1 Tree Advocacy Planting Program - All Wards

2 Expansion of Victoria Village Arena - Agreement with the Canadian Macedonian Federation (Ward 11, Don Parkway)

3 Economic Development Partnership Program Grants 1999 Second Round - All Wards

4 Addition and Renovations to Heron Park Community Recreation Centre Contract No. 221-1999 Scarborough Highland Creek (Ward 16)

5 1999 Business Improvement Area Budgets Supplementary Report No. 5: Village of Islington Business Improvement Area

6 Toronto Wins 1999 Marketing Canada Awards - All Wards

7 Final Report of the Program Director for the Yonge Street Regeneration Program

8 Other Items Considered by the Committee

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, amended this Clause by adding thereto the following:

"It is further recommended that:

(1) the tree advocacy planting program include a review of the species and varieties of trees that can be planted;

(2) the City make provision for the introduction in some areas, particularly in suburban areas, of species of trees that will mature to full size in selected locations, particularly City parks, i.e. stately varieties; and

(3) the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to submit a report to the Economic Development and Parks Committee on the possibility of introducing or re-introducing such native species as oaks, chestnuts, elms and other similar varieties.")

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends:

(1) the adoption of the joint report (September 20, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate, subject to deleting Recommendation No. (2) and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

"(2) that, upon adoption by City Council of the aforementioned report, City Council forward same to the Budget Advisory Committee for consideration of the funding aspect of the Tree Planting Program during the 2000 Capital Budget deliberations; and"; and

(2) the adoption of the recommendations of the Environmental Task Force embodied in report (September 28, 1999) from the City Clerk, being the expansion of the Tree Advocacy Planting Program to include:

(a) the planting of additional trees in each Ward in the Year 2000; and

(b) the criteria for expanding the Tree Advocacy Planting Program have the flexibility to include major intersections, industrial areas and other locations, as identified by the local Councillor(s) in consultation with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate.

The Economic Development Committee reports, for the information of City Council, having:

(i) referred the communication (October 1, 1999) from the Toronto Civic Employees' Union, Local 416, to Councillor Pantalone, Chair of Committee, and the Mayor's office for its consideration in the development of the Tree Planting Program;

(ii) requested that the Tree Advocate:

(a) investigate the possibility of inviting the School Boards to participate in the Tree Planting Program by having children plant trees which would enhance the Program, as well as having the children involved in the Program on a long term basis; and

(b) investigate whether a 'Plant a Tree for the Millennium' program could be established which would encourage residents to request that a tree be planted on the City-owned boulevard in front of their property; and

(iii) requested that the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

(a) report back to the Economic Development and Parks Committee on a policy with regard to compensating homeowners that sustain damage to their property, i.e. drains, driveways, etc., caused by the growth of City-owned trees in front of their property, the said report to be in consultation with the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services; and

(b) submit an update, on a regular basis, on sponsorships with the corporate sector and community involvement in the Tree Planting Program.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee submits the following joint report (September 20, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate:

Purpose:

At its meeting held on May 11 and 12, 1999, after recognizing the importance of tree preservation and renewal, Toronto City Council appointed Councillor Joe Pantalone as the City's Tree Advocate. Council adopted a motion acknowledging that the Urban Forest "is a City asset, making the City of Toronto an even more attractive place to live, work and visit, as well as being a proven way of combatting environmental air pollution." Council resolved that the Tree Advocate, supported by the appropriate City Staff, identify as many publicly owned locations as possible for tree planting in the Millennium Year of 2000. Council further directed that the Tree Advocate's report be considered at its meeting to be held on October 26, 27 and 28, 1999.

This report outlines the cooperative work undertaken by Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Works and Emergency Services and the City's Tree Advocate Joe Pantalone. It recommends steps to implement Council's direction to create a Tree Advocacy Planting Program for the Year 2000.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The program outlined in this report is designed as 50:50 fund matching between the City and corporate sponsors or other funding sources. Economic Development, Culture and Tourism is requesting $500,000.00 in their 2000 capital budget, which would be used with matching funds, as they become available, to fund specific planting projects. Support of the Department's capital request, if fully matched through in-kind contributions, partnerships and sponsors, could lead up to $1 million of planting.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) City Council approve, in principle, the Tree Advocacy Planting Program that will achieve the planting of approximately 60,000 trees for the Year 2000 as outlined in this report;

(2) this report be forwarded to the Policy and Finance Committee and that the funding required be considered by the Budget Advisory Committee and Council as part of the 2000 Capital Program; and

(3) the appropriate City officials in collaboration with the Tree Advocate, Councillor Pantalone:

(a) develop a program of community involvement for the tree plantings;

(b) authorize staff to solicit sponsorships and in-kind donations to implement this program as a Millennium project; and

(c) take all necessary actions as may be required to give effect to these recommendations.

Comments:

The Urban Forest is defined as trees and other vegetation within an area of intensive human influence - this refers to the inner city as well as suburban areas. Components of the urban forest are shade trees, street trees, wood lots, natural areas, and open fields in various stages of plant development, wetlands, ravines and riverbanks. In addition to trees, the urban forest includes shrubs, mosses, ferns, grasses, herbs, birds, mammals, fungi, bacteria and other small organisms, as well as soils, water and minerals.

The City of Toronto is a City of trees. Trees dominate our ravines, and many of the City's streets and parks. Including trees in the City's ravines, three million trees line our City's boulevards and beautify our parks. The Urban Forestry section of Parks and Recreation seeks to protect and maintain these trees, which have become an integral element of our neighbourhood and business communities.

The goal of the Urban Forestry section is to manage the urban forest, developing a sustainable ecosystem to provide long term environmental, social and economic benefits. This work draws on traditional elements of forest management and innovative forestry principles.

One important principle of a sustainable urban forest is to ensure that sufficient trees are planted to replenish the urban forest canopy. Constant pressures of construction and reconstruction of buildings and city infrastructure create a difficult environment in which to sustain the urban forest. It is, therefore, extremely important that new tree planting remains a high priority for the overall health and well being of the City. While forestry does not have complete computer records of all trees planted and removed along streets for the entire City, the general experience is that the total number of street trees in the City has remained constant over the last decade. In the former City of Toronto where there were complete computer records, the total number of trees along streets grew by approximately 800 trees over the past ten years. The static tree population is mainly due to the fact that development competes for space with trees and that insufficient funds existed in most areas to do extensive new tree planting.

Value of trees.

Trees make our City a better place to live in a variety of distinct yet related ways.

Sustainability and enhancement of the urban forest is paramount to having a healthy City. For residents, trees provide a soft relief to the City's hard textured landscape. They offer privacy screens, protect us from the sun's burning rays, and absorb ozone, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other harmful pollutants. Trees provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, protect soils from erosion, cool streets in the summer, and protect us from winds in winter.

Trees have clear economic benefits. The three million trees that line the streets and grace the parks and ravines of Toronto contribute indelibly to our City's image, and help to attract investors and tourists. At the same time, to the benefit of the City's homeowners, healthy trees have been shown to add an average of 15 percent to the value of homes. If planted in strategic locations, trees can reduce home heating and cooling requirements, thereby offsetting energy consumption. They play a large role in absorbing rainwater, significantly reducing the cost of storm water management.

The Urban Forest further supports the environment in countless ways. Trees produce the oxygen needed to breathe and reduce carbon dioxide, which might otherwise contribute to global warming. Mature trees can annually sequester up to six kilograms of carbon. Trees reduce storm water runoff, which would otherwise pollute watercourses. It must also be recognized that, over the years, municipally organized tree plantings have served as a catalyst to many other environmental initiatives.

