CITY CLERK
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PARKS COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 2
For Consideration by
The Council of the City of Toronto
on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999
1 Toronto Export Development Initiative - All Wards
2 Festivals and Special Events Grants - All Wards
3 1999 Commercial Research Program - Grant Recommendations - All Wards
4 Recreation Grants Program - 1999 Major and Minor Recreation Appeals - All Wards
5 Millennium Grants Program - Appeals Report
6 Toronto Heritage Fund Grant - 252 Adelaide Street East (Ward 24)
7 Toronto Heritage Fund Grant - 2223 Bloor Street West (Ward 19)
8 Toronto Heritage Fund Grant - 110 Lombard Street (Ward 24)
9 Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts Lease Agreement, Ward 24 - Downtown
10 Update on Consolidated Film Permitting Operation - All Wards
11 Appointment of Citizen to Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Board of Management
12 Appointment to the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo
13 Frank Faubert Memorial Award for Art
14 Other Items Considered by the Committee
City of Toronto
REPORT No. 2
OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPENT AND PARKS COMMITTEE
(from its meeting on July 12, 1999,
submitted by Councillor Brian Aston, Chair)
As Considered by
The Council of the City of Toronto
on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999
1
Toronto Export Development Initiative - All Wards
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the report (May 6, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, to report further on the City of Toronto's participation on the Greater Toronto Market Alliance.
Purpose:
This report outlines an initiative of Industry Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) to develop export capabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises. The Economic Development Division (EDD), through TradeLink Toronto, is the municipal partner in the Toronto implementation of this project.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
No immediate financial implications. Activities will complement and enhance Economic Development's 1999 business plan.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the Economic Development and Parks Committee support, in principle, the Export Development Initiative as it relates to the City of Toronto; and
(2) the City Solicitor be instructed to advise on the legal issues relating to the use of the TradeLink Community Development Corporation as the contracting agent to hire consultants with funding provided by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
Council Reference/Background/History:
Exports are important to Canada, amounting to $356.2 billion in 1998, or almost 41 percent of GDP. An estimated 11,000 jobs are created for every $1 billion in exports. However, a relatively small number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are active exporters. Therefore, substantial economic growth and employment could be achieved through a more focused export preparation program.
The Federal Government is committing resources to this effort, through an initiative of the International Trade Centre (Industry Canada/DFAIT). In the City of Toronto, four export development consultants will be hired to work with local businesses and business groups, with the goals of increasing awareness of exporting opportunities, educating and training SMEs, assisting in the development and implementation of exporting plans, preparing export-readiness assessments, and acting as liaison between businesses and available government support.
The project will be managed by an Advisory Board made up of local, provincial and federal partners as well as representatives from the private sector. At the federal level, HRDC will fund the hiring of export development officers to work with local businesses and business groups, and also fund a chairman for the Advisory Board; the International Trade Centre will provide leads. HRDC has an approved budget of $275,000.00 for the Toronto Export Development Initiative to pay for salaries, marketing and limited overhead expenses.
At the provincial level, both Ontario Exports Inc. and the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism will provide leads; Ontario Exports Inc. will also coordinate activities with the New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) program. At the local level, the City of Toronto through TradeLink Toronto will provide office space for the consultants, and training facilities as required; both EDD and the Toronto Board of Trade will provide leads. TradeLink will also be the contracting agent for the hiring of four export development consultants for one year, with funding from HRDC.
Through TradeLink Toronto, EDD is engaged in a similar federal-local initiative for increasing export expertise in local businesses. The International Trade Centres, TradeLink and some private sector partners have formed a similar advisory board to explore the training options for improving the application of letters of credit by exporters. An education/training program, funded by HRDC, will be piloted in Toronto, and potentially extended across Canada and to Canadian Trade Missions abroad.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
The Export Development Initiative will add four externally-funded consultants to the staff complement of TradeLink. The current complement is one EDD-funded export information specialist, and one export consultant funded by Centennial College Centre for Entrepreneurship, EDD's partner in the TradeLink initiative.
The consultants will draw the attention of Toronto businesses and business groups to the resources that the City has committed to export development through its TradeLink initiative. This will be in addition to the exposure provided by the economic development officers in EDD.
The concentration of additional expertise at the TradeLink facilities at the National Trade Centre will further enhance the perception of the National Trade Centre as a focus of export marketing in the City.
The externally-funded staff will leverage the information materials and space facilities allocated in EDD's 1999 budget for export development.
Conclusion:
The Export Development Initiative described in this report will enhance EDD's efforts to promote international trade in Toronto, and support potential exporters, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.
Contact Names:
Ms. Maggie Weaver, TradeLink Coordinator, Economic Development, 263-3510,
Mr. Bruce Graham, Director, Business Development & Retention, Economic Development, 392-3381,
Ms. Brenda Librecz, Managing Director, Economic Development, 392-4700.
2
Festivals and Special Events Grants - All Wards
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, subject to deleting Recommendation No. (2) and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"(2) the amount of $9,200.00 be distributed evenly among the Portuguese Outreach Committee, Urban Harvest, Weston BIA and the York Caribbean Carnival Committee;":
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the first round of Festivals and Special Events Program grant allocations totalling $35,900.00. The report provides an overview of the Program, a description of the rationale applied for grants recommended and listings of applications recommended for funding.
Source of Funds:
The allocations recommended in this report fall within the Council's approved 1999 Operating Budget for municipal grants. The total budget for the Festivals and Special Events Program is $45,100.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the Festivals and Special Events Program Grants totalling $35,900.00 be allocated to 12 organizations as set out in Appendix 1;
(2) the Festivals and Special Events Program set aside $9,200.00 for applications falling under the second round fall deadline of September 7, 1999;
(3) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto.
Background:
The Festivals and Special Events Program began in 1995 with the purpose of providing "seed monies" to support local festivals and events that would generate local community economic development benefits, build volunteer commitment, develop strong organizational structures and attract additional sources of financial support. As part of this Program, festivals and special events were also viewed by staff as important tools for rejuvenating commercial and residential districts by attracting visitors to these areas, developing these areas as tourist destinations and instilling pride in local communities.
Since the program began in 1995, nine festivals in Wards 27 and 28 have received support through the Program budget. Together these nine festivals have matched the City's contribution by successfully leveraging funding from private agencies, securing over 100 days of volunteer support and attracting over 215,000 visitors.
The Festivals and Special Events Program, originating in the former City of York, makes funding available to organizations having such community economic development benefits as building strong volunteer involvement and organizational structure including experience in securing event financing through private sector support.
Organizations applying for funding can be a Business Improvement Area (BIA), a business association or a community-based organization provided that there is a partnership between the businesses and local residents.
Since February 26, 1999, staff from Economic Development, Culture and Tourism have been meeting to develop a framework for community based festivals, including funding and payment in-kind for services so that festivals and special events are handled in a consistent manner for the year 2000 funding cycle.
The 1999 submission guidelines are attached to this report as Appendix 2.
Applications:
On April 7, 1999, Economic Development staff distributed applications for festivals and special events to all of the BIA boards of management, business associations and past applicants. Subsequently twenty-five applications were submitted for a total funding request of $206,245.00. A summary of all applications received is shown in Appendix 3.
Evaluation:
All grant programs falling under the former Municipal Grants Review Committee have been mandated to be available city-wide since amalgamation. While 1998 was a status quo year the Festivals and Special Events Program has been made available city-wide in 1999. This year, applications were reviewed by staff from the Economic Development Division and the Special Events Office in a manner consistent with Program guidelines.
As 1999 Program requests significantly exceed the 1999 Program budget of $42,100.00 staff are recommending that as many festivals and special events be approved across the City as possible, particularly first time applicants, provided that they meet Program guidelines.
Conclusions:
This report seeks approval for the 1999 Festivals and Special Events Program allocations totalling $35,900.00 for 12 organizations and requests the opportunity to return to the Economic Development and Parks Committee with recommendations regarding allocations for the final round of Festivals and Special Events Program applications due September 7, 1999.
Contact Name:
Ron Nash, Commercial Area Advisor, 392-1006.
Insert Table/Map No. 1
Appendix 1
Insert Table/Map No. 2
Appendix 3
(A copy of Appendix 2 referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to each Member of Council with the agenda of the Economic Development and Parks Committee meeting of July 12, 1999, and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
Appendix 4
Festivals and Special Events Program 1999
Summary of Applications Recommended for Funding
(1) African Culture Restoration Association - 2nd year applicant
Marcus Garvey Day Celebration
August 14, 1999
The African Culture Restoration Association is a non-profit organization located in the former City of York. Its primary objective is to organize and promote programs and events that focus on cooperative economics, cultural education and poverty relief. Since the association was founded in 1991 it has organized and co-sponsored cultural events, educational workshops in addition to events that promote local businesses. One of the major events, started in 1993 is the Marcus Garvey Day Celebration. The event is celebrating its seventh anniversary this year and is anticipating attendance of up to 10,000 people. Although the event has a six-year history, staff are confident that by providing financial assistance to the Annual Marcus Garvey Day Celebration it will provide funding to attract additional sponsors and participants to build on its established success. The event is one of few events in the York community where Afro-Caribbean crafts and food can be displayed and purchased at one venue. The African Culture Restoration Association is seeking financial assistance to cover a portion of event performers. The Association is requesting $8,000.00 of a total festival budget of $28,650.00. While at this time the event is not fully self-supporting, local funding initiatives associated with the activity indicate that private sector revenue could play a more prominent role in the shaping the Marcus Garvey Day Celebration as an important and self-sustaining community event. Recommendation: $1,000.00 allocation.
(2) Bloor Bathurst Madison BIA - 1st year applicant
Festival on Bloor
July 14, 1999
The annual Bloor Bathurst Madison BIA Festival on Bloor is aimed at promoting local businesses, artisans and craftspeople from across Ontario. The Festival on Bloor will be seen as one of several initiatives that involve residents, businesses and community associations working together to revitalize their community. By including businesses, residents and community working together, the organizers are seeking to strengthen community commitment. By bringing people to the Bloor Bathurst Madison area, the organizers have increased support for local businesses as well as created a festival that could become a local tourist attraction. The Bloor Bathurst Madison BIA has requested a grant from the Festivals and Special Events Program of $5,000.00. This would be used towards covering a total expenditure of $21,000.00. According to festival organizers, it is their intention to use most of these funds for contracting performers and marketing. Festival organizers intend to raise revenue from sources that include vendor tables, sponsors, the Bloor Bathurst Madison BIA and the Bloor Jewish Community Centre. Recommendation: $2,000.00 allocation.
