CITY CLERK
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 3
For Consideration by
The Council of the City of Toronto
on September 28 and 29, 1999
1 Funding for Homeless Services
2 Amendment to By-law No. 1 of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. - Execution of Documentation
3 Other Items Considered by the Committee
City of Toronto
REPORT No. 3
OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
(from its meeting on September 9, 1999,
submitted by Councillor Brad Duguid, Chair)
As Considered by
The Council of the City of Toronto
on September 28 and 29, 1999
1
Funding for Homeless Services
(City Council on September 28 and 29, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the report dated August 24, 1999, from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services.
The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee reports, for the information of Council, having referred the appeals from the following agencies to the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services for further review and report thereon to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee to be held on October 7, 1999:
- Fred Victor Centre (Grant Item No. 13);
- Friends of Shopping Bag Ladies (Grant Item No. 14);
- Massey Centre for women (Grant Item No. 20);
- mens sans (Families for Mental Health)(Grant Item No. 21);
- Street Haven (Grant Item No. 43); and
- Syme-Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre (Grant Item No. 45).
The Community Services Committee submits the following report (August 24, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
Purpose:
This report recommends funding of $4,126,534.00 to community agencies for a range of homeless services, within the context of four existing grants programs. The report further recommends a consolidation of these four programs into the City of Toronto Homeless Initiatives Fund (CT-HIF) for 2000.
Funding is recommended in the amount of $1,986,414.00 to 51 community groups for CT-HIF projects in 1999/2000. These recommendations are for the first phase of funding. As described in the June 1999 report to the Community Services Committee, a second Proposal Call for additional projects will be held in the fall of 1999.
Funding is recommended in the amount of $247,000.00 in 1999 to one agency for the Long Term Housing Program (LTHP), an established funding mechanism to help homeless people find and keep housing.
Funding is recommended in the amount of $61,260.00 to nine community groups for Shelter, Housing and Support grants in 1999.
Funding in the amount of $1,831,860.00 is recommended for 31 agencies which have applied for municipal support under the 1999 Homeless Support Services Fund (HSSF).
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
All funds are available in the 1999 Operating Budget.
The City of Toronto Homeless Initiatives Fund includes a 1999/2000 allocation of $4.724 million to the City of Toronto from the Province as well as an allocation of $881,100.00 from the City in the 1999 approved budget for the Consolidated Grants Program.
Funding for the Long Term Housing Program is included in the 1999 budget for the Community Initiatives Section of the Shelter, Housing and Support Division.
Funds for Shelter, Housing and Support grants are available in the approved 1999 Consolidated Grants Program Budget.
Sufficient funds for the 1999 HSSF allocations exist within the approved 1999 Consolidated Grants appropriation. The total funds available for the 1999 HSSF are $1,831,860.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Council approve 1999/2000 City of Toronto Homeless Initiatives Fund (CT-HIF) grants totalling $1,986,414.00 for 51 agencies, as described in Appendix A of this report;
(2) Council approve a 1999 Long Term Housing Program (LTHP) grant of $247,000.00 to Dixon Hall to provide a comprehensive program to help homeless people find and keep housing;
(3) Council approve the 1999 Shelter, Housing and Support grants totalling $61,260.00 for nine agencies, as described in Appendix C;
(4) Council approve the 1999 Homeless Support Services Fund (HSSF) allocations totalling $1,831,860.00 for 31 agencies, as described in Appendices D and E;
(5) for 2000, the funds for the Long Term Housing Program, Shelter, Housing and Support grants and Homeless Support Services Fund be rolled into the CT-HIF and administered in the context of a consolidated program; and
(6) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect hereto.
Council Reference/Background/ History:
Prior to amalgamation, Metro and the area municipalities administered a variety of funding programs which supported community-based agencies providing homeless services. These included the City of Toronto's Homeless Initiatives Fund and Long Term Housing Program, as well as Metro's Emergency Support Fund (now known as the Homeless Support Services Fund). In addition, other area municipalities gave grants to agencies in their community for the provision of homeless services, in the context of their grants programs.
Since the amalgamation, much work has been done to rationalize and consolidate these various funding programs, while maintaining the continuity of support to community agencies.
For 1999, these programs, while still technically in their separate streams, have been functionally administered as one unit. Staff involved with the programs have worked together on application and proposal assessment and the recommendations for funding. It is proposed, however, that for 2000 all the funds be amalgamated into a single funding envelope, the CT-HIF, as the next logical step towards full consolidation.
It is important to note that the Government of Ontario in response to the recommendations of its own task force on homelessness and the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force, has granted funds to the City to support homeless services. Support to the City from this Provincial Homeless Initiatives Fund was $1.02 million in 1998/99 and has grown to $4.7 million in 1999/2000. This is included in the 1999 budget for the CT-HIF. This funding is intended to support new initiatives related to homelessness and cannot be used to replace any existing City programs and services.
The Province has also made announcements regarding funding through the Hostel Services budget for redirection initiatives, and the downloading of the Supports to Daily Living Program and the Community Partners Program. As authorized by Council, staff are working on proposals to the Province for the Hostel Redirection Initiative. To date there is no information regarding the timing of the transfer of responsibility for the other two programs.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Funding Recommendations:
The purpose and assessment process for each of the four funds included in this report are described below. The specific agency allocations for each of the funds are included in the appendices. A number of agencies have been recommended for funding under two or more of the four funds, specifically for different purposes or programs. City staff have reviewed all recommendations to ensure that there is no duplication of funding.
(1) City of Toronto Homeless Initiatives Fund:
This report summarizes the process used to select projects for the City of Toronto Homeless Initiatives Fund (CT-HIF) and recommends 51 projects for $1,986,414.00 in funding. Details regarding proposals recommended for funding are provided in Appendix A.
The CT-HIF combines the City's Homeless Initiatives Fund and the Provincial Homelessness Initiatives Fund into one program with a common application, selection and evaluation process. This allows the City to implement a wide variety of projects which address the recommendations outlined in the final report from the Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness and address priority needs identified by community groups that work with homeless people. Assisted by City staff, many of these projects will work together as groups to develop longer term comprehensive programs that create efficiencies in the "system" of services to homeless people.
The City's Homeless Initiatives Fund (HIF) was created in 1992 by the former City of Toronto and has provided funding for a wide variety of projects that range from services to the most isolated street people to initiatives that support people when they move into permanent housing. The City has allocated $881,100.00 to the CT-HIF in the 1999 approved budget for the Consolidated Grants Program.