Trees are necessary as resting and feeding places for migratory birds like warblers, and migratory insects such as the monarch butterfly. Trees are essential components of complicated ecosystems, which are still the focus of extensive scientific study. The role of trees in promoting health and a beneficial environment in the City is emerging alongside the recognized importance of trees and their products to modern medicine and healthy human existence.

Past and Present Forestry Initiatives.

Forestry staff are currently reviewing the tree planting programs of the seven former municipalities. Trees were planted under various programs that included residential and commercial street tree plantings, ravine and naturalization plantings, park and park development plantings, and numerous tree replacement programs. In some sections of the City, the Forestry sections had a long cooperative history of volunteer tree planting participation. Plantings in ravines and parks had often been accomplished through the enthusiastic participation of volunteers, students, children of all ages, and environment groups. Staff remains very enthusiastic about the popular growth of this aspect of forest management. The City has gained the benefit of greater environmental awareness and increased ecological integrity as a result of these programs. Our staff and volunteers have been invited to share these experiences at colleges, universities and conferences internationally.

In addition to plantings undertaken by Forestry, the Works and Transportation Departments of the former municipalities have a long history of including tree plantings and other vegetative improvements as part of both major and minor capital works projects.

The Environmental Task Force, as part of one of their environmental quick starts, has identified the reinstatement of options to expand the former Metro Council's green space naturalization program for road corridors. Sites identified as projects for the year 2000 tree plantings have been selected from this former initiative as outlined further in this report.

Most recently, City Council at its meeting of September 28 and 29, 1999 will consider support for maintaining our Urban Forest by expressing its intention to clear the Tree Service and Maintenance Backlog. This report is being recommended by the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the City's Economic Development and Parks Committee, the Budget Advisory Committee, and the Policy and Finance Committee.

Tree Advocacy Initiatives to Date

Since our working committee was founded in mid May, we have met six times to concentrate specifically on Council's resolution to develop a Tree Advocacy Planting Program for the Year 2000. Councillor Joe Pantalone chaired these meetings with the active support of representatives from Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Parks and Recreation Division, and Works and Emergency Services Department, Transportation Services and Technical Services Divisions.

Simply stated, in the year 2000, under the Tree Advocacy Planting Program, 16 sites geographically distributed along major Toronto transportation corridors will be planted with 60,000 trees of varying size.

Our working committee established the following guidelines for this planting:

- the Tree Advocacy Planting Program will be in addition to the normal year to year forestry and parks planting programs;

- highly visual locations for large "mass" planting of trees will be selected to promote urban forest regeneration and attract sponsorship from interested corporations or individuals;

- species chosen for these plantings will be preferably native and definitely noninvasive as well as tolerant of environmental conditions which are unique to each site;

- all sites chosen are to be sufficiently large and set back from the travelled portion of the road so that airborne salt spray will not affect plant material;

- currently vacant or empty sites of ¼ acre or larger will be considered for plantings;

- these locations will be planted on a "one metre centre" that will result in the planting of approximately 4,000 trees per acre with the potential of planting of 60,000 trees in the year 2000;

- a combination of large and small trees will be used on the sites with larger caliper trees used on its periphery giving a strong visual impact;

- staff will prepare a budget for the project which would include initial capital costs, ongoing maintenance costs, including watering and long-term pruning, litter removal costs, and present it within the capital program; and

- volunteers and community organizations will be used to help plant the locations that are accessible and safe to the public.

At the initial meeting of the working committee, Parks staff presented a report entitled "Selection of Naturalization Sites for Metro Toronto Road Corridors". The report reviewed 100 locations across Toronto for developing naturalization planting sites adjacent to major arterial roads. With substantive revisions, we agreed that some sites identified for naturalization would be appropriate locations for the Tree Advocacy Planting Program. Consequently, our program began with a notably quick "start". After reviewing this report and agreeing on the above stated guidelines, Forestry and Works staff arranged visits of the targeted locations to review utility locations and visually confirm suitability for planting.

The following sites meet the criteria as outlined and are being recommended for the Tree Advocacy Planting Program (Appendix "A"):

(1) the open green space at four corners of the Queensway and Kingsway intersection - Ward 19;

(2) Adelaide Street East at Parliament Street by Richmond Street/Don Valley Parkway overpass - Ward 25;

(3) the west slope of Bayview Avenue just north of Rosedale Valley Ravine Road - Ward 23;

(4) the intersection of the Don Valley Parkway and Taylor Creek - Ward 1;

(5) the north west corner of Warden Avenue and St Clair Avenue West - Ward 13;

(6) the north side of Finch Avenue at Highway 27 - Ward 5;

(7) the right of way at Eglinton Avenue West and lslington Avenue - Ward 3;

(8) the right of way at Eglinton Avenue West and Royal York Road - Ward 3;

(9) along Allen Road between Sheppard Avenue and Wilson Avenue - Ward 8;

(10) along Allen Road between Eglinton Avenue and Lawrence Avenue - Ward 22 and Ward 8;

(11) Don Mills Road at Moatfield - Ward 11;

(12) Meadowvale Avenue from Sheppard Avenue to Finch Avenue -Ward 18;

(13) the corner parkette at Eglinton Avenue East and Kingston Road - Ward 13;

(14) Finch Avenue at Kennedy Road - Ward 17;

(15) Bayview Avenue at Pottery Road - Ward ; and

(16) Eglinton Flats, Eglinton Avenue Flankage - Ward 27.

Parks and City Works staff have reviewed the above noted sites for utility clearances and determined they are acceptable from an engineering standpoint. It is our goal to plant trees at these sites in the spring and fall of 2000 as millennium projects for the City. We have established a detailed implementation plan for the year 2000 (Appendix "B").

The tree advocacy initiative is compatible with the comprehensive strategic priorities plan for civic improvement projects prepared by Urban Planning and Development Services. This plan identifies locations, in all four districts, suitable for capital budget projects, which will substantially improve the quality of public spaces and enhance amenities for pedestrians. In most locations, the improvements are concentrated on decorative paving, planting, lighting, street furniture and public art. Quite often the most significant improvement, both visually and functionally, is achieved by extensive tree planting, especially along major suburban arterial roads.

In addition to the above stated 16 sites and as a direct result of our meetings, three mass tree plantings (over 1,000 trees) are being scheduled as a Fall 1999 "kick off" to the Tree Advocate Planting Program. The Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRAC) originally planned these plantings. The sites have been enlarged to include adjacent City owned property. All three plantings will take place between late September and mid October 1999, and in keeping with forestry management principles, the installation will be undertaken with community groups. The selected sites include:

- Milne Hollow Park. This site is adjacent to the Don Valley Parkway. We are attempting to visually screen out the parkway on the south end of the park. This planting is part of a larger ecological effort to restore a number of vegetation communities at this location. The project will consist of planting about 350 trees and shrubs (Ward 11 - North York).

- North Toronto Treatment Plant. This planting would be the first in a series that will attempt to create appropriate habitat in areas around the treatment plant that have been otherwise maintained by traditional methods such as grass cutting. This project will consist of about 400 trees and shrubs (Ward 1 - East York).

- Domtar/Polyresins. This site is adjacent to the Don Valley Parkway and is part of a series of plantings, which will screen the parkway. The planting will consist of about 300 trees and shrubs (Ward 1 East York).

