended that the outstanding debt be written off.

Conclusion:

The account is uncollectible and authorization to write-off the outstanding balance is requested. The City Solicitor and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concur with the recommendation to write-off this outstanding debt.

Contact Name:

Sandra Pitters,

General Manager, Homes for the Aged Division

Tel: 392-8907/Fax: 392-4180

E-mail: sandra_pitters@toronto.ca

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(b) December 16, 1998

Purpose:

To obtain authorization to write-off an uncollectible account.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The cost associated with this bad debt will be accommodated within the Division's operating budget. Based on current funding arrangements, the cost of uncollectible accounts is shared equally with the Province. A total of $7,005.37 in accommodation arrears is outstanding. There will be no further accumulation of arrears; resident is deceased.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)authority be given to the Homes for the Aged Division to write-off the arrears accumulated on behalf of M.C. while she was a resident at Cummer Lodge Home for the Aged; and

(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

On March 16, 1988, M.C. was admitted to Cummer Lodge Home for the Aged where she resided until her death on December 27, 1996.

At the time of admission, her spouse, R.C., executed an admission agreement on behalf of the resident in which he agreed to pay the full monthly cost of care as stipulated under the contract. For several years, R.C. made regular monthly payments for M.C.'s cost of care. In late 1992, the account went into arrears. The Home forwarded letters and made phone calls to R.C. in an attempt to collect the outstanding arrears. Payments were made, but they were somewhat sporadic.

R.C. experienced failing health in late 1992 and passed away during the first half of 1993. T.D., a friend of R.C. and M.C., was then appointed power of attorney for M.C. It took several months for T.D. to take control of M.C.'s monthly income and assets. On November 1, 1993, T.D. signed an admission agreement contract with the Homes for the Aged, assuming responsibility to pay for accommodation costs of M.C. from that day forward. At this time, accumulated arrears owing on behalf of M.C. totalled $7,550.05.

T.D. made only a few payments and, in March 1994, the account was referred to the Legal Department for collection action. In July 1995, M.C.'s pension cheques were redirected to the Home. The Division continued to pursue the outstanding amount owed, and T.D. eventually remitted full payment for costs accruing from November 1, 1993.

M.C. passed away on December 27, 1996. After final accounting was completed, outstanding arrears totalled $7,005.37. An examination of the assets and income of M.C. and her estate confirmed that payment of the final balance of arrears was not possible. M.C. died intestate, with no spouse or issue or any other next-of-kin. Since the City of Toronto Homes for the Aged is the only known creditor and we have taken receipt of all known assets of the estate to reduce our loses, we have determined that the estate of M.C. is insolvent. The arrears owing at this time are $7,005.37.

On April 27, 1998, City Legal Services recommended that we proceed to write-off the balance owing.

Conclusion:

The account is uncollectible and authorization to write-off the outstanding balance is requested. The City Solicitor and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concur with the recommendation to write-off this outstanding debt.

Contact Name:

Sandra Pitters,

General Manager, Homes for the Aged Division

Tel: 392-8907/Fax: 392-4180

E-mail: sandra_pitters@toronto.ca

5

Appointment to the Advisory Committee on

Homes for the Aged

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged embodied in the following communication (December 18, 1998) from the City Clerk:

Recommendation:

The Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged on December 18, 1998, recommended to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee the adoption of the attached report (December7, 1998) from the General Manager, Homes for the Aged, recommending that Mr.WillisRudy be appointed to membership on the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged, for a period of three years, with the provision for an extension of an additional term, as outlined in the terms of reference.

(Report dated December 7, 1998, addressed to the

Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged from the

General Manager, Homes for the Aged)

Purpose:

To fill vacant community membership positions on the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

None.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)Mr. Willis Rudy be appointed to membership on the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged, for a period of three years, with the provision for an extension of an additional term, as outlined in the terms of reference; and

(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

The terms of reference for the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged requires a maximum of 12 members, including six interested citizens whose past professional and community involvements demonstrate an interest and concern in long-term care of the elderly. There are currently two community membership positions vacant. The Committee is now desirous to fill up these vacant membership positions.

