PLEASE NOTE DAY OF MEETING

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

AGENDA

Date of Meeting:Wednesday, March 22, 2000 Enquiry: Rosalind Dyers

Time:9:30 a.m. Committee Administrator

Location:Committee Room 1 392-8018

City Hall

100 Queen Street West

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST PURSUANT TO

THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES.

DEPUTATIONS.List to be Distributed at Meeting

COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS.

1.2000 OPERATING BUDGET - COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

SERVICES, AMBULANCE AND FIRE SERVICES.

City Clerk

(February 28, 2000)

Advising that the Budget Advisory Committee has completed its preliminary review of the following 2000 Operating Budget Programs and directed that they be forwarded to the relevant Standing Committee for consideration and recommendation thereon to the Budget Advisory Committee prior to its meeting on April 3, 2000:

(1)Ambulance Services;

(2)Children's Services;

(3)Fire Services;

(4)Homes for the Aged;

 (5)Shelter, Housing and Support;

(6)Social Development and Administration; and

(7)Social Services;

and attaching a copy of the Budget Advisory Committee's Requests and Directives."

(NOTE:MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED TO BRING TO THE MEETING THE 2000 OPERATING BUDGET BINDERS FOR BOTH COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES AND THE WORKS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENTS. A COPY OF EACH OF THE BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S "REQUESTS AND DIRECTIVES" AND RELATED MATERIAL WAS FORWARDED TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE ONLY.)

1a.PROVINCIAL REGULATION CHANGE AFFECTING THE TREATMENT

OF USER REVENUE FROM SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(February 2, 2000)

Identifying the financial and service implications from the City of a change to Section 67.1 of Regulation 262 of the Day Nurseries Act which will go into force on April 1, 2000, and which governs cost-sharing provisions for child care; advising that the fiscal net impact of this regulation change on the 2000 budget request for Children's Services is $8.9 million, and the annualized net impact is $11.8 million; and recommending that:

(1)the report be referred to the Budget Advisory Committee for consideration during the 2000 Operating Budget process;

(2)as part of the negotiation of the City's Annual Service Contract with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, City officials discuss with provincial officials the impact that this regulation change will have on both current service levels in subsidized child care and the City's future capacity to address child care demand in both the Ontario Works and regular subsidy program;

(3)City endorse the recommendation communicated to Council by the Chatham-Kent Council in its letter dated January 11, 2000, "that Council encourage AMO to speak on behalf of municipalities on this issue (child care funding changes….clawback of user fees) and to petition the Ministry of Community and Social Services to retain current funding arrangements for child care operations"; and

(4)the appropriate City officials take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

1b.PAYMENT TO CONSEIL SCOLAIRE DE DISTRICT

DU CENTRE-SUD-OUEST FOR CHILD CARE SPACE.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 2, 2000)

Recommending that:

(1)the City make remittances to the Conseil Scolaire De District Du Centre-Sud-Ouest at a rate of $10.00 per month per child under the age of 3.8 enrolled in licensed care spaces operated in their facilities up to an annual payment ceiling of $25,000.00;

(2)payment to the Conseil Scolaire De District Du Centre-Sud-Ouest up to a ceiling of $25,000.00 in respect of Recommendation No. (1) be made using an appropriate transfer mechanism as determined by the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the City Solicitor;

(3)this report be referred to the Budget Advisory Committee for consideration during the 2000 Operating Budget process; and

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

1c.ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUEST FROM THE FAMILY RESOURCE

CENTRES AND SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCING AGENCIES.

City Clerk

(February 21, 2000)

Advising that the Children and Youth Action Committee on February 18, 2000, recommended to the Community Services Committee and Budget Advisory Committee that:

(1)at least $1 million be added to the appropriate budget category for the 2000 Operating Budget to stabilize the funding for family resource centres and special needs resourcing; and

(2)the following stakeholders be requested to co-ordinate and explore ways of sharing services, support and stabilize existing services, plan for equitable distribution of services, and to clarify the financial investment to adequately support this system for families and children:

-Toronto District School Board;

-Toronto Catholic School Board;

-City of Toronto (including the Community and Neighbourhood Services Department, Toronto Children's Services Division, and the Medical Officer of Health);

-Metro Association of Family Resource Programmes;

-Toronto Special Needs Network;

-Child Welfare;

-Family Day Board members; and

-other interested parties

1d.Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 6, 2000)

Respecting the recommendation of the Children and Youth Action Committee requesting that an additional $1 million be added to the Children's Services budget for Family Resource Centres and Special Needs Resourcing Agencies; noting that, under the terms and conditions of the transfer of this program to the City effective July 1, 1999, the Province required the City to maintain the funding to these programs without change for at least one year following the date of transfer; and recommending that the report be received for information.