Besides the specific and detailed work of the working committee, Councillor Pantalone contacted the Mayor and City Councillors requesting their advice for the program, locations and community organizations.

To date, the Mayor and 17 Councillors across the City of Toronto have offered suggestions for locations in need of trees and also volunteered the support of local community organizations. Councillor Pantalone has also explored community and funding sources including the Federal Government, Toronto Hydro, Toronto Atmospheric Fund, Trade Unions, Oxford Shopping Centres, and the Boy Scouts.

The appended partnership list (Appendix "C") is representative of the tree-planting partnerships involving the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto prior to 1995. Groups, which worked in partnership with the cities, which make up the new Toronto, as well as more recent partners of the former regional government, would significantly extend this listing. The length of even this limited list is a clear indication of the strong community interest in planting trees and the City's critical role as a catalyst for new plantings. Planting partnerships with some of these groups along with new community groups will be developed to facilitate plantings in appropriate Tree Advocate locations.

The program is well underway and, with the establishment of the Tree Advocacy Plantings, we fully anticipate that the City will continue their commitment to the renewal and sustainability of Toronto's urban forest.

Discussion of Budget, Sponsorship and Funding Options.

The Tree Advocacy Planting Program costs are currently estimated to be $50,000.00 per acre. This figure allows for planting a substantial number of trees, 4,047 trees on a metre centre. The cost includes labour, trees, brush blankets and a two-year pruning and watering maintenance program. The maintenance program is essential to the establishment of these trees.

Therefore, funding the first phase of the Tree Advocacy Planting Program requires a gross base amount of $1 million in the year 2000. A capital-funding request for $500,000.00 is being requested in the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department capital budget submission. Efforts to secure sponsors, receive in-kind contributions, and establish partnerships through the private sector and other levels of government are required to match City funding.

Fundraising for the Tree Advocacy Planting Program will take a multi-dimensional approach. City staff will work closely with community organizations and environmental groups in researching and soliciting grants that are available from public and private foundations and provincial and federal government programs. This would include the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, the Canada Trust Environmental Foundation and the Trillium Foundation.

In addition, staff will conduct a comprehensive campaign to solicit support for the program through tax receiptable donations and gifts from Toronto residents and corporations. The winter issue of the "Toronto Fun" Parks and Recreation Guide will include information to promote the program.

Once Council support for the program is received, a corporate sponsorship "Adopt a Forest" campaign will be launched. The campaign will include marketing materials to promote the program, media relations, direct mailing to major corporations and service organizations in the City and appropriate recognition and acknowledgements.

Contact Names:

Mr. Bill Johnston, Councillor Joe Pantalone's Office, 392-4108; Mr. Richard Ubbens, R.P.F., City Forester, 392-1894; Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate, 392-4009; Mr. T.W. Mulligan, Director, Transportation Programming and Policy, 392-8329.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the Economic Development and Parks Committee be advised that the Environmental Task Force endorses the Tree Advocacy Planting Program referred to in the joint report dated September 20, 1999 from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate; and

(2) consideration be given to expand the Tree Advocacy Planting Program to include:

(a) the planting of additional trees in each Ward in the Year 2000; and

(b) the criteria for expanding the Tree Advocacy Planting Program have the flexibility to include major intersections, industrial areas and other locations, as identified by the local councillor(s) in consultation with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate.

Background:

The Environmental Task Force at its meeting held on September 27, 1999 had before it a memorandum dated September 21, 1999 from Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate, forwarding a copy of a joint report dated September 20, 1999 from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate, requesting that the Environmental Task Force to endorse and support the tree planting project, as outlined in the noted joint report.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee also had before it the following communications, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk:

(a) (September 20, 1999) from Mr. Temple W. Harris, President, Toronto Construction Association, advising of the TCA's support for the Tree Advocacy Planting Program and offering assistance of the Association;

(b) (June 21, 1999) from Ms. Victoria Henriques, Secretary, Scout Troop 46, Scouts Canada, thanking Councillor Joe Pantalone, Trinity Niagara, for the invitation to participate in the tree planting millennium project; advising that the Scouts would be available from September 1999; and requesting staff to contact her to organize the details;

(c) (October 1, 1999) from Mr. Placido Lopes, Toronto, Ontario, expressing his full support for the Tree Advocacy Planting Program;

(d) (October 4, 1999) from Mr. Ferg Devins, Director, Corporate Affairs, Molson Canada - Ontario Division, in support of the Tree Advocacy Planting Program;

(e) (October 1, 1999) from Mr. Reginald Lewis, Honorary Colonel, The Royal Regiment of Canada, in support of the Tree Advocacy Planting Program;

(f) (October 3, 1999) from Mr. Michael Izzard, P.Eng., LL.B, and Associates, Toronto, Ontario, in support of the Tree Advocacy Planting Program;

(g) (October 1, 1999) from Mr. Brian Cochrane, President, Toronto Civic Employees Union Local 416, in support of the Tree Advocacy Planting Program.

The following persons appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

- Ms. Janet McKay, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF);

- Mr. Tony Digiovanni, Landscape Ontario, Horticultural Trades Association; and

- Councillor Joe Pantalone, Tree Advocate.

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends:

(1) the adoption of the report (June 2, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism;

(2) the adoption of the Victoria Village Expansion - Supplementary Agreement (October 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc. and the Canadian Macedonian Federation (CMF), subject to adding:

"that the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to assist the Macedonian and Greek communities to create a dispute mechanism upon which this mandate can be realized, the said mechanism to include a means to protect the City with regard to censorship or its authorization of the material being displayed in the Community Centre; and further that the mechanism include a disclaimer that the City does not sanction materials or actions, and that the City be held harmless for any initiated actions"; and

(3) that the City encourage public and private partnerships with business and multicultural groups in the establishment of community centres and other City facilities.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee submits the following report (June 2, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

To provide requested supplemental information related to the report on this subject (May 19, 1999) first dealt with by this Committee at its meeting held May 21, 1999. A copy of the May 19, 1999 report is attached for reference purposes.

Funding Sources/Financial Implications/Impact Statement:

The project is included in the approved 1999-2003 Capital Works Program. The overall projected cost is $8.5 million dollars for the expansion with the City providing a total of $2.0 million dollars ($500,000.00 in 1999 and $1.5 million in 2000), with the Canadian Macedonian Federation (CMF) responsible for the balance.

Funding raised by the CMF will be deposited to the City's capital account that exists for the project. There are precedents for this approach and it is similar to that used in other projects in former cities for example - Harbourfront Square Park.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the appropriate City officials be authorized to enter into negotiations with the Canadian Macedonian Federation for an agreement based on the key points of the letter of intent referred to in this report; and

(2) upon successful completion of the negotiations, such agreement be brought forward to the Economic Development and Parks Committee and City Council for review and consideration, and not be executed until approval has been obtained.

Comments:

The Victoria Village expansion project was approved by Council as part of the 1999-2003 Capital Works Program at its meeting of March 2, 3 and 4, 1999. The former City of North York had been approached by the CMF regarding the possibility of working together to develop a community facility. The former City of North York was in need of facilities in an under-served area and agreed that a joint development was mutually beneficial. The benefits to the City are that the CMF will raise funds to provide a needed publicly accessible community facility that is more comprehensive than could have been provided in one opportunity solely from City coffers. The reason the report is before the Economic Development and Parks Committee is to obtain authority to proceed to finalize the joint development agreement.