The Provincial Homelessness Initiatives Fund (PHIF) was established following the release of the report of the Provincial Task Force on Homelessness on October 8, 1998. For 1998/99, the City of Toronto was allocated $1.02 million to support new innovative approaches to addressing homelessness. A Request for Proposals was issued and 25 projects were selected for funding. A report summarizing the selection process and the projects funded for the first PHIF was submitted to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee in February 1999.
On March 23, 1999, the Province announced that an additional $6 million would be added to the Provincial Homelessness Initiatives Fund bringing the total to $10 million annually Province-wide. Toronto's share of the fund will therefore be increased from $1.02 million to $4.724 million for 1999/2000. The increase in the PHIF was part of an announcement that detailed a wide range of initiatives addressing housing, homelessness and housing supports.
Proposal Assessment Process for CT-HIF:
Projects for the 1999/2000 CT-HIF are being selected through two targeted proposal calls: one described in this report and one to be undertaken in the fall of 1999. Requests for Proposals were sent to a comprehensive list of community agencies, housing help centres, hostels, drop-ins, supportive housing providers and other groups that work with homeless people across the City of Toronto. In addition, the RFP was posted on the City's corporate web-site and each Councillor's office received a copy. Approximately 600 RFPs were distributed and a total of 116 proposals were received by the July 16 deadline.
Projects were selected according to selection criteria outlined in the Request for Proposals. The intent of the CT-HIF is to expand the City's responses to homelessness across the City by funding community-based initiatives that will provide a range of useful services to homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. Projects must meet one or more of the following "outcome" areas: assisting people to move from the streets; assisting people to move from emergency accommodation to more stable housing; and preventing homelessness.
In addition, priority was given to:
(a) agencies or groups with experience in providing services to homeless people or those at risk of homelessness;
(b) developing strategies which result in longer term solutions to homelessness;
(c) funding projects which create efficiencies in the "system" of services to homeless people;
(d) providing direct services to homeless people or those at risk of homelessness;
(e) projects which include homeless people in projects through employment and in the planning, implementation and evaluation stages; and
(f) projects which include qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to ensure that the program meets its goals and objectives and that individual projects are effective.
Projects were chosen by selection teams comprised of Community and Neighbourhood Services Department staff with expertise in the different project priority areas. In addition, staff from the City's Aboriginal Liaison Office, Urban Planning and Development Services, and the United Way were involved in the selection process.
The priority areas in the Proposal Call were established by staff based on recommendations outlined in the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force and priorities identified during consultation with community groups that work with homeless people. A total of 51 projects were selected in the following project priority areas:
(1) Chronic Hostel Users Pilot Project;
(2) Low-Income Singles Housing Support Program;
(3) Enhanced Housing Help and Eviction Prevention;
(4) Community Economic Development;
(5) New Canadians Housing Access Project;
(6) Services to People Living Outside;
(7) Housing and Hunger Initiatives;
(8) Enhanced Drop-In Services to Homeless People; and
(9) Aboriginal Community Skills Development.
Subject to approval from City Council, these projects will begin operation in the fall of 1999.
A second Request for Proposals will be issued in October to select projects for the balance of the CT-HIF.
(2) Long Term Housing Program:
Since 1982 the City of Toronto, through the Long Term Housing Program (LTHP), has funded Dixon Hall's Transitional Housing Support Services Department to provide a long term comprehensive program to help homeless people find and keep housing. Dixon Hall is a multi-service community agency located in the Don River Ward. From 1982-1998 Dixon Hall ran the 30 St. Lawrence Street Men's Shelter and since late 1997 has operated the 60 Richmond Street Shelter. Dixon Hall also provides a range of services for low-income children, youth, families and seniors in the local community. Dixon Hall has received City support to provide assistance to people living in Dixon Hall operated shelters as well as other shelters.
Staff are proceeding with implementing the earlier Council report recommending that Dixon Hall operate the Schoolhouse facility. Dixon Hall will begin operating the Schoolhouse in September 1999 and will also ensure that their housing services at the Schoolhouse and their new employment project, Labour Link, work together to begin to assist these homeless men to become more independent and leave the shelter system.
Activities Funded through LTHP:
Dixon Hall's work with homeless people involves assisting them in identifying barriers to finding and keeping housing. Strategies to address these barriers are then developed and implemented. For some individuals this may mean seeking assistance with mental health or addiction problems. For others it may mean sorting out eligibility for income support. Some may need help with shopping and others may need help setting up bank accounts or moving their belongings out of storage into their new home. Many also require assistance to access some form of supportive housing. Services funded through the LTHP focus on developing practical solutions to meet individual needs and on preventing further homelessness by helping people to secure and keep their housing.
Funds in the LTHP have also been authorized for use in assisting with security and related issues with the new housing project that is being built on the site of the old shelter at 30 St. Lawrence Street. This project will provide much needed permanent housing for chronically homeless people. In the developmental phase of this housing project, the neighbours identified the need for a range of security measures. These funds will be used to address these issues and contribute to the success of the project.
Proposed Directions:
The needs that led to the creation of the LTHP remain significant. However, given the changing funding environment for homeless services, it is also important to better consolidate the various funding programs that are in existence. This report recommends funding of $247,000.00 to Dixon Hall in 1999 in order to ensure that homeless people continue to receive services through the agency throughout 1999 until the changes are complete. Budget details are included in Appendix B. For 2000, LTHP funds will be rolled into the CT-HIF and these services will be funded through the application process used for the CT-HIF. Agencies interested in providing this type of service, including Dixon Hall, will be invited to submit proposals in the fall 1999 RFP.
(3) Shelter Housing and Support Grants:
Prior to amalgamation, the grants outlined in this report were provided by former municipalities to help assist community groups with their operating costs. In 1998, they were funded through the Community Services Grants Program in accordance with the transitional grants policy. As a result of efforts to rationalize grants, services and programs, the administration of these grants has been transferred to the Shelter, Housing and Support Division.
The objective in transferring these grants to the Shelter, Housing and Support Division is to incorporate the services being provided by these agencies into existing grant programs for shelters and homelessness prevention. Staff have spoken with these agencies, and applications for continued funding have been received for each of these projects in accordance with the City of Toronto's Grants Policy.
For 1999, it is recommended that the amount of these housing and shelter related grants remain at the 1998 level. Of the nine grants, eight are to shelters for homeless women, youth, or new Canadians and one provides assistance to small landlords through a self-help centre. More detailed information regarding the recommendations is provided in Appendix C.
During 1999, Shelter, Housing and Support staff will be meeting with each group to discuss their funding needs and to ensure that there is no shortfall in service provision as a result of the transfer. Staff will ensure that the groups will have the opportunity to apply for funding in 2000.
