![]() |
Decision Document |
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Board of Health |
Meeting No. | 26 | Contact | Candy Davidovits, Committee Administrator | |
Meeting Date |
Monday, November 16, 2009 |
Phone | 416-392-8032 | |
Start Time |
1:00 PM |
boh@toronto.ca | ||
Location |
Committee Room 1, City Hall
|
Chair | Councillor John Filion |
HL26.1 | Presentation |
Received |
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Ward: All |
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Update |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health received, for information, the report (November 16, 2009) and the presentation from the Medical Officer of Health. |
Decision Advice and Other Information |
The Medical Officer of Health gave an update on the H1N1 influenza pandemic in Toronto. |
Origin |
(November 16, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
This report provides an update on the H1N1 influenza pandemic in Toronto to date and the current public health response by federal and provincial governments and Toronto Public Health (TPH). |
Background Information |
HL26.1 - Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Update - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25295.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 16, 2009) Submission from Toronto Public Health entitled "H1N1" (HL.New.HL26.1.1) |
HL26.2 | ACTION |
Amended |
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The Affordability of the Nutritious Food Basket in Toronto - 2009 |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health directed that:
1. The provincial government be requested to raise social assistance rates based on the real cost of healthy living, including nutritious food, and indexed annually to reflect inflation.
2. The Chair of the Board of Health and the Medical Officer of Health, together with the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, and representatives from the “Do the Math” Campaign and the “Put Food in the Budget” Campaign, be requested to meet with the Minister of Community and Social Services, the Minister of Children and Youth Services and the Minister of Health Promotion, to urge them to ensure access to safe, nutritious and culturally-acceptable food for all Ontarians and to link the results of the Nutritious Food Basket survey across Ontario with the implementation of Breaking the Cycle: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the ongoing review of social assistance, in accordance with the consultation requirements noted in the Poverty Reduction Act (2009).
3. The Chair of the Board of Health and the Medical Officer of Health request that the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology of the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (OAHPP) explore the development of a long-term system to monitor access to safe, nutritious and culturally-acceptable food.
4. This report be forwarded, for support and action, as appropriate, to the following key stakeholders: the City of Toronto’s Community Development and Recreation Committee; the General Managers of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, Children’s Services, Employment and Social Services, Long-term Care Homes and Services, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation; the Ontario Ministers of Health Promotion, Community and Social Services, Children and Youth Services and Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; the Ontario Agency of Health Protection and Promotion; the Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion at Health Canada; the Association of Local Public Health Agencies; the Ontario Public Health Association; Ontario Boards of Health; the Association of Ontario Health Centres; the Ontario Society of Nutrition Professionals in Public Health and Dietitians of Canada.
5. The recommendations from Jonah Schein, STOP Community Food Centre, be referred to the Medical Officer of Health for consideration in the advocacy efforts he is engaged in with partners working on anti-poverty strategies. |
Origin |
(November 3, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
This report provides information on the affordability of the Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) in Toronto for 2009. It recommends several government actions to improve access to adequate amounts of safe, nutritious and culturally-acceptable food, particularly for those living in poverty.
Since 1999, public health units have calculated the cost of the NFB using a standard tool and protocol. Using the standard tool, the average weekly cost of the NFB for a family of four in Toronto in May 2009 was $146.37 ($633.78/month), representing an increase of 7.4% from 2008. Increases in the price of vegetables and fruits were the main contributor.
In the past year, Health Canada revised the NFB tool to bring it in line with the updated Canada’s Food Guide. The new NFB is based on new food consumption data, and includes different age and gender reference groups, different foods and a revised protocol for selecting foods at grocery stores (1). The Ministry of Health Promotion added the updated tool in the revised Ontario Public Health Standards. Based on the new tool, the average weekly cost of the NFB for a family of four in Toronto in May 2009 was $164.18 ($710.90/month). This is higher than the figure calculated using the old tool because of changes to the NFB foods, gender and age categories, and the mechanism used to select foods.
The price of healthy food remains out of reach for many low income families. The current recession has led to increases in unemployment and more people relying on social assistance, making healthy food access even more difficult. Low wages and inadequate social assistance rates, and the high costs of housing, childcare and other fixed essentials, are the key obstacles to accessing healthy food for these families.
The provincial government has not sufficiently improved social assistance rates, despite the launch of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. In addition, Ontario has no long-term system to monitor access to healthy food, hampering efforts to identify trends and evaluate policies and programs. Growing public awareness of food system issues, sustainable living and the local food environment, may drive change in this area.