A question arose at the Economic Development and Parks Committee meeting related to the acceptance and accounting of the funds received from the CMF. We contacted the Finance Department when preparing the report, and were advised that as this is an approved capital project with a capital account number, funds raised by the CMF can be deposited directly to the capital account as revenue. This is the preferred method, as the CMF has to raise their full $6.5 million prior to the project starting.

A second question that came forward at the meeting related to why this specific project with a specific group was being recommended at this time. The project is one of many across the city that were approved by former municipalities prior to amalgamation and later confirmed by the new Toronto City Council through the capital budget process. It is not a new project and has been subject to the rigours of the review process leading up to the approval of the 1999-2003 Capital Works Program by City Council.

Conclusion:

The letter of intent included with the May 19, 1999 report (copies of both documents are attached to this report) provides a clear outline of the project and will form the basis for the final agreement negotiations. The agreement will result in needed facilities for the City of Toronto through a joint development arrangement.

The CMF will raise the first $6.5 million of the total $8.5 million estimated project cost. The City has approved and committed $2.0 million in the 1999-2003 Capital Works Program, but will not spend its funds until the CMF's funds are totally collected and available. The fund raising will commence upon the signing of the agreement. The CMF will have eighteen months to raise its share from the date of signing the agreement, unless the time line is extended by City Council.

Contact Names:

Mr. Glenn Garwood, 395-7424, Mr. Neil R. Zaph, 395-6065.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee also submits the following Victoria Village Expansion - Supplementary Agreement (October 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, the Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc. and the Canadian Macedonian Federation (CMF):

Background:

The Canadian Macedonian Federation (CMF) desires to enter into an agreement with City of Toronto to develop a facility addition to the existing Victoria Village Arena. City of Toronto requires a facility to provide leisure opportunities to an under-serviced part of the City.

CMF will provide the first $6.5 million of the total $8.5 million facility. City of Toronto will provide $2.0 million and the land.

In consideration of this funding, City of Toronto will allow the CMF to develop a cultural facility not to exceed 7,350 square feet (the "cultural facility") of total 42,445 square feet addition. The cultural facility will include an exhibition gallery, a donor's lounge, meeting rooms, a kitchenette, a library room including archives, and an administrative office, and an exterior courtyard. CMF will receive a 25-year lease for the cultural facility and the City will not be responsible for any expenses under the lease.

A lease agreement is yet to be finalized, pending acceptance of the concept of the joint development project by the Economic Development and Parks Committee, and City Council.

Supplementary Data:

The CMF, in addition to agreeing to other enters pertaining to the lease, agree to the following supplementary conditions:

(1) To name the cultural facility in such a way as to clearly identify the CMF in a uniquely identifiable way. The name will include a prominent individual (living or deceased) within the Canadian Macedonian Community, the name of the donor, or the name of a Canadian priest. The CMF will submit the name to the City but the wording and manner must be acceptable to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for the City of Toronto and the President of the Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc.

(2) The CMF cultural facility or library holding will not contain, and no person may disseminate, literature that is deemed to be inflammatory or under dispute between the CMF or Canadian-Greek-Macedonian Community. This paragraph shall be a term of the lease.

(3) CMF will abide by City of Toronto policies, rules and regulations governing use of City facilities which include, but are not limited to, the following:

- No user is denied access on the basis of creed, colour or religion.

- All requests for use are made by application to the City and a permit is issued to successful applicants.

- Access is on a first served basis to all residents, including CMF members.

- Priority is given to Toronto residents over people from other communities.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee also submits the following report (May 19, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

This report provides information on an agreement to be negotiated with the Canadian Macedonian Federation (CMF) for the funding and development of community and cultural facilities at the expansion of the Victoria Village Arena, 190 Bermondsey Avenue.

Funding Sources/Financial Implications/Impact Statement:

The project is included in the approved 1999-2003 Capital Works Program. The overall projected cost is $8.5 million dollars for the expansion with the City providing a total of $2.0 million dollars ($500,000.00 in 1999 and $1.5 million in 2000), with the CMF responsible for the balance.

The Finance Department indicates that, as this is an approved capital project with a capital account number, funds raised by the CMF can be deposited directly to this capital account. This is the preferred method, as the CMF has to raise their full $6.5 million prior to the project starting. Once they have the funding in place, they would deposit same with the City.

By way of information, should the CMF request to schedule their payments, although this is unlikely and is not the preferred method, the City would then require a letter of credit to protect its interests should the CMF run into difficulties in meeting their payments. The letter of credit will be an irrevocable, unconditional standby letter of credit in the amount of $6.5 million or such lesser amount representing any outstanding payments to be made to the City. As payments are made by CMF, the balance remaining on the letter of credit will decrease accordingly until all payments have been made. The letter of credit is to be in a form satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the City. Either payment method can be accommodated. Regardless of the method used, all funds raised by CMF must be provided to the City within eighteen months from the signing of the agreement between the City and CMF, unless this time line is extended by the City.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the appropriate City officials be authorized to enter into negotiations with the Canadian Macedonian Federation for an agreement based on the key points of the letter of intent referred to in this report; and

(2) upon successful completion of the negotiations, such agreement be brought forward to the Economic Development and Parks Committee and City Council for review and consideration, and not be executed until approval has been obtained.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The former City of North York and the CMF signed a "letter of intent" dated December 8, 1997, wherein the two parties agreed to work together to develop an agreement for the joint development of a facility adjoined to the existing Victoria Village Arena. The letter of intent outlines the principles both parties wish to see in the final agreement. This project will provide facilities in an under-served area. A copy of the letter of intent is attached to the report as Schedule "A".

There have been ongoing discussions about this project that have been affected by the process of amalgamation, resulting in an extended time. However, the parties have now come to a point where they are ready to move ahead and are submitting the key points as outlined in the letter of intent for consideration and approval.

It is essential that the agreement be executed as soon as it is possible so that the CMF can commence fund raising initiatives. The CMF will have eighteen months from the time the agreement is signed to raise their share of the funding. The time limit may be extended with Council's approval.

Comments:

The letter of intent provides a clear outline of the project and will form the basis for the final agreement negotiations. The following summarizes some of the key points in the letter of intent for the Committee's information:

(1) the approved project will be a facility with a total area of 42,445 square feet consisting of: a connection to the existing arena; a gymnasium including an elevated running track; a 25 metre instructional/leisure pool with slide, quality finishes, and generous deck space; change rooms for the pool and gymnasium; fitness rooms including aerobics/dance studio and cardiovascular/weight training rooms; community facilities including activity room, meeting rooms and a servery/teaching kitchen; cultural facilities not to exceed 7,350 square feet of the total 42,445 square feet building total which will include an exhibition gallery, a donor's lounge, meeting rooms with kitchenette, a library room including archives and an administrative office; and an exterior court yard;

(2) all the community facilities, fitness and recreational facilities will be available to the general public and operated, maintained and programmed by the City much like any other City facility, and be subject to the usual City policies for pricing and permitting;

(3) the CMF will be responsible for raising, through its own fund raising efforts, the first $6.5 million of the estimated $8.5 million dollar project; the City will provide the land and will pledge $2.0 million; and the project will not proceed until the CMF has first raised all of their required $6.5 million;

(4) if the project does not proceed for any reason, the CMF is solely responsible for return of the funds raised;

(5) the CMF is responsible for hiring the architect and is responsible for any cost over runs;

(6) the CMF will receive a 25 year lease (nominal cost of $2.00 per year), for the cultural component (approximately 7,350 square feet) and will be responsible for its own operation and any property/other applicable taxes for this area; at the end of the lease the City will have the option to renew it on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate at the time; and the City will not be responsible for any expenses under the lease;

(7) the CMF will have the right to name the addition and its major components or any of them, but only in a wording or manner acceptable to the City;

(8) the CMF is entitled to use the addition exclusively for four special events per year, the timing of which is planned in conjunction with the City's requirements;

(9) an Advisory Committee will be established consisting of area residents, user groups and the CMF to advise the City and its staff on user needs and operational issues; and

(10) the City will be responsible for the overall management of the project during all phases and will assign a project manager to act on behalf of the City, including managing the architect and contractor.

