CITY CLERK
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 2
For Consideration by
The Council of the City of Toronto
on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999
1 Amendments to Emergency Planning By-law No. 47-1998 and Revisions to the City of Toronto Emergency
Plan
2 Official Registration of the Term "Toronto EMS" in Reference to Toronto Ambulance Services
3 Acquisition of Replacement Ambulances
4 Toronto Fire Services - Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System
5 Toronto Fire Services - Future Revenue-Generating Training Programs
6 Seaton House Renovations
7 Operating Agreements for City-Owned Buildings Receiving Federal Funding Under the Residential
Rehabilitation Assistance Program
8 Removing Barriers to Single Room Occupancy Development in Toronto
9 Proposed "Add-A-Suite" Incentive Program
10 Community Services Grants Program - 1999 Appeals Report
11 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program - 1999 Appeals Report
12 Rainbow Fun Program - Physical Activity and Children's Health
13 Other Items Considered by the Committee
City of Toronto
REPORT No. 2
OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
(from its meeting on July 14, 1999,
submitted by Councillor Brad Duguid, Chair)
As Considered by
The Council of the City of Toronto
on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999
1
Amendments to Emergency Planning By-law No. 47-1998
and Revisions to the City of Toronto Emergency Plan
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends:
(i) the adoption of the report dated June 30, 1999, from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services; and
(ii) that the brochure, entitled "Be Prepared, Not Scared: Emergency Preparedness Starts With You", referred to in the report dated July 5, 1999, from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, also be made available at all Public Libraries in the City of Toronto.
The Community Services Committee reports having requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to provide a presentation to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee on emergency preparedness in instances such as evacuation procedures for disasters, etc.
The Community Services Committee submits the following report (June 30, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services:
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval for amendments to the City's Emergency Planning By-law, By-law No. 47-1998 (the "By-law"), to add a representative of the Ontario Hospital Association as a member of the Toronto Emergency Planning Committee and to make technical changes to reflect alterations made to Council's Standing Committee Structure.
In addition, the purpose of this report is to advise the Community Services Committee and Council of revisions made to the City of Toronto Emergency Plan (the "Plan") to reflect the current organizational structure and responsibilities of the City of Toronto.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
N/A
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(i) approval be given to amend the By-law to add a representative of the Ontario Hospital Association as a member of the Toronto Emergency Planning Committee established by the By-law;
(ii) approval be given to amend the By-law to remove all references to the Emergency and Protective Services Committee and substitute references to the Community Services Committee;
(iii) those portions of the report addressing revisions to the Plan be received for information; and
(iv) authority be given to introduce the necessary bill at Council.
Council Reference/Background/History:
At its meeting held on March 4, 5 and 6, 1998, City Council adopted By-law No. 47-1998, to provide for the formulation and implementation of a plan for the provision of emergency services during emergencies affecting the City of Toronto. Among other things, the By-law established the Toronto Emergency Planning Committee (the "Committee") composed of representatives of the City, its agencies, boards and commissions and representatives of various other bodies and organizations appropriate for participation both in planning for, and responding to, emergencies.
Section 21 of the By-law provided that, until such time as the Committee formulated a plan pursuant to the By-law, the emergency plan developed pursuant to By-law No. 31-96 of the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto be applied, with necessary modifications, in response to an emergency as defined in the By-law. Under sections 3(5) and 4(1), the Committee was given authority to report, through the Mayor or his delegate, to the Emergency and Protective Services Committee on any plan formulated pursuant to the By-law or any revisions to such plan.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
At its last meeting, the Committee considered the addition of a representative from the Ontario Hospital Association to the membership of the Committee. Given the potential involvement of the hospital and medical system in addressing emergency situations, the inclusion of a representative of the Association on the Committee appears to be desirable and appropriate.
As well, since the adoption of the By-law, Council has adopted a revised structure for its standing committees. The Committee previously reported to the Emergency and Protective Services Committee. Council has now designated the Community Services Committee as being responsible for emergency planning issues. The By-law should be amended to reflect that change.
In addition, the emergency plan of the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto has been amended in a number of areas to reflect the current structure and organization of the City. Thus, the revised Plan, a copy of which is available in the Clerk's office, ensures that the appropriate City officials and staff are charged with suitable responsibilities in the event they have to respond to an emergency.
Conclusions:
It is recommended that City Council approve the addition of a representative from the Ontario Hospital Association to the membership of the Committee, the technical amendments to the By-law, discussed above, and the introduction of the necessary bill at Council for the purpose of amending the By-law to that effect.
It is also recommended that the Community Services Committee and Council receive those portions of this report dealing with the revisions to the Plan.
Contact Name:
Kevin Roche
Manager, Emergency Planning
Works and Emergency Services
Tel: 392-6492/Fax: 392-9317
The Community Services Committee also submits the following report (July 5, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services:
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to outline plans for public education on emergency preparedness. This is a supplementary report to our report submitted to the July 14, 1999, Community Services Committee meeting, entitled "Amendments to Emergency Planning By-law No. 47-1998 and Revisions to the City of Toronto Emergency Plan".
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
N/A
Recommendation:
That this report be received for information.
Council Reference/Background/History:
N/A
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
The approach of the year 2000 has caused a heightened sense of concern about emergency preparedness among some of the City's residents. A number of individuals and groups have contacted the City to inquire about its readiness to deal with emergency situations. This provides the City with a unique opportunity to respond to that public concern by educating residents about their and the City's role in any disaster situation.
The Fire Services Division of the Works and Emergency Services Department is taking the lead on personal emergency preparedness planning. It is adding four pages of Toronto information to a 24-page brochure, entitled "Be Prepared, Not Scared: Emergency Preparedness Starts With You", written by Emergency Preparedness Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. This detailed brochure suggests procedures, priorities and checklists that citizens should act on in order to be prepared for any kind of emergency. These brochures will be distributed through local fire stations. Fire Services has also added emergency preparedness information to its web site. The web site information is accessed through the City's main web site. Fire services public education staff are also incorporating emergency preparedness information into the standard fire safety presentations that they make to the public.
Works and Emergency Services has prepared a synopsis of the brochure in a fact sheet. It pays particular attention to the items that residents should acquire to prepare home and vehicle emergency kits and the procedures they should follow before and during an emergency. This fact sheet will be translated into a number of languages. A second companion fact sheet discusses the City of Toronto's Emergency Plan and Emergency Planning Committee.
The information detailed above is largely geared to individual residents and households who want to plan appropriately for emergencies. The City plans to provide additional guidelines for community or other groups who want more neighbourhood-specific information such as identifying local resources.
For more information on the City of Toronto's Emergency Plan and the Toronto Emergency Planning Committee, and for inquiries related to personal emergency preparedness planning, call Toronto Fire Services at 397-4332 or fax to 397-4370.
Conclusions:
The approach of the year 2000 has provided the City with a unique opportunity to educate residents about personal emergency preparedness planning. The Fire Services Division of the Works and Emergency Services Department is taking the lead and is providing brochures, web site information, presentations and fact sheets on personal emergency preparedness planning. The City plans to provide additional guidelines for community or other groups who want more neighbourhood-specific information.
Contact Name:
Nicole Dufort
Manager, Communications
Works and Emergency Services
Tel: 392-2963/Fax: 392-2974
(A copy of the revised Emergency Plan, referred to in the foregoing report (June 30, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the supplementary agenda of the Community Services Committee for its meeting on July 14, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
2
Official Registration of the Term "Toronto EMS"
in Reference to Toronto Ambulance Services
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services:
Purpose:
To officially recognize and establish the term "Toronto EMS" in reference to Toronto Ambulance Services.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no funding or financial implications.
Recommendation:
That the Standing Committee and City Council agree to permit Toronto Ambulance Services to work with the Legal Division in securing the necessary registration of Toronto EMS under the Trade Mark Act.
Background:
The term EMS, Emergency Medical Services is synonymous with ambulance services throughout North America and has been utilized by Toronto Ambulance Services on its vehicles, uniforms and equipment for some time now.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Toronto Ambulance Services wishes to apply for official registration of the term Toronto EMS on behalf of the City of Toronto to secure its use in reference to ambulance services and to prevent its misuse and misrepresentation.
Conclusions:
The Standing Committee and City Council give public notice under the Trade Mark Act of the adoption and use by the City of Toronto Ambulance Services of the term Toronto EMS as an official mark for wares, stationery and documents, including letterheads, invitations, notices, legal documents and other written matter published or used by the City of Toronto Ambulance Services, divisional vehicles, equipment, cap badges and crests, pens and pencils.
Contact Name:
Ronald L. Kelusky, General Manager
Tel: 397-9240/Fax:392-2115
3
Acquisition of Replacement Ambulances
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, amended this Clause by adding thereto the following:
"It is further recommended that:
(1) City Council advise the Ministry of Health that it endorses non-diesel engines;
(2) the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, prior to ordering vehicles with other than diesel engines, be requested to submit a report thereon to the Community Services Committee; and
(3) the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the General Manager of Ambulance Services be requested to continue pursuing ways in which the City could obtain gas or natural gas vehicles rather than continuing with diesel ambulances.")
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following joint report (July 8, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer:
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to advise the results of the Request for Proposal for 24 replacement Ambulance vehicles in accordance with the requirements of the Works and Emergency Services, Ambulance Division, and to request the authority to award a contract to the recommended proponent.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The funding source for this purchase will come from the Division's 1999 Operating Budget in the amount of $1,879,687.00, including all taxes and charges. As a result of the Ministry of Health's decision to provide half of Ambulance Service funding to the Upper Tier Municipalities, the actual cost to the Corporation will be 50 percent of the total expenditure. A delay in the replacement of these vehicles will contribute to an increased number of breakdowns which will impact the delivery of emergency and non-emergency care to the community and create the potential for delayed responses. It will also result in a lack of compliance with the Ministry of Health's regulations and higher maintenance and repair costs.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the firm of Crestline Coach Ltd. be awarded the contract to supply the 24 Ambulance vehicles inclusive of any conversion charges, at an amount of $1,879,687.00, including all taxes and charges, being the proponent submitting the proposal with the highest evaluated score.
Background:
Thirty firms were invited to submit proposals; two proposals were received from Crestline Coach Ltd. and Demers Ambulance for the supply of 24 ambulances in accordance with the requirements of the Works and Emergency Services, Ambulance Division.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Using the evaluation criteria identified in the Request for Proposal, an evaluation team made up of staff from the Ambulance Division and Purchasing and Materials Management Division evaluated the responses.
The evaluation criteria included:
- cost, including trade-in;
- compliance with the RFP;
- quality of material used;
- qualification and experience to deliver a successful product;
- qualification, innovation and suitability to Ambulance;
- delivery schedule; and
- warranty.
After completing the evaluation, it was determined that Crestline Coach Ltd. had achieved the highest evaluated score.
Gasoline Power versus Diesel Power:
The Budget Committee, at its meeting on November 13, 1998, and the Emergency and Protective Services Committee, at its meeting on December 12, 1998, requested the Works and Emergency Services, Ambulance Division to report on the status of diesel powered versus gasoline powered ambulance vehicles.
A review of current practices in the industry indicates that diesel is the preferred choice by operators and manufacturers of ambulance vehicles. This preference is due to diesel powered vehicles demonstrating lower operating costs and longer service life of the vehicle.
It is important to note that Ford will not warranty a chassis supplied to ambulance converters for emergency medical services unless the diesel package has been included in the chassis specification.
Conclusion:
This report requests authority for the contract for the supply of 24 ambulance vehicles to the City of Toronto be awarded to the Crestline Coach Ltd. The results of the Request for Proposal evaluation process has identified Crestline Coach Ltd. as achieving the highest evaluated score.
Contact Name:
L.A. Pagano
Director, Purchasing and Materials Management
Tel: 392-7312
R.L. Kelusky
General Manager, Toronto Ambulance
Tel: 397-9240/Fax: 392-2115
4
Toronto Fire Services - Computer-Aided Dispatch
and Records Management System
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following joint report (July 13, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer:
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to advise of the results of the Request for Proposal issued for a Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System (CAD/RMS) for Fire Services in accordance with specifications, and to request approval for staff to negotiate the terms and conditions of a contract with Intergraph Public Safety Incorporated.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Project funds in the amount of $14.5 million are available in Account No. 11000031 of the City's capital budget.
The CAD system itself is estimated to cost $10 million.
The acquisition of emergency fire station generators in the amount of $2.577 million will be funded within the same capital budget account so that the new centralized radio and dispatch functions will remain operational in the event of power failure. These generators will also provide back-up power supply for other systems in fire stations. The acquisition of these generators will be subject to the issuance of a quotation request by the Purchasing and Materials Management Division.
Headquarters and remote sites infrastructure and preparation costs of an estimated $1.9 million not payable to the CAD/RMS supplier will also be taken from this capital account.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(i) the Fire Chief, in consultation with the City Solicitor, be authorized to negotiate the terms and conditions of a contract with Intergraph Public Safety Incorporated for the supply, delivery, installation, support and maintenance of a completely operational turnkey and centralized Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System for the City's Fire Services at an estimated cost of $10 million;
(ii) the Fire Chief report back to the Community Services Committee on the final terms and conditions of the contract, and for authority to execute the contract; and
(iii) staff be authorized to purchase through the Purchasing and Materials Management Division, utilizing funds available for this purpose in the approved 1999 capital budget for this project, any additional goods and services outside of the Intergraph contract which are necessary to prepare the Fire Services central communications site, backup site, and all remote sites for, and/or to accommodate the implementation of a centralized CAD/RMS system, e.g., infrastructure alterations, electrical work, environmental considerations, data cabling and/or networking, ancillary work, etc.
Council Reference/Background/History:
On October 7, 1998, 37 firms were invited to submit proposals for a centralized CAD/RMS System. This requirement was also advertised on the City's internet web site. This RFP closed on November 24, 1998.
Five proponents as noted below submitted proposals:
IBM Canada Limited
Intergraph Public Safety Inc.
Litton/PRC Public Sector Inc.
Printrak Inc.
Tritrech Software Systems
A CAD/RMS Proposal Evaluation Team was set up to conduct a detailed review and analysis of the five proposals received. This team consisted of staff from Fire Services, Purchasing and Materials Management, and Information Technology. This team used the evaluation criteria in the RFP to assess each proponent's proposal. After the completion of the proposal evaluation process, the proposal from Intergraph Public Safety was ranked highest.
Conclusion:
This report requests City Council authority for staff to negotiate the final terms and conditions of a contract with Intergraph Public Safety in accordance with Fire Services' needs for a CAD/RMS system.
The Manager of Fair Wage and Labour Trades Office has reported favourably on the firm recommended.
Contact Names:
Norm Gibbons
Senior Policy Advisor and Project Manager
Tel: 397-4315
Lou A. Pagano, Director
Purchasing and Materials Management
Tel: 392-7312
5
Toronto Fire Services - Future
Revenue-Generating Training Programs
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, struck out and referred this Clause to the Chief Administrative Officer for further consideration and the preparation of a business plan, in consultation with the Fire Chief; and the Chief Administrative Officer was requested to give a presentation thereon to the Community Services Committee.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following joint report (July 12, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief:
Purpose:
To provide information on an international Fire Fighter training program, and on a possible twinning/partnership arrangement with the Phoenix Fire Department, Arizona.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Futures revenues cannot be estimated at this time. Any proposed agreements for the provision of training services would be structured to provide net positive revenues to the City. It would be Fire Services' intent to invest proceeds in further upgrades to its training facilities and equipment.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(i) this report be received for information; and
(ii) the Fire Chief be authorized to actively market Fire Fighter training programs at the local, provincial, national and international levels, and to enter into revenue-generating business relationships, as required and as appropriate, with recognized Fire Service training agencies and Community Colleges.
Council Reference/Background/History:
City Council at its meeting of May 11, 12 and 13, 1999, requested Fire Services to provide a report to the Community Services Committee on: (i) the anticipated revenues that may be generated by Toronto Fire Services operating an international Fire Fighter training program, and (ii) the possibility of a twinning/partnership arrangement with the City of Phoenix.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
International Fire Fighter Training Programs:
The Toronto Fire Services is currently completing an international training program for Dubai Civil Defence, United Arab Emirates. This business opportunity arose due to the high regard that the emergency service marketplace has for the ability of the Toronto Fire Services to develop and deliver high quality education and training programs. This program was established through a partnership with Loyalist College in the summer of 1998.