As with the LTHP funding, it is proposed that for 2000, these funds be transfered to the CT-HIF and administered in the context of that funding program.
(4) 1999 Homeless Support Services Fund:
In 1996, the Metro Emergency Support Fund was established by Metropolitan Council at the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons to respond to the most pressing needs of the homeless and socially isolated population. The Emergency Support Fund traditionally provided financial support for:
(i) services in danger of significant reductions in service or closing due to funding cuts;
(ii) services to communities which are underserved, or providing services during hours which are underserved;
(iii) requests for expanded hours of service, particularly during cold weather;
(iv) programs addressing the needs of street involved youth; and
(v) programs responding to the needs of persons with psychiatric disabilities who are homeless; within this, drop-ins, outreach services and hotlines were identified as priorities.
The ESF had a budget of $600,000.00 which was enhanced in 1997 by an additional $600,000.00 to respond to the need for winter specific programs for the homeless population. In 1998 this additional funding was annualized resulting in a total budget of $1.2 million to be allocated through the Emergency Support Fund.
In 1999, the ESF has been replaced by the Homeless Support Services Fund (HSSF). The HSSF consolidates funding allocated to community agencies through the former Community Resources Fund, Emergency Support Fund and Supplementary Emergency Support Fund. In 1999, the total budget for the HSSF is $1,831,860.00.
As with the ESF the HSSF continues to provide ongoing funding to community-based organizations providing direct services targeted to homeless people and those at risk of homelessness. The fund focuses on programs and services that help people to meet their basic needs, strengthen their living skills, and build or rebuild their social networks. In 1999 the HSSF has given priority to services operated through drop-ins and outreach or street services to the homeless population, and programs focussing on the outer areas of the City.
Application and Assessment Process:
Agencies applying to the HSSF were required to complete an extensive application form that included information regarding agency governance, management, program development and delivery, community partnerships, access and equity and community accountability.
Agencies were not interviewed for the HSSF and recommendations are based on the applications submitted. However, prior to the application deadline, City staff met with the majority of returning agencies to discuss the new funding program and discuss financial adjustments to compensate for the changed funding cycle.
Applications were screened by staff and reviewed by a team including the United Way of Greater Toronto, staff from Shelter, Housing and Support and policy staff of the Social Development and Administrative Services Division.
Overall, 58 agencies requested $4,059,303.00 through the 1999 HSSF. This includes 35 previously funded agencies and 23 new requests.
Maintaining and strengthening the core infrastructure of services for homeless individuals in the City of Toronto was a critical component of the review process. In addition, ensuring geographic and community equity was a high priority. It was also recognized that the needs of the homeless population outside the inner core may differ, requiring different approaches. For this reason, the recommendations also reflect the need to develop services in the outer areas of the City. Services targeted at particularly vulnerable sectors of the homeless population are also recommended.
The funding period for the HSSF has been adjusted from a January to December period to a September to August period. The new funding cycle is in alignment with the United Way winter relief program and facilitates agency planning for cold weather services. This change in the funding cycle, however, has an impact on agencies who received year-round funding for programs now under review through the HSSF. The change in the funding cycle of the HSSF will mean that funded projects must operate within the 1999 funding cycle which is September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2000. Agencies that received ongoing funding for year-round programs through the ESF or the Community Service Grants Program have been recommended for an adjustment at the 1998 funding level to compensate them for this change in the funding cycle. The City has collaborated with the United Way in allocating funding adjustments to agencies.
New Applicants:
A total of 23 agencies that did not receive funding for HSSF-eligible programs in 1998 applied for support in 1999. Of these, two are recommended for funding. A further 21 have not been recommended for a variety of reasons: they are ineligible; they were determined to be a lower priority; or because their requests were referred to another funding source determined to be more suitable.
The primary purpose of the 1999 HSSF is to support the delivery of services by community-based agencies to homeless individuals or those at imminent risk of homelessness. As a continuing grants program the HSSF recognizes that homelessness is a persistent challenge for the City of Toronto and that a range of core services targeted at those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are an integral part of the City's social service infrastructure.
The HSSF does not fund programs operated out of hostels which are restricted to residents or ex-residents of the hostel. It is expected that day-time programs for residents are an integral part of the shelter supports and thus funded through the City per diem support to hostels. Some hostels which operate drop-in programs available to the community broadly have been recommended for grants. Outreach programs supporting or assisting ex-residents to maintain stable housing have not been recommended.
The Shelter, Housing and Support Division is currently negotiating with the Province regarding projects to be funded under the Hostel Redirection Initiative. One initiative being proposed is the placement of housing workers and/or community follow-up workers in emergency shelters. It is anticipated that all emergency shelters will be provided funding when approved, hence staff are not recommending funding for this purpose through the Homeless Support Services Fund.
Requests for Community Economic Development (CED) initiatives with homeless individuals, the establishment of furniture/appliance banks, and food access programs, have not been recommenced for funding through the HSSF. These requests have been referred to the Shelter, Housing and Support Division to be considered through the HIF process.
The funding of food banks will be reviewed during 1999/2000 to determine the most suitable funding stream.
Evaluation:
As more resources are directed towards services addressing homelessness, it becomes increasingly important to evaluate project and program outcomes and their effectiveness in meeting the needs of people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness.
Agencies applying for continued program funding through the HSSF funding stream are required to submit detailed applications clearly articulating the services to be provided, including service targets and anticipated outcomes for clients. In 1999, returning applicants met with grants staff to review the information required and address any outstanding performance issues identified in 1998. Funded agencies may receive monitoring visits during the year and are required to report on achievements and the use funding in the next application cycle.
Projects applying for funding through the CT-HIF are required to submit proposed work plans, service targets and time lines. They are also required to describe the staffing and management structures which will support their undertakings.
Once approved, projects must account for their progress as follows:
(1) an interim report which focuses on key issues arising from the early phase of the project;
(2) continuing review and evaluation throughout the operation of the project; and
(3) a final report from each project after the first year.
The purpose of these reviews of project progress is to ensure that they are effectively meeting the general HIF objectives and the targets that they set, as well as to identify emerging trends that might impact on future funding decisions.
The Province has agreed to allow the City to use funds available from the 1998/1999 Homeless Initiatives Fund to support the development of a more formalized evaluation system for individual projects as well as the program as a whole.
Appeals:
Specific appeal amounts have not been set aside for the various grants funds discussed in this report. Any funding issues arising from the recommendations contained in this report should be referred back to staff to address during the next round of the CT-HIF later this year.