Conclusion:

This agreement will result in needed facilities for the City of Toronto through a joint development arrangement. The CMF will raise the first $6.5 million of the total $8.5 million estimated project cost. The City has approved and committed $2.0 million in the 1999-2003 Capital Works Program, but will not spend its funds until the CMF's funds are totally collected and available. The fund raising will commence upon the signing of the agreement. The CMF will have eighteen months to raise its share from the date of signing the agreement, unless the time line is extended by City Council.

Contact Names:

Mr. Glenn Garwood, 395-7424; Mr. Neil R. Zaph, 395-6065.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee also had before it the following communications, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk:

(a) (June 21, 1999) from Mr. James. G. Karas, President, Pan-Macedonian Association of Ontario Inc., requesting to make a presentation to the Economic Development and Parks Committee and requesting a postponement for the hearing of deputations;

(b) (undated) from Mr. Michael Papadouris, AHEPA, requesting to make a presentation to the Economic Development and Parks Committee and to have the matter deferred to the North York Community Council meeting;

(c) (September 30, 1999) from Mr. Glenn Cuthbertson, Vice-President, Victoria Village Community Association, advising of his support to endorse the construction of a new community recreational centre on the site presently occupied by the Victoria Village Arena;

(d) FAX (September 30, 1999) from the Residents of the Community of Parkview Hills submitting a Petition with 34 signatures in support of the foregoing matter;

(e) FAX (September 30, 1999) from the Residents of the Community of Parkview Hills submitting a further Petition with 47 signatures in support of the foregoing matter; and

(f) (October 3, 1999) from Ms. Margaret Boersma and Mr. Steve Carroll, Toronto, Ontario, in support of the foregoing matter.

The following persons appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

- Mr. Spero Bassil, President, Canadian Macedonian Federation;

- Dr. Tasos Karantonis, Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc.;

- Mr. Michael Dosman, President, Victoria Village Community Association; and filed a copy of a petition containing approximately 70 names in support of the foregoing matter;

- Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Don Parkway.

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, a communication (October 4, 1999) from Mr. John Mastoras, President, Parkview Hills Community Association, regarding the redevelopment of Victoria Village and expressing hope that the apparent conflict between interest groups can be resolved and the project can move forward.)

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (September 16, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

This report seeks approval for the second round of the Economic Development Partnership Program grant allocations totalling $36,700.00; authorization for partial release of funds, as well as a time extension for first round recipients whose allocations are being held. The report discusses the principles and evaluation criteria applied to select grant recipients, summarizes the grants requests and makes recommendations concerning the allocations.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The allocations recommended in this report fall within Council's approved 1999 Municipal Grants budget of $42,693,100.00. The total 1999 budget for the Economic Development Partnership Program is $337,000.00. At its meeting of July 6, 7 and 8, 1999, Council adopted a staff report recommending grant allocations stemming from this program in the amount of $275,272.50. Council further directed staff to provide funding from this program to the Taste of the Danforth event. Subsequently, Greek Town on the Danforth BIA received $25,000.00 towards this event's tourism marketing component. The funds available for the Fall round were thus reduced to $36,727.50.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) Economic Development Partnership Program grants totalling $36,700.00, be allocated to four projects, as set out in Appendix 1;

(2) the disbursement of the Economic Development Partnership Program allocations be conditional on satisfying the 1999 Economic Development Partnership Program goals and criteria set out in Appendix 2 and on project specific conditions set out in Appendix 4;

(3) first round applicants, namely the Apparel Industry Development Corporation and the Toronto Bio-Technology Business Incubator, be given an extension to November 1, 1999, to meet the criterion required to fully release their funding allocation, as detailed in Appendix 5; if these initiatives are unable to meet this criterion, the funds may be reallocated, subject to a future report for Council approval; and

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

Council Reference/Background/History:

The goal of the Economic Development Partnership Program (EDP) is to facilitate the start-up or expansion of projects that will provide substantial long term economic benefits to the City. The program provides for two categories of support: one time only projects; and developmental projects that are eligible for support for a maximum of five years with the maximum support in the fourth and fifth year set at 50 percent and 25 percent respectively of the level of support provided in the third year.

Priority is given to projects with a strong potential of becoming self sustaining within the five year time frame of the program and which involved substantive partnerships with the private sector or other levels of government. Applicants are required to submit a business plan and detailed budget demonstrating the economic benefit and long term viability or benefits of their initiative.

In accordance to Council's direction, staff are currently reviewing this program. The objective of the review is to determine how the program can best support the City's emerging economic development strategy and to ensure that it is delivered in the most effective and equitable manner. A report on the outcome of this review is scheduled for later in the Fall of 1999, so that any changes to the year 2000 program can be communicated to client groups prior to the year's end. The 1999 EDP Program guideline is attached to this report as Appendix 2.

Applications

A total of four applications were received for the second round, requesting $66,000.00, for a number of purposes, in the Tourism, Design and Information Technology Sectors. As the program is oversubscribed, staff have reviewed each proposal in detail and made recommendations based on compliance with the program objectives and the available funding. A summary of the applications is shown in Appendix 3. Details on each individual application, allocation criteria and conditions are provided in Appendix 4.

From the first round of applications approved by Council in July, there are three initiatives for which funds are being held subject to additional funding being leveraged from other sources, to ensure the project's feasibility. These projects are: Apparel Industry Development Corporation ($20,000.00), Toronto Bio-Technology Business Incubator ($50,000.00) and Women in Film and Television Mentor-Internship Program ($8,000.00). While the latter has fulfilled the conditions of the funds release by securing funding from private sources, the other two initiatives have requested a time extension as to date, they were unable to secure additional funding. The Toronto Bio-Tech Incubator has also requested a partial release of funds to audit potential facilities. Details of these requests and revised allocation conditions for these projects are provided in Appendix 5.

Evaluation Criteria and Principles

To ensure that all applications were dealt with fairly, each application was reviewed in detail to ensure that the purpose of the project is in keeping with the objectives of this program. This was particularly important because the requests for grants exceeded by $29,272.50 the amount available for the second round of this Program. Therefore, the evaluation process was guided by the same applicable principles used in the previous round of applications, namely:

(a) former recipients would not be eligible to receive an amount higher than the previous year, which would permit supporting new projects and gear the Economic Development Partnership Program towards supporting the economic development priorities of the amalgamated City;

(b) former recipients were required to demonstrate that previous allocations were used as intended by the Economic Development Partnership Program, otherwise their allocation was reduced according to the particulars of the project for which a grant is being sought; and

(c) on-going projects, such as, the Toronto Theatre Alliance, which under the existing criteria would be subject to a 50 percent reduction, will continue to be funded at the 1998 level, to be consistent with the criteria adopted by Council in the first round of applications.