Comments:

As a result of discussions with the General Manager, Homes for the Aged, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged, Mr. Willis Rudy has indicated an interest in serving as a member on the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged.

Mr. Rudy is a Senior Manager in the Health Solutions Group of Deloitte & Touche, Management Solutions. He has had a distinguished career in the hospital and health sector having been a Senior Vice-President and a Vice-President with the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA). During this period, Mr. Rudy started a Small Hospital Division at the OHA. He worked with the small hospitals in Ontario to produce several benchmark reports and to prepare advocacy positions on rural and small hospital concerns for the OHA (e.g.,emergency on-call issues and concerns). During this time, Mr. Rudy's Small Hospital Division examined the role of small hospitals in chronic and long-term care. It was apparent that many small hospitals also played a significant role in long-term care.

Mr. Rudy served as Executive Director, Health Programs, and Assistant Deputy Ministry of Health for the Department of Health, Nova Scotia. He was also Director of Health Services for a national consulting firm.

Following his retirement from the Ontario Hospital Association, Mr. Rudy acted as Interim Administrator for the Wilson Memorial General Hospital, Marathon, Ontario. He also was a member of the Minister of Health's Advisory Committee on Rural Health Policy. After the Rural and Northern Health Care Framework was approved, he assisted the Ministry in introducing this policy to hospitals in Ontario.

Mr. Rudy continues to serve his clients and health care organizations as an Associate with Deloitte&Touche and as an independent consultant.

Conclusion:

Mr. Rudy's broad knowledge and experience on long-term care issues and policies make him an excellent candidate for membership on the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged. He has confirmed his interest and willingness to serve in this capacity for the required term.

Contact Name:

Sandra Pitters,

General Manager, Homes for the Aged

Tel: 392-8907/Fax: 392-4180

E-mail: sandra_pitters@toronto.ca

6

Interim Report - Seniors' Task Force

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (December 15, 1998) from Councillor Anne Johnston, Chair, Seniors' Task Force:

Purpose:

To provide City Council with information on the work to date of the Seniors' Task Force and share some initial information from the 39 public consultations held in October and November1998. The Task Force held its first meeting in May 1998 and is requesting an extension of the mandate to Spring 1999.

Funding Implications:

There are no funding implications at this time.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)City Council record the change of name for the task force from "Task Force to Develop a Strategy for Issues of Concern to the Elderly" to the "Seniors' Task Force";

(2)City Council approve the extension of the time frame for completion of work undertaken by the Seniors' Task Force to Spring, 1999;

(3)City Council receive the attached interim report of the Seniors' Task Force for information; and

(4)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

City Council established a Seniors' Task Force in January 1998 to identify emerging needs of seniors and develop a seniors' strategy to address priority issues, develop structure to advise City Council on issues affecting seniors, value the involvement of seniors and identify a role for the City in the International Year of Older Persons 1999.

Comments:

The Seniors' Task Force began its work during a time of social and political change and therefore held a broad community consultation with seniors. The consultation model used was a facilitated workshop. This model was suited to the questions asked, was non-threatening and allowed for both the loud and soft voices to be heard. The Task Force heard from 1,064 seniors and involved approximately 100 community organizations and associations as partners. Five issues were identified as the top key themes throughout the City. They are: Access to Information, Health, Transportation, Housing, and Services to Seniors. Seniors also supported a citizen participation model to advise Council on seniors' issues and submitted ideas for the International Year of Older Persons. The attached report provides further information.

Conclusions:

The Task Force has concluded to date that seniors wish to participate fully in the issues which affect their lives and communities. They see a role for local government acting as an advocate on issues of health and housing to other levels of government and wish to have a voice in recommendations that can be implemented locally in the present political and economic climate.