(3) Junction Gardens BIA - 1st year applicant
LOCALMOTIVE Junction Arts Festival
September 25, 1999 to October 2, 1999
According to festival organizers the purpose of the LOCALMOTIVE festival is to promote economic growth in the Junction area by encouraging businesses to raise their profile by attracting new customers to the area. This objective will be met through developing event-based marketing strategies among retailers to increase sales. The festival includes a street-long exhibit of sculptures, installations and performances designed specifically for the Junction area. Also planned by the organizers are exhibits, music and children's activities. The festival will be coordinated by the Junction Gardens BIA including representatives from West Toronto Junction Historical Society, Art Works Art School, the Toronto Police, Westgate Artists Collective and YYZ Gallery. The LOCALMOTIVE Junction Arts Festival was established in 1992, its objective is to promote local artists and businesses in the Junction area by striving to improve the perceived image of the Junction and encouraging networking between community groups, local artists and business leaders. With an anticipated attendance of approximately 12,000 people, the parade organizers believe that the increased exposure will build on other area initiatives such as improved building facades, the opening of many new restaurants and art related establishments and the burial of hydro wires. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the area. The Junction Gardens BIA has requested a grant of $11,000.00 from the Festivals and Special Events Program to offset the projected $89,000.00 total cost of the LOCALMOTIVE Festival. Recommendation: $5,500.00 allocation.
(4) Leslieville Business Association - 1st year applicant
Leslieville Antique and Film Studio Festival
September 18, 1999
Leslieville Antique and Film Studio Festival in its second year and is organized by the Leslieville Business Association. The Leslieville Business Association encompasses the retail business area and is adjacent to the film studio district. The retail area, also referred to as antique row, is also home to over 20 antique and collectable stores. According to festival organizers, the unique mix of business activities in their area presents opportunities to capitalize on a growing interest in antiques and collectibles and on related film sector activities. The increasing contribution of the film industry through film and television production is a significant contributor to the economy of the local business area. The festival is viewed by the Leslieville Business Association as an opportunity for the public to learn more about various aspects of film production in the area and to enhance the relationship between the antique and collectable businesses that are the sources of many props for the industry. Some of the activities planned are a sidewalk sale, film studio tours, stunts in action, celebrity autograph signing, a businesses area treasure hunt, performances, workshops on restoration, and arts and crafts in Leslie Grove Park. The organizing committee consists of volunteers from the business community, social service agencies, residents, a day care, seniors and youth facilities to assist with respective activities. By including youth, businesses and residents working together, the organizers are building community commitment. The Leslieville Business Association has requested a grant from the Festivals and Special Events Program of $5,000.00 to be used will be used towards covering a total expenditure of $20,000.00. According to festival organizers Program funds will be used to cover expenses related to portable toilets, advertising and promotion. Festival organizers intend to raise revenue from sources that include corporate sponsorship, local business donations, table rental and the Leslieville Business Association. Recommendation: $2,000.00 allocation.
(5) Mimico-by-the-Lake BIA - 1st year applicant
Mimico Festival
August 7, 1999
The Mimico-by-the-Lake-BIA, reestablished in 1999, is one of four BIAs located in the south Etobicoke area of Toronto. Its board of management, made up of local businesses and property owners, work closely with community members to organize the Mimico Festival. This is the third year of the festival which had its beginnings as a community based agency initiative attracting 300 people to the Mimico community. Projected attendance this year is 5,000. The Mimico-by-the-Lake-BIA is also a cosponsors of the Lakeshore Festival that takes place in June of each year. The stated purposes of the Mimico Festival are to market local businesses and to improve the image of Mimico. In addition, their objective is to develop the local event into a major local festival. This year that the Mimico Festival will include entertainment, local vendors, an arts and crafts fair, midway rides and senior's and children's activities. The organizers, consisting of the Mimico-by-the-Lake Business Association, volunteer residents; business people, agency representatives and community groups. The Mimico-by-the-Lake-BIA does not have a 1999 activity budget and as a result has requested $2,500.00 to fund event expenses of $24,420.00 with the remaining funding sources identified as advertising sponsorship, booth rental, and in-kind contribution. The Mimico Festival satisfies the requirements of the Festivals and Special Events Program with respect to volunteer commitment, financial support, local business involvement, community building and proven strong organizational structure. Recommendation: $2,500.00 allocation.
(6) Parkdale Village BIA - 1st year applicant
Art Beat Festival
June 26, 1999
The Parkdale Village BIA Art Beat Festival, now in its sixth year has evolved from a small, locally run and supported event to a large-scale multi-cultural celebration located within in the BIA. According to the Festival organizers, the goal of the festival is to promote South Parkdale as a thriving multi-cultural community and to increase the capacity of the businesses and local organizations. Events planned by the organizers are live music, crafts and antiques sales, a food court, a film and video festival and community information booths. The festival is being organized by the Parkdale Village BIA, the Parkdale Arts and Culture Centre, local businesses, residents and the Mariposa Folk Foundation. Other partners include the Parkdale branch of the Toronto Public Library, Parkdale Village Arts Collective and the Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre. With anticipated attendance of approximately 8,000 people, and local retailers playing a strong role in the festival, organizers anticipate that the increased exposure will increase business following the event. The Parkdale Village BIA has requested a grant of $12,600.00 from the Festivals and Special Events Program to offset the projected $26,000.00 total cost of the Festival. Recommendation: $4,000.00 allocation.
(7) Portuguese Outreach Committee - 3rd year applicant
Portuguese Community Festival
September 4 to 10, 1999
According to the applicant, the Portuguese Community Festival is one of several initiatives that the Portuguese Outreach Committee is using to promote the City of Toronto to the Portuguese community as a place to live and do business. Another aim of the organization is to promote local Portuguese products and services as well as including local food producers in the sale of food products during the day of the festival. The Portuguese Outreach Committee, established in 1993, is represented by businesses, agencies, residents and a local church. According to Festival organizers, any funds received for the purposes of holding a festival will be managed through ABRIGO an incorporated charitable non-profit organization. ABRIGO is also an active member of the Portuguese Outreach Committee. The Portuguese Outreach Committee anticipates that the festival will attract up to 7,500 people. According to the applicant, the Festival is being organized by the Portuguese Outreach Committee, established in 1993 to act as a liaison between the former City of York its agencies and the Portuguese community including members from their Business Group Task Force. As indicated in the application, committee members are taking responsibility for the various tasks related to the Festival, such as entertainment, refreshments, displays and community fundraising. The Portuguese Outreach Committee has requested a grant from the Festivals and Special Events Program fund of $8,500.00 to offset the projected $14,500.00 total cost of the Festival, the organizers anticipate receiving revenues of $4,500.00. These would come from corporate donations as well as table rentals. Although this is the third year of the Festival sponsored by the Portuguese Outreach Committee, the scope of the Festival should be well within the capacity of the its organizers and should have the potential to continue the process of building a thriving Portuguese community as well as the potential for attracting new businesses to the York community. Recommendation: $1,500.00 allocation.
(8) St. Lawrence BIA/St. Lawrence Works - 1st year applicant
Global Roots Festival of Food and Dance
September 16 to 19, 1999
The St. Lawrence Works Global Festival of Food and Dance is aimed at building support for the St. Lawrence area by promoting community economic development through local businesses, residents, agencies and community associations. This, the second Global Festival of Food and Dance, is seen as one of several initiatives that involve local stakeholders working together to promote their community. By including businesses, theatre groups and residents working together, the organizers have built a coalition committed to local community development. The festival will consist of representatives of Toronto's many ethnic and traditional dance companies performing at various sites in the St. Lawrence area. The dance component will be complimented by international specialty foods as well as food from the St. Lawrence Market vendors and local restaurants. According to the organizers, by bringing people to the St. Lawrence community for a four-day festival, they have begun to respond to increasing competition from other local business areas and a loss of area parking. Some of the ongoing initiatives include an out of the cold program for homeless people in the area and a "Toronto Dollar" that supports local charities and local employment projects. The St. Lawrence BIA has requested a grant from the Festivals and Special Events Program of $15,000.00. This would be used towards covering a total expenditure of $41,000.00. It is the organizers intention to use most of these funds for contracting performers, production and marketing. Festival organizers intend to raise revenue from sources that include the BIA, St. Lawrence Market and advertising. Recommendation: $3,000.00 allocation.
(9) St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association - 1st year applicant
St. Lawrence Community Festival
July 5 to 10, 1999
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association has proposed a week long celebration of activities as part of the St. Lawrence Community Festival. Its primary objective is to organize and promote the neighbourhood including businesses and residents. This is the second year of the festival and is one of the major events organized by the association. This years festival will focus on celebrating the community's 20th anniversary and is anticipated to attract up to 8,000 people. The staff review team is confident that by providing financial assistance to the St. Lawrence Festival it will provide funding to attract additional sponsors and participants to build on its established success. The association has received strong support for the Festival from the St. Lawrence BIA and the St. Lawrence Market who are corporate sponsors of this year's event. The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is seeking financial assistance to cover a portion of staging a successful event. The Association is requesting $10,000.00 of a total festival budget of $19,895.00. While at this time the event is not fully self-supporting, local funding initiatives associated with the activity indicate that private sector revenue could play a more prominent role in the shaping the St. Lawrence Festival as an important and self-sustaining community event. Recommendation: $2,000.00 allocation.
(10) Urban Harvest Community Association - 3rd year applicant
Fall Festival and Street Fair
September 24 to 25, 1999
The Urban Harvest Community Association Fall Festival and Street Fair is an annual festival aimed at promoting the arts in the newly established Oakwood Village community. The Urban Harvest Community Association Festival and Street Fair will be seen as one of several initiatives that involve residents and businesses working together to revitalize their community. By including youth, businesses and residents working together, the organizers are building community commitment. By bringing people to Oakwood Village, the organizers have begun to establish support for local businesses as well as create a festival that could become a local tourist attraction. The Urban Harvest Community Association has requested a grant from the Festivals and Special Events Program of $4,000.00. This would be used towards covering a total expenditure of $13,500.00. According to festival organizers, it is their intention to use most of these funds for contracting performers and marketing. Festival organizers intend to raise revenue from sources that include advertising, sponsorship, the Trillium Foundation and table rental. Recommendation: $2,000.00 allocation.