1e.PER DIEM RATES - CHILDREN'S SERVICES.

Ms. Barbara Piatek, President, and

Ms. Elizabeth Dziunikowski, Treasurer,

Super Kids Daycare Centres Inc.

(February 8, 2000)

Advising of the financial pressures being faced by the Centre and, in particular, the salary of the teaching staff due to there being no change to the "per diem" cost since 1993; and attaching a number of communications from teaching staff employed in privately-owned child care centres.

1f.INTERIM REPORT ON THE SQUEEGEE WORKING

YOUTH MOBILIZATION (SWYM) PROGRAM.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 8, 2000)

Providing an interim report on the Squeegee Working Youth Mobilization (SWYM) Program, based on the interim evaluation of the the program by the Canadian Training Institute; and recommending that the report be received and forwarded to the Budget Advisory Committee for information.

1g.TORONTO FIRE SERVICES - ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

and the Fire Chief

(March 7, 2000)

Responding to the request of the Budget Advisory Committee to provide information on issues related to attendance statistics in the Toronto Fire Services; and recommending that the report be received and referred to the Budget Advisory Committee for information purposes.

2.Item Withdrawn

3.2001 BASIC TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL

INCORPORATED ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

(February 28, 2000)

Recommending that:

(1)Toronto Ambulance be given the approval to provide support and host the 2001 Basic Trauma Life Support International Incorporated Annual Conference; and

(2)any profits, as a result of the conference that are shared with BTLS International, be directed towards Injury Prevention and Awareness Programs in Toronto.

4.TRANSFER OF ONE SURPLUS/DECOMMISSIONED VAN

TO THE TORONTO CHILDREN'S BREAKFAST CLUB.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

(February 28, 2000)

Recommending that:

(1)City Council approve the transfer of one surplus/decommissioned Ambulance Services' van to the Toronto Children's Breakfast Club; and

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

 5.TORONTO AMBULANCE RESPONSE TO THE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH TEN POINT PLAN.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

(March 8, 2000)

Respecting the Ministry of Health Ten Point Plan to help alleviate overcrowding in hospital emergency departments and reduce ambulance diversion; providing an update on the progress Toronto Ambulance has made in dealing with this issue; and recommending that:

(1)Council continue to support Toronto Ambulance in its efforts to deal with ongoing hospital emergency department overcrowding; and

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

 6.1^ST DOWNSVIEW TORONTO AMBULANCE VENTURER SCOUTS.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

(February 22, 2000)

Advising of a joint initiative between Scouts Canada and Toronto Ambulance concerning the start up of a Vocational Venturer Scout Company for male and female youth aged 14 to 17 within the Downsview Area; noting that community outreach is an important and vital part of the Emergency Medical Services System; and recommending that the report be received for information.

7.FIRE SAFETY INITIATIVES INCLUDING THE REPORT

ON THE RETESTING OF SMOKE ALARMS.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

and the Fire Chief

(March 6, 2000)

Providing an update on the "War on Fire" program and additional information relating to fire safety in residential dwellings, particularly with respect to multi-lingual fire safety material, the Fire Services "Alarmed For Life Program 2000", the funding request to insurance companies, and the results of the investigations on smoke alarms; and recommending that the report be received for information.

8.TORONTO FIRE SERVICES - FALSE ALARMS.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

and the Fire Chief

(March 6, 2000)

Responding to the request of the Community Services Committee on December 1, 1999, to report on a number of false fire alarm issues related to alarms monitoring equipment, the meeting with the Greater Toronto Apartment Association, and a false alarm reward system; and recommending that the report be received and forwarded to the Budget Advisory Committee for information.

9.TORONTO FIRE SERVICES - 1999 FALSE ALARM STATISTICS.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

and the Fire Chief

(March 6, 2000)

Responding to the request of the Budget Advisory Committee to report on the statistics with respect to false alarms for 1999 and the recovery of fires in regard thereto; and recommending that the report be received and forwarded to the Budget Advisory Committee for information.

10.TORONTO FIRE SERVICES - FIRE CHIEF'S

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

and the Fire Chief

(March 6, 2000)

Providing an overview of the Terms of Reference of the Fire Chief's recently-established Community Advisory Committee, which is expected to provide an overall general assessment of the value and effectiveness of the various public education programs administered by Toronto Fire Services; and recommending that the report be received for information.