Action Plan - Interim Report to Final Report:

(a)meetings with members of task force to draft final recommendations;

(b)draft recommendations to staff for comment - March 1999;

(c)draft recommendations to individuals, associations and agencies through third issue of the Seniors' Task Force News - April 1999; and

(d)final report to City Council, Spring 1999.

Contact Name:

Priscilla Cranley, Healthy City Office

Tel: 392-0372

--------

Interim Report - Seniors' Task Force

Recommendations:

(1)That City Council record the change of name for the task force from "Task Force to Develop a Strategy for Issues of Concern to the Elderly" to "The Seniors' Task Force."

(2)That City Council approve the extension of the time frame for completion of work undertaken by the Seniors' Task Force to Spring, 1999.

(3)That City Council receive the attached interim report of the Seniors' Task Force for information.

(4)That the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

In January 1998, in response to recommendations of the Toronto Transition Team Report, "New City New Directions", City Council established a Task Force to Develop a Strategy for Issues of Concern to the Elderly.

The Task Force was mandated by City Council to:

"identify emerging needs of senior residents in the City of Toronto and to develop a seniors' strategy to address priority issue areas, which are to:

-develop structures to advise City Council on issues affecting seniors and to involve seniors in this process;

-ensure that policies, programs and services developed and delivered by the municipality meet the needs of seniors;

-value the involvement of seniors in the life of the City;

-identify a role for the City in the International Year of Older Persons - 1999; and

-provide a process for rationalization of all previous municipal seniors' committees."

The Terms of Reference were adopted by City Council in March 1998.

The Task Force consists of 25 members, seven are City Councillors and 18 members are senior citizens representing various geographic areas of the new City. They are active in seniors' organizations and associations, with an ability to reflect their own experience and the views of their members, as well as an ability to consult others within their community.

Seniors Profile - Who Are We Talking About?

The following information will provide some context and scope for the current population of seniors in Toronto:

-There were approximately 319,800 people over the age of 65 in Toronto in 1996. A recent Statistics Canada update (1997) estimates this group has increased to 340,000.

-The City's population is aging. While the total population increased by 14 percent over the last 25 years, seniors (65+) increased by 87 percent over the same time period. The proportion of the total population that are seniors has also increased. In 1971, 8 percent of the population was over 65. By 1996, 13 percent of the populations was over 65.

-15 percent of seniors (65+) do not have knowledge of either English or French. This is higher than the overall population with 8 percent not knowing either official language.

-31 percent of seniors speak a language other than English or French at home. In the overall population, 24 percent speak a non-official language at home.

-The median income for seniors 65+ (single) is $16,400.00 (1995).

Outreach - How We Did It and Who We Spoke To:

The Task Force embarked on its work in the time of social and political change. These changes have been rapid and wide ranging and directly affect daily lives of seniors. Members expressed concern around loss of familiar services and some real concern about continued access to needed services and community-based programs.

The Task Force decided to hold public consultations in places where seniors gather in communities all over the new city. The process was a facilitated workshop model at which participants were asked to work first individually, then with a small group and then as a large group. Members decided toask:

-What are the issues and priorities for seniors in the new City of Toronto?

-What citizen participation models to advise City Council on seniors' issues should be adopted?

-Suggestions on ways to mark 1999 as the International Year for Older Persons in Toronto.

Consultations:

-We held 39 consultations with seniors, representatives of senior organizations and associations and representatives of agencies which serve seniors.

-We asked staff whose mandate includes seniors issues to provide input on their issues and priorities.

-We spoke to over 1,000 seniors during these workshop consultations.

-We held workshops in many languages simultaneously, including Chinese, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Tamil.

-We had dedicated phone lines available, some in local communities, as well as a two-day staffed telephone line provided by Access Toronto using the ATT language line. We also had a fax, e-mail and a mailing address for those who did not come to a consultation.