Conclusion:
It is recognized that responding to homelessness is an ongoing challenge for the City of Toronto and that a range of community-based services targeted at those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are an integral part of the City's social service infrastructure. The various funding streams which will form the City of Toronto Homeless Initiatives Fund will provide a comprehensive range of supports to agencies providing essential services to this population.
Since amalgamation, staff have been working towards consolidating the various funding streams into appropriate grants programs. This report reflects the next step in consolidating four previous programs into the CT-HIF. The final step is to consolidate the four program budgets in the 2000 budget request.
City staff will continue to work closely with the community-based agencies involved in these programs and projects to ensure that they operate effectively and collaborate with projects doing similar work. The regular reporting and evaluation/review processes will keep the City abreast of emerging needs in the community and will help to better co-ordinate services to homeless people. The City of Toronto Homeless Initiatives Fund, through its various funding streams, will form a base for the City's response to the Mayor's Homelessness Action Task Force recommendations and provide a comprehensive range of services across the City of Toronto.
Contact Names:
Joanne Campbell Chris Brillinger
Phone: 392-7885 Phone: 392-8608
Fax: 392-0548 Fax: 392-8492
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Appendix A
Summary of Projects Recommended for Funding
| # | Sponsoring Organization | Area Focus of Service | Outline of Project | Funding Recomm-endation |
| 1. Services to People Living Outside: | ||||
| 1 | Central Neighbourhood House | City Wide | Funding to provide a front line resource that will develop contact, provide assistance and connect socially isolated homeless people who live in parks and ravines with appropriate supports and to assist their transition to shelters. | $150,000 |
| 2 | Metropolitan United Church | Toronto | Funding to establish a community- based support initiative that will assist homeless people in the downtown core access support services and shelters. The project will focus on the Metropolitan Church Grounds Park and Out of the Cold meal programs in the downtown core. | $ 47,970 |
| 2. Housing and Hunger Initiatives: | ||||
| 3 | Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre | City Wide | Funding to augment PARC's community meal program. | $ 10,000 |
| 4 | Toronto Christian Resource Centre | Toronto | Funding to implement a community food program for low income tenants. | $ 10,000 |
| 5 | St. Stephen's Community House | Toronto | Funding to expand a community supper club, community kitchen and Good Food Box program. | $ 10,000 |
| 6 | Parkdale Golden Age Foundation | Toronto | Funding to expand a congregate dining program in Parkdale. | $ 10,000 |
| 7 | Trinity Square Enterprises | Toronto | Funding to implement a meal ticket program for homeless and marginally housed people. | $ 8,000 |
| 8 | Toronto Friendship Centre | Toronto | Funds to develop a community kitchen program for low income roomers and tenants in the Dundas Sherbourne area. | $ 25,000 |
| 9 | Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre | Toronto | Funding to expand a community kitchen program for homeless and marginally-housed people in the Bloor West neighbourhood. | $ 25,000 |
| 10 | Queen West Community Health Centre | Toronto | Funding to hire peer workers to prepare and deliver meals to homeless and socially isolated people. | $ 10,000 |
| 11 | Fred Victor Centre | Toronto | Funding to expand a community breakfast program for homeless and low income tenants. | $ 25,000 |
| 12 | Stop 103 | Toronto | Funding to develop a food access homelessness prevention initiative. | $ 15,000 |
| 13 | Parkdale Community Health Centre | Toronto | Funding to hire peer outreach workers to prepare and distribute meals to the homeless population in Parkdale. | $ 10,000 |
| 14 | Access Alliance Community Health Centre | Toronto | Funding to facilitate community kitchens, food workshops and bulk purchasing for under-housed immigrant and refugee families. | $ 10,000 |
| 15 | Harbourfront Community Centre | Toronto | Funding to assist low income people to buy and cook food in bulk, learn cost saving techniques and food preparation. | $ 10,000 |
| 16 | Homes First Society | Toronto | Funding to implement a Meal Club that will teach basic cooking skills and provide meals to residents of Strachan House and Savards. | $ 25,000 |
| 17 | Foodshare Toronto | City Wide | Funding to provide a series of on-site cooking sessions for street youth at youth serving agencies. | $ 9,672 |
| 18 | Houselink | City Wide | Funding to operate two community kitchens and organize bulk food shopping for low income people. | $ 25,000 |
| 19 | Agincourt Community Services Association | Scarborough | Funding to provide food skills training to homeless and low income tenants. | $ 8,235 |
| 3. Enhanced Drop-in Services to Homeless People: | ||||
| 20 | St. Stephen's Community House | West End of the City | Funding to strengthen the delivery of drop-in services and increase access to services for the homeless population in the west end of Toronto. The consortium of five drop-in's (St. Stephen's Community House, St. Christopher House, Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre, Evangel Hall and Sistering) will focus on training for participants, volunteers and staff and communication and co-ordination strategies between a cross sector of service providers. | $ 50,000 |
| 4. Chronic Hostel Users Pilot Projects: | ||||
| 21 | Shared Care Clinical Outreach Program | Toronto | Funding for two clinical housing workers to work with the Shared Care Program to develop permanent housing solutions for chronic hostel users at Seaton House and the Maxwell Meighen Centre. | $115,000 |
| 22 | Society of St. Vincent de Paul | Toronto | Funding to assist chronically homeless women in the Rendu House hostel access and maintain permanent housing. | $ 78,000 |
| 23 | John Howard Society of Toronto | City Wide | Funding to identify and assess chronic homeless offenders, facilitate treatment programs and assist their transition into stable accommodation. The project will work in conjunction with the Good Shepherd Refuge. | $ 80,000 |
| 5. New Canadians Housing Access Project: | ||||
| 24 | Sojourn House | City Wide | Funding to establish a housing access service for homeless new Canadians living in shelters and utilizing drop-in centres. The project will work with a variety of community partners to expedite the transition to housing from shelters, and reduce recidivism. | $100,000 |
| 25 | Albion Neighbourhood Services | Etobicoke | Funding to work with socially isolated low income and homeless new Canadians from Latin America. The project will improve access to housing and services and provide interventions in crisis situations. | $ 25,000 |