11.UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE YORK BEFORE

AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM CLOSURE.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 6, 2000)

Providing an update on the impact of the intended closure of the Toronto District School Board's York Before and After School Program in response to questions asked by the Community Services Committee on November 4, 1999; and recommending that:

(1)departmental officials continue to support Members of Council in their discussions with the Toronto District School Board officials, families affected by the intended program closure, and prospective service agencies in the community desirous of developing alternate service solutions;

(2)departmental officials urge affected families to be assessed for potential subsidy eligibility;

(3)Council notify the Minister of Education and Training of the adverse impact their new educational funding formula is having on this non-licensed child care program in the York community;

(4)departmental officials continue to explore through the budget process, and within the budget finally approved by Council, a strategy whereby a portion of one-time transition costs for replacement of services might be shared with the Toronto District School Board and the affected parents and that this potential strategy be the subject of a subsequent report to Council; and

(5)the appropriate City officials take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

12.CAPITAL LOAN GUARANTEE FOR GROWING TYKES

CHILDCARE TO DEVELOP A CHILD CARE CENTRE.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 3, 2000)

Recommending that:

(1)subject to sufficient performance safeguards, the City of Toronto guarantee a capital loan of up to $700,000.00 to be arranged by Growing Tykes Childcare;

(2)the nature and terms of the guarantee, including any requirement for potential certification under the established debt and obligation limit, be subject to the concurrence of the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, City Solicitor and the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services; and

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

13.PROVINCIAL ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE FRAUD.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 8, 2000)

Respecting the new zero tolerance policy for social assistance fraud to be introduced in April 2000; outlining the current provincial penalties for fraud convictions, the process by which such fraud is investigated by Toronto Social Services, the incidence of fraud in Toronto's delivery system, and the new provincial policy; identifying the potential impacts; and recommending that:

(1)City Council support the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's resolution that the Provincial government not proceed with the implementation of a lifetime ban for individuals convicted of social assistance fraud;

(2)this report be forwarded to the Premier of the Province of Ontario, the Minister of Community and Social Services, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; and

(3)the appropriate City officials be granted the authority to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

14.ONTARIO WORKS SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 7, 2000)

Providing an overview of the Province's Business Transformation Project (BTP) and a description of the new social assistance Service Delivery Model (SDM) together with a proposed framework for proceeding with the implementation and key issues related to the design and introduction of the SDM in Toronto, as well as an outline of the provincial plan for implementing the BTP; and recommending that:

(1)City Council endorse the principles proposed in Attachment 1 of this report as a basis for implementing the Ontario Works Service Delivery Model (SDM) in Toronto;

(2)City Council authorize staff to negotiate the terms for piloting the Intake Screening Unit component of the SDM in Toronto with the Province, subject to the following conditions:

(i)that the implementation plan for the pilot adhere to the implementation criteria set out in Attachment 2; and

(ii)that the implementation plan for the pilot have no impact on Toronto Social Services (TSS) year 2000 net budget.

(3)the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services report back to the Community Services Committee on implementation plans for the SDM components in Toronto, including the Intake Screening Unit pilot, and report on any related impacts on TSS's gross budget through the budget process; and

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

15.INFORMATION SHARING AGREEMENT BETWEEN

TORONTO SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE METROPOLITAN

TORONTO HOUSING AUTHORITY.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 6, 2000)

Recommending that:

(1)the Commissioner of Community Services, on behalf of Toronto Social Services, be authorized to negotiate and approve an Information Sharing Agreement with the Metro Toronto Housing Authority; and

(2)the appropriate City officials be granted the authority to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

16.COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION INNOVATION FUND.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 2, 2000)

Advising that Toronto Social Services has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Community and Social Services under the Community Participation Innovation Fund; outlining details of the process and the impact on the Social Services Division's 2000 budget request; and recommending that the report be received for information.

17.TENANT DEFENCE FUND GRANT APPLICATION -

350 AND 390 QUEEN'S QUAY WEST (WARD 24).

City Clerk

(March 1, 2000)

Advising that the Sub-Committee to Restore Rent Control on February 29, 2000, recommended to the Community Services Committee that, despite the fact that staff have determined that the tenants' group at 350 and 390 Queen's Quay West do not meet the eligibility criteria set out for approval of a grant pursuant to the Tenant Support Grants Program, and in view of the extenuating circumstances surrounding this application relating to recent rent increases and heavy tenant turnover within the buildings, it is recommended that Council award a basic grant of $1,000.00 from the Tenant Support Grants Program to assist this tenants' group in disputing the landlord's Above-Guideline Rent Increase application at a Hearing before the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal.