(11) Weston BIA - 3rd year applicant
Weston Blast
September 4 to 6, 1999
The Weston BIA established in 1974, is one of the longest established BIAs in Toronto. Its board of management, made up of local businesses and property owners, works closely with community members to organize the Weston Blast. This is the third year of the event which had its beginnings as a community based Labour Day event in the Weston community. The Weston BIA sponsors three major events each year, the Weston Blast, the Santa Claus Parade and the Weston Farmer's Market which accounts for approximately 40 percent of the BIAs budget. The stated purpose of the Weston End of Summer Blast is to celebrate and promote the community of Weston. This is the second year that the Weston Blast is scheduled as a three-day event and will include entertainment, local vendors and fireworks. The organizers, consisting of volunteer residents, business people and agency representatives, anticipate attracting over 50,000 people to the event. The Weston BIA has requested $5,000.00 to fund event expenses of $33,000.00 with the remaining funding sources identified as the Weston BIA, and funds raised through corporate sponsors and arts and crafts table rentals. The Weston End of Summer Blast satisfies the requirements of the Festivals and Special Events Program with respect to volunteer commitment, financial support, local business involvement, community building and proven strong organizational structure. Recommendation: $2,000.00 allocation.
(12) York Children's Carnival Committee - 5th year applicant
Eglinton Junior Carnival Parade
July 25, 1999
According to the Festival organizers, the purpose of the parade is to promote a positive image for the local business district, promote the culture of Carnival among people in the City of Toronto, instill pride among black and other youth in the community and to develop organizational capacity amongst community members. Also planned by the organizers are activities promoting local businesses and encouraging community building through volunteer initiatives driven by youth, seniors and businesses. The parade is being organized by the York Children's Carnival Committee (YCCC), established in 1995, its objective is to promote the culture of Carnival among people in the former City of York. The YCCC is comprised of local business leaders, church leaders, residents, an arts organization, social agencies and the Toronto Police 13 Division. The parade is considered a regional, national and international draw and this allows the local business community to take advantage of the fledgling tourist trade in the area. With the anticipated attendance of approximately 40,000 people, the parade organizers believe that the increased exposure will increase business following the parade. Retail participation will include contacting local owners of commercial/retail properties in the area to encourage them to show their vacant properties to prospective tenants on the day of the parade. The organizers intend to showcase Eglinton Avenue West (between Marlee Avenue and Dufferin Street) as a "place to do business". Their objective is to increase occupancy and the vitality of the businesses in the area. They have also considered the parade playing a pivotal role in the revival of the York-Eglinton Business Improvement Area. The York Children's Carnival Committee has requested a grant of $15,000.00 from the Festivals and Special Events Program to offset the projected $28,900.00 total cost of the Festival. Recommendation: $8,400.00 allocation.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee also submits a communication (July 8, 1999) from Councillor Joe Mihevc:
Re: Festival and Special Events Program 1999
I am concerned about the changes in the levels of funding for groups in the former municipality of York for the above program. The Festival and Special Events Program originates in the former municipality of York, and has in the past received funding exceeding $30,000.00.
Now that the program is city-wide numerous groups are competing for a small pot of money.
The problem for groups from the former municipality of York is that they are suffering a great, on-going decline in revenue that they have endured for the last several years. Historic levels of funding for existing groups that apply have been reduced considerably.
York groups need additional resources to be able to carry out their events/programs. For the year 2000, they can be invited to apply to other funding sources (e.g., The Toronto Arts Council). For this year, deadlines for other funding sources have already passed. The operations of groups that are slated to receive a significant decrease in funding are thereby jeopardized.
My recommendation is that the $9,200.00 left in the Festival and Special Events Programs be divided equally to the following groups: the Portuguese Outreach Committee, Urban Harvest, Weston BIA and the York Caribbean Carnival Committee.
(A copy of Appendix 1 attached to the foregoing communication was forwarded to all Members of Council with the July 12, 1999 agenda of the Economic Development and Parks Committee and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
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The following persons appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee regarding the foregoing matter:
- Mr. John Kuri, Weston BIA;
- Councillor Joe Mihevc,York Eglinton; and
- Councillor Frances Nunziata,York Humber.
3
1999 Commercial Research Program -
Grant Recommendations - All Wards
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
This report seeks approval for Commercial Research Program grant allocations of $33,100.00. The report discusses the principles and evaluation criteria applied to this year's recipients, summarizes the grant requests and makes recommendations concerning the allocations.
Funding Sources:
The grant allocations recommended in this report fall within Council's approved 1999 Operating Budget for Municipal Grants. The total budget for the 1999 Commercial Research Program is $33,100.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Commercial Research grants totalling $33,100.00 be allocated to the six projects as set out in Appendix 1;
(2) disbursement of the Program allocations be conditional on satisfying the 1999 Commercial Research Program goals and criteria as set out in Appendix 2; and
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
The Commercial Research Program began in 1986 with the purpose of providing financial assistance to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and business associations to hire professional consultants to undertake research required to plan effective marketing and revitalization strategies. According to the Program requirements, participating BIAs and/or business associations are required to pay at least half the study costs, manage the day-to-day operations of the project and provide copies of the study to the City upon completion.
The reports provide research models and information valuable to other BIAS and/or business associations and to City staff working on commercial revitalization and business improvement issues. A list of projects, completed since the program was initiated in 1986, and copies of the various studies are available from the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department.
The Commercial Research Grants Program provides the following benefits:
(1) makes it financially feasible for Toronto's smaller BIA's and voluntary business associations to hire professional consultants to assist them with programming and development;
(2) increases the ability of business associations and BIAs to plan strategically, set priorities, and implement cost effective business improvement programs;
(3) provides a record of work undertaken, and a "road map" to guide BIAs and/or business associations over time; this has been particularly useful in providing new Boards of Management with research and suggestions that were previously developed by their predecessors;
(4) builds information about retail strips, their markets and strategies for developing BIA organizations and business districts; and
(5) helps strengthen the City's small business community, returning the investment made in grants through increased sales, commercial realty and business tax revenues.
The program guidelines and conditions are set out in Appendix 2.
Comments:
As part of the 1999 process for program and service amalgamation, the Commercial Research Program was made available to all BIAs and business associations across the City.
Conclusions:
Economic Development staff are recommending that six of the eight applications be approved based on their meeting program guidelines, and contributing to the ability of the participating business associations to plan and implement effective programs for their areas.
Contact Name:
Ingrid Girdauskas, 392-1134.
APPENDIX 1
1999 Commercial Research Program
Grant Recommendations
The following 1999 Commercial Research Grants represent 50 percent of the eligible project costs are recommended for approval:
a) Bloor by the Park BIA - $3,000
b) Greektown on the Danforth BIA - $5,000
c) Junction Gardens BIA - $2,500
d) Parkdale Liberty Economic Development Committee - $5,000
e) St. Lawrence Neighbourhood BIA - $5,000
f) The West Don Lands Committee - $3,000
g) Weston BIA - $5,400
a) Bloor by the Park BIA - $3,000
To contribute towards the cost of a $6,000 BIA Business Recruitment and Retention Plan. The study will provide a detailed assessment of the quantity and type of business found in the area, a recruitment and communications strategy and a methodology for improving BIA property owner participation in the BIAs.
b) Greektown on the Danforth BIA - $5,000
To contribute towards the cost of a $10,000 marketing study with regional and local marketing endeavours. The study will provide a summary of findings from two surveys identyfing what stores/businesses the consumer patronizes most frequently, types of businesses the consumer needs and cannot find in the area, how much shopping is conducted in the area.
c) Junction Gardens BIA - $2,500
To contribute towards the cost of a $5,000 update of the 1987 Revitalization Action Program. This summary will be a compilation of market data which can be used in external marketing materials aimed at potential brand name retailers and developers.
d) Parkdale Liberty Economic Development Committee - $5,000
To contribute towards the cost of a $10,000 study to create a detailed commercial inventory which will be used to develop a strategic niche marketing campaign to attract new business to fill the vacancies on Queen Street West.
e) St. Lawrence Neighbourhood BIA - $5,000
To contribute towards the cost of a $10,000 study for the continuation of the Streetscape Revitalization Plan that began in 1998. The results of the program will be a comprehensive commercial plan for the area.
f) The West Don Lands Committee - $3,000
To contribute towards the cost of a $30,000 study to include quality research to plan, coordinate and implement a strategic program for the commercial reviatlization of this area. The West Don Lands Committee is seeking funding from other sources. The Commercial Research Program is contributing $3,000 towards a market plan.
g) Weston BIA - $5,400
To contribute towards the cost of a $135,000 Central Retail Management Plan. The Weston BIA is seeking funding from other sources. The Commercial Research Program is contributing towards the cost of the market study component of this Central Retail Management Plan. The study will provide market information and analysis of the retail mix found in the area, a recruitment strategy, and a potential marketing theme.
APPENDIX 2
Letter of Invite
Programme Guidelines
DATE
NAME AND ADDRESS
OF ASSOCIATION
Dear:
Subject: 1999 Commercial Research Grants
The City of Toronto operates a "Commercial Research Programme" to help business associations retain the services of professional consultants. As is described in the enclosed programme guidelines, grants are provided for up to half the cost of hiring consultants. This letter invites applications for 1999 grants.
Our main consideration in recommending the approval of grants is that the proposed research will contribute to the business association's ability to develop or implement effective improvement strategies. A wide range of projects are eligible for support, including shopper surveys, market analyses, seminars, organizational development and strategic planning studies, and the preparation of streetscape improvement plans.
If your association is interested in undertaking a research project co-funded with the City on a cost shared 50:50 basis, please send us a letter outlining the project as soon as possible. The deadline for 1999 grants is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 1999. Please see Section F of the enclosed Programme Guidelines for more information about the application procedures and the information we need from you.