Although Boards of Health in Ontario have been required to complete an annual NFB survey since 1999, far too many Toronto families continue to struggle to put food on the table. In recent years the provincial government has made some improvements such as small increases to social assistance, introducing Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB). Governments must continue to be urged to take effective steps to ensure access and affordability to safe, nutritious and culturally-acceptable food for everyone. |
Background Information |
HL26.2 - The Affordability of the Nutritious Food Basket in Toronto - 2009 - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25078.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 16, 2009) Submission from Jonah Schein, Civic Engagement Coordinator, STOP Community Food Centre (HL.New.HL26.2.1) |
HL26.3 | ACTION |
Amended |
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Ward: All |
Update on the Metrolinx Georgetown South Service Expansion and Union-Pearson Rail Link |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health directed that:
1. The Ontario Minister of the Environment be requested to ask Metrolinx to defer purchasing diesel locomotives for any part of the proposed Georgetown South Expansion and Air-Rail Link until the following information is made available for public consideration and comment, and review by the Minister:
a. all additional studies, analyses and public consultation related to the development of a revised mitigation plan to address risks to human health, and an ambient air monitoring and reporting plan, as required by the Ontario Minister of the Environment in his October 5, 2009 “Notice to proceed with transit project subject to conditions”;
b. a Health Impact Assessment as part of Condition 5 (to “conduct further studies and analyses in order to supplement the information contained in the Environmental Project Report (EPR) related to predicted human health risks”), conducted in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health, which examines the distribution in the community of risks and benefits from the proposed rail expansion, and takes into account pre-existing gradients in health status;
c. a monitoring program for ultrafine particulate matter (PM0.1) that characterizes baseline concentrations and concentration gradients; and
d. the results and any advice from the planned GO System Electrification Study.
2. Metrolinx be urged to strengthen the planned GO System Electrification Study by:
a. developing a risk analysis framework for integrating the environmental, health, social and economic impacts associated with each train technology option that is explicit, and open to public review;
b. broadening the assessment of health impacts associated with train technology options from the quantitative human health risk assessment (HHRA) approach used in the Georgetown South study to one that encompasses Health Impact Assessment (HIA) methods; and
c. comparing the total cost of train expansion options between investing in electrification now versus use of Tier 4 compliant diesel technology as an interim strategy, with electrification later.
3. The Ontario Minister of the Environment be requested to put the following information on the Environmental Registry in order to increase transparency and enforceability of the conditions specified in the Minister’s October 5, 2009 Notice regarding Metrolinx’ proposed train expansion:
a. the health assessment, air monitoring, air modelling studies and mitigation plans, required in conditions 5, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 16; and
b. the results of the GO System Electrification Study, given that condition 4 indicates that Metrolinx should make available to the public any consideration of the use of new technologies that become commercially available and that could reduce air emissions from the trains.
4. The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) be requested to give consideration to making a special report to the Speaker of the Assembly on the public process employed by Metrolinx, and the environmental significance of technology choices such as diesel expansion versus electrification of the commuter rail system.
5. This report be forwarded to:
a. the Clean Train Coalition, the Environmental Health Association of Ontario, the Mount Dennis Community Association and the Weston Community Coalition;
b. the Medical Officers of Health for Halton and Peel Regions;
c. the Ontario Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care, and Transportation
d. the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board;
e. the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario;
f. the Premier of Ontario;
g. the Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament for the Metrolinx Study Area; and,
h. the Federal Ministers of the Environment and Transportation.
6. This report be forwarded to the Parks and Environment Committee for information.
7. The Medical Officer of Health be requested to prepare a response to the November 13, 2009, correspondence from Metrolinx and to identify the extent to which the Medical Officer of Health’s recommendations are addressed, including how noise impacts could be dealt with in the electrification study, and to make this response available to members of the Board of Health, community groups and deputants.
8. The Chairs of the Board of Health and the Parks and Environment Committee be requested to consider holding a public forum to be held in the Council Chamber as soon as possible; and that they invite the Minister of the Environment or his designate, and the President and CEO of Metrolinx to attend this meeting and hear more speakers on this issue. |
Origin |
(November 2, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
Metrolinx is proposing a significant expansion of regional passenger rail service starting in 2015 and resulting in an almost ten-fold increase in the number of trains on the Georgetown South corridor and a separate Air-Rail Link between Pearson Airport and Union Station. The project has been subject to public review under Ontario’s new Transit Project Assessment Process for the past six months.