The Task Force produced two newsletters. The Seniors' Task Force NEWS was co-edited by citizen volunteers, and supported by staff. The main purpose of this newsletter was to let the public know about this new Task Force and circulate information on the public consultation schedule. We printed 13,400 copies of each newsletter which were distributed to interested individuals. We also had bulk copies in all of the public libraries, parks and recreation centres, civic centres, and City Councillors' offices. Copies were also sent to staff and mailed to agencies that serve seniors, including The Metropolitan Toronto Housing Company Ltd. residential buildings.

A number of community newspapers published information about the Task Force and the consultation schedule. As well, we had coverage from television programs and had announcements on dates and locations for the consultations on a local 55+ radio station.

What We Heard:

"A wide consultation like this with seniors has never happened before - it's a real opportunity."

We received a lot of input, once seniors got talking they really shared. Seniors expressed concerns about things that could be improved. However, they also expressed their experience about the many positive programs, community supports and benefits they had been able to access and contribute to developing. During this amalgamation process, many seniors who spoke with us expressed their concern about the loss of local services and long term community feeling.

The following are the five top issue areas identified consistently:

(I)Access to Information:

"Seniors are not aware of what services, resources and programs are out there. How do seniors find out about these?"

It became clear that information during this time of change regarding who and how services to seniors are delivered is a problem. Consistent, clear information is needed. Many seniors expressed difficulty in accessing information in English, however seniors who need information in languages other than English face greater difficulty.

Of particular concern was the availability of information for seniors in the following areas:

-housing;

-services - a range from health to home repair;

-educational opportunities;

-tenants' rights;

-property tax;

-government structure;

-City Council's action/discussion on seniors' issues;

-voting; and

-opportunities to volunteer/contribute.

Information should be senior friendly, with large clear type and accessible by the hard of hearing. It should be available in many languages. Information should be co-ordinated to reflect services delivered by local government, by agencies and institutions, in seniors centres and identify access points to other levels of government. Information should be produced regularly by an identified source. Finally, seniors would like to speak to a real person and suggest a "seniors' hot line."

(II)Health and Health Services:

"It's a revolving door (hospitals) you go to emergency, wait for hours, are sent home with some pills, to a situation where adequate home care is either too expensive or unavailable and you end up back in the emergency ward in short time."

Seniors expressed many of the same concerns that others living in Toronto have shared, including hospital closures, lack of beds both for long term care and acute care, long waits in emergency wards, lack of staff, especially skilled nursing staff and a general perception that health services are declining and the quality is being questioned. They also expressed concern about the Community Care Access Centres and the recent changes in the delivery of home care. There is concern that the community-based long term care system is not working effectively to ensure that individuals receive the care they need.

Of particular concern to seniors are:

-protect community and public health programs that keep seniors well and active particularly in the area of injury prevention, fitness, social and nutrition;

-accessible and affordable dental care, eye glasses and hearing aids;

-health care delivery in mother tongue both in hospitals and community;

-free needles for seniors who are diabetic - like the needle exchange for drug users;

-lack or high cost of home care;

-accountability for services via CCAC after hospital discharge;

-appropriate training for home care workers;

-workers are needed who speak languages other than English; and

-support for caregivers - both funding and a relief system.

(III) Transportation:

"Seniors need public transportation that meets our needs. We need to get to the activities, events and programs that help keep us well both physically and mentally. We want to be involved in the life of the City".

Seniors express support for the TTC and Wheeltrans. They are vital to seniors. The following reflect suggestions and concerns:

Fares:

-fares for seniors should not be raised; and

-great concern about the elimination of reduced fares for seniors.

Operations:

-more benches needed near bus shelters and stops;

-the steps of the buses and streetcars are too high and present difficulty to seniors;

-buses need to pull closer to the curb;

-drivers need to consider that seniors may need more time to board and find a secure spot;

-need working escalators in subway stations as well as elevators; and

-drivers should enforce the courtesy seating section.

Wheeltrans:

-many seniors who need wheeltrans do not meet the present criteria;

-seniors cannot afford to get around in taxis; and

-long waits and poor scheduling.