Please feel welcome to telephone Ingrid Girdauskas 392-1134 if you would like any additional information about the Commercial Research Programme or assistance in preparing your application.
Yours truly,
Bill Steiss
Director,
Small Business & Local Partnerships
APPENDIX 2 - Continued
PROGRAMME GUIDELINES FOR
1999 COMMERCIAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME
A. Description
The City of Toronto provides grants to business associations to help plan improvements for their commercial areas. Research and consultant assistance required to develop programmes, identify issues facing the area, or establish priorities for action are all eligible for support. Examples of possible projects include shopper surveys, market analyses, assistance with strategic planning and organizational development, business improvement seminars, and facade and streetscape improvement studies.
The available grants cover up to 50% of eligible research project costs. The business association must pay the balance of the study costs.
In order to receive a Commercial Research Grant, the business association and research project must satisfy the conditions for support described in Section C of the Programme Guidelines.
When eligible grant applications exceed the budget, recommendations for support are based on the evaluation criteria set out in Section D.
The programme budget is approximately $33,000 a year.
B. Programme Objectives
1. To assist business associations in making effective use of professional calibre research to plan and implement their programmes.
2. To gain public access to studies undertaken by business associations, and thereby develop a resource centre on commercial revitalization issues for use by City staff, business associations across the City, and the general public.
C. Conditions for Support
1. The sponsoring business association has adopted a "Non-Discrimination Policy", as is a condition for receiving all City of Toronto grants.
This can be done after applying for the grant but before the grant funds are disbursed to the association. The appropriate forms will be mailed to grant applicants.
2. The sponsoring business association has sufficient funds to pay for its share of the study costs.
If the association is a BIA, provision for the study should be made in the 1999 budget. Business associations which are not BIA's should indicate how the required funds will be raised.
3. The research proposal must be approved by staff in the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department prior to the commencement of work. The business association must consult with staff regarding any changes to the proposal during the course of the study.
4. The Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department will have free access to the information provided by the study, and may distribute it to the general public, subject to the normal restrictions ensuring the confidentiality of individual respondents or businesses.
D. Evaluation Criteria
Where eligible applications for support exceed the budget, priority for funding will be given to the projects that best satisfy the following criteria:
1. The business association has limited funds available, and requires support in order to undertake the project.
2. The research project is appropriate to the business association's stage of development and needs, and has a high likelihood of being implemented.
3. The research project will provide information or a model that is useful from the standpoint of other business associations or the City as a whole.
E. Programme Administration
1. The sponsoring business association is responsible for managing the day to day operation of the study and for paying the consultant.
2. Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department staff are available as a resource to the business association and the study. The Department may be able to contribute data and statistics, information from other studies, and/or general advice and suggestions.
3. The approved Commercial Research Grant will be forwarded to the business association in two instalments. The first instalment is usually 75% of the grant amount. It is released after the business association has verified that the consultant has been paid the association's share of the study costs.
4. The final grant instalment is released at the conclusion of the study after the business association writes to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
(a) indicating that the study has been completed and providing a copy of the final report;
(b) verifying that the consultant has been paid the full study amount (if a smaller amount is paid, the final grant instalment is adjusted to equal a maximum 50% of the actual study costs); and,
(c) commenting on how the study will be used by the business association.
5. For 1999 Projects: The deadline for completing the project and forwarding all required documentation to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism as set out in Point 4 above is March 31, 2000. If it is impossible to meet this deadline, an extension up until December 31 can be requested by writing a letter before March 31. If this is not done, any balance remaining in a business association's 1999 grant may be cancelled.
Under no circumstances can an extension be considered beyond December 31, 2000. Any 1999 grant balances remaining unclaimed on that date will be automatically cancelled.
F. Application Procedure
Content of Application: A letter addressed to Mr. Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Metro Hall, 8th Floor, Toronto, M5V 3C6, to the attention of Ingrid Girdauskas, setting out:
(a) the reasons why the association wishes to undertake the project and how it intends to use the results in its program,
(b) a description of the work to be undertaken, products from the research, and timing,
(c) either the name and qualifications of the person or firm which will be doing the project or an indication of how the consultant will be selected, and
(d) total project budget and requested grant (maximum 50%), and an indication of how the business association's share of the project costs will be raised.
For 1999 Projects:
Application Deadline: 4:00 p.m. on Friday April 30, 1999
Anticipated Timing of City Council Decision: June/July 1999.
4
Recreation Grants Program - 1999 Major and
Minor Recreation Appeals - All Wards
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 24, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
This report presents the allocations for the Recreation Grants Program for three applicants appealing their recommendations and one applicant whose application was not processed in a timely manner.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
An amount of $9,890.00 was set aside for appeals in the Major and Minor Recreation Grants Programs Budget, which is sufficient for the recommendations contained in this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario be awarded an additional $1,500.00 for a total grant of $16,500.00;
(2) Canadian Stage Company be awarded an additional $2,000.00 for the 1999 production of "Dream in High Park" for a total grant of $43,000.00;
(3) Ralph Thornton Centre be awarded an additional $1,500.00 for a total grant $5,600.00;
(4) Toronto Christian Resource Centre be awarded a grant of $4,890.00; and
(5) the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The City of Toronto's Grants Policy, contained in Clause No. 5 of Report No. 26 of The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee and adopted by Council on December 16 and 17, 1999, established the right of an appeal for any applicant applying to the City for a grant through any of its various programs. The 1999 Recreation Grants Program allocations were presented to the Economic Development and Parks Committee on June 21, 1999. Three applicants appealed the grant recommended to their agencies. Staff have reviewed the original recommendations and have considered the additional information presented through deputations.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
All three of the organizations appealing their recommendations are returning applicants and had been awarded grants.
The Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario:
This group is responsible for the annual Portugal Day Parade and Associated Festivities, and was recommended for a grant of $15,000.00. The appeal, through Councillor Mario Silva, Trinity Niagara, is attached as Appendix A. For several years this organization was given an annual grant of $10,000.00 by the former City of Toronto from the floor of Council, not through a specific grants program. In 1998, during the first year of amalgamation, there was no appropriate source of funding for the request of $10,000.00. To accommodate the request $6,977.00 from the Recreation Grants Appeal Fund was awarded and an additional $13,023.00 was given from the Contingency Fund for a combined grant of $20,000.00. The extra money from the Contingency Fund was not transferred to the 1999 Recreation Grants Budget. This year's request was for $40,000.00, almost 10 percent of the Minor Recreation Grants Budget.
There is no question that this festival brings economic benefits to the City. There has been a great increase in the number of organizations that apply to the Minor Recreation Grants Program for support of community-based festivals and special events. This year over 13 percent of the budget has been allocated to such festivals. While these festivals are deserving of support, such demands on the budget cannot be sustained without jeopardizing the community sports and leisure activities that are volunteer driven and are the primary purpose of the Recreation Grants Program.
Canadian Stage Company:
This company has been funded through the Major Recreation Grants Program for many years. It does not meet the criteria for this program. It is recommended that in future years this grant be awarded through the Arts and Culture Grants Program of the City. For the past few years including 1999, this company has received a City arts grant of $739,750.00 annually. The request from the Major Recreation Grants Program has increased from $44,816.00 in 1998 to $100,000.00. The "Dream in High Park" is free or "pay what you can" and approximately 60,000 attend during the summer. The production is fully professional and costs about $420,000.00 annually.
Ralph Thornton Centre:
This centre has applied for funding for the Summer Fun Day Camp which serves children, ages 3 to 12, in Greater Riverdale, a high needs community. The letter of appeal, Appendix "B", requests a $2,500.00 increase over the flatline allocation of $4,100.00 recommended in the allocations report. This agency received funding cuts of $12,000.00 from Human Resources Development Canada in 1998 and $5,000.00 from an environmental agency in 1999. Both of these have had a huge impact on the agency's ability to deliver an enriched summer program and leadership opportunities for the children in this community. It is not customary practice for the City to replace grants that have been cut from other levels of government. However, as sufficient funds remain, an exception can be made.
Toronto Christian Resource Centre:
This centre provides social and recreational summer programs for roomers and public housing tenants in the downtown area. No appeal was filed as no recommendation was made. In 1998, one application was used to streamline the flatline approach of grants programs for Community Services Grants, Emergency Services Fund and Minor Recreation Grants. An applicant filled out only one application but noted the different programs that were to be accessed. This process changed in 1999 but this agency applied in the same manner. The agency applied within the deadline and has met all the eligibility and allocations criteria. The Emergency Services Fund will not report out until September, so the application had not been reviewed prior to the preparation of the Recreation Grants Program Allocations Report. The application from the Toronto Christian Resource Centre for the summer camp program has now been reviewed.
In 1998, the Centre requested a Minor Recreation Grant of $6,000.00 and received $4,500.00. The request for 1999 is at the same level as last year. A brief report on the centre is attached as Appendix C. It would seem appropriate that the Toronto Christian Resource Centre receive funding for its recreation programming.
Conclusions:
The three applicants who have appealed their recommendations, namely the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario, Canadian Stage Company and the Ralph Thornton Centre, and the Toronto Christian Resource Centre provide worthy programs and are deserving of support. Sufficient funds exist to increase City support to all four organizations. This is based on a review of the Recreation Grants Program applications and the additional information presented through deputations.
Contact Name:
Ms. Cathi Forbes, 395-6192.
(A copy of Appendices A, B and C attached to the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the July 12, 1999 agenda of the Economic Development and Parks Committee and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
5
Millennium Grants Program - Appeals Report
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, amended this Clause by adding thereto the following:
"It is further recommended that the Grey Tigers Senior Citizens Club be granted an amount of $500.00, such funds to be provided from the Corporate Contingency Account.")
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (July 6, 1999) from Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chairman of the Millennium Task Force:
Purpose:
This report presents the recommended allocations from the $61,500.00 Millennium Grants Program appeal fund for organizations that made deputations at the June 30, 1999, meeting of the Millennium Task Force.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The approved budget for the Millennium Grants Program is $500,000.00. An amount of $438,500.00 was recommended for allocation to 105 applicants in the May 20, 1999 report to the Millennium Task Force, leaving an amount of $61,500.00 to respond to appeals.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the appeal fund of $61,500.00 be allocated as recommended in Appendix "A" 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:
Through Clause No. 27 of Report No. 18 of The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, adopted by City Council at its meeting held on October 1 and 2, 1998, the City established a plan for its role in the year long activities to take place in the year 2000 as part of the global Millennium celebrations. In order to support community initiatives and potential legacy projects, Council created the Millennium Grants Program.