Throughout this public review, the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and many of the communities along the rail corridor have expressed concern over the adverse air quality and human health impacts that Metrolinx predicts will occur from this rail expansion. The MOH’s recommendations have included further studies and using electric locomotives instead of diesel.
On October 5, 2009, Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen concluded the Transit Project Assessment Process by permitting Metrolinx to continue with the proposed project, under certain conditions, such as requiring certain locomotives to be compliant with American Tier 4 diesel standards.
The impact of the Minster’s conditions on the predicted air quality and health impacts of the diesel rail expansion have not yet been determined. This report requests the Environment Minister to ask Metrolinx to defer purchasing diesel trains for the service expansion in the Georgetown South corridor until the further studies specified in the Minister’s notice of conditions, as well as the proposed electrification study, have been completed and made available for full public consultation and review. Based on existing information, electrification of the proposed rail line continues to be the mitigation option that most clearly addresses the predicted air quality and health impacts. Whether other mitigation options could reduce these air quality and health impacts to an acceptable level remains to be demonstrated. |
Background Information |
HL26.3 - Update on the Metrolinx Georgetown South Service Expansion and Union-Pearson Rail Link - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25065.pdf) HL26.3 - Attachment - Letter from the Ontario Minister of the Environment (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25066.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 9, 2009) Letter from Professor Elizabeth Littlejohn, Communication, Culture and Information Technology, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (HL.New.HL26.3.1) (November 12, 2009) Letter from Councillor Frances Nunziata, Ward 11 - York South-Weston (HL.New.HL26.3.2) (November 13, 2009) Letter from Karen Pitre, Project Director, Electrification Study, Metrolinx (HL.New.HL26.3.3) (November 13, 2009) Letter from Alan Tonks, M.P., York South-Weston (HL.New.HL26.3.4) (November 14, 2009) Submission from Susan Peschken (HL.New.HL26.3.5) (November 16, 2009) Submission from Dr. Jeff Sole and Dr. Marissa Heisel, Vice-Chair, Fern Avenue Public School Council and Secretary, Ferncliff Daycare Board of Directors (HL.New.HL26.3.6) (November 16, 2009) Submission from Glenn Sernyk, West Diamond Leaders Group (HL.New.HL26.3.7) (October 30, 2009) Submission from The West Toronto Diamond Community Group (HL.New.HL26.3.8) (October 22, 2009) Letter from Alissa Sugar, Special Project Officer, Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch, Ministry of the Environment (HL.New.HL26.3.9) (November 16, 2009) Letter from Professor Elizabeth Littlejohn, Communication, Culture and Information Technology, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (HL.Main.HL26.3.10) (November 9, 2009) Submission from Reverend Lance Dixon, Incumbent and Minister, St. Anne's Anglican Church (HL.New.HL26.3.11) (November 16, 2009) Submission from Scott Dobson (HL.New.HL26.3.12) (November 16, 2009) Presentation from Medical Officer of Health (HL.New.HL26.3.13) (November 16, 2009) Submission from Karl Junkin (HL.New.HL26.3.14) |
HL26.4 | Information |
Deferred |
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Update on Air Pollution from Toronto's Airports |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health deferred the report (October 27, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health until the January 18, 2010, meeting of the Board of Health for the purpose of hearing public deputations. |
Origin |
(October 27, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
Many activities at airports have potential environmental health impacts, including contributing to local air pollution. Some of these impacts can be reduced by implementing environmental plans and programs. Although airports are not required by any authority to report on environmental initiatives they may be undertaking, they may choose to make this information available to the public.
The two main airports in Toronto are Toronto Pearson International Airport and the Toronto City Centre Airport. The Medical Officer of Health previously reported on air quality at these airports in June 2008. Where possible, this report updates information about voluntary actions by the airports to reduce emissions.
The Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) has a comprehensive environmental program for Toronto Pearson International Airport. To reduce emissions, they are working to decrease energy use, reduce emissions from aircraft and vehicles, and support environmental activities in the local business community.