"This service (TTC) is far from perfect, a lot needs to be changed, but I hate to complain, because it is the only way I can get around."

(IV) Housing:

"Seniors need a range of affordable housing choices, co-ops, shared, group living and apartments."

Housing concerns, like health issues are common to the population as a whole. Several themes emerged during the discussions. Seniors living in their own homes had concerns about property taxes and fees for service. Seniors living in public housing expressed concerns about privatization, security and maintenance. Seniors that may be leaving the family home expressed concerns about affordability of rental units and the wish to stay within their community. The following comments reflect housing issues of specific concern to seniors:

-loss of rent control;

-threat of privatisation of public housing for seniors;

-long waiting lists;

-need for seniors' buildings that are affordable and that reflect seniors' needs;

-high property taxes;

-lack of home repair programs;

-a seniors' housing advocate;

-affordable housing with good maintenance and security;

-lack of affordable choices in their own community; and

-increase of homelessness for all people but noting the increased numbers of seniors in that population.

"Will I have to move from my house, when and where?"

(V)Services:

"Services to seniors should be a value, a principle by which the City operates."

Seniors expressed concern about loss of services due to amalgamation. Services that are delivered both by local government and through senior centres and agencies are important.

Concerns include:

-user fees;

-grant funding to seniors' organizations;

-loss of programs that have been developed by the community and delivered locally;

-loss or high cost of recreation programs ;

-better snow removal services;

-inequality of City-wide recreation fees;

-start up indoor bocce;

-more communication between recreation centres;

-fear that community centres will be privatized;

-proper sound equipment at public meetings;

-access to interpreters; and

-loss of local services and long term community feeling.

Additional issue areas:

-safety;

-financial/economic concerns;

-access/mobility;

-ageism/equality;

-elder abuse;

-isolation;

-law enforcement;

-traffic/pedestrian concerns;

-recognition of seniors as contributors; and

-Beat the Heat/Out of the Cold.

Citizen Participation Model - A Seniors' Voice:

"We need a voice, some voices who can advocate for seniors, we need grey power."

"Who represents seniors, who will listen, who will we contact?"

The call for a seniors' committee or group was identified consistently in the consultations. Seniors wish to have input into local government, service delivery mechanisms which they use and policy decisions which affect their lives. Two models are being discussed; a seniors' committee recognized by City Council that has a budget and staff support and an independent seniors' organization that represents the views of seniors across the City. The Task Force will not limit the discussion to these two models.

Some suggestions include:

-a newsletter to keep seniors informed and updated and seniors wish to be involved in the project;

-a seniors' advocate;

-any group should reflect the cultural and ethno-racial diversity of the City;

-the group should have a sub-committee of representatives of agencies that serve seniors;

-town hall meetings with seniors and Councillors twice a year;

-meetings should also be held in the community not just city hall;

-important to have Councillors as members of the committee;

-consider a model like the Association of Women Electors; and

-need a co-ordinated effort involving seniors to address our issues.

"Seniors from ethnic minorities have no voice right now and our concerns are not being addressed".

International Year of Older Persons (IYOP):

The United Nations has designated 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons with the theme "a society for all ages." It is timely that the Seniors' Task Force final report will be on the City Council agenda in this international year. The report outlining recommendations to address issues and priorities raised by seniors will become a part of a legacy piece for all of us to work together to build a society for all ages.

The following suggestions for IYOP came from the community consultations:

-implement solutions for issues identified by seniors in 1999;

-develop some intergenerational programs or meetings;

-working with community centres to organize events across the City;

-exhibitions of seniors' accomplishments at the CNE;

-all seniors would be welcome to join and participate in the Native Elders Conference held at the Native Canadian Centre each spring;

-highlight seniors' sports;

-hold line dancing and square dancing competitions;

-tree dedication program to honour senior volunteers; and

-statue reflecting a senior passing on wisdom to children.