Appendix 1 contains the funding history of each organization along with the proposed allocations.

Conclusions:

Staff are recommending that a total of $36,700.00 be allocated to four initiatives, as per the terms and conditions detailed in Appendix 4; that $14,000.00 be released to the Toronto Bio-Technology Business Incubator to undertake a facility audit; and that a time extension until November 1, 1999, be granted to both the Bio-Tech Incubator and the Apparel Ontario projects to allow them extra time to leverage additional funds from other sources as per the terms and conditions outlined in Appendix 5.

Given the oversubscription of this program for the second round, staff are also recommending that, should either of these organizations be unable to fully execute their projects by November 1, 1999, funds be reallocated, subject to Council approval, to more closely meet the requests by second round applicants.

Contact Names:

Ms. Alicia I. Bulwik, 392-3830; Ms. Brenda Librecz, 397-4700.

Funding History and Recommended Allocations

Approved Budget 1999 $337,000.00

Recommended first round $275,272.50

Received by Taste of the Danforth 25,000.00

Recommended second round 36,700.00

Remaining funds 27.50

Total $337,000.00 $337,000.00

Sept/99

Appendix 4:

Applications and Allocation Recommendations - Second Round -

(1) Green Tourism Association - Millennium Fun Pack and Guide Book

The Green Tourism Association is a non-profit organization committed to establishing a sustainable urban green tourism industry in Toronto. Their efforts focus on marketing urban green tourism to tourists and residents, developing and supporting green tourism businesses and greening the tourism industry. Last year, this Association was the recipient of a $10,000.00 grant from the EDP program to develop The Green Map of Toronto with a distribution of 60,000. This Association is now requesting $20,000.00 to develop The Millennium Fun Pack and Green Tourism Guide Book as key cooperative marketing and development tools for 2000. The budget for this project is $113,780.00.

The Fun Pack would include the Green Tourism Map, a green Tourism Guidebook with green facts, tips, information, fun green products, and discounts and incentives designed to inspire a tourist (or a local resident) to go (or stay) greener. This product is intended to promote local businesses within the green tourism sector. While conceptual development of the Fun Pack is complete, prototype development will involve co-operation of supporting green businesses, suppliers, services and designers. This Association expects to achieve financial sustainability for this project through revenue generated by sales.

Given the limited funding available and that the City has already supported another green tourism project last year, staff are recommending a $5,000.00 grant to cover for the promotion of this project outside Toronto. Once the product is tested and measurable results are reported, additional funding may be considered next year should the proposal meet the criteria of the year 2000 grant program.

Recommendation: To allocate $5,000.00 for the promotion of the Millennium Fun Pack and Guide Book outside Toronto. The Green Tourism Association to receive support from the City's Tourism Development Officer to advance their goals in future endeavours. The City's support is to be acknowledged in all promotional materials and launching events. The recipient is to report back on long term economic benefits measurable results of this product prior to applying for additional funding.

(2) Smart Toronto - E-Commerce Forum

Smart Toronto is the Greater Toronto Area's leading business association for the information technology sector. It is a collaborative, not-for-profit member-based association whose mandate is to build Toronto as a centre for digitally enabled creation and distribution. Smart Toronto works to achieve the common goals of its members in helping Toronto and area be prosperous in the Information Age.

Smart Toronto is requesting $10,000.00 to support the Smart Toronto's E-Commerce Forum, to be held in downtown Toronto, in February 2000. This one-time request would support a stand-alone event designed to kick-start a formal discussion on e-commerce in Toronto. Because Toronto has one of the lowest adoption rates of e-commerce activities of any major North American city, this event would be a good vehicle to raise awareness on the advantages of e-commerce as a means to increase economic benefits. Given the City of Toronto's strengths in finance, retail, and industry, the potential economic benefits of robust e-commerce activities are even greater.

The Forum will see 50 of the top thinkers and practitioners of E-Commerce, gather for a full day to define and analyse issues affecting the development of E-Commerce in Toronto, to develop a preliminary action plan and to identify those partners (both public and private sector) critical to developing and expanding Toronto's e-commerce expertise. The Budget for this project is $40,000.00.

Given the limited funds left over from this program for the second round of applications, staff are recommending a reduced level of support for this project with the understanding that if additional funds become available prior to this year's end, this organization will be given further consideration for additional funding to more closely meet its request.

Recommendation: To allocate $5,700.00 towards speaker fees and audio visual equipment set up. The City's support is to be acknowledged in all promotional materials as well as throughout the event.

(3) The Design Exchange - SEE Design Leaders Project

The Design Exchange (DX) is a non-profit educational organization committed to promoting a greater awareness of design and its indispensable role in fostering economic growth, innovation, cultural vitality and sustainability. It is Toronto's leading design research, exhibition and promotion centre. DX is requesting $20,000.00 to develop a five year pilot project to stimulate a more extensive use of design as a strategic business tool, by small to medium size companies in the Toronto marketplace. The project budget is $80,000.00, $30,000.00 of which would be contributed in kind by DX.

This project, called SEE Design Leaders, is based on the assumption that Toronto companies have a hidden resource (design) that could help to establish and sustain competitive advantage well into the next century. By applying design to product development, corporate identity, environments and experiences, local companies from key industry sectors can more sharply define and defend their positioning against both Canadian and foreign competitors. They can also improve their chance of success in launching new products and services in foreign markets.

The project would involve ten Toronto companies from a range of industries to reflect design opportunities in a variety of sectors. For each company, DX will conduct a design audit, develop design-led recommendations, act as project advisor and liaison with design companies and conduct a follow-up review to evaluate the impact of the design initiative on specific business goals. Each company would pay $3,000.00 for this service.

Given the limited amount of funding available for this round, staff are recommending a reduced allocation to start off this project. This initiative should be given further consideration should additional funds become available prior to the year's end.

Recommendation: To allocate $10,000.00 as seed money for the launching, advertising and promotion of this project. DX staff to take the lead role in soliciting firms and developing the project. The City's support is to be acknowledged in all promotional materials as well as in the company calls.

(4) Toronto Theatre Alliance - TATOUAYS Brochures and Promotional Video

The Toronto Theatre Alliance (TA) is a non-profit organization representing Toronto's 200 professional theatre and dance companies. TA acts as an umbrella service organization, with established ties in the tourism industry sector, providing marketing support and industry wide advocacy on behalf of its members. The Alliance also administers Toronto's Theatre Awards - the Dora Mayor Moore Awards; assists small theatre companies in developing multi-cultural theatre and theatre for people with disabilities; and runs TATOUAYS, Toronto's "half-price tickets" booth, 85 percent of whose customers are tourists. The TA has an operating budget of $476,906.00 for 1999.

TA is seeking $16,000.00 for two initiatives: $6,000.00 for the production of promotional brochures targeted at the convention trade and $10,000.00 for the development of a promotional video. In anticipation of the forthcoming opening of the TATOUAYS permanent home on the new Dundas Square, TA is attempting to make its services more accessible to a wider tourist audience. As a pilot project in 1999/2000, new brochures will be created for distribution to targeted conventions, their participants and planners. The budget for the brochures is $24,000.00.

In response to requests by Canadian embassies abroad, travel agency associations, tour operators and television channels such as CAN (Travel Guide), TA is proposing to produce a 10-minute video featuring theatre venues of architectural interest such as the Elgin Winter Garden Theatres, the Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thompson Hall. The video would also illustrate nightlife in the downtown core with shots of the theatre and concert hall marquees and audiences on Yonge, Front and King Streets. Discussions are being held with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation to support the production of this video. It is estimated that the production of this video would cost $80,000.00.