Future training programs may be available to the Toronto Fire Services as a result of marketing initiatives or in partnership with established Fire Service Training Agencies or Community Colleges.
The potential in the future may arise between the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services of England and the Toronto Fire Services to offer both the British and Canadian training perspectives. This will offer clients a truly unique international training program.
Twinning/Partnership with the City of Phoenix Fire Department:
Toronto Fire Services staff have communicated with staff of the City of Phoenix Fire Department regarding the development of a professional twinning/partnership arrangement. While we have not received a written response to date, we do expect a positive reaction to this exciting business opportunity.
Conclusions:
Aside from the contract already executed with Dubai United Emirates, the Toronto Fire Services cannot estimate at this time the future revenue generation potential from these Fire Fighter training programs. Staff are currently discussing future programs with Dubai Civil Defence; however Dubai has not yet stated their future requirements.
Loyalist College is currently preparing to embark on a marketing tour in the middle east and Africa, and will also market the capabilities of the Toronto Fire Services training programs. We will report back to Committee on any future training programs and revenue generation as it occurs.
Fire Services staff will advise Council as further developments occur in the request for the development of a professional twinning/partnership arrangement with the City of Phoenix Fire Department.
Contact Names:
Alan F. Speed, Fire Chief, Tel: 397-4315
William A. Stewart, Deputy Fire Chief, Tel: 397-4304
6
Seaton House Renovations
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following reports:
(Report dated June 21, 1999, addressed to the
Community Services Committee from the
Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services)
Purpose:
To approve capital budget financing and to award a construction contract for Seaton House capital renovations.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Funds for the capital renovations are included in the 1997-2001 Capital Works Program totalling
$4 million, as previously approved by Council.
Previous approvals: Clause No. 8 of Report No. 9 of the Human Services Committee of the former Metropolitan Toronto Corporation ($0.8 million gross) and Clause No. 23 of Report No. 6 of the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee ($3.2 million gross).
The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services has verbally approved 50 percent cost-sharing towards total project expenditure of up to $7.0 million. Written confirmation of the cost-sharing has been requested.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) a construction contract be awarded for Seaton House renovations, as per the staff report available July 10, 1999;
(2) financing in the amount of $4.0 million net, and debentured if necessary for a term up to but not exceeding 10 years, be approved; and
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
On January 29, 1997, the Council of the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto adopted a report which initiated the Seaton House restructuring process, and established a panel to assist the Commissioner in implementing the changes recommended in that report. On July 3, 1997, Council received and approved a report on the consultation regarding the redesign of programs and major renovations at Seaton House. A progress report was received by Council in October 1998.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Tenders from contractors will be received on June 30, 1999. A staff report recommending the award of the construction contract will be ready for Committee by July 10, 1999. It is important for Committee to approve the recommendation at its July meeting so that construction can begin in August 1999.
While Seaton House is relocating close to half of its current residents during the construction period, it will remain partially occupied for that period of time. Major portions of the heating system will be replaced as part of the construction contract. Therefore, it is important to award the contract as soon as possible so that work can be completed before the upcoming winter season.
A delay in the approval process will delay construction start-up time and therefore pose potential health and safety risks to residents and staff remaining on site.
Conclusion:
Approval of this report will permit the project to proceed to the construction phase.
Contact Name:
John Jagt, Director of Hostel Services, Tel: 392-5358
(Joint report dated July 12, 1999, addressed to the
Community Services Committee from the
Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and
the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer)
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to advise the results of the tender issued for Seaton House renovations, 319-339 George Street, in accordance with specifications as required by the Community and Neighbourhood Services Department, and to request the authority to issue a contract to the recommended bidder.
Source of Funds:
Funds are available in the Capital Works Program.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that Tender Call No. 129-1999 for Seaton House renovations, 319-339 George Street, be awarded to Ross Clair/Division of ROM Contractors Inc., in the total amount of $5,715,000.00 including all taxes and charges, being the lowest tender received.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The Bid Committee at its meeting held on June 30, 1999, opened the following tender for Seaton House renovations, 319-339 George Street:
Tenderer Tender Price
Ross Clair/Division of ROM Contractors Inc. $5,715,000.00
M. J. Dixon Construction Ltd. $5,800,000.00
The Atlas Corporation $5,920,000.00
Richard & B.A. Ryan Ltd. $6,351,433.00
Jasper Construction Group $6,472.000.00
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
The Tender Documentation submitted by the recommended bidder has been reviewed by the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and was found to be in conformance with the tender requirements.
The Manager, Fair Wage and Labour Trades Office, has reported favourably on the firm recommended.
Conclusion:
This report requests authority to issue a contract for Seaton House renovations, 319-339 George Street, in accordance with specifications, to Ross Clair/Division of ROM Contractors Inc., being the lowest tender received.
Contact Name:
John Jagt, Director Hostel Services, Tel: 392-5358
7
Operating Agreements for City-Owned Buildings
Receiving Federal Funding Under the Residential
Rehabilitation Assistance Program
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30,, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 28, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
To seek authority to enter into operating agreements with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to accept funding for three City-owned properties (11 Ordnance Street, 349 George Street, and 156-158 Munro Street) under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP).
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The RRAP program is funded by the Federal Government and administered by the City. Funding to the three City-owned properties is provided in the form of forgivable loans, to be secured by debentures issued by the City in favour of CMHC. Interest and principal payments associated with the debenture will be forgiven by CMHC provided that the City adheres to the terms and conditions of the operating agreements.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) authority be granted to enter into operating agreements with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for receipt by the City of funding under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for the renovation of 11 Ordnance Street, 349 George Street, and 156-158 Munro Street, in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the City Solicitor; and
(2) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
At its meeting on April 13, 14 and 15, 1999, Council agreed to accept federal RRAP funding to upgrade three City-owned properties (11 Ordnance Street, 349 George Street and 156-158 Munro Street) as affordable housing. In order to implement this decision, two actions are required. Firstly, the City must enter into operating agreements with CMHC for the term of the RRAP loan for each property (as recommended in this report). Secondly, Council must adopt a debenture by-law (to be recommended in a separate report to Council from the Chief Financial Officer) to properly secure the loans.
The operating agreement generally stipulates that, in return for receipt of a forgivable loan, the City will provide housing/hostel accommodation at affordable rent levels determined by CMHC, based on median rent levels in Toronto. Previous reports to Council have addressed the affordable housing programs on the three sites: 11 Ordnance Street is a transitional youth accommodation/skills development project; 349 George Street is an existing transitional shelter for homeless men; and 156-158 Munro Street are two vacant semi-detached houses that are available for community agency use at nominal rent. CMHC has indicated that these projects meet their program requirements under RRAP. The terms and forgiveness periods of the loans, over which forgiveness would be earned, range from 8 to 15 years according to the following table.
Property Address Term of Agreement
11 Ordnance Street 15 years
156-158 Munro Street 15 years
349 George Street 8 years
It should be noted that consultations are underway with the local community on the housing program for 156-158 Munro Street and, should this project be modified or fail to proceed, staff will inform the Committee on or before July 14, 1999.
Contact Name:
Joanne Campbell
Tel: 392-7885/Fax: 392-0548.
8
Removing Barriers to Single Room Occupancy
Development in Toronto
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, amended this Clause:
(1) in accordance with the following recommendations embodied in the report dated July 23, 1999, from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
"It is recommended that the report dated June 28, 1999, entitled 'Removing Barriers to Single Room Occupancy Development in Toronto', be amended as follows:
(1) Recommendation No. (3) be amended to read as follows:
'(3) the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services report back on:
(a) zoning provisions to support SRO development as outlined in this report (July 23, 1999, from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services), addressing such issues as location and parking; and
(b) a guideline for minimum unit size and design of SRO housing that would comply with the Ontario Building Code and other regulations;'; and
(2) Recommendation No. (4) be amended by removing the words 'changes to the Ontario Building Code and other regulations', so that such recommendation shall now read as follows:
'(4) Council request the Province of Ontario to support SRO development through: removing the eight-year limitation on the new Multi-Residential assessment class; providing provincial sites at nominal cost; funding rent supplements; and providing supportive housing funding where required;' "; and
(2) by adding thereto the following:
"It is further recommended that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, in the preparation of the reports requested in Recommendation No. (3), as amended, be requested to consult with the Chief Planner and the Chief Building Official and review the findings of the Parkdale Mediation Process.")
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 28, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
This report sets out a model for Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing in Toronto, identifies barriers to the development of such housing, and proposes that the City proceed with pilot projects.
Financial Implications:
No direct financial implications.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Council support, in principle, the use of City incentives and regulatory tools to encourage the development of SRO (Single Room Occupancy) housing by private firms and not-for-profit groups;
(2) staff proceed with an open competition for SRO pilot projects based on the models outlined in this report (i.e., Market, Assisted, Supportive), with the following incentives (subject to Council approval): specific land sites; financial incentives from the Capital Revolving Fund; and other incentives that may be made available by the Provincial or Federal Governments;
(3) the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services report back on a zoning model and other regulatory changes required to support SRO development as outlined in this report, addressing issues such as location, parking, unit size and culinary/sanitary facilities;
(4) Council request the Province of Ontario to support SRO development through: changes to the Ontario Building Code and other regulations; removing the eight-year limitation on the new Multi-Residential assessment class; providing provincial sites at nominal cost; funding rent supplements; and providing supportive housing funding where required;
(5) Council request the Federal Government to support SRO development by: making federal sites available at nominal cost; and providing incentives such as favourable mortgage insurance terms and additional Residential Rehabilitation Program Assistance Program funding; and
(6) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
In order to address the shortage of low-cost housing in Toronto, the Mayor's Homelessness Action Taskforce (Recommendation #90) proposed Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units as a legitimate and viable form of housing. SROs are permanent rental housing specifically created for single, low-income people, and range from private rooms with shared kitchen and/or bathroom facilities to private self-contained rooms with shared amenities; range in size from 150 to 400 sq. ft.; rent from $275.00 to $400.00 per month; and may, or may not, have on-site support services. The Task Force recommended zoning and regulatory changes to facilitate development of SROs and that the City initiate at least three SRO pilot projects.
This report outlines models for SRO housing and steps required to remove barriers to SRO development in Toronto. This work is based on a recent design study and charette undertaken by Van Nostrand DiCastri architects, with funding from the City and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. They:
- reviewed existing precedents or examples of SRO housing locally and elsewhere in North America and by-law/code restrictions which impede their development;
- consulted with potential residents to determine their needs and perspectives;
- held a day long design charette (workshop) which brought together interested parties to generate new models of SRO accommodation; and
- are producing detailed design drawings and proformas of models which can be produced in Toronto.
This work illustrated the social, economic and planning advantages of SRO accommodation. From a social perspective, SROs offer privacy, dignity, independence and opportunities for social interaction to residents. From an economic perspective smaller units and shared amenities cost less to construct than conventional apartments and offer a low-cost housing alternative. From a planning perspective SROs work if they are located along public transit lines, close to support services and employment opportunities for residents.
The background work reveals prototypes for new SRO housing in Toronto and identifies zoning and regulatory changes that would have to be made to support SRO development. It is proposed that staff take steps to proceed with SRO pilot projects, using incentives and tools that are available at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Comments:
Research done for the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force demonstrates that there are some 220,000 single individuals in Ontario who make less than $15,000.00 per year and who, as a consequence, can only afford to spend $375.00 per month in rent. However, a shortfall of 100,000 low rent units demonstrates a strong demand for units renting for less than $400.00 per month. As well, there has been a steady decline in rooming house units (from approximately 1,200 in 1974 to 393 in 1998) and other forms of low-cost singles' housing.
History of Single Room Occupancy Accommodation:
Single Room Occupancy (SRO) accommodation dates from the late nineteenth century and provided housing for middle and low-income people, mainly male, who migrated to urban areas in search of employment. SROs were an acceptable form of low-cost housing for middle and lower income individuals. They generally provided a single room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities in a range of building forms including lodging houses and residential hotels, rooming houses and boarding homes.
Following the Second World War, the expansion of the suburbs and the consequent decline of inner city neighbourhoods along with the implementation of zoning and minimum standards legislation made it increasing difficult to finance SRO developments or obtain refinancing to rehabilitate existing stock. Physical conditions and management standards declined and SROs in some instances came into disrepute. Eventually the process of urban renewal and gentrification led to a rapid decline in the numbers of SRO units.
With an increase in homelessness and a crisis in affordability many North American cities have recognized the important role that SROs might play in providing solutions to these problems. Many cities have introduced policies to stem the loss of SRO stock and to encourage the production of new SRO developments. San Diego, California has been a leader in this regard and other cities have followed suit.
New SRO developments have endeavoured to do away with the negative stereotypes of crime ridden "flop houses" or places of last resort that characterized traditional SROs by providing:
- permanent accommodation with a mixed tenant base;
- on-site support services or access to them for those housing more vulnerable tenants;
- financing from a wide range of sources; and
- in some instances, community economic development opportunities for residents by employing them to fulfil maintenance, security and other duties.
As well, to distinguish them from their predecessors many jurisdictions changed the name of SRO units to "efficiency suites", "living units" or "apartment suites".
Lessons From Elsewhere:
From the early 1970s to the mid 1980s, San Diego demolished approximately 1,200 SRO units. From the mid 1980s onward, however, the city became a national leader by introducing legislation which prevented the further demolition and conversion of SRO units; putting in place legislation to rehabilitate approximately 400 units and create over 2,400 new units.
Lessons learned from the first new SRO developed, the Baltic Inn, were then used to overhaul San Diego's planning, building and fire code legislation and to facilitate the construction of these new units. Altogether eighteen SRO hotels were created and nine others were renovated between 1987 and 1994.
Measures put in place included:
- establishing an SRO task force which included builders, developers, planners, architects, City staff and others to recommend necessary zoning and building standards changes to lower development costs and encourage new supply;
- creating a State housing definition of a 150 sq. ft. "living unit" which allowed for bathroom and kitchen facilities below the previous standard;
- making a substantial building and code changes to reduce and eliminate parking requirements, allow for greater densities, tax reductions and building on commercial or industrial sites.
These and other changes created an environment in which the private sector could participate in affordable housing production. Other cities such as Portland, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Calgary and Vancouver have followed suit.
Single Room Occupancy Accommodation as an Option for Toronto:
Toronto has numerous examples of congregate forms of singles' housing, including rooming houses and boarding homes, and low-income singles' apartment buildings. There has recently been considerable interest in supporting these and other forms of housing to meet the needs of low-income singles who, for various reasons, have difficulty accessing and maintaining safe and affordable housing.
The Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force recommended single room occupancy units as a legitimate and potentially viable form of housing for low-income and homeless individuals (Recommendation #90):
"As part of its affordable housing strategy, the City of Toronto should pursue the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) option for housing with supports to house homeless singles. The City and the Province should make zoning and regulatory changes to facilitate renovation and new construction of SROs. These would include density maximums, unit sizes, parking requirements and building and code regulations. The City should initiate at least three SRO pilots. These should vary according to acquisition or new construction, location, number and size of units, financing and management techniques."
In order to advance this recommendation, the Community and Neighbourhood Services Department, jointly with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, recently embarked on a Singles' Housing Design Study and charette which:
- reviewed existing precedents or examples of SRO housing locally and elsewhere in North America and by-law/code restrictions which impede their development;
- consulted with potential users to determine their needs and perspectives;
- included a day long design charette (workshop) which grew out of the precedent study and which brought together potential users either currently living in single room occupancy or shelter accommodation, operators from the private sector and /or community development workers, architects individuals with development and/or finance expertise and others to generate new models of single room occupancy accommodation; and
- is in the process of producing detailed design drawings and proformas of models which could be produced in Toronto.
For the purposes of the Singles' Housing Design Study SROs were defined as set out in the Task Force report as housing which:
- ranges from private rooms with shared kitchen and/or bathroom facilities to private self-contained rooms containing kitchenette and bathroom facilities with other shared amenities such as laundry and common spaces;
- generally range in size from 150 to 400 sq. ft.;
- generally rent from $275.00 to $400.00 per month; and
- may or may not have on-site support services.