The Seniors' Task Force held an event to mark the global launch on October 1, 1998, of the International Year of Older Persons. The launch was hosted by Mayor Lastman and CouncillorJohnston. Invited guests included The Honourable Cam Jackson, Minister for Long Term Care and Seniors' Issues, as well as the Ontario representative for the IYOP federal organizing committee, Ms. Lois Neely, former chair of the Toronto Mayor's Committee on Aging. Seniors' organizations provided all the entertainment as well as demonstrations of fitness, line dancing, bocce and lawn bowling. Departments, seniors' organizations, the local UN association and agencies serving seniors had information tables.

The final report of the Seniors' Task Force will be recommending both a legacy project and celebration ideas.

Next Steps:

-detailed analysis of information;

-drafting of recommendations;

-draft recommendations to staff for comment;

-newsletter to report back on draft recommendations to individuals, associations, agencies; and

-final report to City Council by Spring 1999.

"On behalf of the Seniors who attended the consultation meetings, we would like to thank you for allowing us to voice our concerns and issues with the City of Toronto. Seniors were so delighted to have been asked to voice an opinion in a public forum such as the one that was conducted."

--------

Appendix A

Membership of the Seniors' Task Force

Chair:

Councillor Anne Johnston

Council Members:

Councillor Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough City Centre)

Councillor Elizabeth Brown (Rexdale-Thistletown)

Councillor Joanne Flint (North York Centre South)

Councillor Ron Moeser (Scarborough Highland Creek)

Councillor Michael Prue (East York)

Councillor Bill Saundercook (York-Humber)

Citizen Members:

Edna Beange

Hugh Betts

Ruth Brown

Bill Campbell

Margaret Campbell

Rosa Chan

Toni Ciccarelli

Walter Stuart Culbertson

Stewart Hill

Boyd Hipfner

George Johnson

Dorothy MacKinnon

Beverly McClelland

Bill Nemerson

Joan Osler

Marlene Scorrano

Iria Vieira

Bill Wilson

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Councillor Anne Johnston, Chair, Seniors' Task Force, appeared before the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.

7

Renovations and Addition to

Robertson House Shelter for Women

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (December 22, 1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:

Purpose:

This report seeks Council ratification of a staff decision to exceed the by-law limit of 10 percent of the value of the original construction contract for the total Change Orders on the Robertson House renovation project. (Former Metro By-law No. 146-90.)

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The Department's previously approved capital funding for this project is sufficient to pay for the additional work required. The Provincial Government has also agreed to provide a full 50percent subsidy.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)authorization to exceed the by-law limit of 10 percent of the contract value to 14.2 percent of the contract value be approved for Change Orders on this project; and

(2)the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference/Background/History:

On October 23, 1996, Metropolitan Council approved the award of the construction contract for renovations and addition to Robertson House Shelter for Women in the amount of $4,190,000.00 to 1031645 Ontario Inc. o/a Consolidated Canadian Contractors. Former Metropolitan Toronto by-laws stipulated that the value of Change Orders to a contract not exceed 10 percent of the contract amount without further authorization from Council. Because preapproval was not feasible, staff authorized the contractor to finish the project and are now requesting Council support for this decision.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

During the construction of Robertson House renovations and additions, many unanticipated defects were encountered. These included post-tender requirements by the City of Toronto Building Department and Ontario Hydro, additional asbestos removal, removal of contaminated soil, repair of extensive termite damage and treatment to prevent future termite damage, several unexpected obstructions had to be cleared away before new work could proceed, removal of old foundation walls, some structural components in areas of the existing building were inadequate and had to be strengthened, and additions to the fire sprinkler system were required. This additional work resulted in additional costs and extensions of time to the construction schedule.