The Medical Officer of Health previously reported that there is not enough information on activities at the Toronto City Centre Airport to describe specific air pollution sources or mitigation measures. The Toronto City Centre Airport did not provide Toronto Public Health with any new information for this report. |
Background Information |
HL26.4 - Update on Air Pollution from Toronto's Airports - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25021.pdf) HL26.4 - Attachment - Letter from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25022.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 13, 2009) Letter from K.A. Lundy, Director, P. Eng., Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Toronto Port Authority, addressed to the Medical Officer of Health (HL.New.HL26.4.1) |
HL26.5 | ACTION |
Referred |
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Improving Toronto's Idling Control Bylaw |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health referred the report (November 2, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health, and the letter (November 13, 2009) from Councillor Howard Moscoe, to the Medical Officer of Health, for a further report to the Board of Health as soon as possible. |
Origin |
(November 2, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
Toronto Public Health led a review of Toronto’s idling control bylaw to determine how it could be improved. The review considered the benefits of reducing idling of vehicles, idling control bylaws in other jurisdictions, reasons why people idle, and information gathered during stakeholder consultations.
Consultation with stakeholders indicated that the bylaw could be more effective if it was easier to understand and easier for the City to enforce. Suggestions for improvement included decreasing the allowed idling time, clarifying the language in the bylaw, removing some of the exemptions, and strengthening enforcement.
A revised bylaw would offer the opportunity to renew efforts to reduce idling in Toronto. Education and outreach could increase public knowledge about the impact of idling on greenhouse gas emissions and target specific areas or sectors which are a consistent source of complaints. |
Background Information |
HL26.5 - Improving Toronto's Idling Control Bylaw - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25050.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 11, 2009) E-mail from Helen Riley (HL.New.26.5.1) |
5a | Improving Toronto's Idling Bylaw |
Origin |
(November 13, 2009) Letter from Councillor Howard Moscoe, Ward 15, Eglinton-Lawrence |
Summary |
Councillor Howard Moscoe advising that Toronto’s “Climate Change Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan” commits the City to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and locally generated smog pollutants by 20% by 2012. These goals will never be realized under the proposed changes to this bylaw. We will fail because the redraft of this bylaw, while it does simplify and clarify, does not recognize the structural flaws inherent in the old bylaw. It makes changes that will improve enforcement but not significantly. |
Background Information |
HL26.5a - Letter from Councillor Howard Moscoe (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25289.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 11, 2009) E-mail from Helen Riley (HL.New.HL26.5.1) |
HL26.6 | ACTION |
Amended |
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Toronto Public Health's Response to Bed Bugs |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health:
1. endorsed the recommendations in the report (October 2009) from the Toronto Bed Bug Project Steering Committee;
2. requested the Toronto Bed Bug Project to provide an annual report in the fall of 2010 on progress to date;
3. reiterated its request to the Government of Ontario to fund bed bug control initiatives for vulnerable populations as part of their poverty reduction strategy;
4. requested the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to provide targeted funding for bed bug control initiatives for low income and vulnerable populations as part of Ontario’s poverty reduction strategy;
5. requested the City Manager to:
a. recognize bed bug control as a City-wide issue involving multiple City divisions and to consider the appointment of a multi-divisional City-wide project manager for bed bug control initiatives;
b. ensure that staff from all necessary divisions and agencies, boards and commissions are assigned to participate in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to manage bed bugs in Toronto in collaboration with key community partners;
6. requested the Medical Officer of Health to:
a. encourage all rental housing operators to adopt a Bed Bug Management Protocol based on the best practices outlined in the report (November 3, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health and to share this with their tenants; and
b. request that all new rental projects file a Bed Bug Management Protocol with their application; and
forwarded a copy of this recommendation to the City’s Affordable Housing Office; and
7. directed that copies of this report be forwarded to the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, The Greater Toronto Apartment Association and the Ontario Non Profit Housing Association for information. |
Origin |
(November 3, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
Bed bug infestations continue to be problematic for residents of Toronto and are of particular concern for Toronto’s most vulnerable residents. Over the last eighteen months Toronto Public Health (TPH) has worked closely with community stakeholders and other city divisions to develop a city-wide integrated response to manage the bed bug problem in Toronto.
This report is a companion document to the Toronto Bed Bug Project’s report, “Bed Bugs in Toronto - Developing an Effective Response” (Attachment 1). This report also outlines TPH’s response to the bed bug problem in Toronto and recommends continued support of the Toronto Bed Bug Project into 2010.
TPH work in addressing the bed bug problem in Toronto is presently funded through reallocation of resources from other mandated programs. This is not sustainable in the long term.
Since the establishment of the Toronto Bed Bug Project in March 2008, TPH has responded to 2266 requests for service from the public, undertaken more than 90 education seminars reaching over 2000 members of the public and inspected 3000 apartment units. In addition, working closely with the Bug and Scrub Team, TPH has assisted more than 65 vulnerable residents with extreme cleaning in preparation for bed bug pesticide treatment of their units.