The background study and charette process identified many of the management issues, physical and social design issues, and financial and regulatory issues to be addressed related to market and non-market SRO developments. Management issues include the types of services to be provided to the resident population; staff roles and responsibilities; residents' rights, responsibilities and codes of behaviour; and the tenant selection process. Physical and social design issues include the importance of integrating the SRO development with the scale and character of the surrounding neighbourhood; providing exterior amenity space to residents such as balconies and rooftop gardens; ensuring that safety and security, durability and maintenance and enhanced livability drive the design of the units and shared amenity space. Financial and regulatory issues include the significant zoning (land use and parking); building code (room size, facility requirements, building materials and accessibility); realty taxation and other issues that currently impede SRO development.
The background research into existing precedents and the design charette process suggests that there are three SRO prototypes (see Appendix A, attached) which could serve as models for Toronto: (a) Market, (b) Assisted, and (c) Supportive Housing.
- Market examples of SRO housing provide lower-end market rents ranging from $425.00 to $600.00 per month to working poor individuals for units of 200 to 324 sq. ft. They do not generally provide on-site support or social services, however, in some instances management may facilitate resident access to support service providers from community-based agencies that come into the building to serve clients (known as de-linked services).
- Assisted projects provide subsidized or relatively affordable rents ranging from $325.00 to $425.00 per month to low-income residents and do not generally provide on-site support services. As in the case of the market model, residents may receive access to de-linked support services.
- Supportive projects can be divided further still into those projects which house an integrated tenant population of low-income, formerly homeless individuals and shelter residents, and residents with specific needs and those projects which house a non-integrated population or individuals with specific needs such as formerly homeless youth. Both integrated and non-integrated examples of supportive housing provide on-site support services through the housing provider (known as linked services) and/or through a community-based provider (de-linked) and in both cases rents range from $325.00 per month or 30 percent of income.
The background research and charette process demonstrated that market SRO projects tend to be larger (80 to 100 units) than assisted and supportive SRO projects (40 to 70 units). All three models provide 24-hour security, an opportunity to site housing along main streets or in close proximity to public transit thereby increasing viability by lowering development costs and, where possible, storefront commercial space.
Provincial Feasibility Study of SRO Housing:
The Province also recognizes the potential of SROs as a low-cost form of housing. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing recently commissioned a study to assess the economic feasibility of private sector involvement in the production of single room occupancy accommodation in Ontario. The provincial study examines the legislative and financial barriers that currently impede the development of this housing form.
Single Room Occupancy accommodation is not clearly recognized under current zoning and building code legislation. Critical barriers to SRO development are parking requirements and minimum unit size requirements as they would likely be interpreted under the Ontario Building Code. The study recommends that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Buildings and Standards Branch develop and promote model by-laws and clarify sections of the building code that would impact on the development of SROs. It also points to the example set by California which established a special demonstration ordinance to determine and eliminate building code and zoning restrictions to SRO development.
The Ontario Building Code sets out 275 sq. ft. as a minimum unit size with specific parameters for living, dining, kitchen and sleeping areas. Allowance should be made for smaller units based on existing precedents, and potential user and operator feedback. For example, the study used a minimum unit size of 210 sq. ft. for a market SRO development geared toward working poor individuals a non-market or more traditional SRO geared toward formerly homeless or at risk individuals who can live independently with minimal supports. The provincial study demonstrated that reducing minimum unit size further to 175 sq. ft. would be an added incentive as it would allow for more units; however marketability of smaller units would be in question. Other incentives included increasing over-all building efficiency where possible, allowing for wood frame construction and adding commercial space to cross-subsidize the residential component of a project.
From the perspective of financial feasibility the most important factor to be addressed is realty taxation. At the residential tax rate acceptable returns within the 10 percent to 15 percent range are achievable and can stimulate new investment without subsidies. However, under the multi-residential tax class returns are simply too low to generate investment. The study further recommends that the Fair Municipal Tax Act be amended to remove the eight-year limit on the use of a new tax class for the development of rental housing.
Conclusion:
Small scale SRO housing units which rent from $325.00 to $600.00 per month and are either self-contained or provide some degree of shared amenities and support services present a viable solution to the significant crisis in affordability faced by many low-income singles today. These units can be created either through acquisition and rehabilitation of existing stock or through the production of new supply. However, in order to make such developments a truly viable option, the City in collaboration with the Province must take the necessary steps to address the regulatory and financial barriers to their creation. This includes:
- recognizing SROs as a legitimate form of housing by creating an appropriate zoning model;
- determining and eliminating building code and other regulatory impediments to their development such as restrictive parking (lower parking requirements to levels previously permitted for social housing projects), and minimum unit size requirements;
- encouraging the Province to make the necessary changes to allow for the use of alternative building materials that do not compromise the safety and quality of housing for residents;
- encouraging the Province to amend the Fair Municipal Tax Act to remove the current eight-year limit on the use of the tax class for new multi-residential development;
- initiating one or two demonstration projects to encourage the creation of new supply and identify further impediments to SRO development.
Contact Name:
Joanne Campbell
Tel: 392-7885/Fax: 392-0548
(A copy of the Appendix A referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Community Services Committee for its meeting on July 14, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
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Mr. Vance Latchford appeared before the Community Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, the following report (July 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
To make a technical amendment to the report "Removing Barriers to Single Room Occupancy Development in Toronto" that was considered by Community Services Committee on July 14.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
None.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the Report entitled "Removing Barriers to Single Room Occupancy Development in Toronto" (dated June 28, 1999) be amended as follows:
(1) Recommendation No. (3) be amended as follows:
"(3) The Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services report back on: (a) zoning provisions to support SRO development as outlined in this report, addressing such issues as location and parking; and (b) a guideline for minimum unit size and design of SRO housing that would comply with the Ontario Building Code and other regulations."
(2) Recommendation No. (4) be amended to remove the words: "changes to the Ontario Building Code and other regulations".
Background:
On July 14, 1999, the Community Services Committee considered a report recommending that work begin to develop incentives and identify regulatory changes that would support the development of Single Room Occupancy housing in Toronto. This work would support the implementation of Recommendation #90 of the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force.
Comments:
The changes to the June 28, 1999 report recommended here reflect recent discussions with Provincial staff and City Buildings staff related to minimum unit sizes and the Ontario Building Code.
These discussions have clarified that there is no minimum unit size prescribed by the Ontario Building Code. Rather, the OBC establishes minimum sizes for functional areas within a dwelling unit, such as living area, dining space, kitchen area and bedroom areas. However, the OBC also states that the areas of rooms and spaces can be smaller, provided that they are adequate for their intended use (e.g., where there is built in furniture to compensate for reduced sizes). The advice of Provincial staff is that the Chief Building Official of the municipality has the flexibility to interpret the OBC to determine whether particular unit sizes are adequate.
Thus the June 28 report should be amended to remove reference to changes to the Ontario Building Code and to request the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services to develop guidelines for appropriate unit sizes and design for Single Room Occupancy housing.
Contact Name:
Joanne Campbell
Tel: (416) 392-7885
Fax: (416) 392-0548)
9
Proposed "Add-A-Suite" Incentive Program
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, considered this Clause in conjunction with Clause No. 1 of Report No. 3 of The Planning and Transportation Committee, headed "Draft Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law Amendments to Permit Second Suites As-of-Right".
The Clauses were amended:
(1) in accordance with the recommendations embodied in the report dated July 22, 1999, from the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, subject to deleting from Recommendation No. (4) the words "two years old" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "5 years old", so that such recommendations shall now read as follows:
"It is recommended that:
(1) the term 'row house' in Part (3)(i) embodied in Recommendation No. (1) of Clause No. 1 of Report No. 3 of The Planning and Transportation Committee be deleted;
(2) Council adopt the recommendations embodied in Clause No. 1 in Report No. 3 of The Planning and Transportation Committee, as amended by Recommendation No. (1) above, which responds to Council's directive on May 11 and 12, 1999, that unnecessary barriers to the creation of second suites be removed and that the City's planning documents be amended to permit second suites as-of-right in all single- and semi-detached houses, subject to appropriate building, fire and property standards being met and consistent with the approach taken in the 1994 provincial legislation;
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized to undertake any necessary action to give effect thereto, including preparing and introducing any necessary bills; and
(4) Council modify the proposed zoning amendments to include a requirement that single- or semi-detached houses across the City of Toronto be a minimum of five years old before permitting the creation of a second suite.";
(2) to provide that:
(a) the area of a second suite shall be smaller than the remaining area of the original unit; and
(b) all portions of the Clauses pertaining to the registration of second suites and the following motions related thereto, be referred to the Planning and Transportation Committee for report thereon to Council for its regular meeting to be held on October 26, 1999:
Moved by Councillor Cho:
"That Part (3) of the motion by Councillor Flint be amended to provide that:
(1) registration take place prior to, or at the same time, as the lease on the second suite closes; and
(2) the City grant a six-month grace period to those persons already living in a second suite and the owners who have been renting their second suites."
Moved by Councillor Duguid:
"That Part (3) of the motion of Councillor Flint be amended by deleting the words 'and annually thereafter', and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
'and that the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to apply to the Province of Ontario for an amendment to the Municipal Act to permit municipalities to undertake an annual inspection and impose an annual registration fee for each second suite.' "
Moved by Councillor Nunziata:
"That Part (4) of the motion by Councillor Flint be struck out and the following be inserted in lieu thereof:
'(4) that the City establish a system for the registration of two-unit houses authorizing these suites only where there is compliance with the Zoning By-law, the Property Standards By-law, the Fire Code and the Building Code, and that such registration be reviewed when the Registrar receives complaints with respect to the second unit and revoked when there is a breach of any of these laws or when inspection to determine a breach is refused.' "
Moved by Councillor Flint:
"It is further recommended that:
(1) Recommendation No. (4) of the Planning and Transportation Committee be deleted;
(2) a By-law, substantially in the form of the draft by-law attached to the report dated June 22, 1999, from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, regarding registration of second suites, be approved, and that authority be granted to introduce the necessary Bill in Council to give effect thereto;
(3) a fee of $75.00 be charged for each second suite; such fee to be payable at the time of registration and annually thereafter; and
(4) Council endorse an enforcement strategy based upon responding to complaints and voluntary compliance by homeowners and tenants."
Moved by Councillor Duguid:
"It is further recommended that, if a registration system for second suites is adopted by Council, staff be requested to apply to the Province of Ontario for an amendment to the relevant legislation to increase the maximum fine for failure to register a second suite to $25,000.00 from $5,000.00."
Moved by Councillor Li Preti:
"It is further recommended that a permanent registry of 'add-a-suite' be established by the appropriate Department."
Moved by Councillor Bossons:
"It is further recommended that:
(1) the City establish and maintain a registry of units existing before enactment of the second suites By-law and units created on the basis of the new By-law, to the extent possible under the rights-of-entry powers available to the City;
(2) the City not charge inspection fees, and the waiving of fees be considered the City's contribution to affordable housing construction; and
(3) the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to submit a report to the Planning and Transportation Committee on registry and inspection costs."
Moved by Councillor King:
"It is further recommended that, when the Planning and Transportation Committee gives consideration to the matter of registering second suites, it also give consideration to imposing fines on the owners of those second suites which have not been registered."
Moved by Councillor Minnan-Wong:
"It is further recommended that sufficient enforcement officers be retained for by-law enforcement, property standards and registration and that this be done on a cost-recovery basis from owners who have second suite apartments."
Moved by Councillor Tzekas:
"It is further recommended that the Province of Ontario be requested to amend the Municipal Act to permit the City of Toronto to pass By-laws licensing and regulating units in houses with second suites."; and
(3) by adding thereto the following:
"It is further recommended that:
(a) the Province of Ontario be requested to:
(i) enact the necessary legislation to permit the prosecution of landlords for property standards or other by-law violations by tenants, where the City has notified the landlord of these violations;
(ii) amend the Tenant Protection Act to permit an expedited eviction process for tenants living in owner-occupied residences in cases involving a breach of contract concerning:
(1) smoking on the premises:
(2) the presence of pets;
(3) unapproved occupants; and
(4) disorderly behaviour;
(iii) amend the Tenant Protection Act and the City of Toronto Act to provide that a landlord's refusal to comply with the Building Code, the Fire Code and municipal by-laws may result in the relocation of the tenant and/or the Municipality undertaking needed repairs and maintenance, with all costs being recovered as taxes;
(iv) ensure that all second suites are assessed as duplexes for property tax purposes, in comparison with other duplexes under the Assessment Act;
(v) amend the Planning Act and the Municipal Act to provide that the cost of work carried out under municipal order shall be recovered as taxes;
(vi) create a Municipal By-law Court to deal with all By-law inspections and Building Code violations; and
(vii) give municipalities greater rights of entry, specifically by Building Inspectors;
(b) Council confirm that any 'add-a-suite' incentive grant or capital loan program be restricted to owner-occupied residences to promote stable residential neighbourhoods;
(c) the Second Suites By-law No. 447-1999, being a by-law 'To enact zoning by-law amendments respecting second suites', be reviewed in September 2000;
(d) the City Solicitor be requested to seek the necessary legislative authority from the Province of Ontario, to implement the requirement that second suites only be permitted in owner-occupied buildings;
(e) the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to submit a report to the Community Services Committee, through the Assessment and Tax Policy Task Force, on:
(i) ensuring that the property tax assessment system takes into account, in a timely fashion, any change in value created by second suites; and
(ii) directing such additional tax revenue toward enhancing enforcement and inspection activities of these units;
(f) the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to:
(i) ensure that, where alternative parking standards for second suites do not already exist, at least one additional on-site parking space be provided for a second suite, with the exception of the former City of Toronto area;
(ii) report, as soon as possible, on a mechanism where neighbours could approach the City to help identify solutions to individual or local neighbourhood concerns respecting the condition of properties, including those containing second suites; and
(iii) implement a program for landlords and tenants to educate and inform them of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments related to second suites as-of-right;
(g) the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to submit a report to the Planning and Transportation Committee, as soon as possible, on the possibility of implementing permit parking to accommodate the parking needs of the second suite dwellers;
(h) the following motions be referred to the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services for report thereon to the Planning and Transportation Committee:
Moved by Councillor Bossons:
'That the Clause be amended to provide that maximum sizes for second suites shall be as follows:
Bachelor/1 Bedroom - 62 m2 or 667 ft2
2 Bedroom - 82 m2 or 882 ft2
3 Bedroom - 98 m2 or 1,054 ft2
and that the draft by-law(s) be amended accordingly.'
Moved by Councillor Giansante:
'It is further recommended that the City Solicitor be requested to review the legislative authority and implement an easier means of access for the landlord/City staff to enter into second suites.'
Moved by Councillor Lindsay Luby:
'It is further recommended that the City Solicitor seek appropriate legislation, as required, to ensure right-of-entry for City staff to inspect for fire and safety issues'; and
(i) Council determine that, pursuant to Section 34 of the Planning Act, no further notice of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments is to be given in respect thereof." )
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 29, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
This report proposes that an "Add-a-Suite" program be created to encourage creation and upgrading of second suites (basement apartments etc.) through incentive grants and forgivable loans, and that the Federal and Provincial Governments be requested to cost-share such a program.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
This report requests the Federal and Provincial Governments to contribute funding to the proposed program. City staff will report back on the level of municipal contribution once the level of funds available for the Mayor's Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund is confirmed. The Mayor's Fund is to be created using projected savings generated through anticipated lower social housing mortgage payments in 1999, compared to the provision for such payments in the approved 1999 budget for the Shelter, Housing and Support Program.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Council endorse the establishment of an "Add-a-Suite" incentive program, as outlined in this report, and write to the Honourable Steve Gilchrist, the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, and the Honourable Alfonso Gagliano to seek provincial and federal funding contributions to the program;
(2) the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer report back by October 1999 on:
(a) any commitments of funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments; and
(b) funds that could be made available to this program from the Mayor's Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund as a result of the underspending in the Provincial Housing Download service area; and
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
This proposal arises in connection with Council's adoption of the 1999 Operating Budget and the implementation of the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force recommendations.
Council at its meeting of May 11-13, 1999, adopted various recommendations on implementing the Report of the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force, including legalization of second suites. This included a request that the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, report on:
"ways to encourage homeowners to create second suites, including the feasibility, cost and possible source of funds for:
(i) a promotional campaign for homeowners;
(ii) education and support programs for small landlords; and
(iii) incentive programs (e.g., capital grants, interest free loans)".