Quotations for this additional work were provided by Consolidated Canadian Contractors. The quotations were reviewed and negotiated by the architects and engineers who recommended that they be approved. This work was then authorized to proceed. The reason for this additional work is due primarily to hidden site conditions which are inherent in any renovation project and at Robertson House, is exacerbated by the fact that the existing building is over 100 years old and because Robertson House is designated as a historical building. The requirement to preserve as much as possible the original building created additional problems. Structural, mechanical and electrical consultants were limited during the design stage by the impracticality of breaking open concealed spaces while the facility was occupied by residents and staff. Locations chosen for major duct shafts, pipe chases, and conduit runs sometimes proved impractical when existing services and concealed interferences were exposed for the first time during construction. When such conditions made it necessary to find or create new shafts and chases, a ripple effect entailing additional structural framing of openings and modifications of drywall and other finishes would add to the scope of any revisions necessary.

The value of Change Orders on this project will exceed the 10 percent amount by approximately $174,400.00. The Department is satisfied that the Change Orders issued for the project are appropriate and necessary. With these changes, the total construction cost will be $4,783,400.00. Permit fees, soil tests, and architect fees will bring the total cost within the Capital Budget allocation of $5,550,000.00 approved for Robertson House.

The Robertson House project proved to be exceptionally complex and time-consuming. Preapproval of these costs was not feasible for several reasons. First, staff were unable to develop final cost figures until after the work was completed. Second, we could not risk losing the momentum of the work and thereby incurring extra costs if the work was delayed or shutdown. Finally, the Department wanted this shelter to open in October because of the growing number of families seeking assistance.

Conclusion:

The adoption of the recommendations contained in this report will allow and authorize the final Change Orders for this project.

Contact Name:

John Jagt

Director of Hostel Services

Tel: 392-5358/Fax: 392-8758

8

Other Items Considered by the Committee

(City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, received this Clause, for information.)

(a)Children and Youth Action Committee's Summit on Child Poverty.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having referred the following communication to the Chair of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee with a request that he discuss the issue of child poverty with the Toronto Members of the Federal Liberal Caucus:

(i)(December 2, 1998) from the City Clerk advising that the Children and Youth Action Committee on November 23, 1998, received a verbal report on the Committee's summit on child poverty and had before it a number of communications in regard thereto; and further that the Children and Youth Action Committee recommended that City Council, in response to the Federal Minister of Finance's statements in the Toronto Star on November 20, 1998, stating child poverty is "a national disgrace", invite the Minister to work with the Children and Youth Action Committee to alleviate the disgrace of child poverty, and that the letter be copied to the Ontario Liberal caucus.

(ii)report, entitled "Child Poverty in Toronto 1998," prepared by Metro Campaign 2000.

(b)Suggested Amendments to the Spending Priorities Included in the 1999 Children's Services Budget.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having concurred in the recommendations of the Children and Youth Action Committee embodied in the following communication from the City Clerk; and having directed that such communication be referred to the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services for submission to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, and Budget Committee, with the Department's 1999 Operating Budget:

(December 2, 1998) from the City Clerk advising that the Children and Youth Action Committee on November 23, 1998, had before it a report (October 21, 1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services respecting suggested amendments to the spending priorities included in the 1999 Children's Services budget; and that the Committee:

(1)acknowledged the additional financial pressures outlined in the report (October21,1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, addressed to the Children and Youth Action Committee, and requested the Budget Committee to consider these pressures in the context of the Children's Services Division Budget;

(2)reminded the Budget Committee of the draft Toronto Children's Charter released on November 20, 1998; and

(3)requested that the article in the Toronto Star on November 4, 1998, by Mr.DavidCrane be forwarded to the Budget Committee highlighting Mr.AdamSmith's quote on "necessaries" as it relates to the well-being of children.

(c)Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having received the following communication:

(December 15, 1998) from the Secretary, Board of Health, advising that the Board of Health on December 8, 1998, had before it a report (November25, 1998) from the Medical Officer of Health respecting the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program; and that the Board received the aforementioned report and directed that a copy thereof be forwarded to the Children and Youth Action Committee and the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee for information.