The Millennium Task Force received a report at its meeting on June 2, 1999, dated May 20, 1999, from the Chairman of the Millennium Task Force recommending the allocations of the Millennium Grants Program totalling $438,500.00 to 105 applicants. Thirty four organizations appealed these grant recommendations.
In developing recommendations for allocations of the appeal fund, staff reviewed the original recommendations, considered the additional information presented in the deputations as well as direction provided through the Millennium Task Force.
Comments and/or Justification:
Community organizations submitted a total of 177 applications to the Millennium Grants Program. One hundred and five groups were recommended for support and 72 were not recommended. Of the 34 groups that appealed their recommendations, 23 had not been recommended for any funds and 11 had been recommended for funding.
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. Clarification and additional information, revised budgets and supporting documentation were presented by some applicants. In making recommendations for appeals, staff considered the project proposals and the original recommendations as well as the revisions and comments made by the groups during the appeals. Consideration was given to the limited ability of the appeal fund to respond to the level of requests. The Millennium Task Force and staff also considered accessibility, financial support and viability, and the degree of community involvement in the new information presented.
Twenty six organizations are recommended for grants from the appeal fund of $61,500.00 as identified in Appendix "A" of this report. Appendix "B" lists additional information, recommendations and any conditions, if applicable. The appeal recommendations bring the total number of groups funded to 121 out of 177 applicants.
Conclusions:
The Millennium Grants Program enables a variety of community organizations to participate in the Toronto Millennium celebrations. Based on a review of the original recommendations and the information presented at the appeals, the appeal fund of $61,500.00 is recommended to be allocated to 26 organizations as outlined in Appendix "A".
Contact Name:
Cathi Forbes, Cultural Affairs Officer - 395-6192.
Appendix "A"
Millennium Grants Program
1999 Appeal Recommendations
# | Name of Agency | Original Recomm.
$ |
Appeal Recomm.
$ |
Total Grant
$ |
5 | Applegrove Community Complex | 0 | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
22 | Burning Passions Theatre | 0 | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
25 | Cabbagetown Group Softball League | 0 | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
31 | Canadian Polish Congress | 3,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
38 | Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
167 | "Circle of Trees", Laurie McGugan | 0 | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
47 | Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club | 500.00 | 2,000.00 | 2,500.00 |
59 | Friends of Fort York & Garrison | 0 | 7,500.00 | 7,500.00 |
68 | Greektown on the Danforth | 0 | 0 | 0 |
173 | Grey Tigers Senior Citizens Club | 0 | 0 | 0 |
76 | Heritage Skills Development | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
77 | Heritage Toronto | 0 | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
79 | Historical Connexion | 2,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
82 | International Society for Systems Science | 0 | 2,500.00 | 2,500.00 |
83 | Intersection | 3,000.00 | 500.00 | 3,500.00 |
92 | Le Regroupment des Jeunes Filles | 0 | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 |
24 | Light Up Cabbagetown | 0 | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 |
97 | Mixed Company | 0 | 2,500.00 | 2,500.00 |
100 | Multicultural Carnival Arts | 0 | 0 | 0 |
102 | Native Child & Family Services | 0 | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
109 | Oakwood Collegiate Institute | 0 | 0 | 0 |
131 | St. Mark's Church Summer Day Camp | 0 | 0 | 0 |
133 | St. Stephen's Community House | 3,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
128 | Sir Willaim Campbell Foundation | 0 | 2,500.00 | 2,500.00 |
134 | Swansea Historical Society | 5,000.00 | 500.00 | 5,500.00 |
138 | Tommy Flynn Playground | 2,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
147 | Toronto International Film Festival | 5,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 7,000.00 |
149 | Toronto Mainland Chinese Community | 0 | 0 | 0 |
174 | Toronto Sailing and Canoe Club | 0 | 4,000.00 | 4,000.00 |
150 | Toronto Sinfonietta | 1,500.00 | 3,000.00 | 4,500.00 |
153 | Toronto Yan Xin Qigong Cultural Centre | 0 | 0 | 0 |
158 | Vietnamese Youth Centre | 0 | 0 | 0 |
162 | What A Gift Productions | 0 | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
176 | Yung Kwang Fellowship Association | 0 | 500.00 | 500.00 |
Total | $26,000.00 | $61,500.00 | $87,500.00 |
Appendix "B"
Millennium Grants Program
Appeals Summary and Conditions
Applegrove Community Complex (#5)
This project will produce a video for educational purposes to provide a snapshot of boys and girls ages 11to13 in the Applegrove area. The original project targeted only boys, a small number of youth and involved only 10 sessions. The group will now hold 20 sessions and will document a wider range of experiences to go into the new Millennium. A grant of $2,000.00 recommended.
Burning Passions Theatre (#22)
This group is producing a play by Canadian playwright, Cathy Elliot. In the original application it was called a remount and as such could not be funded. At the appeal, the group clarified that is a new production and it has relevance to the Millennium. A grant of $2,000.00 recommended.
Cabbagetown Group Softball League (#25)
This group is hosting the Gay Softball World Series in the year 2000. As it is an annual event, no funding had been recommended but the group was encouraged to apply for a Minor Recreation grant next year. At the appeal, the funds were requested for the cultural and social events taking place during the 2000 Series, not the sports event itself. A grant of $2,000.00 is recommended and will be released conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory report outlining the planned cultural and social events.
Canadian Polish Congress (#31)
This group is hosting a five part celebration in September and October, 2000, and needs additional support to carry out all of the planned events. The original recommendation was for $3,000.00 and the group stated that they required a minimum of $2,000.00 more. To date, the Congress has raised $5,000.00 from the private sector. An additional grant of $2,000.00 is recommended.
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (#38)
This group will host a conference to celebrate the achievements of Chinese Canadian Youth. The original recommendation was for $1,000.00 and was conditional on confirmed deliverables. The information contained in their most recent Annual Report and presented at the appeal, provided substantial numbers and the documentation required. An additional grant of $1,000.00 is recommended. The original conditions have been fulfilled.
"Circle of Trees" (#167)
This application for public art in the new Woodbine Park was submitted by an individual and was therefore ineligible. However, Community 55 has become the applicant organization and the artist has partnered with the Parks and Recreation Division which will provide the majority of landscaping. Based on this new information, a grant of $5,000.00 is recommended and is conditional on receiving the supporting documentation from Community 55.
Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club (#47)
This project would establish the 1st Annual Ball Hockey Tournament for youth ages 12 to 14 in the Greater Toronto Area. Costs are primarily for staffing and coaching, but the group will scale back to accommodate a smaller budget. An additional grant of $2,000.00 is recommended. The original $500.00 grant is to be used towards the purchase of the Millennium Cup and a plaque acknowledging the donation by the City of Toronto.
Friends of Fort York and Garrison Common (#59)
This group will stage a re-enactment of the landing of the American military force in 1813 that resulted in the capture of Fort York and Toronto. Three hundred re-enactors from Canada and the US will participate. This project is one of four major events to be held from July 1 to 4 and includes the Toronto Harbour Parade of Lights. These two projects were originally reviewed as one application. A grant of $7,500.00 is recommended.
Greektown on the Danforth (#68)
This project is to create signage on major highways to direct people to Greektown and to erect banners advertising festivals and a national conference. No new information was provided at the appeal. The group is directed to work with Public Works and the Province on the signage and banner programs. No grant is recommended.
Grey Tigers Senior Citizens Club (#173)
This application was received and date stamped well after the deadline for filing an application. It is one of three late applications. No grant is recommended from the appeal fund.
Heritage Skills Development (#76)
This group will host a trade show for women during Caribana next year. No other funding sources have been confirmed, but the applicant requested additional funds to demonstrate City support in order to generate support from the private sector. A grant of an additional $1,000.00 is recommended.
Heritage Toronto (#77)
Heritage Toronto proposes to create a two day weekend event in May 2000, which would have up to 30 architectural significant buildings in the City open to the public free of charge. Other sites and groups working on similar projects have been invited to join Heritage Toronto and so the number of buildings has increased to 50. Attendance estimates are upward of 10,000. A grant of $5,000.00 is recommended to be released upon matching funds from the private sector.
Historical Connexion (#79)
This group will produce an interactive Website that contains African-Canadian historical information and is primarily geared towards children in Grades 3 to 8. Additional information presented included confirmed funding from Access and Equity and the need to establish more links to other sites. A great deal of support has been generated to date. A grant of an additional $1,000.00 is recommended.
International Society for Systems Science (#82)
This application was made by a California based school and as such was ineligible. However, it is in partnership with Ryerson and the application has now been made by Ryerson. They will host an international conference of 500 scientists and 1000 students in the year 2000 in Toronto. A grant of $2,500.00 is recommended and will be released upon receipt of all supporting documentation by the new applicant Ryerson.
Intersection (#83)
This group will produce a cultural guide book to commemorate the Millennium. The project supports underemployed and underexposed artists. More funds were requested for the mock up costs to properly carry out the project. A grant of an additional $500.00 is recommended.
Le Regroupment des Jeunes Filles (#92)
Funds were originally requested for the consultation costs of a conference for young Francophone women to be held in the fall of 1999. The timing of the consultation was to take place prior to September which made it ineligible. The project has been rescheduled and will now be held in the year 2000 with the consultations to take place in January, February and March. No other funding has been confirmed. A grant of $1,000.00 is recommended and will be released upon confirmation of other funding.
Light Up Cabbagetown (#24)
This project proposes to provide Christmas lights to residents in Cabbagetown to beautify the area and make it a tourist and resident destination during the Millennium. Concern about honorariums to the Board have been removed and high project management costs have been scaled back. A grant of $1,000.00 is recommended and it is further recommended that this group work with the Special Events Office.