| 26 | Regent Park Community Health Centre | Toronto | Funding to connect socially isolated and homeless people from Somalia with appropriate shelter, housing and support services. | $ 25,000 |
| 6. Housing Supports for the Aboriginal Community: | ||||
| 27 | Native Women's Resource Centre | City Wide | Funding to assist homeless aboriginal women and homeless aboriginal women and their children with their housing needs and to develop opportunities for self-help and mutual support. | $ 50,000 |
| 28 | Anishnawbe Health Toronto | City Wide | Funding to provide housing support services for Aboriginal women of all ages, some of whom will have children. The project will assist women to break the cycle of homelessness. | $ 50,000 |
| 7. Enhanced Housing Help/Eviction Prevention: | ||||
| 29 | Neighbourhood Information Post | City Wide | Funding to provide loans to low income tenants in danger of eviction for economic reasons and to provide service planning, financial management, administration and co-ordination of a Rent Bank Program. | $260,000 |
| 30 | York Community Services | York | Funding to provide Rent Bank access services to low income tenants including access to information, assistance with applications, loan recommendations and referrals to the Rent Bank loan program. | $ 15,000 |
| 31 | Scarborough Housing Help Centre c/o Agincourt Community Services Association | Scarborough | Funding to provide Rent Bank access services to low income tenants including access to information, assistance with applications, loan recommendations and referrals to the Rent Bank loan program. | $ 15,000 |
| 32 | Albion Neighbourhood Services | Etobicoke | Funding to provide Rent Bank access services to low income tenants including access to information, assistance with applications, loan recommendations and referrals to the Rent Bank loan program. | $ 15,000 |
| 33 | East York/East Toronto Family Resources | East York | Funding to provide Rent Bank access services to low income tenants including access to information, assistance with applications, loan recommendations and referrals to the Rent Bank loan program. | $ 15,000 |
| 34 | Woodgreen Community Centre | Toronto | Funding to provide Rent Bank access services to low income tenants including access to information, assistance with applications, loan recommendations and referrals to the Rent Bank loan program. | $ 12,300 |
| 35 | Neighbourhood Information Post | Toronto | Funding to provide Rent Bank access services to low income tenants including access to information, assistance with applications, loan recommendations and referrals to the Rent Bank loan program. | $ 15,000 |
| 36 | Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre | Toronto | Funding to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness improve their ability to access and maintain housing through the provision of financial management and trusteeship services. | $ 25,000 |
| 37 | Neighbourhood Information Post | Toronto | Funding to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness improve their ability to access and maintain housing through the provision of financial management and trusteeship services. | $ 25,000 |
| 38 | Cross-Toronto Community Development Corporation (Fresh Start) | City Wide | Funding to help vulnerable low income tenants who are unable to keep their housing clean and are facing eviction. The project will provide cleaning services and link tenants to appropriate support services. | $ 25,000 |
| 39 | Visiting Homemakers Association | City Wide | Funding to help vulnerable low income tenants who are unable to keep their housing clean and are facing eviction. The project will provide cleaning services and link tenants to appropriate support services. | $ 25,000 |
| 8. Community Economic Development: | ||||
| 40 | Promoting Economic Action and Community Health (PEACH) | North York | Funding to develop a range of economic development projects with low income and vulnerable tenants in the Jane-Finch community. | $ 31,423 |
| 41 | St. Christopher House | Toronto | Funding to support community economic development activities with homeless and low income members of the Meeting Place drop-in. | $ 49,529 |
| 42 | Maple Leaf Theatre for Social Responsibility (c/o Mixed Company) | Toronto | Funding to support Cobblestone Theatre and the Maple Leaf Youth Troupe - interactive theatre projects written, produced and performed by homeless and formerly homeless youth and adults. | $ 20,000 |
| 43 | 761 Development Corporation | Toronto/
North York |
Funding to support innovative
community economic
development projects with
homeless and formerly
homeless adults. Funding is
for the following projects:
"Inspirations" ($14,919), "Clothes for Change" ($15,000), "Rworks/ Miller Recycling Partnership" ($19,547) and to provide managerial staff support ($15,000) |
$ 64,466 |
| 9. Access to Housing and Supports: | ||||
| 44 | Toronto Christian Resource Centre | Toronto | Funding to provide housing access, monitoring and support to low income rooming house tenants and their landlords, neighbouring homeowners and community support services in Wards 24 and 25. | $ 62,800 |
| 45 | Open Door Centre and Rooms Registry | Toronto | Funding to assist homeless and low income men and women secure decent affordable accommodation through the provision of a Rooms Registry service. | $ 37,500 |
| 46 | Stonegate Community Health Centre | Etobicoke | Funding to establish contacts with young people who are homeless or living in precarious housing and to assist them in accessing and maintaining safe and stable housing. | $ 50,000 |
| 47 | Hispanic Development Council | City Wide | Funding to establish contacts with Hispanic youth who are homeless or living in precarious housing and to assist them in accessing and maintaining safe and stable housing. | $ 50,000 |
| 48 | Yonge Street Mission | Toronto | Funding to establish contacts with young people who are homeless or living in precarious housing and to assist them in accessing and maintaining safe and stable housing. | $ 50,000 |
| 49 | YOUTHLINK Inner City | City Wide | Funding to provide a mobile service to youths on the streets, in squats and in parks. The project will help young people leave the streets through assistance in accessing shelters, housing and related support services. | $ 50,000 |
| 50 | Anglican Houses | Toronto | Funding to assist homeless or precariously housed special needs youth access shelters, housing and related support services. | $ 7,125 |
| 51 | Pape Adolescent Resource Centre | City Wide | Funding to provide a "One Stop Housing" service for youth that will assist young people in accessing housing, recruit landlords willing to rent to youth, and provide a variety of housing related supports. | $ 49,394 |
| Total: $1,986,414 | ||||
Appendix B
Dixon Hall Long Term Housing Program Annual Budget