(d)Healthy Parenting Program.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having received the following communication:

(December 16, 1998) from the Secretary, Board of Health, advising that the Board of Health on December 8, 1998, had before it a report (November26, 1998) from the Medical Officer of Health respecting the Healthy Parenting Program; and that the Board received the aforementioned report and directed that a copy thereof be forwarded to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee for information.

(e)Cummer Lodge - Accreditation Award.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having:

(1)received the following communication;

(2)extended its congratulations to the staff, volunteers and the Cummer Lodge Home Advisory Committee; and

(3)directed that the General Manager, Homes for the Aged, be requested to report to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee on the actions taken with respect to the three recommendations contained in the Accreditation Survey:

(December 18, 1998) from the City Clerk advising that the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged on December 18, 1998, had before it a report (December 9, 1998) from the General Manager, Homes for the Aged, indicating that the accreditation survey of Cummer Lodge by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation was carried out from October25-28,1998; and that the Advisory Committee:

(1)directed that the report be forwarded to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee for information;

(2)extended its congratulations to all staff, volunteers and the Home Advisory Committee at Cummer Lodge; and

(3)suggested that future reports from the General Manager acknowledge the contribution of volunteers in the body of such reports.

(f)Consulting Agreement with Doctors Hospital - Operation of the Planned Long Term Care Centre.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having:

(1)received the following report; and

(2)directed that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, and appropriate staff of the Homes for the Aged Division, be requested to:

(a)establish a Community and Neighbourhood Liaison Committee; and report to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee on proposed terms of reference for such a Committee; and

(b)develop a plan to consult with the community and neighbours in the vicinity of Doctors Hospital:

(December 4, 1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services advising that, in May 1998, senior staff of the Doctors Hospital approached staff of the City's Homes for the Aged Division to explore the possibility of the two organizations working together to develop and support a proposal in response to the Ministry of Health's Request for Proposals for the construction of long term care beds in Toronto; that the bid by Doctors Hospital was successful and they were awarded 200 beds; indicating that staff of the two organizations will now begin detailed planning, including revisions to the draft budget, to support the operation of these beds; noting that, once the facility is opened in the year2000, staff of the Homes for the Aged Division will provide the types of support outlined in the report; that there will be no net cost to the Homes for the Aged Division in providing this consulting service in that the requisite resources to provide the service will be fully funded by the fee paid by the Doctors Hospital; and recommending that the report be received for information.

(g)The Review of the Use of Motels for Homeless Families.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having received the following report:

(January 4, 1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services providing a progress report on the review of the use of motels for homeless families; indicating that the work of the steering committee and its review to date has identified a number of areas which require attention, including the concentration of homeless families accommodated along Kingston Road, the impact of high student turnover on local schools, the number of newcomer families at-risk of homelessness, and the appropriateness of motel standards and practices; noting that an options paper will be reviewed by the steering committee at the end of January, and a final report is expected to be submitted to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee in the Spring of 1999; and recommending that the report be received for information.

(h)Introduction of Private Sector Placements in Ontario Works.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having received the following report:

(December 31, 1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services advising of the provincial Minister of Community and Social Services' proposal to expand Ontario Works by introducing subsidized on-the-job training placements in the private sector; indicating that City staff will be working with provincial officials to obtain additional information with respect to this new program feature; and recommending that the report be received for information.

(i)Update on Current Availability of Hostel Beds Within the Shelter System.

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports having received the following verbal update; and having directed that the Chair of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, on behalf of its members, be requested to write a letter expressing appreciation to the hostels and agencies protecting so many vulnerable people during the current severe weather conditions:

The General Manager, Shelter, Housing and Support Services Division, provided a verbal update on the current availability of hostel beds within the shelter system; and noted that, due to the winter storm conditions, Moss Park Armoury would be opened as a warming centre during the emergency.

Respectfully submitted,

CHRIS KORWIN-KUCZYNSKI

Chair

Toronto, January 14, 1999

(Report No. 1 of The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, including additions thereto, was adopted, as amended, by City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999.)