Mixed Company (#97)
This group will create a new production with homeless youth, and will tour for a year with a one week run at the Elgin/Winter Garden Theatre. The request was for ineligible costs. New information at the appeal directed the funds to the creation of the play and confirmed that funds have been received from the Canada Millennium Partnership Program and the Province. A grant of $2,500.00 is recommended.
Multicultural Carnival Arts (#100)
This project is a three day educational event which explores and explains the varied aspects of Carnival through learning events and live performances at Harbourfront in June, 2000. There is a large educational component involving the schools. No new information was given at the appeal. No grant is recommended.
Native Child & Family Services (#102)
The Pow-Wow applied for in the Millennium application stated that it was a remount of a successful Pow-Wow held in 1998 which would be ineligible for funding. However, additional information provided showed that the Pow-Wow would build on its success and become an annual event starting in the year 2000. It aims to start a new future for native people while celebrating their heritage. A grant of $3,000.00 is recommended.
Oakwood Collegiate Institute (109)
This proposal is for the second half of the student music exchange from Oakwood Collegiate Institute and those students in Yellowknife in the North West Territories. The first part took place this year in May. No new information was received at the appeal. While this is a worthy cause, it does not meet the criteria for support. No grant is recommended.
St. Mark's Church Summer Day Camp (#131)
This church will celebrate its 45th anniversary in the year 2000 and wants to start a subsidized day camp for 20 children. While this is a worthy cause, it does not meet the Millennium Mandate or eligibility and allocations criteria. Most summer camps next year will have a Millennium component. No grant is recommended.
St. Stephen's Community House (#133)
This group proposes to produce a book of local stories and local characters, among other things, from the Kensington Market area. There has been a lot of interest generated to date. The group requested an increase to its grant to assist in putting together a mock-up in order to find a publisher. Fundraising is underway and this additional money will help lever more support. An additional grant of $2,000.00 is recommended.
Sir William Campbell Foundation (#128)
This project is the creation of an exhibition to celebrate Toronto's architecture and design which will run from January 4 to March 31, 2000. Information presented at the appeal clarified that this is a special event and not part of their regular programming. It also meets the mandate of the Millennium Program by looking at past achievements of architecture and the future of it. A grant of $2,500.00 is recommended.
Swansea Historical Society (#134)
The Society proposes to complete a retro-fit of an unfurnished storage room at the Swansea Town Hall which will include viewing tables, light tables, cabinets and cupboards. This group was recommended for $5,000.00. Little new information was given but the group would like to maximize the amount of the grant to generate more from the community. An additional grant of $500.00 is recommended.
Tommy Flynn Playground (#138)
This is the re-development of a playground at Eglinton Park to make it accessible to all. The dream is to make it like High Park. It is in the formative stages. The group has received approval for the re-development from Parks and Recreation and the School Council. The Fundraising Campaign will start in the fall. A grant of an additional $1,000.00 is recommended.
Toronto International Film Festival (#147)
The project is for the 25th anniversary of the festival. The use of exterior space to show films and interactive videos is new. Funding of $5,000.00 was granted, but the appeal was for increased dollars to leverage private sector funding. An additional grant of $2,000.00 is recommended.
Toronto Mainland Chinese Community Centre (#149)
The project is a performance to celebrate the Chinese community on December 11, 1999, at the John Bassett Theatre. No funds were recommended as there was little detail in the original application and the additional information requested was not submitted. No further information was given at the appeal. No grant is recommended.
Toronto Sailing and Canoe Club (#174)
This group applied for capital improvements to the Canadian Yachting Association's parking lot, boat storage area, launch ramps, docks, etc. These were deemed ineligible as there was no Millennium focus or celebration. At the appeal, a new project was submitted requesting funds for a youth regatta involving 200 to 300 youth in the year 2000. This will become an annual event. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended and is conditional on the receipt of other confirmed funding.
Toronto Sinfonietta (#150)
This group is producing a CD and the grant was directed to the concert at which the music would be recorded. At the appeal, the project was clarified and additional information provided. They are commissioning three new works and doing a lot of outreach through lectures, school tours and school packages. An additional grant of $3,000.00 is recommended. It is further recommended that this group liaise with Music 2000.
Toronto Yan Xin Qigong Cultural Centre (#153)
This group practices Qigong, an eastern method, free to all, to improve health and well-being. The application was for the development of three new centres to increase membership and participation. This did not support the Millennium Mandate. At the appeal, the applicant discussed a major activity to celebrate Chinese New Year. There was no supporting information presented. No grant is recommended.
Vietnamese Youth Centre (#158)
The request was to organize a National Youth Conference in July, 2000. Details of the event in the application were sketchy and no details were presented at the appeal. The majority of the participants would be from out of Toronto and the funding request was for travel subsidy. Since the Millennium Program dollars are to support Toronto residents, no grant is recommended.
What a Gift Productions (#162)
This group is proposing to establish a huge Santa's Workshop at the Automotive Building at the C.N.E. to run from November 19 to December 9, 1999. Substantial information was missing from the application and no funding was recommended. However at the appeal, the applicant provided much of the detail required. Charitable recipients are being reviewed as 90 percent of the revenue generated will be donated to charities. This group is also working with the Special Events Office to coordinate the Millennium celebrations. A grant of $5,000.00 is recommended and will be released upon the receipt of written documentation of the information initially requested.
Yung Kwang Fellowship Association (#176)
Very little information was included in the application on the proposed parade which would mark Chinese Heritage in Toronto. At the appeal, some detail, such as a video was discussed to mark the occasion. A grant of $500.00 is recommended as City endorsement for the event.
6
Toronto Heritage Fund Grant -
252 Adelaide Street East (Ward 24)
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 28, 1999) from the Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board:
Purpose:
To assist the owner to complete the necessary restoration.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Funds are provided through the Toronto Heritage Fund.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the Toronto Heritage Fund Grant application for 252 Adelaide Street East of up to $2,000.00 be approved, in principle;
(2) the grant be conditional on the owner entering into a Restoration Grant Agreement prepared by the City Legal Department in consultation with the Acting Managing Director of the Toronto Historical Board; and
(3) the owner ensure that the Toronto Historical Board's support for this project is suitably recognized.
Background:
On December 10, 1999, an application was made for a Toronto Heritage Fund grant by Sagur Investments Limited to assist with the restoration of the wooden columns at the entrances of 260 and 264 Adelaide Street East (municipal address is 252 Adelaide Street East).
At its meeting held on June 28, 1999, the Toronto Historical Board adopted the staff recommendation that the request for a Toronto Heritage Fund grant be approved.
The property at 252 Adelaide Street East, known as the Bank of Upper Canada, is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by By-law No. 504-75, November 26, 1975.
Discussion:
The Toronto Historical Board recommends that a grant of up to $2,000.00 be approved. It should be noted that grants are awarded as matching funds.
The work consists of replacing rotted wooden sections of the columns at the entrance of 260 and 264 Adelaide Street East as well as repair of the columns at 260 Adelaide Street East. The estimated costs for labour and materials is $3,800.00. This property is subject to a heritage easement agreement held by the Ontario Heritage Foundation. The Foundation will be asked to approve the proposed work. As this building is a visible City of Toronto landmark, it is recommended that the grant be approved.
The property is owned by Mr. Sheldon Godfrey, Sagur Investments Limited at 258 Adelaide Street East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, M5Z 1N1.
Contact Name:
Ms. Marisa Williams, Preservation Officer - Historical Preservation, 205 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1N2, Tel: 392-6827, Ext. 240.
7
Toronto Heritage Fund Grant -
2223 Bloor Street West (Ward 19)
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 28, 1999) from the Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board:
Purpose:
To assist the owner to complete the necessary restoration.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Funds are provided through the Toronto Heritage Fund.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the Toronto Heritage Fund Grant application for 2223 Bloor Street West of up to $5,000.00 be approved, in principle;
(2) the grant be conditional on the owner entering into a Restoration Grant Agreement prepared by the City Legal Department in consultation with the Acting Managing Director of the Toronto Historical Board; and
(3) the owner ensure the Toronto Historical Board's support for this project is suitably recognized.
Background:
On May 4, 1999, an application was made for a Toronto Heritage Fund Grant by E.R.A. Architect Incorporated to assist with the exterior restoration of 2223 Bloor Street West.
The property at 2223 Bloor Street West, known as the Runnymede Theatre, is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by By-law No. 97-90, passed by City Council on January 29, 1990, and is also subject to a Heritage Easement Agreement, registered on title as Instrument No. CA599827 on May 7, 1999.
At its meeting held on June 28, 1999, the Toronto Historical Board adopted the staff recommendation that the request for a Toronto Heritage Fund grant be approved.
Discussion:
The Toronto Historical Board recommends that a grant of up to $5,000.00 be approved, in principle. It should be noted that grants are awarded as matching funds.
Chapters Ltd. is a tenant of the theatre and is converting the theatre into one of its bookstores. The grant application is for exterior restoration work that will: (a) remove paint from and repair the precast stone plinth along the street facade; (b) repair two spalled precast stone sills; (c) repair the parapet wall; and (d) repair a concealed stucco panel which is covered by a billboard.
The application also calls for the restoration of a rear chimney. Staff considers the chimney as redundant and the work will alter its appearance. Therefore, this is an ineligible grant item and is not included as eligible work for the grant.
This property has a highly visible profile and is a landmark building in the Bloor West Village neighbourhood.
The tenant of the property is Chapters Limited. The property is owned by Bookstore Holdings Incorporated. The restoration architect is E.R.A. Architect Incorporated. The contractor for the work is Clifford Restoration of Toronto.
Contact Name:
Ms. Marisa Williams, Preservation Officer - Historical Preservation, 205 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1N2, Tel: 392-6827, Ext. 240.
8
Toronto Heritage Fund Grant -
110 Lombard Street (Ward 24)
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 28, 1999) from the Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board:
Purpose:
To assist the owner to complete the necessary restoration.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Funds are provided through the Toronto Heritage Fund.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the Toronto Heritage Fund Grant application for 110 Lombard Street of up to $10,000.00 for the restoration of the windows be approved in principle;
(2) the grant be conditional on the owner entering into a Restoration Grant Agreement prepared by the City Solicitor in consultation with the Managing Director of the Toronto Historical Board;
(3) the grant be conditional on the owner entering into a Heritage Easement Agreement prepared by the City Solicitor in consultation with the Managing Director of the Toronto Historical Board; and
(4) the owner ensure the Toronto Historical Board's support for this project is suitably recognized.