This report responds to point (iii) above and should be read in conjunction with the related report to the July 12, 1999, meeting of the Planning and Transportation Committee, dealing with the other two points.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
The Add-a-Suite Proposal:
The proposed "Add-a-Suite" program would provide funding to cover part of the costs of adding one or more units in existing residential properties. The objective is to offer a financial incentive, to support second suites as a major market-based way of creating affordable housing. Funding of up to $1,000.00 would be provided in the form of an "incentive" grant to homeowners, and larger amounts would be provided as a forgivable loan.
Successful precedents exist in the former provincial "Add a Unit" and "Convert to Rent" programs. Costs of creating such a unit are far less than the costs of building a new apartment unit or doing major renovation. The time to create such units is much shorter if no rezoning is required.
This initiative would support the proposed amendment of zoning by-laws, now being considered by Council, to permit second suites as-of-right in all single- and semi-detached houses, subject to standards being met. The Fund would be available both for creation of new units or for upgrading of existing ones. In either case, a relatively affordable unit is created that meets standards.
If Council approves these related initiatives, the City will be coming forward not just with by-law changes but also with complementary activities through a registration system, funding to create or upgrade units, and an education and support campaign for owners and tenants. Buildings staff also indicate that they are implementing a fast track process for building permits, that should speed up the approval process for second suites.
The City Solicitor has advised that the Municipal Act empowers the City to make grants and loans for such purposes if Council considers them to be in the municipal interest, as long as the prohibition on "bonusing" is adhered to, i.e., there is no provision of benefits to for-profit enterprises. The City also has power to require a mortgage or lien as a condition of funding.
Program Description:
The proposed guidelines for the program will be as follows:
(a) Eligible properties will be owner-occupied residences.
(b) Eligible work will be creation of a second suite, or upgrading of an existing second suite to meet standards.
(c ) The Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services may set criteria for approving applications for funding (for example, priority to new versus existing units, larger versus smaller units, above-grade units, earlier completion, etc.).
(d) Homeowners may apply for funding in one of two forms:
(i) an "incentive" grant of up to $1,000.00 to cover approved costs; or
(ii) a forgivable loan to a maximum of $15,000.00 per new unit, or a maximum of $10,000.00 per existing unit being upgraded to standard.
(e) Funding will cover only renovation or upgrading work determined by staff to be necessary to create the unit and meet standards, with costs established by quotes from building contractors.
(f) Units created with Add-a-Suite funding must meet the forthcoming City definition of "affordable housing".
(g) Each loan will be immediately repayable under conditions such as the property is sold, the unit is no longer rented, it fails to meet property standards, it is rented at levels exceeding the "affordable housing" definition, or other circumstances as determined by the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services.
(h) Conditions of funding for loans will be set out in a mortgage or will otherwise be secured by a registered collateral mortgage, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
(i) Loans will be forgiven at $1,000.00 per year or such other rate as may be established for the program by the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services.
(j) The Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services will establish simple but adequate monitoring requirements for loans (such as an annual statement from the home-owner confirming that the unit is still occupied and reporting the rent levels, or other steps as appropriate).
(k) Other criteria related to the applicant's ability to repay the loan (e.g., satisfactory credit rating, amount of equity remaining if other mortgages are registered on title).
In broad terms, the proposed conditions of assistance are similar to those used in the federal Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) with which staff have experience. The requirement to meet the forthcoming "affordable housing" definition will be a condition of other forms of City assistance as well (for example, from the Capital Revolving Fund for Affordable Housing).
Funding Sources:
Senior levels of government should be requested to contribute funding to this program. The Federal Government could support this initiative through the existing RRAP program or through a separate funding allocation. Currently RRAP provides loans of up to $18,000.00 per homeowner for essential repairs; however, the annual RRAP allocation to Toronto is limited, and falls far short of meeting the current level of need. To support a new Add-a-Suite initiative, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation would have to (a) modify the program guidelines to make the upgrading or addition of second suites a valid use of program funding, and (b) increase the funding allocation to Toronto for this purpose on a one-time or annual basis.
The source of municipal funding for the Add-a-Suite program could be the Mayor's Homeless Initiatives Reserve Fund, to be established using savings generated through lower mortgage payments within the Provincial Housing Download (social housing subsidy) in 1999. Allocation of funds to the Mayor's Fund will depend on confirmation of underspending in social housing subsidy. Staff are expecting a firm picture of underspending much earlier this year than was the case in 1998. The actual picture depends mainly on mortgage renewals through the year; the City must be satisfied that monthly provincial billings reflect actual ministry costs so that there is no year-end "surprise". Provision of such financial information from the Province is improving. The Province has indicated that monthly 1999 billings are being based on monthly rolling reconciliations (including the effects of mortgage renewals through the year). This contrasts with 1998 when billings were based on the 1998 Ministry budget and no solid information on actuals was available until after year-end.
Staff expect to be in a position this fall to confirm actual social housing costs for the first several months of 1999. This will enable a portion of the projected social housing subsidy savings to be allocated to the Mayor's Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund, while still allowing sufficient cushion for any unexpected increase in social housing subsidy cost in late 1999. The Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer will report back on this matter by October 1999.
Delivery Process:
The program would be delivered by housing program staff in the Shelter, Housing and Support Division. This would be a useful follow-up to the successful rental and rooming house RRAP program of earlier in 1999. Inspections would be co-ordinated where appropriate with Municipal Standards, Buildings, and Fire.
Staff will report further on the staffing implications of the proposed program. It is estimated, based on experience in home repair programs and a review of those programs undertaken in spring 1999, that approximately one FTE would be required for delivery (less than 1 percent of expected program cost). This would be a temporary position for the duration of the Add-a-Suite program, and could likely be filled through secondment of existing City staff.
Associated Information/Education Program:
As noted, the Add-a-Suite program would go hand-in-hand with zoning by-law changes, a registration system, and an education and information campaign. The information and education campaign is the subject of a report to the Planning and Transportation Committee at its July 12, 1999, meeting. The proposed education program includes written materials (workbooks, pamphlets), promotional materials (media advisories, fact sheets) and information sessions, to be developed by City staff and by a partnership of the Landlord Self Help Centre and Housing Help Centres. The initial program would operate late fall and winter 1999, to coincide with adoption of the second suite by-law and the Add-a-Suite program (all subject to Council approval). If the program is successful, and there is demand, it will be delivered again on an expanded basis in 2000.
This report was prepared in consultation with the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, the City Solicitor, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. In addition, staff in Financial Services, Budgets provided comments on the financial implications of creating the new Mayor's Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund
Conclusion:
A program of loans and grants to home-owners is proposed, to support the creation of second suites and the upgrading of existing ones to meet standards. The basic framework of program guidelines has been developed, building on precedents in other successful programs. The proposed phase 1 would be implemented in fall 1999, once funding is approved, and be accompanied by an education and promotion campaign. Further phases of the program would be implemented in 2000, conditional on by-law changes being approved by Council and the OMB, and on availability of funds from confirmed underspending in social housing subsidy.
Contact Name:
Joanne Campbell
Tel: 392-7885/Fax: 392-0548.
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, the following report (July 22, 1999) from the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services:
Purpose:
On July 12, 1999, the Planning and Transportation Committee (PTC) held a statutory public meeting on proposed official plan and zoning amendments to allow second suites as-of-right in single- and semi-detached houses throughout the City. This report is in response to the request for an analysis of the substantive comments, both written and verbal, made by the deputants, the members of the PTC, and Councillor Bossons.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no additional funding or financial implications stemming from this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the term ", row house" in (3)(i) in Recommendation No. (1) in Clause No. 1 of Report No. 3 of The Planning and Transportation Committee be deleted;
(2) Council adopt the recommendations contained in Clause No. 1 in Report No. 3 of The Planning and Transportation Committee as amended by Recommendation No. (1) above which responds to Council's directive (May 11 and 12, 1999) that unnecessary barriers to the creation of second suites be removed and that the City's planning documents be amended to permit second suites as-of-right in all single-and semi-detached houses, subject to appropriate building, fire and property standards being met and consistent with the approach taken in the 1994 provincial legislation;
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized to undertake any necessary action to give effect thereto, including preparing and introducing any necessary bills; and
If Council so wishes and in order to restrict builders from using the policy on second suites to create duplexes:
(4) Council modify the proposed zoning amendments to include a requirement that single- or semi-detached houses across the City of Toronto be a minimum of 2 years old before permitting the creation of a second suite.
Background:
In accordance with Sections 17 and 34 of the Planning Act, the Planning and Transportation Committee (PTC) held a statutory public meeting, on July 12, 1999, on proposed official plan and zoning amendments to allow second suites as-of-right in single- and semi-detached houses throughout the City. The Committee had before it the following reports:
- Draft Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-Law Amendments to Permit Second Suites As-of-Right (City Planning Division, June 14, 1999);
- Supplementary Report on Second Suites - Revised Draft Zoning By-Law Amendments to Permit Second Suites As-of-Right in Single- and Semi-Detached Houses (City Planning Division, June 24, 1999);
- Registration of Second Suites (Municipal Licensing and Standards, June 22, 1999); and
- Education and Promotional Program for Second Suites (Shelter, Housing and Support Division, June 25, 1999).
These reports were prepared in response to the Council directive of May 11, 1999, that the City's planning documents be amended, within 60 days, to permit second suites as-of-right in all single- and semi-detached houses, subject to appropriate building, fire and property standards being met and consistent with the approach taken in the 1994 provincial legislation. Staff were also directed to address the removal of unnecessary barriers to the creation of second suites while maintaining the integrity of the building code, fire code and property standards.
Comments:
The following discussion outlines the issues which were identified by the deputants, the members of the Planning and Transportation Committee and Councillor Bossons and provides comments and additional information.
(1) Builders and developers will subvert the policy on second suites by using it to create duplexes.
A number of deputants and several Councillors have expressed a serious concern that builders and developers will subvert the policy on second suites by using it to build new duplexes. Following a review by staff, it has been determined that the removal of restrictions on the age of a structure (Toronto, Etobicoke) may encourage builders to construct duplexes.
The intent of the policy is that it should be the decision of the homeowner to give up some of their living space and create a second suite. It is not the intent of the policy to encourage the construction of duplexes. To address this concern, I am recommending that Council consider establishing a minimum age restriction of two years on houses which can have a second suite.
The former Toronto had an age restriction of 5 years and the Lakeshore communities in Etobicoke had a minimum age restriction of 20 years. There is no apparent explanation for these figures.
In determining a 2-year minimum age restriction, the following are the key considerations:
- a lengthy age restriction, such as those currently in place, acts as a barrier in contravention of Council's direction;
- second suites have been identified as a way of helping young families with a mortgage payment and a lengthy age restriction would not be of assistance;
- the intent of the policy is to allow the home owner to make the decision to create a second suite. In order to do this the owner should have sufficient time to make the appropriate arrangements for the creation of the suite, including any necessary renovations. Again, a lengthy age restriction would discourage these households.
Therefore, a minimum age restriction of 2 years would appear to be appropriate. This length of time should give sufficient comfort to communities that builders will not be able to use the policy to create duplexes while not acting as an unnecessary barrier to the creation of second suites.
In 1998, there were 1,625 single- and semi-detached housing starts in the City of Toronto. The Golden Task Force has estimated that approximately 20 percent of resale homes have a second suite. Using 20 percent as a benchmark, it is estimated that the creation of roughly 325 legal second suites, per year, in new homes would be affected. While an age limitation does pose a barrier in contravention of Council's direction, the overall impact of this on the supply of rental housing appears to be relatively small.
(2) There should be a maximum unit size for second suites.
The proposals which have been developed by staff rely on the minimum size standards in the Building Code. The objective of this approach is to ensure that families living in second suites have sufficient and appropriate living space.
The former City of Toronto used the following maximum sizes for intrinsically affordable units:
- Bachelor/1-Bed 62 m² or 667 ft²
- 2-Bed 82 m² or 882 ft²
- 3-Bed 98 m² or 1,054 ft²
The provision of maximum unit sizes for second suites has not been recommended for the following reasons:
- unlike conventional rental apartments, size plays a less important role in determining the affordability of second suite rents. In the case of second suites, other factors such as location and amenities can have more impact on rent levels;
- maximum sizes could present an unnecessary barrier, in contravention of Council's direction; and
- maximum sizes could place limits on flexibility and restrict opportunities for accommodation for families with children who tend to prefer units with larger rooms. One of the benefits of many second suites is that they provide grade-related housing for children.
(3) The issue of second suites needs further study.
Second suites have been the subject of detailed analysis and review for more than 15 years. A selected bibliography of studies on second suites, or which recommend the implementation of second suites, is attached in Appendix A.
(4) There has been insufficient time for consultation.
City Council established the 60-day time line for the amendment of the City's planning documents and directed that the matter proceed directly to the Planning and Transportation Committee. The PTC defeated a motion that the matter be referred for further discussion and consultation at the Community Councils.
(5) Second Suites should not be permitted in certain districts in the City (e.g., R1S zones in the former Toronto)
Some deputants have proposed that certain areas of the City should be reserved exclusively for single-family, ownership housing and that second suites should not be permitted in such areas. In amending the City's planning documents, the approach taken by staff has been to permit second suites according to house forms (e.g., singles, semis).
An examination of data, from the 1996 Census, showed that there are no census tracts which are exclusively occupied by owner-occupiers. The community with the lowest proportion has 3.9 percent of households as tenant households. The overall distribution for the City is as follows:
| % of Tenants | No. of Census Tracts |
| 3.9% - 19.9% | 55 |
| 20.0% - 39.9% | 132 |
| 40.0% - 59.9% | 147 |
| 60.0% - 79.9% | 87 |
| 80.0% - 100.0% | 53 |
| Total | 474 |
These data show that a mix of owner and tenant households is the prevalent pattern in the City and that, currently, there are no exclusively owner-occupied communities. Reasons for this include:
- there are no restrictions on owners renting out their properties, including single-family homes; and
- second suites were made legal through provincial legislation in 1994 and 1995 and through a variety of enabling policies across the former Metro municipalities. The Golden Task Force has estimated that there are approximately 100,000 second suites.
(6) As-of-right permission for second suites throughout the City contravenes the planning directions of the new Official Plan.
Reinvestment "lenses" have been proposed as an organizing framework for the development of the City's new Official Plan. For discussion purposes, three potential "lenses" have been introduced: (1) stable areas, (2) areas with potential for change, and (3) "big change" areas.
Stable areas have been described in several City Planning documents as having an established character and where official plan policies should provide a high degree of certainty about the consequences of redevelopment. It was suggested that as-of-right permission for second suites, which would introduce additional rental accommodation into areas of predominantly ownership housing, would have a destabilizing effect on certain communities.
It is important to make a clear distinction between stable communities and static communities. It is not possible to guarantee that communities will be static in nature and that there will never be some element of change. Some communities change through redevelopment or infill but most do not experience major changes in their structural form.
Rather, the main changes occur as communities move through a family life-cycle of stages which include young families with children, older families with teenagers, empty-nesters and seniors. Many communities in Toronto have moved through this cycle and are now experiencing "demographic thinning" as children have left home and household sizes have become smaller. For the most part, the impact of second suites is demographic rather than structural as physical changes for the second suite take place within the existing building envelopes as set by current zoning setbacks and height limits.
(7) As-of-right permission for second suites will place undue pressure on the City's infrastructure and municipal services.
It was noted that one of the potential impacts of second suites would be to place stress on the City's infrastructure and municipal services by increasing the population of communities. Taking a closer look at census population data, however, provides the following information:
- between 1976 and 1996, the City increased its housing stock by approximately 200,000 units (or 27 percent);
- over the same period, the population of the City increased only marginally by approximately 260,000 people (or 13 percent);
- as a result of a number of factors, including "demographic thinning" mentioned above, many communities in the City have lower populations today than 20 years ago. Information for 364 census tracts with comparable population data for 1976 and 1996 shows the following:
| Area | No. of Census Tracts w/ a
Pop Gain,
1976-96 |
No. of Census Tracts w/ a
Pop Loss,
1976-96 |
Total
Census Tracts |
% of Census Tracts s w/ a
Population
Loss |
| Former Toronto | 61 | 75 | 136 | 55% |
| York | 14 | 13 | 27 | 48% |
| East York | 9 | 8 | 17 | 47% |
| Etobicoke | 18 | 35 | 53 | 66% |
| North York | 40 | 39 | 79 | 49% |
| Scarborough | 25 | 27 | 52 | 52% |
| City of Toronto | 167 | 197 | 364 | 54% |
- these data show that 1 in 2 communities in the City has experienced a population decline over the past twenty years;
- 23 communities had declines, over the twenty year period, of more than 1,000 people;
- average household sizes have become smaller in the City. In 1976, there were almost 3 persons/household. By 1996, this had declined to 2.6 persons/household.