Recommendation: To maintain the same level of support as 1998, by allocating $16,000.00, of which $6,000.00 are for the production of T.O. TIX brochures and $10,000.00 for the production of a promotional video. In keeping with the criteria of this program, an effort should be made to showcase theatre and entertainment venues across the city in both the brochures and the promotional video. The City's support is to be acknowledged in all promotional material.

Appendix 5:

Revised Allocation Recommendations - First Round

(1) Apparel Industry Development Corporation

A $20,000.00 grant was approved to support the implementation of the Apparel Industry Development Corporation, subject to sufficient funds being leveraged to launch this project by September 4, 1999. This initiative, put forward by the Apparel Manufacturers Association of Ontario (Apparel Ontario), on behalf of a number of organizations in the apparel sector, would address the strategic need for technical skill development and support in the apparel sector with the provision of technology-based services. This project was anticipated to be launched this Fall.

Apparel Ontario has filed a request for a time extension to allow them to secure funding from other sources to ensure feasibility of the project. Given that Council approval is required to reallocate funds, staff recommend that funds be held until November 1, 1999, to allow for their reallocation within this fiscal year, should Apparel Ontario fail to secure the project.

Recommendation: To continue holding $20,000.00 subject to sufficient funds being leveraged to launch this initiative by November 1, 1999. Should Apparel Ontario fail to secure this project by this date, these funds may be re-allocated to another project, subject to Council approval.

(2) Toronto Bio-Technology Business Incubator

The Toronto Bio-Tech Business Incubator Advisory Board was granted $50,000.00 for the creation of a biotechnology business incubator at the currently empty Princess Margaret Hospital site on Sherbourne Street, Toronto. This allocation, however, was subject to the applicant leveraging sufficient funds to launch this initiative by September 4, 1999.

Since approval of this grant, the Bio-Tech Business Incubator Advisory Board has been exploring other potential sites for the development of the incubator. Mr. Borys Chabursky, the Toronto Biotechnology Incubator CEO, is now requesting that the City release $14,000.00 to undertake a technical audit of the buildings being considered for the development of the incubator and is asking that the remaining $36,000.00 be held until a facility is secured.

Recommendation: To release $14,000.00 to undertake technical audits of potential buildings for the development of the bio-tech incubator and to continue holding $36,000.00 until November 1, 1999, subject to the facility being secured and sufficient funds being available for the redevelopment of the facility to suit the requirements of a bio-technology incubator. Should a facility not be secured and funds not be leveraged to make this initiative feasible by that date, the held funds be reallocated subject to Council approval.

(3) Krinos Foods Taste of the Danforth-Festival

The Krinos Foods Taste of the Danforth is organized by the Greek Town on the Danforth BIA and is in its sixth year. Greek Town is an incorporated non-profit organization whose mandate is to promote business on the Danforth and to beautify the area. This event has been growing over the years, to the point that it is becoming a tourist attraction. From an attendance of 5,000 in 1994, it is estimated that 800,000 people attended this year's event.

At its meeting of July 6, 7 and 8, 1999, Council directed that the Economic Development Partnership Program be accessed to provide assistance to this event. Subsequently, staff met with Ms. Sue Graham-Nutter, the Festival's Executive Director, to discuss financial needs to promote this event outside Toronto. The Festival's budget is $508,000.00, $100,000.00 of which represent the tourism component.

In keeping with the objectives of the EDP Program, it was determined that Greek Town on the Danforth BIA be provided $25,000.00 to cover for the 25 percent tourism market development budget allocation to promote the Taste of the Danforth event.

(A copy of Appendix 2 referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to each Members of Council with the October 4, 1999 agenda of the Economic Development and Parks Committee and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee also submits the following communication (September 30, 1999) from Ms. Anna Gibson, Acting Director, Green Tourism Association:

Thank you for allocating the Green Tourism Association $5,000.00 for the Millennium Fun Pack project, an important part of our overall program of attracting eco-tourists to Toronto. Your generous support from last year and this year's funds are greatly appreciated. They have had the desired effect and resulted in requests for the Green Map of Toronto not only from Ontario, but also other parts of Canada, the United States and as far away as Australia.

We have reviewed the Economic Development Report and understand the difficulty of allocation when there are so few funds. However, we would like to be considered for reallocation of funds, should any become available from this round. Current funds have been earmarked for promotion outside of Toronto and any additional funds would be helpful in ensuring we have an attractive and professional product. Funds available for printing would ensure an increase in the number of inbound tourists that can be reached, promoting the green tourism options available in Toronto and encouraging participation in our local economy.

We look forward to bringing the Committee up-to-date on the success of our projects at the November meeting.

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following joint report (September 20, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer:

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to advise the results of the Tender issued for the Addition and Renovations to Heron Park Community Recreation Centre, in accordance with the specifications as required by the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department and to request the authority to issue a contract to the recommended bidder.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds are available in the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Capital Account-Heron Park Community Centre.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Tender Call No. 221-1999 for the Addition and Renovations to Heron Park Community Recreation Centre be awarded to M.J. Dixon Construction Ltd., in the amount of $6,527,000.00 including all taxes and charges, being the lowest Tender received.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The Bid Committee, at its meeting held on September 13, 1999, opened the following Tenders for Tender Call No. 221-1999 for the Addition and Renovations to Heron Park Community Recreation Centre:

Price Complete, Including all

Tenderer Charges and Taxes

M.J. Dixon Construction Ltd. $6,527,000.00

Consolidated Canadian Contractors 1031644 Ontario Inc. $7,165,790.00

Carosi Construction Ltd. $7,757,500.00

Struct-Con Construction Ltd. $8,922,730.00

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The Tender documentation submitted by the recommended bidder has been reviewed by the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and was found to be in conformance with the Tender requirements.

The Manager, Fair Wage and Labour Trades Office, has reported favourably on the firm recommended.

Conclusion:

This report requests authority to issue a contract for the Addition and Renovations to Heron Park Community Recreation Centre, in accordance with specifications to M.J. Dixon Construction Ltd., being the lowest Tender received.

Contact Names:

Ms. Linda Kelland, Project Engineer, 396-4761;

Mr. L.A. Pagano, P. Eng., Director, Purchasing and Materials Management, 392-7312.

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (September 13, 1999) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer:

Purpose:

This report brings forward the proposed 1999 operating budget for the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area (BIA) for Council's approval. Council approval of these budgets is required by the Municipal Act to permit the City to collect funds on behalf of the BIAs through a special tax levy.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

No City funding is required because Business Improvement Area budgets are raised by a special levy on their members.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the Economic Development and Parks Committee adopt and certify to City Council the 1999 expenditures of the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area of $15,570.00;

(2) a copy of this report be forwarded to the Policy and Finance Committee for its information;

(3) the levy and collection of a special charge for the 1999 taxation year for the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area be authorized;

(4) authority be granted for the introduction of the necessary bill in Council; and

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

Village of Islington BIA Budget:

The Village of Islington BIA's draft 1999 budget proposes a 24 percent ($2,995.00) increase in expenditures and required tax levy. This budget was approved by the BIA's Board of Management on May 19, 1999. The Village of Islington BIA's proposed 1999 budget, including the net 1999 levy

requirement, is set out below.