1999
Revenue: $ 247,000.00
Expenditures:
Staffing and Benefits 174,362.00
Program Costs 16,671.00
Security for 30 St. Lawrence 23,750.00
Administrative Costs 32,217.00
Total Expenditures $ 247,000.00
Appendix C
Summary of Projects Recommended for Funding
| # | Sponsoring Organization | Community Council District | Use of funds | Funding Recommendation |
| 1 | Second Base (Scarborough) Youth Shelter | Scarborough | Funding for the purchase of art supplies and recreation equipment for the Youth Shelter's outreach program. | $ 500.00 |
| 2 | Youth Without Shelter | Etobicoke | Funding to assist with the operating costs of the Youth Shelter. | $ 7,500.00 |
| 3 | Horizon's For Youth in the City of York | York | Funding to assist with the operating costs of the Youth Shelter | $10,000.00 |
| 4 | North York Emergency Home for Youth | North York | Funding to assist Eva's Place in providing shelter and support services to homeless youth. | $10,000.00 |
| 5 | Ernestine's Women's Shelter | Etobicoke | Funding to assist with the provision of "start-up kits" for residents leaving the shelter to start a new home. | $ 3,000.00 |
| 6 | North York Women's Shelter | North York | Funding to assist with the operating costs of this shelter for abused women and children. | $14,000.00 |
| 7 | Women's Habitat of Etobicoke | Etobicoke | Funding to assist in the provision of emergency shelter, support and counselling to children who witness violence. | $ 7,760.00 |
| 8 | Sojourn House | Toronto | Funding to assist refugees moving from shelters to housing with furniture, basic household goods, and moving costs. | $ 3,500.00 |
| 9 | Landlord's Self Help centre | Toronto | Funding to enhance programs and services to small landlords. | $ 5,000.00 |
| Total: $61,260.00 | ||||
Appendix D
1999 Homeless Support Services Fund
| Agency Name | 1998 E.S.F./S.E.S.F./
C.S.G.P. (Transfer) Amount |
1999 H.S.S.F. Amount Requested | 1999 H.S.S.F. Amount Recommended | |
| (1) | Agincourt Community Services Association | - | 46,385.00 | 32,719.00 |
| (2) | Anishnawbe Health Toronto | 211,000.00 | 262,000.00 | 262,000.00 |
| (3) | Bloor-Bathurst Interchurch Gathering Spot | 17,435.00 | 29,058.00 | 29,058.00 |
| (4) | Canadian African Newcomer Aid Centre of Toronto (CANACT) | - | 35,000.00 | - |
| (5) | Central Neighbourhood House | 158,918.00 | 223,154.00 | 222,945.00 |
| (6) | Centre for Active Resources (CFAR) | - | 2,000.00 | - |
| (7) | Christie-Ossington Neighbourhood Centre | - | 10,000.00 | - |
| (8) | Community Information Centre of Metropolitan Toronto | 166,500.00 | 285,507.00 | 195,000.00 |
| (9) | Connect Information Post | 8,250.00 | 19,142.00 | 10,000.00 |
| (10) | Evangel Hall | 12,000.00 | 23,000.00 | 22,000.00 |
| (11) | Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere | - | 150,000.00 | - |
| (12) | 519 Church Street Community Centre | 51,858.00 | 111,357.00 | 68,000.00 |
| (13) | Fred Victor Centre | 19,500.00 | 205,000.00 | - |
| (14) | Friends of Shopping Bag Ladies | 24,224.00 | 58,000.00 | - |
| (15) | Le Groupe Jeunesse Francophone De Toronto | - | 26,270.00 | - |
| (16) | Horizons for Youth | 29,000.00 | 23,362.00 | 9,000.00 |
| (17) | Houselink Community Homes | 11,751.00 | 21,887.00 | 16,892.00 |
| (18) | Kensington Youth Theatre & Employment Skills | 8,600.00 | 10,000.00 | 9,000.00 |
| (19) | King Addiction Centre Inc. | - | 330,000.00 | - |
| (20) | Massey Centre for Women | - | 53,140.00 | - |
| (21) | Mens Sana (Families for Schizophrenics) | - | 150,000.00 | - |
| (22) | Metro Street Focus | - | 50,000.00 | - |
| (23) | Midaynta (Association of Somali Service Agencies) | - | 30,000.00 | - |
| (24) | Native Child and Family Services of Toronto | 12,000.00 | 35,000.00 | 19,000.00 |
| (25) | Native Men's Residence (Na-Me-Res) | 14,000.00 | 40,000.00 | 40,000.00 |
| (26) | Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto | - | 55,000.00 | - |
| (27) | Neighbourhood Link | - | 70,000.00 | 15,000.00 |
| (28) | North York Harvest Food Bank | 10,000.00 | 41,667.00 | 16,667.00 |
| (29) | Open Door Centre and Rooms Registry Service Inc. | 114,000.00 | 122,000.00 | 105,000.00 |
| (30) | Parkdale Activity & Recreation Centre (PARC) | 36,500.00 | 88,751.00 | 40,000.00 |
| (31) | Parkdale Community Health Centre | 6,000.00 | 12,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
| (32) | Refugees and Immigrants Information Centre Toronto Inc. | - | 25,559.00 | - |
| (33) | Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre | - | 63,620.00 | - |
| (34) | Second Base (Scarborough) Youth Shelter | 16,750.00 | 25,000.00 | 20,000.00 |
| (35) | Self Help Educational Group | - | 25,000.00 | - |
| (36) | 761 Community Development Corporation | 10,000.00 | 60,500.00 | - |
| (37) | Sistering - A Woman's Place | 82,157.00 | 109,883.00 | 82,157.00 |
| (38) | Sketch | - | 30,000.00 | - |
| (39) | Sojourn House | 3,500.00 | 9,693.00 | - |
| (40) | St. Alban's Boys' and Girls' Club | - | 5,000.00 | - |
| (41) | St. Christopher House | 56,317.00 | 39,704.00 | 35,000.00 |
| (42) | St. Stephen's Community House | 72,778.00 | 86,928.00 | 60,000.00 |
| (43) | Street Haven At the Crossroads | 22,750.00 | 156,800.00 | 23,000.00 |
| (44) | Street Health Community Nursing Foundation | 6,750.00 | 8,000.00 | 4,000.00 |
| (45) | Syme-Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre | 12,750.00 | 68,564.00 | 33,987.00 |
| (46) | Toronto Adventist Community Services | - | 10,000.00 | - |
| (47) | Toronto Christian Resource Centre | 49,839.00 | 97,826.00 | 83,226.00 |
| (48) | Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre | 35,286.00 | 49,988.00 | 49,988.00 |
| (49) | Toronto Friendship Centre Inc. | 133,593.00 | 130,000.00 | 105,000.00 |
| (50) | Toronto Windfall Clothing Support Service | - | 6,162.00 | - |
| (51) | Touchstone Youth Centre | 19,250.00 | 35,000.00 | 20,000.00 |
| (52) | Unemployed Professional African Watu Association | - | 66,000.00 | - |
| (53) | University Settlement Recreation Centre | - | 50,000.00 | - |
| (54) | West Hill Community Services | 12,750.00 | 50,000.00 | - |
| (55) | Wychwood Open Door | 30,900.00 | 52,600.00 | 52,600.00 |
| (56) | Yonge Street Mission - Evergreen Centre for Street Youth | - | 10,000.00 | - |
| (57) | Youth Without Shelter | 16,500.00 | 21,175.00 | - |
| (58) | Youthlink (Inner City) | 109,703.00 | 147,621.00 | 147,621.00 |
| Grand Total: | $1,603,109.00 | $4,059,303.00 | $1,831,860.00 |
(A copy of the Appendix E, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Community Services Committee for its meeting on September 9, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
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The Community Services Committee reports, for the information of Council, having also had before it a communication (September 9, 1999) from Ms. Chiara Tassone, Executive Director, mens sana (Families for Mental Health), appealing the recommendation respecting their grant application.