- Areas which have experienced increases in population over the past twenty years are generally located in the downtown area where much new housing has been developed, areas which were greenfields, and other areas where condominium housing has been built.
- Population declines can have negative impacts on communities:
- it is anticipated that there could be as many as 35 to 40 school closings across the City, over the next three years, owing to declining enrolments;
- declining population means a shrinking market base which can affect the sustainability of local retailing and other small businesses; and
- declining populations work against efforts to maintain an efficient and effective transit service.
- Second suites can play a role in maintaining a healthy population balance. However, it should be noted that, on average, renter households tend to be smaller households. In the City of Toronto, 2 out of every 3 tenant households are either singles or 2- person households.
- Second suites allow for a more efficient use of the City's existing housing stock.
(8) Properties with a second suite should have an increase in property taxes.
If a property owner decides to enlarge their house, whether to allow for a second suite or for additional living space for their family, appropriate permissions and permits must be obtained. In these cases there is a significant improvement to the value of the property and it would be reassessed for property tax purposes.
The majority of second suites are created within the existing building envelope. The home owner makes the decision to give up some of their living space to allow for a second suite. As noted above, the majority of tenant households in the City are small households and the City has been experiencing a decline in household size over the past 20 years. Where there are significant property improvements to facilitate this there can be a reassessment.
(9) The proposals are inconsistent with the recommendations made by the Mayor's Homelessness Task Force on second suites.
This issue was explicitly addressed in the report to the May 11 meeting of City Council entitled: "The Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force Final Report: Recommendations and policy Directions related to the Housing Policies of the Official Plan".
In its report, the Golden Task Force strongly advocated for second suites as part of a range of strategies to address the shortage of new rental supply in the City, as well as being an important source of more affordable housing. Following a review by planning staff, it was determined that the specific recommendations of the Task Force would result in only a very limited supply of new second suites. This was not the intended effect sought by the Task Force. As a result, staff recommended that second suites be permitted as-of-right in single- and semi-detached houses throughout the City. This approach was confirmed through Council's direction to staff to amend the City's planning documents within 60 days.
(10) Second suites are not a solution for the City's homelessness problem and will not provide affordable housing.
It was noted that if second suites are permitted throughout the City some will not be affordable. For example, a second suite created in a house at the upper-end of the market could command a high rent. This would appear to be contrary to the objectives established by the Golden Task Force by neither providing housing for the homeless nor a unit which is affordable.
In their final report, the Golden Task Force noted that over the last decade the character of homelessness has undergone a significant change:
- The fastest growing groups of hostel users are youth under 18 and families with children;
- Families, including 5,300 children, accounted for 46 percent of the people using hostels in Toronto in 1996.
Affordability is a major issue for many families in the City but for many more the problem is simply finding a vacant apartment to rent. The City's vacancy rate of 0.9 percent means that, at any one time, only 9 out of 1,000 apartments are available for rent. Housing analysts use a 2.5 percent vacancy rate as a benchmark measure of a healthy rental market.
The Task Force commissioned projections of rental housing demand in the GTA and the City between 1996 and 2001. It was determined that to meet demand the City would need to add up to 4,800 units/year, of which approximately 50 percent should be affordable to families with low incomes. This means that there needs to be an increase in the stock of rental housing as a whole, as well as in the affordable component.
Last year, there were only 148 conventional rental housing starts in the City. CMHC has estimated that, in the City, 30.1 percent of condo apartments and 13.7 percent of townhouses are rented. In 1998, there were 3,589 condo apartment starts and 505 condo townhouse starts which could generate an estimated 1,149 rental units. Taken together this represents 1,297 units or 27 percent of the amount needed to meet the estimated total annual demand. This means that in 1998 alone there has been a shortfall of 73 percent. Furthermore, only a very small proportion of these units will be affordable to households with low incomes.
The Task Force noted that the creation of second suites has had to fill the shortfall in rental supply in Ontario for the past twenty years. They are a cost-effective, market driven alternative to new construction and they do not require subsidy. The evidence suggests that, for the most part, they do provide housing that is more affordable.
Data provided by the Housing Help Centres in East York, Etobicoke, Scarborough and York show that second suites are currently renting as follows:
• Bachelor up to $500
• 1-Bed up to $650
• 2-Bed up to $850.
These 1999 rents are below the 1998 market rents identified by CMHC through its Fall survey of the conventional rental market. These data confirm the Task Force's finding that, in general, second suites are priced below average market rents.
(11) Second suites should only be allowed in houses that are owner-occupied.
A number of deputants saw the advantage of having a second suite in an owner-occupied residence. If there were any problems with the tenancy, they felt that they could approach the homeowner to address any issues in a timely manner. The zoning provisions, however, cannot regulate ownership or who lives in a building.
Deputants expressed their concern about absentee landlords who did not ensure that their tenants were good neighbours or that their property was kept up. Deputants recognized that these problems will arise whether there is a second suite or not and felt that it would be useful if the City could develop a mechanism where neighbours could approach the City to help identify solutions in these cases.
(12) Second suites do not provide a healthy living environment.
The Tenant Protection Act makes the landlord responsible for providing and maintaining a rental unit in a good state of repair, fit for habitation and complying with health, safety, housing and maintenance standards.
Second suites which meet building, fire and property standards do provide a healthy living environment. Indeed, the Golden Task Force report argues at length that it is individuals and families that do not have access to secure and stable housing that are most at risk for poor health and reduced access to health services. There were 5,300 children who lived in the City's shelter system in 1996.
Being able to access more affordable housing could allow many lower income households to put more food on the table. The recently released report of the Daily Bread Food Bank (Hungry for a Home: Housing, Hunger and Food Assistance in the Greater Toronto Area, June, 1999) notes that:
"These households with a more severe shelter problem (mainly families with children) continually search for affordable alternatives but, given the paltry supply of affordable units in the GTA, they face the threat of eviction . . . over 30 percent of households with a more severe shelter problem had no money for food at least two days a week; and over 20 percent had no money for food one day each week".
Legalizing second suites may lead to improvements in the health and safety conditions of the stock as tenants may be more willing to enforce their rights under the TPA. In the past, tenants of illegal units have been reluctant to make complaints as they are concerned that their unit will be "shut down" forcing the tenant to lose their home.
(13) There should be consistent parking requirements for second suites across the new City. The former Toronto should not have more permissive provisions.
With the exception of the former Toronto, it is proposed that a house with a second suite must provide two parking spaces. The driveway in front of the house may be used for parking purposes and parking may be in tandem.
Where parking requirements can be satisfied through front-yard and on-street parking, the required parking space for the second unit may be provided as front-yard parking or permit parking as appropriate, provided all the applicable requirements are met. Parking standards (size of space) and requirements are not to be compromised.
The proposed amendments do not permit wider driveways or introduce front-yard parking where it is currently not permitted. The Works and Emergency Services Department is reviewing existing permit parking regulations and the extension of permit parking throughout the City. A report is expected by the end of the year.
In the former City of Toronto, the zoning provisions require one parking space for the first unit, where parking existed before the addition of the second suite, plus one parking space for each dwelling unit in excess of the first two units. The former Toronto has had long experience with this approach to parking and no change has been proposed to this requirement. In addition, this approach is consistent with the parking provisions of the former municipalities when Bill 120 was in effect.
Increasing the requirement in the R1S zones in the former Toronto to provide a second space could be interpreted as creating an unnecessary barrier contrary to Council's direction. It should be noted, however, that across the former Toronto these areas have the most likely capacity for providing a second parking space if required to do so.
It would be unfair to attribute all parking problems to tenants. There are no restrictions on how many vehicles a single-occupancy household can have. Households with several vehicles violate parking regulations (e.g. eliminate required parking space by converting garage to living space, front-yard parking, overnight parking on the street). Prospective tenants with vehicles will clearly have to consider the availability of parking in their decision on where to live.
(14) The Ontario Building Code and Fire Code Requirements should not be relaxed to permit second suites. These Code requirements should be enforced.
Concerns were expressed that the building and fire requirements were going to be relaxed to permit second suites and that code requirements were not going to be enforced. It should be noted that the Ontario Building Code and Fire Code are Provincial statutes and that these were amended in 1994 to establish minimum safety requirements for houses with second suites. These requirements were not changed when Bill 120 was repealed in 1996. The Province will not be approached to relax these requirements.
In preparing the June 24 report, staff were advised that OBC requirements with respect to minimum ceiling height, lighting, ventilation and fire exit requirements are only enforceable for one year after construction of the second suite. This point needs additional clarification:
- this time limit on enforceability was the general practise resulting from some of the former municipalities' interpretation of the OBC;
- the former Toronto, where second suites have been permitted in most areas, had a more strict interpretation which required and enforced compliance one year from the time code violations were detected. The Divisional Court supported the former City's interpretation where it was challenged;
- as part of amalgamation, the former Toronto's stricter practice is being adopted as the City-wide standard;
- Unsafe conditions under the OBC can be enforced at any time and there have never been any time limitations on the enforcement of the Fire Code.
With respect to fire safety for tenants and homeowners, in the case of second suites, the owner must ensure that the Fire Code's requirements for fire separations, means of egress , smoke alarms and electrical safety are met. The Fire Code provides four options which may be used to provide a suitable means of escape. The options address situations where the second suite is below, at-grade and above-grade.
(15) Basements should be included in the GFA calculations so that a property owner has to seek a variance to zoning to get permission for a second suite. This will provide a process for neighbours to have a say on changes in their community.
The inclusion of basements in the GFA calculations was interpreted as a potential barrier to the creation of second suites as it may require applicants to obtain approval for a variance to the zoning by-law. This would have contravened Council's direction to staff. Excluding basement GFA is consistent with Bill 120 which provided that planning documents could not prohibit interior alterations on the basis that they would violate standards related to the relationship between floor area and lot area.
It should be noted that the use of a basement for habitation in itself does not negatively affect the appearance or character of a community. What is controlled and will not be altered by the Second Suite By-Law is the building envelope established by setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, etc.
(16) A registration system is needed to ensure enforcement.
The Planning and Transportation Committee adopted a motion that a program of registration of two-unit houses not be adopted. The PTC took into account the following considerations:
- the former Toronto, with the longest experience of second suites, did not have a registration system;
- York and East York implemented registration systems but these have now been discontinued;
- an onerous registration system could act as a barrier to the creation of second suites in contravention of Council's direction;
- registration is a "one-time"process and does not improve rights of entry;
- the Municipal Act does not allow regular inspections to be provided for as a condition of maintaining registration;
- registration and enforcement are NOT the same thing. Enforcement happens regardless of registration.
(17) Building alterations should not be permitted to facilitate second suites .
Restrictions on altering building exteriors, such as installing additional doorways, are proposed to be removed. This has been done in compliance with Council's direction to remove unnecessary barriers to the creation of second suites. Several deputants, however, noted that removing this restriction could have a negative impact on the appearance of their communities.
There are currently no restrictions on the number of doors for newly constructed single- and semi-detached houses in the former municipalities of Toronto, Scarborough, North York and York. However, there are restrictions on altering the exterior of a house (e.g. adding a door) in respect to the provision of second suites in the former municipalities of Toronto, York and East York.
It has been the past experience that most second suites have been accommodated either through internal alterations or through side-doors or back-doors.
(18) Restrictions are needed to discourage builders from redeveloping residential properties for "monster homes" which contain second suites.
Deputants noted that there could be a loss of affordable ownership stock as smaller bungalow-style housing could be torn down and replaced by "monster homes" whose owners could more easily carry the new, larger home as a result of the income derived from the second suite.
With respect to the removal of smaller, more affordable ownership stock, there is little evidence to support the suggestion that as-of-right permission for second suites will encourage the development of "monster homes". This type of upper-market housing is generally occupied by households with high incomes who do not need to give up part of their living space to derive an additional income.
The following table shows the number of demolitions of single-detached dwellings in the City of Toronto between 1991 and 1997. This includes the two-year period (1994 and 1995) when second suites were made legal through the provincial legislation.
| Single-Detached Demolitions | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 |
| East York | 21 | 32 | 27 | 22 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| Etobicoke | 71 | 60 | 63 | 61 | 60 | 50 | 60 |
| North York | 256 | 337 | 280 | 545 | 369 | 330 | 339 |
| Scarborough | 82 | 108 | 92 | 145 | 83 | 78 | 93 |
| Toronto (former) | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5 |
| York | 40 | 46 | 40 | 30 | 22 | 15 | 32 |
| City of Toronto | 497 | 551 | 475 | 781 | 534 | 483 | 529 |
These data show the following:
- with the exception of the City of North York, there was little perceptible change in the number of demolitions during the period Bill 120 was in effect;
- building officials cannot attribute the increase in demolitions in North York in 1994 to redevelopment which included second suites; and
- in East York, York and the former Toronto, the number of demolitions declined in 1994 and 1995.
Correction to the Technical Amendment:
The former City of Toronto's zoning by-law is the only one that allows second suites in row houses. This permission is to continue. In response to Council's directive that any unnecessary barriers to the creation of second suites be removed, staff concentrated their review of restrictions to single- and semi-detached houses. Consequently, the proposed amendments to the former City of Toronto's zoning by-law (June 14 and June 24 reports) should pertain only to single- and semi-detached houses.
The technical amendment prepared by staff, which Councillor McConnell introduced at the July 12, Planning and Transportation Committee meeting and which the Committee recommends Council adopt, removes restrictions on second suites in row houses in the former City of Toronto. This was done in error. To correct this mistake, the term ", row house" in (3) (i) in Recommendation No. (1) in Clause No. 1 of Report No. 3 of The Planning and Transportation Committee should be deleted.
This deletion will not affect the permission for second suites in row houses in the former Toronto. However, this will mean that the restrictions and conditions (e.g. age of structure, building alterations, etc.) will continue to apply to row houses in the former Toronto.
Conclusion:
This report has been prepared in response to the request by the Planning and Transportation Committee for an analysis of the substantive comments, both written and verbal, made by the deputants, the members of the PTC, and Councillor Bossons in the context of the statutory public meeting of July 12 on second suites.
The report has focussed on addressing eighteen theme areas identified as being of concern in implementing as-of-right permission for second suites in single-and semi-detached houses throughout the City.
Second suites have been used to meet the shortfall in the production of rental housing in our communities for many years. The City has taken a number of steps to encourage the development of more affordable housing, including the establishment of a new multi-residential tax rate for newly created rental units, a "housing first" policy for municipal lands, and a Capital Revolving Fund for Affordable Housing. Additional assistance has been provided by the provincial government which has provided a rebate on the PST for building material for new rental construction.
In spite of these important steps to increase the supply of conventional rental housing, second suites will continue to be an important part of the City's housing action plan for the following reasons:
- they are a means of providing new rental supply without long lead times and without public subsidy;
- they represent a market solution and provide housing at rents which are more affordable;
- they provide additional income to seniors who wish to remain in their homes and for young families trying to meet mortgage payments; and
- they ensure that the existing housing stock is used efficiently and help to sustain the population base necessary to support community services and local businesses.
Contacts:
Ross Paterson Matt Rea
Principal Planner Planner
(392-7863) (392-8124)
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APPENDIX A
Second Suites - Selected Bibliography
Klein and Sears et al., Study of Residential Intensification and Rental Housing Conservation (prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, 10 Volumes (Toronto, March , 1983).
Lewinberg Consultants Ltd. et al., In Your Neighbourhood (prepared for Ontario Ministry of Housing, September, 1984).
Ekos Research Associates Inc., The Impact of Conversions on Neighbourhoods: Property Values and Perceptions (Prepared for Ontario Ministry of Housing, 1987).
The Starr Group, Etobicoke Housing Statement: Background Report #1 - Population, Housing Trends and Housing Needs (March, 1988).
The Starr Group/Richard Drdla Assoc., City of Etobicoke Municipal Housing Statement Update: A Housing Strategy for Today (April, 1988).
First Time Home Buyers Task Force, The Endangered Dream (Toronto, January 1989).
Berridge, Lewinberg, Greenberg et al., Scarborough - Maturing Neighbourhoods: Interim Report (Scarborough, 1989)
Ontario Home Builders Association, Housing: Restoring the Dream (Toronto, 1990) [see pp. 34-35].