Background:
On May 11, 1999, an application was made for a Toronto Heritage Fund grant by Gilda's Club Toronto, to assist with window restoration and for the construction of custom storm windows for the property at 110 Lombard Street. Gilda's Club Toronto is a non-profit cancer support community in memory of Gilda Radner.
At its meeting held on June 28, 1999, the Toronto Historical Board adopted the staff recommendation that the request for a Toronto Heritage Grant be approved.
The property at 110 Lombard Street, known as the Lombard Street Firehall, is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by By-law No. 546-86, June 9, 1986.
Discussion:
The Toronto Historical Board recommends that a grant of up to $10,000.00 be approved, in principle. It should be noted that grants are awarded as matching funds.
As the grant amount equals $10,000.00, the grant is conditional on the owner entering into a heritage easement agreement prepared by the City Legal Department.
The work consists of conservation of the existing square and arched windows. The applicant will be providing specifications for the windows at a later date. As this is a very well known building in the City of Toronto and was also once known as Second City's Old Firehall, it warrants a grant for restoration.
The property is owned by Gilda's Club Toronto, c/o Lorna Rosenstein, President, 110 Lombard Street, Toronto, ON, M5C 1M3. The window manufacturer is Tradewood Industries.
Contact Name:
Ms. Marisa Williams, Preservation Officer - Historical Preservation, 205 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M5B 1N2, Tel: 392-6827, Ext. 240.
9
Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts
Lease Agreement, Ward 24 - Downtown
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 24, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to enter into a lease with Toronto Artscape Inc. for the use of the former Toronto Island School site which will be used as the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts.
Source of Funds:
There are no direct funding implications of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) authority be granted to enter into a nominal sum lease with Toronto Artscape Inc. for a term of 20 years in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner and the City Solicitor; and
Background:
Council, by adoption of Clause No.3 of Report No. 6 of The Economic Development Committee, at its meeting of April 13, 14 and 15, 1999, authorized the City to negotiate a lease of the former Toronto Island Natural Science School to Toronto Artscape Inc. It is Artscape's intention to develop this facility to become the new Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts.
Negotiations have proceeded between staff and Toronto Artscape Inc. and we are requesting authority to enter into a lease on the following terms and conditions:
(1) a 20-year term, with an option to renew for a further 10 years, at the sole discretion of the landlord, on terms and conditions to be mutually agreed upon;
(2) $1.00 net, per year nominal sum lease, with the Tenant being responsible for the cost of all taxes, operating costs, maintenance and improvements to the Leased Property;
(3) the Tenant warrants its organization shall remain as a non-profit organization during the term of the Lease any renewal thereof;
(4) the Tenant, at its sole expense, shall provide to the Landlord the following prior to the execution of the lease:
(b) evidence of insurance coverage in an amount to be determined by the Finance Department, acting reasonably and in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor;
(5) in the event that any other party(ies) donate labour and/or materials for the renovation, the Tenant shall, prior to commencement of work, obtain letter(s) signed by the Tenant and the donating party(ies) under seal in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor, confirming that the labour and/or materials are being donated at no charge to either the Tenant or the City of Toronto;
(6) the Tenant shall not enter into any lienable contracts for the supply of services and/or materials to the property without the consent of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism;
(7) the Tenant shall comply with the City's Fair Wage Policy in relation to all improvements made to the Building;
(8) permission to renovate or upgrade the Building shall be subject to all plans and specifications being approved by the Commissioner;
(9) two ex officio, non-voting seats on the Tenant's Advisory Board shall be reserved for City representatives;
(10) the Tenant may assign individual units for short-term rental without the landlord's consent, but may not assign or sub-lease the entire property, or the Lease Agreement;
(11) the Tenant shall use the leased property only as a non profit arts facility;
(12) if the Tenant ceases to be a non profit organization, or uses the leased property for any purpose other than as authorized herein, the Landlord may, at its sole option, terminate the lease immediately; and
(13) the Lease Agreement shall be in the Landlord's standard form and, notwithstanding any terms and conditions contained or not contained in the proposal, shall be in a form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
Conclusion:
This agreement is in keeping with the intent of Council's direction in this matter and authority is required to complete and execute the agreement in conjunction with the City Solicitor. The City Solicitor has been consulted in this matter.
Contact Name:
John A. Macintyre, 397-4451.
10
Update on Consolidated Film Permitting Operation - All Wards
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 24, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
This report provides an update on the status of the process towards the amalgamation of the Film and Television Office.
Funding Implications:
The Amalgamation Office has agreed to facilitate the Operational Review of the Toronto Film and Television Office.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that there be a moratorium on the introduction of any new fees and/or changes in the existing fee practices or policies of all Departments, Agencies, Boards and Commissions until the adoption of the final report on the Film and Television Office.
Background:
In April of this year City Council approved a new set of Filming Guidelines, By-laws and Code of Conduct. Council also requested a report on the following:
"It is further recommended that the following motions be referred to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for a report thereon to Council, through the Economic Development and Parks Committee, such report to also include a method of sustaining the grant to the Canadian Film Centre:
(i) a consolidated film permit administration model, identifying revenues necessary to achieve a streamlined, cost-effective system; and
(ii) the following recommendations:
(a) that Council approve, in principle, the implementation of an amalgamated Film and Television Office;
(b) that all fees associated with this industry which are currently assessed by any City Department, Agency, Board or Commission be collected by the Toronto Film and Television Office (TFTO) as part of its customer service initiative to address the industry's need for streamlined services, and be distributed by the TFTO to the appropriate groups, and that staff from the Economic Development Division work with affected groups, including the Board of Directors of the Canadian Film Centre and the Film Liaison Industry Committee (FLIC), on a comprehensive plan to give effect to this proposal;
(c) that the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to develop a comprehensive policy related to fees charged and revenues generated by all City Departments, Agencies, Boards and Commissions, with respect to filming, in an effort to have a consistent and fair approach to supporting this important economic sector, and that no fees be levied over and above those stipulated as part of the charge; and
(d) where street parking is required, a fee of $50.00 for each day of filming, to a maximum of $200.00 be charged, until such time as any changes proposed by representatives of the film industry and the Board of Directors of the Canadian Film Centre are approved by Council".
Discussion:
In order to accomplish Council's direction, and to develop key strategies to strengthen and grow the Film and Television Sector (within the context of the Economic Development Strategy), a number of strategies are underway or will commence over the summer:
(1) Operational Review - in order to achieve a fully harmonized film permit issuance operation, an operational review will be conducted; the focus of the review will include: how to best service the industry, staffing and technology resource requirements and options for improving productivity through technologies, and one stop service model; the evaluation will include a review of how the process worked pre-amalgamation as well as the nature and amount of resources other Departments, Agencies/Divisions have committed to this process;
The issue of film permit fees was discussed and deputed at length during the April meeting of the Committee. The arguments against fees were compelling and the decision was taken to avoid the introduction of a fee. In the past two months the competition for filming has become even tougher. A number of initiatives are underway in the United States, particularly in California, to recapture some of their lost market. Tax incentives to match those offered in Ontario are being reviewed and a strong public relations campaign has been launched.
Every business sector of the economy is important. Each is different. Film and Television, however, is somewhat unique because of its international profile and market as well as the diverse services upon which it relies. It draws other businesses and investment to the local economy. Tourists and business travellers choose film oriented cities as destinations. Creative talent and the energy which goes with that creativity create opportunities. A vibrant film and television industry creates large economic multipliers.
Due to budget pressures some departments and ABCs have contemplated and/or have plans to change their present practices and policies related to the charges applied to film projects. This runs counter to the wish of Council that decisions related to film and television be dealt with as a whole. While there may appear to be a delay in the process, it is imperative that piecemeal actions not be taken. Film and Television is an industry that employs 32,000 people and spent $680 million in the City last year.
Conclusion:
The final report to Committee on all of these matters will be presented in November 1999. It is requested that no new fees be charged before that report goes to Committee.
Contact Names:
Ms. Rhonda Silverstone, 392-1333, Ms. Brenda Librecz, 397-4700.
11
Appointment of Citizen to Leaside Memorial
Community Gardens Board of Management
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation of the East York Community Council embodied in the following report (June 23, 1999) from the City Clerk:
Recommendation:
The East York Community Council on June 22, 1999, recommended to the Economic Development and Parks Committee the appointment of Ms. Liz French to the Board of Management of the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens as a citizen representative to replace Mr. Peter E. Oyler.
Background:
The East York Community Council at its meeting on June 22, 1999, had before it a communication (June 16, 1999) from Mr. Henry Stachelbeck, General Manager, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, recommending that Ms. Liz French be appointed to the Board of Management of the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens to replace Mr. Peter E. Oyler; and advising that Mr. Peter Simmie and Mr. Rick Madden have been elected as Chairman and Treasurer of the Board, respectively.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee submits the following communication (June 16, 1999) from Mr. Henry Stachelbeck, General Manager, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens:
On behalf of the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Board of Management, I would like to inform you of the newly appointment of Ms. Liz French, Toronto, Ontario, to our Board as per Motion #7149. Ms. French will be replacing the position made available by the departure of Mr. Peter E. Oyler from this Board.
I would also like to inform you that the newly elected Chairman of the Board is Mr. Peter Simmie and that the newly elected Treasurer is Mr. Rick Madden.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me at 416-421-4944.
12
Appointment to the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the appointment of Dr. Jon Barlow to the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo for the period ending November 30, 2000, and until a successor is appointed.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee submits the following communication (June 24, 1999) from Mr. Calvin J. White, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo:
On June 16, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society recommended the following member of the Board for appointment to the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo:
- Dr. Jon Barlow.
Please table this correspondence at City Council for approval.
13
Frank Faubert Memorial Award for Art
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends that the City of Toronto institute The Frank Faubert Memorial Award for Art to be presented at the Scarborough Arts Council's Annual Juried Art Show, such award to be in the form of cash or a purchase award.