The following persons appeared before the Community Services Committee to appeal their aforementioned grant applications:
- Ms. Pam Jolliffe, Fred Victor Centre (Grant Item No. 13);
- Ms. Liz Bonanno, Syme-Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre (Grant Item No. 45);
- Ms. Nancy Peters, Massey Centre for Women (Grant Item No. 20);
- Ms. Kelley M. McKinnon, Chair, Board of Directors, Friends of Shopping Bag Ladies (416 Drop-In Centre) (Grant Item No. 14), and requested a deferral of their appeal until the next meeting of the Community Services Committee;
- Mr. Todd Kaighin, on behalf of Street Haven (Grant Item No. 43); and
- Councillor Doug Holyday, Markland - Centennial, who asked questions of staff.
2
Amendment to By-law No. 1 of the Toronto Housing
Company Inc. - Execution of Documentation
(City Council on September 28 and 29, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)
The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. embodied in the following communication (August 13, 1999) from the Corporate Secretary:
The Board of Directors of the Toronto Housing Company Inc., on July 26, 1999, had before it the attached report (July 12, 1999) from the Chief Executive Officer amending By-law No. 1 - Execution of Documents, recommending that:
(1) subsection 9(2) of By-law No. 1 of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. be reworded by enacting draft By-law No. 6 attached hereto;
(2) By-law No. 6 as enacted be submitted for confirmation to the sole shareholder of the Toronto Housing Company Inc., the City of Toronto, through its governing body, the City Council, no later than the next meeting of such Council at which proceedings take place constituting action by the City in its capacity as such shareholder; and
(3) the appropriate officials of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect to Recommendation No. (2).
The Board of Directors adopted, without amendment, the aforementioned report.
It is requested that By-law No. 6 of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. be submitted for confirmation as set forth in Recommendation No. (2).
(Report dated July 12, 1999, addressed to the
Board of Directors of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. from the
Chief Executive Officer)
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) subsection 9(2) of By-law No. 1 of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. be reworded by enacting the attached draft By-law No. 6;
(2) By-law No. 6 as enacted be submitted for confirmation to the sole shareholder of the Toronto Housing Company Inc., the City of Toronto, through its governing body, the City Council, no later than the next meeting of such Council at which proceedings take place constituting action by the City in its capacity as such shareholder; and
(3) the appropriate officials of the Toronto Housing Company Inc. be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect to Recommendation No. (2).
Background:
Subclause 5(2)(c)(iii) of By-law No. 1 of the Toronto Housing Company sets out the contractual authority of the Chief Executive Officer as follows:
"5. (2) Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), the Board of Directors shall appoint from time to time ...
(c) a Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation who shall ...
(iii) have authority:
(A) to commit the Corporation contractually, in each instance in an amount not in excess of
(i) $250,000.00, other than for consulting services;
(ii) $ 100,000.00 for consulting services;
(B) in cases of emergency, and with the approval of the President or Vice-President, to commit the Corporation contractually in an amount in excess of the applicable amount stipulated in item (A);
(C) except where the Corporation has entered into an agreement for purchasing services with a third party, to delegate the Chief Executive Officer's purchasing and related contracting powers when deeming same advisable, to the person for the time being responsible for the purchasing and related functions for or on behalf of the City; ..."
Subsection 9(2) of the by-law sets out the signing authority for the execution of documentation as follows:
"9. (2) Except as otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors from time to time by resolution, contracts, documents or instruments in writing on behalf of the Corporation shall be signed by:
(a) any one of the following officers of the Corporation:
(i) the Chief Executive Officer;
(ii) the President;
(iii) the Vice-President;
and also by
(b) any one of the following other officers of the Corporation:
(i) the Treasurer;
(ii) the Secretary,
and the Corporation's seal shall be affixed to such instruments as require the same."
Under these provisions, it is not entirely clear whether the signing requirements of subsection 9(2) are intended to apply to contractual commitments made under subclause 5(2)(c)(iii). Furthermore, since the Chief Executive Officer is the only employee listed in subclause 9(2)(a), he is currently signing all formal contract documentation.
The recommended re-enactment of subsection 9(2) will make a second signature unnecessary for exercise of the contractual authority under item 5(2)(c)(iii)(A) by the Chief Executive Officer or a Board-authorized delegate, or by City purchasing personnel under item 5(2)(c)(iii)(C), and will provide a pool of senior managers for situations requiring a second signature.
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| D R A F T |
TORONTO HOUSING COMPANY INC.
By-law No. 6
BE IT ENACTED as a By-law of the Corporation as follows:
1. Subsection 9(2) of By-law No. 1 is repealed and the following substituted therefor:
"(2) Except as otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors from time to time by resolution, all contracts, documents or instruments in writing on behalf of the Corporation shall
(a) if executed pursuant to the authority granted to the Chief Executive Officer by item 5(2)(c)(iii)(A), be signed by that Officer or by such other member of the Corporation's staff as may be exercising such authority as a delegate authorized by the Board of Directors;
(b) if executed by Purchase Order or otherwise pursuant to the delegation authorized by item 5(2)(c)(iii)(C), be signed in accordance with the City's purchasing procedure;
(c) if neither clause (a) nor clause (b) is applicable, be signed by
(i) any one of the following officers of the Corporation:
(A) Chief Executive Officer;
(B) Chief Operating Officer;
(C) Treasurer;
(D) Controller;
(E) Manager, Internal Control;
and also by
(ii) any one of the following other officers of the Corporation:
(A) Chief Executive Officer;
(B) Chief Operating Officer;
(C) Secretary,
and the Corporation's seal shall be affixed to such instruments as require the same."
ENACTED this 26th day of July, 1999.
WITNESS the Corporate Seal of the Corporation.
PRESIDENT SECRETARY
3
Other Items Considered by the Committee
(City Council on September 28 and 29, 1999, received this Clause, for information.)
(a) Election of Vice-Chair - Community Services Committee.
The Community Services Committee reports having elected Councillor Irene Jones as Vice-Chair of the Committee for the term of office expiring November 30, 2000, and until a successor is appointed.
(b) Staff Presentation on Emergency Preparedness.