18.HOUSING DEVOLUTION ISSUES FOR PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 8, 2000)

Providing an update on social housing devolution; outlining key issues; and recommending that:

(1)Council urge the Provincial Government to ensure that upcoming legislation and Ontario Regulations governing devolution of social housing program administration reflect the City positions set out in Appendix 1, most of which confirm and clarify positions previously adopted by Council;

(2)Council urge the Provincial Government to ensure that the following requirements are met in the transition period leading up to devolution of social housing program administration:

(a)that a full due diligence process be undertaken according to a specific provincial-municipal arrangement to be negotiated, including condition surveys to determine capital repair and reserve fund requirements, full financial review, transfer of financial and other records, and full information regarding projects subject to or requiring special scrutiny;

(b)that Ontario Housing Corporation not make major decisions on public housing (such as on sale of properties or contracting out of property management) without the concurrence of the affected municipality (CMSM);

(c)that the Province provide municipalities (CMSMs) with adequate funding for transition costs including but not limited to due diligence, information technology, staff training, and one-time space and equipment costs;

(3)the Province be urged to hold legislative committee hearings on the draft devolution legislation, and to undertake a full consultation with municipalities and with the housing sectors on draft Ontario Regulations proposed under the legislation;

(4)the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing be urged to immediately establish a joint planning team with each CMSM, to negotiate the local terms and timeframe for devolution;

(5)this report be forwarded to all CMSMs and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario with a request for endorsement, and be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the provincial Minister of Finance, and organizations representing the non-profit and co-operative housing sector; and

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

19.CHILDREN AND YOUTH ACTION COMMITTEE WORK PLAN.

Councillor Olivia Chow,

Children and Youth Advocate

(March 7, 2000)

Providing a status report and work plan for the Children and Youth Action Committee; and recommending that:

(1)Council approve the 2000 work plan for the Children and Youth Action Committee, as outlined in Appendices A and B; and

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

20.WELCOME BABIES/BABY CITIZEN PACKAGE.

City Clerk

(February 28, 2000)

Advising that the Children and Youth Action Committee on February 18, 2000, recommended that:

(1)the "Welcome Babies/Baby Citizen" package program be continued and that City Departments and the Toronto School Boards be requested to assist with the program; and

(2)the owners of The Children's Book Store be thanked for their donation of books for siblings who attended with the 32 babies at City Council on February 1, 2000.

21.NATIONAL CHILDREN'S BENEFIT - SHELTER FUND.

City Clerk

(February 28, 2000)

Advising that the Children and Youth Action Committee on February 18, 2000, during consideration of a submission from the General Manager, Social Services Division, headed "Information Package - Interim Shelter Fund Enhancement Policy," recommended that:

(1)the Municipal Reinvestment of the National Child Benefit savings go to families and dependant children on welfare who pay more in shelter costs than they receive in shelter allowance; and the City of Toronto through its various programs ensure that the Shelter Fund is linked to other housing or shelter funds that are available in order to meet this need;

(2)ongoing shelter fund access be extended to include families leaving homeless shelters; and

(3)ongoing shelter fund access be extended to include families with young children under six years of age and the requirement of Ontario Works Program participation be waived.

22.CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP - CHILDREN AND

YOUTH ACTION COMMITTEE.

City Clerk

(February 28, 2000)

Advising that the Children and Youth Action Committee on February 18, 2000, recommended that Ms. Wendy Cuthbertson, representative of the Canadian Auto Workers, be deleted from the membership of the Committee.

23.NURSE PRACTITIONER PROJECT.

Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services

(March 9, 2000)

Advising of the successful submission of an Expression of Interest to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to secure the resources of a Nurse Practitioner for a two-year period of time; outlining the expected positive impact on resident care and clinical outcomes as a result; indicating that the two-year Nurse Practitioner Project is 100 percent funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care up to maximum allowable amounts as set by the Ministry; and recommending that:

(1)the Homes for the Aged Division be authorized to conclude negotiations with the MOHLTC, on a priority basis, to secure the services of a Nurse Practitioner for the approved two-year project;

(2)the Homes for the Aged Division's gross expenditure budget for 2000 be increased by the amount negotiated between the Division and the MOHLTC, in an amount not to exceed $104,500.00;

(3)this report be referred to the Budget Advisory Committee for consideration as part of the 2000 budget process; and

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

24.ALBION LODGE - ACCREDITATION AWARD.

City Clerk

(February 25, 2000)

Advising that the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged on February 25, 2000, had before it a report (February 21, 2000) from the General Manager, Homes for the Aged, advising that the accreditation survey for Albion Lodge by the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation was carried out from November 24-26, 1999; attaching a copy of the survey report; and recommending that:

(1)this report be forwarded to the Community Services Committee for information; and

(2)congratulations be extended to the staff and volunteers at Albion Lodge, acknowledging their significant achievement;

and further that the Advisory Committee adopted the aforementioned report and directed that it be forwarded to the Community Services Committee for information.

25.ACHIEVEMENT OF 1999 OPERATING OBJECTIVES -

HOMES FOR THE AGED DIVISION.

City Clerk

(February 25, 2000)

Advising that the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged on February 25, 2000, received a report (February 9, 2000) from the General Manager, Homes for the Aged, respecting the achievement of the 1999 Operating objectives for the Homes for the Aged Division, and directed that it be forwarded to the Community Services Committee for information.

ANY OTHER MATTERS.