R.A. Murdie and D. Northrup, Residential Conversions in Toronto: The Availability of Rental Units in Owner-Occupied Dwellings in the City of Toronto and Owner's Experience in the Rental Market (Institute for Social Research, York University, March, 1990).
Regional Real Estate Consultants, Accessory Apartments: Characteristics, Issues, Opportunities (prepared for CMHC , 1990)
The Starr Group/Richard Drdla Assoc., City of North York: Accessory Apartment/Rental Housing for Singles Study - Final Summary Report (May, 1991).
Clayton Research Associates Ltd., Rental Housing: A Study of Selected Local Markets (Prepared for CMHC and the B.C. Housing Management Commission, July, 1991) [see. P. 170].
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Apartments in Houses: Some Facts and Figures (Toronto, 1992).
Kehilla Residential Programme, A Study for the Legalization and Management of Accessory Apartments as Affordable Housing in North York (North York, November, 1992).
Metro Toronto Planning Department, Housing Patterns and Prospects in Metro (Toronto, 1996).
Edward Starr/TCI Convergence Ltd., "Housing Supply and Affordability: Rooming Houses and Second Suites" [Background Paper prepared for the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force, June, 1998].)
(City Council also had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, the following communication (July 20, 1999) from the City Clerk, forwarding communications received by the Planning and Transportation Committee at its meeting held on July 12, 1999, with respect to the Draft Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law Amendments to permit second suites as-of-right:
Attached are submissions received by the City Clerk respecting the foregoing matter:
- (June 28, 1999) from Robert Truman, Robert Truman & Associates, suggesting that Council not enact any by-law changes at this time and asking staff to establish some process of consultation with Toronto residents on the proposed by-law;
- (June 21, 1999) from Mary Latour Campbell, President, The Kingsway Sunnylea Residents' Association/KPRI, requesting a deferral of this matter until the Autumn;
- (June 28, 1999) from Terry Reardon, Director, Etobicoke Federation of Ratepayers' and Residents Associations, suggesting that a regulatory body be established to handle residents' complaints;
- (July 4, 1999) from Werner Mueller, expressing his concerns regarding second suites in single and semi-detached houses;
- (July 9, 1999) from Susan Nwosu, Coalition of Toronto Housing Help Centres, supporting the recommendations contained in the "Homelessness" report;
- (July 6, 1999) from Councillor Gloria Lindsay Luby, forwarding comments made by deputants at an informal public meeting held at Etobicoke Community Council on June 23, 1999;
- (July 7, 1999) from Ross Vaughan, President, Islington Ratepayers and Residents Association, expressing concern regarding health, safety, fire and maintenance of the units and requesting that these units be registered and reassessed for value and property taxes;
- (July 12, 1999) from Eric E. Parker, President, Lawrence Park-Bayview Property Owners Association, objecting to the proposed amendments based on concerns related to the impact on the city and its neighbourhoods, such as increased density, public health, crime increase and traffic problems;
- (July 9, 1999) from Councillor Michael Walker, requesting that this item be deferred and referred to the local Community Councils for further discussion and public deputations before going to City Council for final decision;
- (July 10, 1999) from Lower Banbury R.A., expressing concern on the addition of second suites;
- (July 11, 1999) from Cindy Weiner, President, St. Andrew's Ratepayers Association, expressing concern about the proposed Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law amendments;
- (July 12, 1999) from Mary Wahl, Acting President, Glenorrchy Resident's Association, outlining what impact second suites may have in their area;
- (July 12, 1999) from Geoffrey G. Mitchell, objecting to the proposed amendments and citing problems such as traffic and parking congestion, and additional fire hazards and requesting that this matter be postponed until the Fall;
- (July 11, 1999) from Bill Phillips, President, Lawrence Park Ratepayers' Association, registering the objections and concerns of his Association;
- (July 12, 1999) from the President, North Rosedale Ratepayers Association, requesting to be notified of the adoption of the Official Plan amendments;
- (July 6, 1999) from David Vallance, opposing the proposed Official Plan amendments and Zoning By-law amendments;
- (undated) from Geoffrey G. Mitchell, opposing the proposal to allow second suites in single and semi-detached houses;
- (July 12, 1999) from Councillor Ila Bossons, requesting deferral to hear deputations again in September;
- (July 12, 1999) from Marion Rethoret, Scarborough Homelessness Committee, expressing support for the proposed amendments to the Official Plan and the zoning by-law which, when legalized, would increase affordable rental units and supplement rental income;
- (July 12, 1999) from Doug Hum, Community Worker, Children's Aid Society of Toronto, expressing support for the creation of second suites and the legalization of existing units throughout the City, as well as the proposed educational and promotion information program for homeowners and tenants;
- (July 12, 1999) from William H. Roberts, Director, Swansea Area Ratepayers Group, objecting to the proposed amendments to the official plan and zoning by-laws to permit second suites. Some reasons cited refer to secondary suites as not becoming affordable to the homeless, the number of affordable starter homes would decrease, and parking would pose a problem;
- (July 12, 1999) from Margaret Hefferon, Caring Alliance, expressing support for the creation of second suites, and indicating that Caring Alliance has a commitment to the expansion of the stock of affordable housing;
- (July 12, 1999) from Shelley B. Ortved, President, Oriole Park Association, requesting a deferral of this matter until September;
- (July 12, 1999) from Barbara Hurd, Chairperson, Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations, supporting the legalization of second suites as a means of addressing the need for affordable housing, as well as the proposed education and information program, but opposing the registration program as not necessary as long as rigorous enforcement of health and safety standards is undertaken;
- (July 12, 1999) from Kenneth Hale, Community Legal Services and Elinor Mahoney, Parkdale Legal Services, supporting the proposed amendments and the education/information program, but not supporting the registration program;
- copy of an overhead presentation given by staff from Urban Planning and Development Services; and
- (July 14, 1999) from William R. Herridge, North Rosedale Ratepayers Association, objecting to the proposed amendments.)
(City Council also had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, the following communications in opposition to the proposed By-law to legalize second suites as-of-right:
(i) (July 7, 1999) from Mr. Edward J. Rowan, Scarborough;
(ii) (July 8, 1999) from Mr. Joseph Chiavatti, President, Gretsland Properties Limited;
(iii) (July 16, 1999) from Ms. Margaret Love;
(iv) (July 24, 1999) from Mr. George G. Fowler;
(v) (July 26, 1999) from Mr. John H. Clune, Etobicoke;
(vi) (undated) from Ms. Susan Ainley, President, North Hill District Home Owners Association; and
(vii) (undated) from The Toronto Homeowners Alliance, submitted by Councillor Walker.)
(City Council also had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, the following communications expressing support for the recommendations of the Planning and Transportation Committee with respect to second suites as-of-right:
(i) (July 23, 1999) from Mrs. Terry Martin, Lakeshore Community Audit Project Housing Taskforce;
(ii) (July 26, 1999) from Terri Noseworthy, Executive Director, Albion Neighbourhood Services (ANS); and
(iii) (July 26, 1999) from Ms. Peggie Walden, Staff Lawyer, Scarborough Community Legal Services.)
(City Council also had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, a copy of a staff presentation dated July 28, 1999, prepared by the Urban Planning and Development Services Department.)
10
Community Services Grants Program - 1999 Appeals Report
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 30, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
This report presents the recommended allocations from the $45,000.00 Community Services Grants Program (C.S.G.P.) appeal fund for agencies which appealed to the Community Services Committee for reconsideration.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The 1999 approved estimates provide for $10,516,323.00 for the Community Services Grants Program. An amount of $45,000.00 was reserved to respond to agency appeals.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the appeal fund of $45,000.00 be allocated to: Assaulted Women's Helpline ($8,000.00); ComServ Family Support Inc. ($1,000.00); Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services ($8,000.00); Learning Disabilities Association of North York ($3,000.00); Next Door Family Resources ($3,500.00); Parkdale Focus Community Project ($10,000.00); Reena ($7,500.00); and St. Alban's Boys and Girls Club ($4,000.00);
(2) a request of $10,000.00 from the Contingency Grants for the one-time restructuring costs of Volunteers Etobicoke ($5,000.00) and for East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club ($5,000.00) be made to the Grants Sub-Committee to be established under the Policy and Finance Committee; and
(3) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
Under the general authority for making municipal grants provided in Section 113(1) of the Municipal Act, all of the former municipalities provided support to the not-for-profit sector through community service grants.
On June 17, 1999, the Community Services Committee received a report, entitled "Community Services Grants Program (C.S.G.P.) - 1999 Allocations", which recommended allocations totalling $10,471,323.00 to 307 agencies.
Forty-three organizations appealed and provided written and/or verbal presentation to the Community Services Committee regarding the following issues: amount of funding recommended to their agency; conditions placed on the grant; and not being recommended for funding and/or not considered eligible. Several organizations noted the need for service equalization in the grants program across the City, or the need for increased amounts of funding in the C.S.G.P.
In developing recommendations with regard to how the appeal funds could best be allocated, staff reviewed the original recommendations and considered the information presented in the deputations. A total of $45,000.00 is available for the 1999 Community Services Grants Program appeals.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Of the 43 organizations which appealed their allocations, nine were new applicants not recommended for support, and the remaining 34 were returning or previously funded agencies. Of the returning agencies, two agencies were recommended for a reduced allocation, and 32 for a flat-line allocation. Two agencies had future funding conditions which they were appealing.
The overall approach used in assessing the appeals was consistent with directions outlined in the June 3, 1999, report, "Community Services Grants Program - 1999 Allocations".
Funds made available through the appeals fund have been recommended to one eligible new applicant and to provide increases to six returning applicants using the equity framework specifically community equity (i.e., both geographic communities and communities of common bond) and to return an agency who had not been recommended a grant to their 1998 level. The principles of equitable access to grants, agency effectiveness and efficiency, community needs and available resources were considered as well.
New Agencies:
Nine new agencies that were not initially recommended for a grant appealed. Six of these agencies were determined to be ineligible as they had not yet developed the required organizational systems and structures and/or did not demonstrate the required level of performance through the interview and review process. Of the remaining three agencies, one agency was not recommended because it was determined to be a lower priority within the equity framework. One agency was not recommended because it requested funds for a program in which the small number of clients served and the resulting cost per participant made it a lower priority. An additional agency was not recommended for a grant because of the changes in the organization as a result of restructuring.
Based on the information provided during the deputations and a review of agency applications, staff have confirmed the original recommendations regarding the six agencies which have not yet developed the required organizational systems and structures. These agencies will be invited to attend organizational development workshops provided by the Community Resources Unit of the Social Development and Administration Division. In addition, staff are meeting with other funders to identify possible supports to assist agencies during their developmental stage and, where appropriate, to encourage agency co-ordination/collaboration. As well, staff have confirmed the original recommendations regarding the two agencies that were determined to be a lower priority.
Based on the deputation, Committee direction and additional information of one new applicant, Parkdale Community Focus is recommended for a grant of $10,000.00 for the Community Parents Outreach Program. This program was originally declined funding due to uncertainty about the restructuring the agency was undergoing with the Community and Older Persons Alcohol Program. The agency has demonstrated that the restructuring has progressed to a sufficient level and the program for which funds have been requested would not be negatively impacted by the structural changes.
Returning Applicants:
As indicated above, staff have confirmed the general approach to flatline previously funded organizations and to allocate any available additional dollars using the equity framework, specifically community equity (i.e., both geographic communities and communities of common bond).
Of the 34 returning agencies appealing their recommendations 32 were flat-lined. Based on the information provided during the deputations and a review of agency applications staff have confirmed the original recommendations for 26 of these agencies and have recommended additional funds for six of these agencies.
One agency appealed the initial recommendation that their program was no longer eligible and their grant would be reduced and phased out beginning in the year 2000. Based on the information provided at the deputation, staff have confirmed the original recommendation.
One agency appealed the future funding condition placed on the agency. Based on the information provided during the deputation and a review of the agency application, staff have confirmed the original recommendation.
Two agencies who appealed had received initial recommendations for decreased allocations. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agencies and have confirmed the initial recommendation for one of these agencies.
Reena was determined to be ineligible for funding during the 1998 allocation process as a result of relocating the agency head office outside of the City of Toronto. The agency was allocated 50 percent of the previous year's allocation as transition funding. In 1999, the agency has reapplied for funds. The agency has indicated through the appeals process that although the agency head office is not located in the City of Toronto the majority of clients and Board members are from the City of Toronto.
The location of the agency head office has been a significant criterion for determining eligibility for City of Toronto grants. Staff will review this criterion and implications of any changes for the grants programs. Pending this review a grant at the same level as 1998 is recommended.
Three agencies, made appeals regarding their flat line allocations on the basis of the need for service in their catchment areas and the variability of funding levels across the City. Staff will review the need and demand to level up the funding available for the C.S.G.P. program and report through the Community Services Committee through the 2000 year budget process.
Two agencies appealed their initial recommended allocations on the basis that they need additional funds to cover one-time restructuring costs due to mergers that their agencies were undergoing. Staff are recommending that $5,000.00 per agency be sought from Contingency Grants as one-time additional funds to assist these agencies with their restructuring.
Conclusions:
Based on reviews of the information presented through the deputations, it is recommended that one new applicant receive funding, six returning applicants receive additional funds and one returning applicant receive a grant at their 1998 flat-line allocation level. In addition, two returning applicants are recommended for consideration for funding from Contingency Grants for one-time restructuring costs.
Contact Name:
Chris Brillinger, Tel: 392-8608/Fax: 392-8492
e-mail address: chris_brillinger@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca
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Appendix 1
1999 Community Services Grants Program - Appeals Report
The agency provides a 24-hour crisis and counselling telephone line for women experiencing violence. The service is available in up to 150 languages. This telephone service provides emotional support, training, workshops, information and referral, and advocacy. In 1998, 26,800 client contacts were made by a staff of 12.0 full-time equivalents and 44 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for $8,000.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $63,702.00.
The organization provides parent relief, a family resource program, and social-recreational activities for members of the Baluchi community. In 1998, 95 individuals were served by 10 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The agency's services include a 300-bed hospital, 372 long-term care beds in the Jewish Home for the Aged, 204 units of housing for seniors, a group home, an adult day program, an elderly persons' centre, and home care services. In 1998, 5,000 individuals were served by a staff of 1,046.6 full-time equivalents and 2,919 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The organization is a national community-based organization of volunteers founded in 1995. The mission of the organization is to prevent disease and mortality in children in Third World countries, the developing regions of the Balkans and Canadian children in need, to treat disease and to research the prevention of diseases. Activities within the City of Toronto focus on the provision of education seminars on parenting and health promotion, information and referral and outreach activities. In 1998, 600 individuals were served by 41 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The agency serves Spanish-speaking people and their families across the City of Toronto. Services include settlement, supportive counselling, public education, community information boards, counselling, language training, women's programs, training workshops, legal clinic, seniors' program, youth program, cultural and recreational programs. In 1998, 5,828 individuals were served by a staff of 14.8 full-time equivalents and 50 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency provides social, cultural, and educational support to Chinese women and their families across the City of Toronto. Supports include seminars on health care, financial planning, and the environment, a community newspaper, a performing cultural "art troupe" and information and referral services. In 1998, 25 individuals were served by 140 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The agency serves low-income communities, women and children in shelters, and other marginalized groups across the City of Toronto. The Network co-ordinates volunteers from a number of bike clubs in the City. Bikes are recycled and promoted as low-cost means of transportation to low-income populations. The Open Roads program operates out of shelters for abused women and children. Children learn how to fix bikes and earn ownership of a recycled bike. In 1998, 95 individuals were served by a staff of 1 full-time equivalent and 30 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency serves residents and service providers in the former City of York. Services include information and referral, case management and childcare information services, advocacy, informal counselling, community outreach and publications. In 1998, 9,100 client contacts were made by a staff of 3.2 full-time equivalents and 29 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency serves developmentally disabled residents in the former City of Etobicoke. The agency provides supportive employment and living options, a family support resource network, education and training, and integration facilitator programs for the developmentally disabled. In 1998, 106 individuals were served by a staff of 0.5 full-time equivalents and 15 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for $1,000.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $5,000.00.