1998 1998 1999

Approved Projected Budget

Budget Actual Request

$ $ $

Revenue:

- Prior Years' Surplus 0 NA 0

- Net Levy Requirement 11,005.00 NA 15,570.00

- Other Revenue 0 NA 0

Total: 11,005.00 NA 15,570.00

1998 1998 1999

Approved Projected Budget

Budget Actual Request

$ $ $

Expenditures

- Administration 775.00 220.00 770.00

- Capital 0 0 0

- Maintenance 11,800.00 7,689.00 14,800.00

- Promotion and Advertising 0 0 0

- Contingency 0 0 0

Total: 12,575.00 7,909.00 15,570.00

(Surplus)/Deficit 1,570.00 NA 0

Appendix "A" sets out the status of BIA budget submissions

Contact Names:

Mr. Joe Borowiec, Budget Services Division, Finance Department, 397-4298;

Ms. Ingrid Girdauskas, Senior Commercial Area Advisor, Small Business and Local Partnerships,

392-1134.

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report (September 16, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; and having directed that the said report be forwarded to City Council for information:

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports, for the information of Council, that the Chair, on behalf of Committee, congratulated Economic Development Division, Corporate Communications design staff, Tourism Toronto and Labatt Breweries of Canada, for receiving two first place Marketing Canada Awards and conveyed its appreciation to all who participated for a job well done.

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to inform Members of Council that brochures prepared to promote Toronto's Economic Development Façade Improvement Program as well as an innovative "in pack" promotion publication prepared by the City of Toronto, in partnership with Tourism Toronto and Labatt Breweries of Canada, have each won a first place Marketing Canada Award.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Comments:

A highlight of the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) annual conference is the Marketing Canada Awards. This competition, sponsored by the Globe and Mail Report on Business, recognizes excellence in the production of promotional materials produced by Canadian municipalities.

In order to fully assess the success of entries in effectively marketing economic development initiatives, the jury includes representatives from business/manufacturing, tourism/travel, media, advertising and academe. This year's award competition attracted a record number of 323 entries from across Canada.

The City of Toronto received a First Place Award for the series of brochures promoting the unique and successful Façade Improvement Program managed through the Economic Development Division. Another First Place Award was presented to Toronto for an innovative "in pack" promotion brochure produced in partnership with Tourism Toronto and Labatt Breweries of Canada. This brochure, which includes a profile of Toronto's attractions and an invitation to enjoy a sports weekend, has been distributed throughout border States in cases of Labatt beer.

The Economic Development Division constantly seeks opportunities to partner with members of our business community in promoting the City. The "in pack" publication, which won in the Innovative Promotions Category, is particularly rewarding in its recognition of the value of partnerships.

In producing these publications, the Economic Development Division was ably assisted by Toronto's Corporate Communications design staff.

Contact Names:

Mr. Carl Knipfel, 392-3293; Ms. Brenda Librecz, 397-4700.

Mr. James Villeneuve, Labatt Breweries, appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following communication (September 21, 1999) from Councillor Kyle Rae, together with the Final Report of the Program Director for the Yonge Street Regeneration Program; and having directed that it be forwarded to City Council for information:

Please find enclosed a copy of the Final Report of the Program Director for the Yonge Street Regeneration Program. This is a copy of the report that was presented to the Yonge Street Business and Residents' Association.

One of the stipulations for Council approval was that this final report be presented to the relevant Committee for information and transmittal to City Council. As such, I would be very appreciative if you would have this document placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Economic Development and Parks Committee for your Committee's information.

The Yonge Street Regeneration Program has been an outstanding success to date and I am confident that your Committee will recognize the continued importance of such public/private sector partnerships.

(City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999, received this Clause, for information.)

(a) Lester B. Pearson International Airport - Update by Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Board Members - All Wards.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report and presentation:

(September 16, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, advising the Economic Development and Parks Committee of the update to be provided by the City's nominees to the GTAA Board of Directors on ongoing and planned activities at Lester B. Pearson International Airport (LBPIA); and recommending that this report be received for information.

The following persons gave a presentation to the Economic Development and Parks Committee on ongoing and planned activities at Lester B. Pearson International Airport (LBPIA):

- Mr. Gerry E. Meinzer, Member, Board of Directors, Greater Toronto Airports Authority; and

- Mr. Steve Shaw, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and filed a copy of their presentation.

The Chair, on behalf of Committee, thanked Mr. Meinzer and Mr. Shaw for their informative presentation.

(b) Urban Initiatives.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having referred the following communication and all other relevant material distributed at the October 4, 1999, meeting of the Committee to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for report thereon to the Economic Development and Parks Committee:

(September 13, 1999) from Ms. Katherine Pigott, Riverdale Community Business Centre, requesting an opportunity to make a deputation on the experiences of Urban Initiatives.

The following persons appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

- Ms. Joan Roberts, Kensington Market Action Committee, and filed a copy of her submission;

- Ms. Barbara Finlay, Coordinator, Parkdale/Liberty Economic Development Committee, and filed a copy of her submission;

- Ms Katherine Pigott, Director, Riverdale Community Business Centre;

- Mr. David Melville, Kensington Market Action Committee;

- Mr. Henry Calderon, Project Director, West Toronto Junction Team; and

- Mr. Michael Rosenberg, Toronto, Ontario.

(c) Appointment of a New Design Exchange Board Member - All Wards.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee noted that City Council, at its meeting held on September 28 and 29, 1999, appointed Councillor David Soknacki, Scarborough Highland Creek, to the Board of Directors of The Design Exchange.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report and communication:

(i) (September 16, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, recommending that Council appoint a representative to sit on the Design Exchange Board for the period ending November 30, 2000.

(ii) (September 8, 1999) from Mr. J. Urban Joseph, Chairman of the Board, The Design Exchange, advising the Economic Development and Parks Committee that the Board of Directors of The Design Exchange has invited Councillor Michael Tzekas to serve on the Board of The Design Exchange.

(d) City of Toronto Arts and Culture Grants - January to June, 1999.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information:

(August 1999) from Ms. Anne Collins, President, Toronto Arts Council, submitting, for information, a report on the City of Toronto Arts and Culture Grants for the period January 1 to June 30, 1999.

(e) Toronto Employer Database - All Wards.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information:

(September 16, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, informing the Economic Development and Parks Committee on the work currently being undertaken by the Economic Development Division to develop a City of Toronto Employer Database; and recommending that this report be received for information.

(f) Long Term Plans for Parks and Recreation Facilities - All Wards.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information:

(September 17, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, providing information, as requested by the Economic Development and Parks Committee at its previous meeting, on a public consultation work plan in relation to long term planning for parks and recreation facilities; and recommending that this report be received for information.

(g) Development Charges on Non-Residential Development.

The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:

(1) requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, in consultation with the Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Toronto Economic Development Corporation, to report to the November 8, 1999 meeting of the Economic Development and Parks Committee on issues related to stimulating reinvestment in employment areas within the City, including brownfield sites, and a process to address these issues comprehensively; and

(2) received the following communication:

(September 13, 1999) from Mr. Bill Palander, RIM, President, Toronto Real Estate Board, applauding the City's efforts in keeping development charges at the lowest possible level, providing an exemption for industrial-commercial development, and providing a phasing-in period for the new charges.

Respectfully submitted,

BRIAN ASHTON

Chair

Toronto, October 4, 1999

(Report No. 4 of The Economic Development and Parks Committee, including an addition thereto, was adopted, as amended, by City Council on October 26 and 27, 1999.)