The Community Services Committee reports having:
(1) suggested that the Emergency Plan include protocols, policies, and action plans for emergencies in Ontario, Canada, and internationally, and that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to report thereon;
(2) directed that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to develop mutual aid strategies and report thereon to the Community Services Committee; and further that such report include a recommendation that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities be notified of the City's mutual aid strategies, and encourage other municipalities to enact similar strategies;
(3) directed that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to report to the Community Services Committee, as soon as possible, on the necessary funding required to prepare a pamphlet for distribution to all citizens in the City of Toronto respecting steps that could be taken by citizens in regard to various emergency situations; and
(4) referred the following motion by Councillor Prue to the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services for review and comment thereon in the report requested in Recommendation No. (3):
"That the information to citizens be disseminated through the media rather than by pamphlet."
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The Manager, Emergency Planning, Works and Emergency Services, gave an overhead presentation on the City of Toronto's emergency response abilities, in response to the request of the Committee at its meeting on July 14, 1999.
(c) Qualifications and Training for Entry-Level Primary Care Paramedics.
The Community Services Committee reports having received the following report:
(August 10, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services advising of changes to the academic curriculum provided by community colleges for the training of paramedics in Ontario; and recommending that the report be received for information.
(d) Radio Communications System - Toronto Police and Toronto Fire Services.
The Community Services Committee reports having received the following communication:
(July 20, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that the Policy and Finance Committee on July 20, 1999, had before it a communication (June 3, 1999) from the City Clerk, and a joint report (July 7, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief responding to the Audit Committee's request for a six-monthly status report of the Integrated Police and Fire Services Radio Communications System; and that the Committee concurred in the recommendation embodied in the aforementioned joint report that such report be received and forwarded to the Community Services Committee for information.
(e) Ontario Works Caseload Profile.
The Community Services Committee reports having:
(a) adopted the recommendations contained in the following communication from Councillor Chow, subject to such recommendations being amended to read as follows:
"(1) that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services provide an action plan for Members of Council urging the Federal and Provincial Governments to invest in a extensive early childhood development program, including the provision of child care services, and that such a plan be presented to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee; and
(2) that the Children and Youth Advocate report to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee on the result of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' meeting in Charlottetown"; and
(b) received the following report of the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:
(i) (August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services advising of important changes in the City's social assistance caseload through the 1990s, focussing on overall caseload growth and decline, and on key trends related to caseload composition and to changes in the length of time clients remain on assistance; summarizing the implications for the delivery of Ontario Works; and recommending that the report be received for information; and
(ii) (September 7, 1999) from Councillor Olivia Chow, Children and Youth Advocate, respecting the report of the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services on the Ontario Works Caseload profile; and recommending:
(1) that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services provide an action plan for Members of Council urging the Federal and Provincial Governments to invest in an extensive early childhood development program and that such a plan be presented at the upcoming Council meeting; and
(2) that the Children and Youth Advocate report to the upcoming Council meeting on the result of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' meeting in Charlottetown.
(f) Retirement and Lodging Homes.
The Community Services Committee reports having:
(i) recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee, and Council:
(a) the adoption of the following report dated September 8, 1999, from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and the Medical Officer of Health, subject to the recommendations being amended to read as follows:
"It is recommended that:
(1) a Retirement and Lodging Homes Advisory Committee be established, comprised of Councillors Ootes (Deputy Mayor), Johnston (Seniors Advocate), Filion (Chair, Board of Health), Duguid (Chair, Community Services Committee), Jones (Vice-Chair, Community Services Committee), and Flint (Chair, Planning and Transportation Committee);
(2) a Retirement and Lodging Homes Action Team, led by Public Health, be established with membership from Homes for the Aged, Municipal Standards and Licensing, Fire, Ambulance, Buildings, Legal Services, Shelter Housing and Support, Toronto Police, and Social Development. This team will immediately implement a short-term action plan to address complaints and concerns from the public regarding retirement homes;
(3) the City of Toronto fully apply its existing legal powers to investigate complaints related to the health and safety of residents in retirement homes across the City;
(4) the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health and City Solicitor, establish an interdepartmental working group comprised of staff from Police, Fire, Ambulance and Legal as well as other appropriate stakeholders. This working group will report back to the Retirement and Lodging Homes Advisory Committee by November 1999, and by December 1999 to the Community Services Committee and the Planning and Transportation Committee on the scope of the problem, issues related to the development and monitoring of mechanisms for ensuring quality and standards of care, and possible roles for the City, the Province and other stakeholders in this regard;
(5) this report be forwarded to the Planning and Transportation Committee and the Policy and Finance Committee;
(6) the estimated funding of $527,500.00 required for the short-term solution be absorbed in the Community and Neighbourhood Services 1999 approved Operating Budget, and that a report be submitted to the Policy and Finance Committee on the details of this expenditure, and the underexpenditures in 1999 that may be reallocated for this purpose, as part of the 1999 Operating Budget Variance reporting process;
(7) the 1999 expenditures required to immediately implement the initiatives proposed by the Retirement and Lodging Homes Action Team be approved and further that the City seek 50/50 cost-sharing from the Province of Ontario to cover these expenditures;
(8) the funding implications of a longer-term solution be subject to a report to the Policy and Finance Committee for consideration with the year 2000 Operating Budget process; and
(9) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect hereto.";
(b) that all references to the Retirement Homes Advisory Committee and the Retirement Homes Action Team, referred to in the joint report, be amended to read Retirement and Lodging Homes Advisory Committee and the Retirement and Lodging Homes Action Team respectively; and
(c) that the focus of both the Retirement and Lodging Homes Advisory Committee and the Retirement and Lodging Homes Action Team include retirement and lodging homes where personal support is being provided on site;
(ii) directed that the Policy and Finance Committee be requested to expedite discussion of the following joint report from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and Medical Officer of Health to ensure consideration by Council at its meeting on September 28, 1999; and
(iii) directed that the following joint report be forwarded to the September 13, 1999, meeting of the Planning and Transportation Committee for information, insofar as it pertains to municipal property standards, zoning and related issues, with a request that any comments thereon be submitted directly to the Policy and Finance Committee for its meeting on September 16, 1999:
(September 8, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and the Medical Officer of Health respecting retirement homes.
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The Medical Officer of Health gave an overhead slide presentation to the Community Services Committee on the issues with respect to retirement homes.
Respectfully submitted,
BRAD DUGUID
Chair
Toronto, September 9, 1999
(Report No. 3 of The Community Services Committee was adopted, without amendment, by City Council on September 28 and 29, 1999.)