The agency serves residents of the area surrounding the Jane Street/Wilson Avenue intersection bounded by Sheppard Avenue, Keele Street, Highway 401 and 400. Four agencies merged and provide a variety of recreational activities, social services, and educational programs, and are about to undergo a merger. Activities include a parent/child drop-in program with a bilingual Spanish component, adult fitness, social recreational programming for children, youth and seniors, women's support group, special community events, and a newsletter. In 1998, 17,033 individuals were served using a staff of 6 full-time equivalents and 241 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for $8,000.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $95,924.00.
The agency serves primarily boys and girls aged 6-17 within the area bounded by Bloor Street, Dupont Street, Lansdowne Avenue, and Ossington Avenue. They provide a variety of social and recreational programs including sports, group games, day care program, arts and crafts, summer day camps, tots' program, leaders' corps, youth job experience and a girls' group. In 1998, 740 individuals were served by a staff of 15 full-time equivalents and 164 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency serves children and youth principally in the area bounded by Kennedy Road, Highway 401, Manse Road and Lake Ontario. Programs include after-school drop-in clubs, family resource programs, a summer day camp, evening social and recreational activities, stay in school program, computer classes, and pre-school and school-age day care. In 1998, 2,100 individuals were served by a staff of 32 full-time equivalents and 296 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency will be referred to Contingency Grants for $5,000.00 in additional funds.
The agency provides support to the community through interpretation, information and referral and assistance for seniors living independently. In 1998, 3,493 client contacts were made by 1 full time equivalent and 131 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The For Youth Project is a partnership initiative comprised of organizations (mainstream and ethno-specific) looking at issues affecting ethno-racial youth in the former City of York. This is a community development initiative looking at restructuring existing services and institutions to better meet the needs of ethno-racial youth. Youth have been involved in the initiative and organized a number of meetings, workshops and events. As well, the coalition of agencies is intending to set up a youth resource centre. In 1998, a staff of 1.8 full-time equivalents and 44 volunteers worked on the initiative.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The Gerrard Resource Centre is a program of Ryerson Polytechnic University and provides leadership to the child care community through the provision of services and the training of students. Programs are offered n the area bounded by Bloor Street, Lakeshore Boulevard, Yonge Street and Don Valley Parkway. Services include drop-in programs at three locations, emergency child care, toy lending library, consultation services for children with special needs, childcare information and referral and healthy child development project. The emergency child care project supports families in crisis by providing short-term care for children in a safe and supportive environment. In 1998, 810 individuals were served by a staff of 7.5 full-time equivalents and 54 volunteers.
Recommendation: The original recommendation is confirmed.
The agency provides social, cultural, recreational and educational opportunities for Francophone youth in the City of Toronto. Services include a drop-in, workshops, and employment training. In 1998, 420 individuals were served by a staff of 2 full time equivalents and 20 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The organization promotes the social and economic self-sufficiency of African Canadian and other visible minority women. Activities include training in small business management, sewing and fashion design, and access to information and services. The Heritage Fashion Design Network project facilitates shared resources in the initial stages of small business development. Other activities include life skills development, drug abuse and crime prevention programs. In 1998, 1,721 people were served by a staff of 4 full-time equivalents and 238 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency provides educational, social, recreational, legal, medical, vocational training and employment opportunities for the learning disabled in the former City of North York. Services include a resource library, workshops, resource support service, resource facilitation, public meetings, newsletter and advocacy. In 1998, 5,800 client contacts made served by a staff of 3.5 full-time equivalents and 150 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for $3,000.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $15,100.00.
The agency provides a broad range of programs for parents, caregivers and pre-school children in the southern area of the former City of Etobicoke. The Child Care Registry serves a larger area because this service is primarily provided via the telephone. Programs include several drop-in centres, a resource library, children's programs, newsletter, caregiver/parenting workshops and special events. In 1998, 2,391 individuals were served by a staff of 5.82 full-time equivalents and 234 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for $3,500.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $41,182.00.
This agency provides counselling and referral, strategies for relief of poverty, immigration and settlement services, language instruction, employment training and health services to its own community. One program, called "Buddy", pairs skilled or professional members of the community with young people and act as mentors. In 1998, 1,210 individuals were served by 62 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
Parkdale Focus Community delivers alcohol and drug prevention programs. Agency activities include a moms' support program, community parent outreach program for pregnant women, their children and families, a community safety project and a drop-in program for seniors, homeless individuals and psychiatric survivors. In 1998, 3,150 client contacts were made by a staff of 15 full-time equivalents and 309 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for a grant of $10,000.00.
The agency serves residents across the City of Toronto who have had a stroke or brain injury and been discharged from formal therapy, ongoing speech and language stimulation. The agency provides long-term community-based, professional communications and psycho-social programs, and aphasic education and research. In 1998, 271 individuals were served by 10.88 full-time and 183 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency provides children's programs, special events, arts, recreation, educational programming, public computers, and low-cost community space in the area bounded by the Don River, Eastern Avenue, Coxwell Avenue, and the northern boundary of the former City of Toronto. In 1998, 2,790 individuals were served by a staff of 18.5 full-time equivalents and 141 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The agency serves developmentally disabled people. Services include group homes, residential services, vocational workshops, client and family services, day program, support and relief programs for families and public education. In 1998, 280 individuals were served by a staff of 218 full-time equivalents and 522 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for a grant of $7,500.00.
The agency provides social, cultural, and economic development opportunities for young Francophone women in the City of Toronto. Services include a drop-in, workshops, entrepreneurship development, and information and referral. In 1998, 300 individuals were served by a staff of 3 full-time equivalents and 18 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency provides job experience, volunteer opportunities and life skills training for youth aged 17-24 across the City in a nine-month internship program. In 1998, 18 individuals were served by a staff of 2.25 full-time equivalents and 38 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The organization provides information and referral supports, counselling and education to Somali women across the City of Toronto. The organization aims to help Somali women and children through the adaptation and integration process. In 1998, 388 individuals were served by a staff of 971 full-time equivalents and 34 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The organization provides social, cultural, recreational, health and wellness, settlement and education support to Somali families across the City of Toronto. In 1998, 213 individuals were served by 32 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The agency serves women and children across the City of Toronto. They provide community and social services for women and children. Direct services include post-settlement counselling, life skill workshops, peer support and support groups for assaulted women. In 1998, 720 individuals were served by 2 full-time equivalents and 30 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The organization provides a variety of recreational and educational programs for children aged 4 to 17 in the area bounded by Spadina Road, Ossington Avenue, Harbord Street and Davenport Road. It also offers a pre-school program and community activities for adults and families. In 1998, 1,070 individuals were served by a staff of 14.9 full-time equivalents and 102 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is recommended for $4,000.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $25,671.00.
The agency serves children and parents with special needs in the former City of York. The Centre offers respite programs for families with developmentally handicapped children and programs to integrate the children in community activities. Programs presently offered include a parent support group, parent/child we need a break program, after four program and a youth theatre program. All programs are integrated. In 1998, 506 individuals were served by a staff of 7 full-time equivalents and 39 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency provides services for seniors in the former Borough of East York. Services include recreation, Alzeheimer's day program, supportive housing, a 25 bed nursing home and physicians. In 1998, 607 individuals were served by a staff of 35.8 full-time equivalents and 169 volunteers.
Recommendation: The original recommendation and conditions are confirmed.
The organization serves largely Polish-speaking seniors in the southern area of the former City of Etobicoke. The club is an unincorporated organization which was started in 1998 to meet the social and recreational needs of seniors in the local neighbourhood. The agency provides a variety of activities once a week which include exercise, conversation, light refreshments and bingo as well as activities at Christmas and daytrips. In 1998, 54 individuals were served by 11 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for a grant.
The agency operates an elderly persons' centre in a seniors' building in the former City of Toronto which provides social recreational activities for the residents and the surrounding community. In 1998, 532 individuals were served by a staff of 14 full-time equivalents and 195 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
Stop 103 provides crisis assistance to low-income single people and families in the area bounded by Runnymede, Dovercourt, Bloor Street and St. Clair Avenue. Basic programs include a food bank, assistance with housing and employment, access to food and household goods. Congregate dining and the Healthy Beginnings program are offered in co-operation with other local organizations. In 1998, 5,869 people were served by a staff of 3.8 full-time equivalents and 146 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency operates social/recreational programs for seniors five days per week for eight weeks during the summer on Wards Island. In 1998, 1,563 people attended the summer program. A drop-in is offered in the fall/spring/winter months one day a week at St. Andrew's United Church. In 1998, 1,754 individuals were served by a staff of 4 full-time equivalents and 120 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency serves members of the Tamil community across the City of Toronto. Services include orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, educational seminars for women and youth, outreach services, employment assistance, educational programs, language classes and cultural activities. In 1998, 7,970 individuals were served by a staff of 38.5 full-time equivalents and 107 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
This new agency serves the Mandarin-speaking community from Mainland China. Services include settlement support, information and referral, English as a Second Language, youth programs and other cultural and community development activities. In 1998, 10,000 client contacts were made by a staff of 2 full-time equivalents and 230 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency serves youth in the east end of Toronto. Services include a youth employment centre, a day care, summer day camp, youth leadership programs and after school programs in a variety of community locations. In 1998, 7,253 individuals were served by a staff of 42.5 full-time equivalents and 200 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency has been serving residents and agencies in the former City of Etobicoke since 1987. Residents are encouraged to serve the community through volunteer participation and assists agencies in working effectively with volunteers. The agency has a satellite office in Humber College and an interview site in the Rexdale Community Health Centre. Services are provided through five program areas: recruitment, referral, agency consultation, promotion and training/education. In 1998, 4,199 individuals were served by a staff of 1.86 full-time equivalents and 80 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency will be referred to Contingency Grants for $5,000.00 in additional funds.
The agency serves residents in the area bounded by Sheppard Avenue, Yonge Street, Finch Avenue and Bayview Avenue with emphasis on the Metro Toronto Housing Authority community. Programs include an after school program, food bank, pre-school drop in and community workshops and events. In 1998, 295 people were served by a staff of .5 FTE and 101 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency serves residents in the former City of York. Services include health care, social services, legal aid clinic, budget counselling and services to seniors. Volunteers participate in programs such as friendly visiting, transportation of seniors, snow shovelling, an interpreters' bureau, income tax clinics, Christmas baskets, legal clinic, health clinic and housing registry. The York Housing Registry is administered through this agency. In 1998, 8,634 individuals were served by a staff of 36.66 full-time equivalents and 140 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
The agency provides out-patient services ranging from prevention (e.g., community-parent education) to early interventions and treatments (e.g., child management, counselling and therapy). Services are provided to children individually and in conjunction with others involved, e.g., families, surrogate care givers, teachers and foster parents. The agency works collaboratively with other agencies including the Central Agencies Sexual Abuse Treatment Programme, the Association of Children's Mental Health Centres, Programme without Walls, Healthy Babies, Healthy Children and others. In 1998, 2,071 individuals were served by a staff of 9.9 full-time equivalents and 159 volunteers.
Recommendation: The agency is not recommended for additional funds.
11
Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program -
1999 Appeals Report
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 30, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
This report presents the recommended allocations from the $20,000.00 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program appeal fund for organizations that made deputations to the June 17, 1999, meeting of the Community Services Committee.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Funding of $651,900.00 for 1999 Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants is available in the approved 1999 Consolidated Grants budget. An amount of $631,900.00 was recommended for allocation to 60 applicants in the May 31, 1999, report to Community Services Committee, leaving an amount of $20,000.00 to respond to appeals.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the appeal fund of $20,000.00 be allocated as recommended in Appendix 1 of this report; and
(2) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants program was initiated in 1993 by the former City of Toronto as a result of recommendations made by the Safe City Committee, under the general authority for making grants which is provided in the Municipal Act Section 113(1).
During 1998, the Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants program undertook a service review to identify directions for the program in 1999. The September 16, 1998, report "Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants - 1999 Service Options" summarizes the review and identifies options for the delivery of the program across the new City of Toronto. In 1999, applications were received from organizations throughout the City of Toronto.
The Community Services Committee on June 17, 1999, had before it a report (May 31,1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services recommending the allocation of Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants totalling $631,900.00 to 60 applicants. Twelve organizations appealed the grant recommendations.
In developing recommendations for allocation of the appeal fund, staff reviewed the original recommendations, considered the additional information presented in the deputations as well as direction provided through the recommendations of the Community Services Committee.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Community organizations submitted a total of 108 applications for 1999 Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants. Sixty groups were recommended for support, and 48 were not recommended. Of the 12 groups that appealed the recommendations, 11 had not been recommended for any funds, and one had been recommended for a grant.
Of the 12 groups appealing the grant recommendation, seven had received project funding in 1998, and five are new applicants. Applicants are considered new if they have not received funding in the previous year, although some new applicants have received project support in years prior to 1998. Of the new applicants making appeals, three are organizations outside the City of Toronto that prior to 1998 had not been eligible to apply to the program.
During the appeals, some groups provided information on changes in their program plans and revised their requests for grants to address some specific component of their proposal. In making recommendations for appeals, staff considered the project proposals and the original recommendations as well as the revisions and comments made by groups during the appeals. Consideration was given to the limited ability of the appeal fund to respond to the level of requests, which totalled $213,500.00 for the 12 groups making appeals. Priority was given to applications where the available funds could contribute most effectively to a specific project.
During consideration of the appeals, the Community Services Committee requested that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services bring together agencies that aim to service unilingual South East Asian and Chinese victims of domestic violence with the purpose of providing grants to projects that aim to break the cycle of violence. Staff will meet with organizations to assist in identifying potential partnerships and co-operative efforts to serve victims of domestic violence in these communities. Staff reviewed the appeal information related to services for these communities, and the recommendations include support to two project initiatives: one for prevention of domestic violence in the Vietnamese community and one for the prevention of child abuse in the Mandarin speaking community.
Five organizations are recommended for grants from the appeal fund of $20,000.00 as identified in Appendix 1 of this report. These recommendations will provide grants to organizations to undertake specific projects directed at media awareness in ethno-specific communities (two projects) and education for children, youth and families (three projects).
These recommendations bring the total of new groups funded to 48 (out of a total of 74 new applicants). Grants are now recommended for 17 returning groups (out of a total of 34 returning applicants).
Conclusion:
The Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program enables a wide variety of community organizations to participate in making Toronto a safer place to live and work and play. Each year, requests exceed the level of support available for viable projects. Based on a review of the original recommendations and the information presented in the appeals, grants totalling $20,000.00 are recommended for five organizations as listed in Appendix 1.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Sue Kaiser, Agency Review Officer
Tel: 397-7302/Fax: 392-8492
skaiser@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca
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Appendix 1
Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program
1999 Appeal Recommendations
1999 1999 Appeal
Name of Agency 1998 Grant Request Recommendation
1. Canadian Centre of Victims of Torture $9,000.00 $10,000.00 $ 0.00
2. Canadian Organization for the Advancement N/A 52,000.00 4,000.00
of Black Single Mothers
3. Harriet Tubman Community Organization 7,000.00 10,000.00 4,000.00
4. Native Canadian Centre of Toronto 5,000.00 50,000.00 0.00
5. Neighbourhood Information Post 5,600.00 10,000.00 0.00
6. Oromo Canadian Women's Support Group* N/A 10,000.00 0.00
7. Somali Immigrant Women Association N/A 9,500.00 0.00
8. South East Asian Services Centre 0.00 24,500.00 4,000.00
9. Tamil Eelam Society of Canada 9,000.00 10,000.00 0.00
10. Toronto Christian Resource Centre 6,500.00 8,000.00 4,000.00
11. University Settlement Recreation Centre 3,000.00 10,000.00 0.00
12. Vietnamese Youth and Women's Centre N/A 9,500.00 4,000.00
$45,100.00 $213,500.00 $20,000.00
N/A - Did not apply.
0.00 - No grant recommended.
* This group was recommended for a 1999 grant in the March 31, 1999, allocation report.
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Appendix 2
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
1999 Appeals: Project Request Summary and Comments
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture - (Item No. 11)
Project: Violence Against Women: The Unspoken Pain:
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture provides counselling and support to survivors of torture who are immigrants/refugees in the City of Toronto. The proposed project is designed to create family violence awareness among new Canadians. The project will educate and inform women survivors of torture in their own language through group sessions. The project will incorporate guest speakers and art therapy.
Comments: During the appeals, the organization reiterated the need for the project activities and the success of the proposed activities in assisting women who are victims of torture, war and violence. This organization has received five Breaking the Cycle of Violence project grants since 1993. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.