The Economic Development Committee submits the following communication (July 7, 1999) from Ms. Karin Eaton, Executive Director, Scarborough Arts Council, addressed to Councillor Brian Ashton, Chair, Economic Development and Parks Committee:
The loss of Frank Faubert is very sad for all of us; his family, friends and the community of Scarborough. The arts community has also lost a supporter and friend. Frank was a staunch patron of the arts. An artist himself, he attended local performances and art shows on a regular basis. In March 1999, Frank was amongst those honoured by the Scarborough Arts Council with the title Member Emeritus.
During his tenure as Mayor of Scarborough, he instituted a Mayor's Purchase Award of $1,000.00 for the Scarborough Arts Council Annual Juried Art Show. Frank made a point of selecting the award winner himself. After amalgamation, this award was discontinued. The show takes place approximately the third week in March each year in the Atrium of the Consilium, a corporate building in Scarborough. It is an open mixed media show and attracts artists from across Toronto and beyond its boundaries.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Scarborough Arts Council, I would like to request that the City of Toronto institute The Frank Faubert Memorial Award for Art to be presented at the Scarborough Arts Council's Annual Juried Art Show. The award could be in the form of cash or a purchase award. In the past, the Mayor's purchase award was handled by the Culture Office, in consultation with the Scarborough Arts Council. If you decide to go ahead with the award, we would invite you and members of Frank's family to attend the opening reception of the show when the presentation would be made. I hope that you consider this suggestion to be a fitting tribute to the memory of Frank Faubert. I know that the arts community would be honoured to keep his memory alive.
I look forward to your favourable response.
14
Other Items Considered by the Committee
(City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999, received this Clause as information, subject to striking out and referring Item (b), entitled "ArtsVote", embodied in this Clause, back to the Economic Development and Parks Committee for further consideration and the hearing of deputations.)
(a) New Committee-Council Structure.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(1) received the following presentation for information; and
(2) requested the Chief Administrative Officer to report back to the Policy and Finance Committee in January 2000, providing an evaluation of the ABC's reporting structure:
Mr. Peter Fay of the City Clerk's Division provided an overview presentation of the new Committee-Council Structure, outlining the mandates in areas of public service delivery and corporate operations, including:
- monitoring current program delivery, service levels and emerging issues;
- recommending policy and program changes; and
- providing a forum for public participation and for detailed discussion of the City's decision-making;
and filed a copy of his submission.
(b) ArtsVote.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following communication and presentation; and having requested ArtsVote to provide a copy of their written submission to the Toronto Arts Council for information:
(June 24, 1999) from the ArtsVote Steering Committee, presenting to the Committee the significant impact that ArtsVote has in the community.
--------
Ms. Susan Serran, Co-Chair, ArtsVote Steering Committee, made a presentation respecting ArtsVote, a watershed in political and cultural activism within the Toronto Arts Community, developing a well-informed network of artists and arts professionals who consider arts advocacy part and parcel of daily life.
The following persons also appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:
- Ms. Pat Bradley, PACT, Co-Chair, ArtsVote Steering Committee;
- Ms. Karin Eaton, Scarborough Arts Council; and
- Ms. Jenny Ginder, Canadian Opera Company.
(c) International Union of Local Authorities.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having deferred consideration of the following communication to the September 13, 1999 meeting:
(undated) from the International Union of Local Authorities forwarding the International Union of Local Authorities Barcelona Congress Declaration within the spirit of their Congress theme, "Local Government Uniting in a Global Mission", for the information of the Economic Development and Parks Committee.
(d) High Five Program - Quality Assurance in Children's Recreation and Sport Programs - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information:
(June 2, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism advising that the Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) High Five Quality Assurance Program is a complete package designed to train part-time recreation staff in healthy child development as a basis for recreation programming for children 6 to 12 years of age and to provide full-time recreation staff with a reliable and valid recreation program assessment tool (QUEST Tool) that will eventually measure the quality of Toronto's children's recreation programs against provincial norms; and recommending that the report be received for information.
(e) Harmonization of Ice Rental Rates - Arena Boards of Management - Ward 1 (East York); Ward 2 (Lakeshore-Queensway); Ward 27 (York Humber); and all Former City of Toronto Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having deferred consideration of the following report to the September 13, 1999 meeting:
(June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism providing an outline identifying potential implementation options and financial effects of harmonizing ice rental rates and policies between City-owned, City-operated indoor arenas and City-owned, Board of Management or service agency operated arenas; and recommending that:
(1) the principle of harmonization of ice rental rates across the City be adopted;
(2) in addition to financial statements, the Arena Boards of Management and the two arenas leased by Lions Clubs, as well as city managed arenas, be required to report annually on the statistical usage by category of renters as set out in this report (Appendix "D");
(3) the Department staff continue to work co-operatively with the Arena Boards and Lions Clubs to review harmonization issues and opportunities for cooperative service initiatives;
(4) the ice rental category of "Community Youth" (local youth involved in ice activities) be harmonized effective September 1, 2000, at an annualized cost of $141,321.00;
OR
instead of the Departmental Recommendation No. (4), the Committee may wish to choose:
(5) no change occur at this time with respect to harmonization of ice rental rates at Board of Management or Agency operated arenas.
(f) City Tree Maintenance Backlog - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(1) recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee, and Council, the adoption of the report (June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, subject to deleting the recommendation embodied therein and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"that the Economic Development and Parks Committee supports funding in the amount of $1 million to be made available in the 1999 Forestry Operating Budget and $1.7 million in 2000, to assist in reducing the City Tree Maintenance backlog, the said funding being designated as new funding added to the Operating Budget; and further that this report be referred to the Policy and Finance Committee for consideration."; and
(2) requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back to the Committee, in consultation with the City's Tree Advocate, on the following:
(a) the feasibility and cost factor of providing a written communication to each new tree owner explaining the homeowners responsibilities with regard to the maintenance of new trees;
(b) an interim progress report on the tree maintenance program for the meeting of November 29, 1999;
(c) information as to how individual Councillors can apply for free tree planting for homeowners;
(d) options with respect to cost-sharing with homeowners to expedite tree trimming and pruning, etc., upon approval of the tree maintenance backlog program;
(e) options with respect to the tree planting program as a harmonization scenario;
(f) the status, regarding the Parks Division in particular, of the maintenance of municipal lawns and gardens to the Economic Development and Parks Committee meeting of November 29, 1999; and
(g) a harmonized service level for all parks for the Year 2000 and methods of implementing a maintenance service level with the hiring of more seasonal staff, hiring existing seasonal staff, and hiring of contractors and associated equipment.
(i) (June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism recommending that $1 million be made available in the 1999 Forestry capital budget and $1.7 million in 2000 for the purpose of hiring more seasonal staff, holding existing seasonal staff on longer and hiring contractors and associated equipment to aggressively reduce the forestry service backlog;
(ii) (July 5, 1999) from Councillor Joe Pantalone, Trinity Niagara, recommending that the report (June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be adopted; that the Budget Advisory Committee be requested to report directly to City Council, at its meeting scheduled to be held on July 27, 28 and 29, 1999, on the source of the required funds; and requesting that staff contact him in Committee Room 1 when this matter is being considered so that he may speak on the report and recommendations; and
(iii) (July 12, 1999) from Mr. Brian Cochrane, President, Toronto Civic Employees' Union - CUPE Local 416, in support of the request from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for additional funds to clear up the forestry service backlog.
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The following Members of Council appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:
- Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park;
- Councillor Joe Mihevc, York Eglinton; and
- Councillor Joe Pantalone, Trinity Niagara.
(g) Penalties for Breach of City Tree By-law - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information:
(June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, responding to a request by the Economic Development and Parks Committee that the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, in consultation with the City Solicitor, be requested to report on the process for determination of penalties for breaches of the City tree by-law and the appropriate fines for each type of breach; and recommending that this report be received for information.
(h) International City to City Program - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(1) recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee, and Council, the adoption of the following report (June 25, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism;
(2) requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back to the September 13, 1999 meeting on:
(a) the inclusion of Athens in the mission to Europe in November/December, 1999 or prior to the summer of the year 2000, and extending the timeframe of these missions from 5 to 7 days to 14 to 15 days; and
(b) other twinning relationships, i.e. Sagamihara;
(3) directed that the concept of establishing a working group to deal with the International City to City program be referred to the Chair of Economic Development and Parks Committee for consideration; and
(4) received the communication (July 6, 1999) from Ming Pao (Daily) Newspaper:
(i) (June 25, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism providing a proposed policy and criteria for the support of and participation in inbound and outbound missions to selected world cities for economic development purposes, as directed by City Council; and recommending that:
(1) the policy framework for the International City to City Program and criteria for the support of and participation in, inbound and outbound missions outlined in Appendix "A" be approved; and
(2) the activities and budget for 1999 outlined in Appendix "B" be approved; and
(ii) (July 6, 1999) from Ming Pao (Daily) Newspaper respecting the Engagement of Sisterhood between Beijing and Taipei.
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The following Members of Council appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:
- Councillor John Filion, North York Centre;
- Councillor Norman Kelly, Scarborough Wexford; and
- Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park.
(i) Comparative Analysis of Celebrate Toronto Street Festival and Other Events of Similar Size - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information:
(June 24, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism responding responding to a request by the Economic Development and Parks Committee requesting the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report, in the context of the City's Economic Development Strategy, to the Economic Development and Parks Committee on a comparative analysis of other events of similar size and outline the potential comparators which could be used; and recommending that the report be received for information.
(j) Review of Sub-Committees, Special Committees and Task Forces.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(1) approved the continuance of the following Sub-Committees:
(a) TEDCO (Sub-Committee to Review the Composition and Mandate of); and
(b) Greater Toronto Airports Authority (Sub-Committee to discuss the Airport Development Plan); and
(2) received for information the balance of Schedule 1 regarding special committees, advisory committees and task forces established by Council.
(June 28, 1999) from the City Clerk providing information on the newly-formed Standing Committees, 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 should be continued; and
(2) receive for information the balance of Schedule 1 regarding special committees, advisory committees and task forces established by Council.
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN ASHTON
Chair
Toronto, July 12, 1999
(Report No. 2 of The Economic Development and Parks Committee was adopted, as amended, by City Council on July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999.)