Canadian Organization for the Advancement of Black Single Mothers (COABSM) - (Item No. 20)
Project: Building Bridges Towards a Safer Community:
The Canadian Organization for the Advancement of Black Single Mothers offers social programs, boys and girls soccer club, a family support group and a supplementary food program. The proposed project will develop innovative safety tools through weekly interactive group discussions. The project will also include workshops such as anger management and positive parenting training. Partnerships will be built with business, labour, government, banks, hospitals, churches, public/private sector and, other community agencies.
Comments: During the appeals, the applicant reiterated the need for the project activities, and indicated that a smaller grant would assist the group in developing its capacity to support violence prevention activities with mother-led families in the Jane/Finch neighbourhood. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the group in providing violence prevention activities and developing its leadership and organizational skills. Release of the grant is conditional on the group providing a trustee agreement with a suitable organization.
Harriet Tubman Community Organization - (Item No. 44)
Project: Save Our Youth:
The Harriet Tubman Community Organization serves at-risk youth in the African Canadian community. The proposed project will develop a strategy for prevention of violence by involving youth in learning and leadership opportunities. The project will reach out to agencies and organizations across the City to build partnerships and serve at-risk youth.
Comments: During the appeals, the group reiterated the need for the project and identified its priority for activities with young people through the Positive Rap Coalition. The group identified that a smaller grant would enable them to focus on developing youth leadership and peer outreach on the issues of violence for young black youth. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization with youth leadership activities and peer outreach.
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto - (Item No. 56)
Project: Seventh Generation Gathering Lodge:
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto serves the community with cultural activities, community development, men's, women's and children's circles, visiting elders program and services to seniors. The proposed project is an expansion of a previously funded, volunteer-led circle focussed on healing and abuse issues. The teachings will emphasize traditional concepts of respect for women and children and the violence that has effected the First Nations people. Teachings will be open to the public, but people of the First Nations will specifically be targeted.
Comments: The appeal meeting received information from the group about the need for the project in the community, the success of the previous year's activities and the fact that a smaller grant would assist them in meeting their goals. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended. The organization is encouraged to seek out other sources of funds for its ongoing program activities.
Neighbourhood Information Post - (Item No. 59)
Project: Building a Violence-Free Life:
This project proposes to establish a multi-cultural youth support group for female youth (15 youths aged 16-24). The focus of the group is to stop the violence in the lives of youth through education, creative expression and community participation. Partnerships and sharing of resources have been established and outlined.
Comments: During the appeal meeting, the organization reiterated the need for the project and identified the specific activities to be undertaken for youth. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.
Oromo Canadian Women Association in Ontario - (Item No. 65)
Project: Prevention of Domestic Violence Project:
The Oromo Canadian Women's Association assists Oromo women to settle in Canada, and provides support for women to participate in social and economic life. The proposed project is designed to educate Oromo women, men, and youth on the causes and consequences of domestic violence. Approaches will include printed materials, workshops, discussion forums and the establishment of peer support groups for women. The goal of the project is to prevent or minimize domestic violence in the Oromo community.
Comments: The appeal meeting received information from the group about the high level of need for the project in the community, and a request that additional funds be provided beyond the amount of $4,000.00 recommended in the May 31, 1999, allocations report. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no additional funds are recommended. The group is encouraged to develop a plan for increasing services that incorporates other community resources. Staff will be available to assist the group.
SIWA - Somali Immigrant Women's Association - (Item No. 77)
Project: Dixon Community Safety:
Somali Immigrant Women's Association provides support to Somali women and children to adjust to life in Canada, including information and referral, peer counselling, community workshops, youth leadership and support in dealing with community resources and institutions. Its primary target areas are the former municipalities of North York, York and Etobicoke. This project will provide opportunities for the Somali community in the Dixon Road area to develop capacity for problem solving and reducing conflict on a community-wide basis. Activities will include leadership training for youth, a summer camp, a drop in for women and elders, as well as meetings with police, schools and building management to discuss opportunities for reducing isolation and increasing safe activities for youth.
Comments: During the appeal meeting, this group reiterated the need for violence prevention initiatives in the community, and the proposed project activities. This is an ambitious project, and the applicant is encouraged to seek out additional partners in developing the activities. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.
South East Asian Services Centre (SEAS) - (Item No. 80)
Project: Better Future:
South East Asian Services Centre provides many services to create adaptation, independence, and participation of South East Asians in Canada. The proposed project will focus on a parenting program and child abuse prevention education. Activities will include a media-based education campaign, community events and a child abuse prevention/intervention hot line service. Among other things, this project aims at increasing awareness, reducing child abuse, and increasing the accessibility of services to the Mandarin-speaking community.
Comments: During the appeal meeting, the applicant reiterated the need for the project activities and indicated that some new resources had been secured through the Children's Aid Society Foundation. The group also indicated that a smaller grant would assist the project in reaching additional isolated community members through media outreach to raising community awareness of child abuse issues in the Mandarin speaking community. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization in media outreach for prevention of child abuse.
Tamil Eelam Society of Canada (TESOC) - (Item No. 87)
Project: Breaking the Cycle of Violence - Seminars and Dramas:
The Tamil Eelam Society of Canada caters to the needs of all ethnic communities by facilitating their integration into the mainstream of Canadian society. The project is divided into two parts: (1) a two day conference on violence against women; and (2) a radio drama. The conference will focus on issues such as legal rights, sponsorship breakdown, accessing social assistance, and women from war torn countries. The radio drama will consist of a drama on "Violence against Women" in order to educate men and women in the community with the help of volunteers.
Comments: During the appeals, the organization reiterated the significant need in the community, the work that had been done in previous years, and indicated that a smaller grant would assist in undertaking the proposed work. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.
Toronto Christian Resource Centre - (Item No. 90)
Project: A Home for Creative Opportunity - Respect Project:
Toronto Christian Resource Centre is a multiservice centre serving Regent Park. Home for Creative Opportunity is a program for youth and adults that provides an open, supportive environment where the arts are used to foster creative thinking, self reliance and entrepreneurship. The RESPECT project aims to reduce and prevent violence in the Regent Park community by providing a safe, preventative, and creative studio and arts program for children, youth and adults. Activities include workshops for volunteers, staff and participants in conflict management, staff consultations with conflict resolution specialists for solving problems, and support for participants in dealing with difficult issues through art therapy.
Comments: During the appeals the organization reiterated the need for the project, and identified that a smaller grant would assist the organization in running the project at a reduced level. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization in providing conflict resolution support to participants, staff and volunteers.
University Settlement Recreation Centre - (Item No. 95)
Project: Building the Healing Circle for Survivors of Family Violence in the Chinese and Vietnamese Community:
The University Settlement Recreation Centre serves West Central downtown community of Toronto. The proposed project is designed for isolated, vulnerable Chinese and Vietnamese women who are victims of family violence. Volunteers will be recruited to provide support to women, while they are attending the pre-employment and life skills training. Public education on family abuse and outreach to members of this target group will also be provided.
Comments: During the appeals, the organization reiterated the need for the project activities and the success of the project in previous years. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended. The organization is encouraged to explore ways of incorporating the identified supports for abused women into their ongoing programs.
Vietnamese Youth and Women's Centre of Toronto - (Item No. 98)
Project: Breaking the Cycle of Violence:
Within the Vietnamese community this organization promotes friendship and a healthy lifestyle, helps Vietnamese people adjust to life in Canada, and aims to increase public awareness of Vietnamese cultural heritage and traditions. The proposed project consists of four workshops to raise awareness about family violence, a 24 hour hot-line, a video for the purpose of raising violence awareness for distribution to various Vietnamese community associations and addressing the awareness of violence through Vietnamese community radio stations and community newspapers.
Comments: During the appeal process the applicant reiterated the need for the project activities and identified barriers that assaulted Vietnamese women face in seeking assistance. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization in undertaking community education activities. The organization is encouraged to continue its efforts to develop a co-operative service model in the community.
12
Rainbow Fun Program - Physical Activity and Children's Health
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations of the Children and Youth Action Committee embodied in the following communication (June 30, 1999) from the City Clerk:
Recommendations:
The Children and Youth Action Committee recommended to the Community Services Committee the adoption of the following:
(1) that all children in Toronto achieve levels of physical activity which support their optimal health and well-being;
(2) that all children in Toronto have opportunities to build the skills and habits which assist their development into physically active adults; and
(3) that Divisions within the City of Toronto (e.g., Parks and Recreation, Public Health, Children's Services) co-ordinate and collaborate to reach children and their parents/guardians/caregivers, to increase levels of children's physical activity; this may be accomplished through joint efforts in the areas of: program development, research, training, sharing of resources, promotion, outreach and awareness efforts.
In addition, the Committee also recommended that Council endorse the Rainbow Fun Program and that the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Health, and the Provincial Minister of Community and Social Services and the Federal Minister of Human Resources be requested to support the Rainbow Fun Program as a health promotion activity of high value.
The Committee also requested staff from the Community and Neighbourhood Services Department to link the information on the Rainbow Fun Program with the Children and Youth Action Committee's website.
Background:
The Children and Youth Action Committee on June 25, 1999, had before it the following materials:
(i) vision for physically active children and families, filed by Carol Timmings; and
(ii) leaflet on the Rainbow Fun Program - A physical activity program for young children.
The Committee recommendations are noted above.
(A copy of the leaflet referred to in the foregoing communication is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
13
Other Items Considered by the Committee
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, received this Clause, for information.)
(a) Toronto Ambulance Medical Coverage for the 1999 C.N.E.
The Community Services Committee reports having received the following report:
(June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services advising of the expanded role of Toronto Ambulance in providing emergency medical coverage for this year's Canadian National Exhibition; and recommending that this report be received for information.
(b) Hatzoloh.
The Community Services Committee reports having received the following report:
(June 3, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services advising of the establishment of the volunteer Hatzoloh organization which provides emergency response and other community-related services to the Orthodox Jewish community in the area bounded by Sheppard Avenue to the north, Dufferin Street to the west, Avenue Road to the east and Eglinton Avenue to the south; and recommending that the report be received for information.
(c) Request for Quotations for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
The Community Services Committee reports having recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee the adoption of the following report:
(June 24, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer recommending that the bid submitted by MSA Canada Inc. for the supply and delivery of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, accessories, cylinder assemblies, records management system and dynamic test equipment be accepted at the total bid price of $2,865,683.59 including taxes less the trade-in amount offered for existing equipment of $843,209.00 for a total expenditure of $2,022,474.59 including all taxes and charges, being the lowest bid received.
(d) Review of Sub-Committees, Special Committees and Task Forces.
The Community Services Committee reports having concurred with the recommendations of the City Clerk contained in the following report; and having further appointed Councillors Irene Jones and Joe Mihevc to the Sub-Committee on Ontario Works Demonstration Projects:
(June 28, 1999) from the City Clerk providing a list of the various sub-committees, special committees, advisory committees and task forces, which were formed under the previous Council-Committee structure and are now grouped under each Standing Committee in accordance with the new Committee Structure; and recommending that the Standing Committees:
(1) determine whether the mandate and membership of those sub-committees listed under the column "Sub-Committees" in Schedule 1 attached should be continued; and
(2) receive for information the balance of Schedule 1 regarding special committees, advisory committees and task forces established by Council.
(e) Redirection of Emergency Hostel Funding.
The Community Services Committee reports having recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee the adoption of the following report:
(June 28, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services respecting the Provincial Redirection of Emergency Hostel Funding Initiative announced in March 1999; outlining the financial implications; and recommending that:
(1) Council approve the expenditure of up to $2.5 million gross on the Redirection of Emergency Hostel Funding Initiative during the last six months of 1999 which represents a cost to the City of $500,000.00 which will be partially offset by projected savings of $100,000.00 for a final net cost of $400,000.00 to be funded through Departmental underspending;
(2) the City seek provincial approval for funding of Project Going Home and the expansion of the Housing Contacts program through the Redirection Initiative;
(3) based on consultation with emergency shelter operators and other community agencies, the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services be authorized to select the other programs which meet program criteria and the needs of the City of Toronto, and, within the funding limits established, submit the necessary business plans to the Ministry of Community and Social Services seeking approval;
(4) this report be referred to the Policy and Finance Committee for their consideration; and
(5) the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
(f) Provincial Homelessness Initiatives Fund - Interim Report.
The Community Services Committee reports having received the following report:
(June 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services providing an update on the activities funded through the 1998/1999 Provincial Homelessness Initiatives Fund; and recommending that the report be received for information.
(g) Resignation - Children and Youth Action Committee.
The Community Services Committee reports having received the following communication:
(June 10, 1999) from Councillor Joan King submitting her resignation from the Children and Youth Action Committee, in that she is no longer a member of the Community Services Committee.
(h) Expansion of Public Health Dental Program and New Management Structure for Dental Services.
The Community Services Committee reports having received the following report:
(June 30, 1999) from the Medical Officer of Health and the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services responding to the request of City Council on April 26, 1999, during consideration of the Public Health's 1999 Operating Budget, to provide an update on the expansion of the Public Health dental program and the new management structure for dental services; and recommending that the report be received for information.
(i) Staffing Requirements - Toronto Fire Services.
The Community Services Committee reports having:
(1) recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee, and Council:
(i) the adoption of the joint report of the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief; and that this issue be considered as a matter of urgency and forwarded to Council for its consideration on July 27, 1999;
(ii) that the City of Toronto request the Province of Ontario to fund the transition costs of Fire Services and the impact of the extra responsibility pertaining to inspection services caused by the downloading legislation;
(2) directed that the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer be requested to review the recommendations contained in the aforementioned joint report, and report on a funding mechanism directly to either the Policy and Finance Committee for its meeting on July 20, 1999, or Council for its meeting on July 27, 1999;
(3) directed that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief be requested to report to the Policy and Finance Committee for its meeting on July 20, 1999, or Council for its meeting on July 27, 1999:
(a) providing justification for an increase in staffing levels in contrast to the recommendations of the recent KPMG Fire and Ambulance Facilities Study and the Ernst and Young report from the former Metropolitan Council;
(b) on the issue of absenteeism and on a strategy to reduce the numbers;
(c) on the process to be used in the hiring of fire fighters, particularly with respect to equity and diversity;
(d) on the progress of the co-ordination of the tiered response of emergency services (Police, Ambulance and Fire Services); and
(e) if possible, on the implementation of the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Facilities Study;
(4) directed that the City Solicitor, in consultation with the Fire Chief, submit a legal report to the Policy and Finance Committee for its meeting on July 20, 1999, or Council for its meeting on July 27, 1999, outlining Council's potential exposure to liability with regard to staffing level decisions;
(5) directed that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief, in consultation with the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, report to the Community Services Committee on options, if any, to more effectively manage vacation time to reduce the frequency of vehicles being out of service;
(6) directed that the Executive Director of Human Resources be requested to report to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee to be held on September 9, 1999, on the timetable for the Collective Agreement with the Toronto Fire Fighters; and
(7) supported the Fire Chief's efforts to consult with the Medical Advisor, Human Resources staff, the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association in developing a common attendance management policy; and directed that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief be requested to provide a progress report to the meeting of the Community Services Committee to be held on October 7, 1999, including an analysis of vacation time and sick leave impacts on service levels:
(i) (July 12, 1999) from the Commissioner of Work and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief providing the historical data and statistics on the levels of vehicle staffing and fire protection services presently provided to the citizens of Toronto; and recommending that:
(1) City Council authorize the Fire Chief to hire an additional 117 fire fighters, with 62 starting in November 1999 and the remaining 55 to start in March 2000; and
(2) this report be forwarded to the Policy and Finance Committee for consideration of the budgetary implications; and
(ii) (July 14, 1999) from Councillor Brian Ashton, Scarborough Bluffs, expressing concern with respect to a notice that had been circulated within his community from the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association; and suggesting that the Community Services Committee consider conducting a series of random personnel audits over select time periods, including the weekend in question.
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Mr. Jim Lee, President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, appeared before the Community Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.
The following Members of Council appeared before the Community Services Committee and asked questions of the Fire Chief in connection with the foregoing matter:
- Councillor Doug Holyday; and
- Councillor Frances Nunziata.
Respectfully submitted,
BRAD DUGUID
Chair
Toronto, July 14, 1999
(Report No. 2 of The Community Services Committee, including additions thereto, was adopted, as amended, by City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999.)