It is recommended that TPH continue to be an active partner in the Toronto Bed Bug Project (TBBP) in 2010. The efforts of the Project’s workgroups together with the work currently being undertaken in five pilot projects continues and these efforts have resulted in the development and implementation of a number of successful bed bug control strategies.
Bed bugs remain an extremely challenging pest to eradicate. The management of bed bugs requires adequate financial resources plus supports and co-operation of those affected. The work of the Toronto Bed Bug Project is not yet complete and it is essential that all partners remain engaged in 2010 in order to continue to develop effective and comprehensive responses to bed bugs. This will build knowledge and experience at the municipal and community level. |
Background Information |
HL26.6 - Toronto Public Health's Response to Bed Bugs - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25109.pdf) HL26.6 - Attachment 1 - Bed Bugs in Toronto - Developing an Effective Response (October 2009) (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25110.pdf) HL26.6 - Attachment 2 - Letter from Toronto Community Housing entitled " Pest Management Program" (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25111.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 16, 2009) Letter from Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 30 - Toronto-Danforth (HL.New.HL26.6.1) |
HL26.7 | ACTION |
Adopted |
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Built Environment and Health Project Funding |
Committee Recommendations |
The Board of Health recommends that:
1. City Council approve an increase of $25.4 thousand gross and $0.0 net budget to Toronto Public Health’s 2009 Operating Budget and the addition of one temporary position to reflect confirmed 2009 funding from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the lead agency for Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP) funding. |
Origin |
(November 3, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
The purpose of this report is to inform the Board of Health about Toronto Public Health’s (TPH) participation in a partnership with a pan-Canadian group of agencies in the Built Environment and Health initiative. The initiative is funded through Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP), overseen by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC). There is growing evidence that many features of the built environment affect the health of the public and have generated health inequalities within urban populations. The Built Environment and Health project will make health-based decision support tools available to policy makers and land use planners, improving understanding of the relationship between the built environment and health, and fostering collaboration among non-governmental organizations, the public health community and planning professionals in promoting urban sustainability and good health.
CLASP, through the lead agency, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, will provide TPH with total funding of $199.9 thousand, covering the period October 2009 to March 2012. |
Background Information |
HL26.7 - Built Environment and Health Project Funding - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25083.pdf) |
HL26.8 | ACTION |
Adopted |
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Toronto Public Health and University of Toronto Affiliation Agreement |
Committee Recommendations |
The Board of Health recommends that:
1. City Council direct that the City of Toronto enter into an affiliation agreement with the University of Toronto to describe and clarify the relationship between the two organizations regarding their common interests in the education of health professionals in public health and related sciences, and research and research training.
2. City Council grant authority to the Medical Officer of Health to execute an affiliation agreement with the University of Toronto in the form or substantially in the form of the agreement in Attachment 1 to the report (November 3, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health. |
Origin |
(November 3, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
This report requests authority to enter into an affiliation agreement between the City of Toronto and the University of Toronto (U of T). The affiliation agreement will govern placement of approximately 175 University of Toronto students at Toronto Public Health (TPH) each year. These students come primarily from faculties of dentistry, medicine, nursing, nutrition and social work.
Continuous learning is integral to the effectiveness of public health practice. Stronger links with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and other University of Toronto faculties and programs will enhance knowledge, training and research exchange in areas of shared interest. Additionally, academic affiliations and cross-appointments will provide professional development opportunities for individual staff providing a more seamless flow between research, policy and practice.
The affiliation agreement between the Governing Council of the University of Toronto and the City of Toronto will guide relations between the University and Toronto Public Health, encourage further collaboration, and support staff recruitment through the training of future public health practitioners. |
Background Information |
HL26.8 - Toronto Public Health and University of Toronto Affiliation Agreement - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25081.pdf) HL26.8 - Attachment 1 - Draft Agreement between the Governing Council of the University of Toronto and the City of Toronto (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25082.pdf) |
HL26.9 | ACTION |
Adopted |
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Budget Adjustment to the Toronto Public Health 2009 Operating Budget for the Medical Officer of Health and Associate Medical Officer of Health Compensation Initiative |
Committee Recommendations |
The Board of Health recommends that:
1. City Council increase the Toronto Public Health 2009 Operating Budget by $547.1 thousand gross and $0.0 net which is an estimate of the total increase in 2009 salaries and benefits for the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) that will be provided in the Funding Agreement to be issued by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care before the end of 2009.
2. City Council authorize the City Manager to approve any further adjustment that may be required to the Toronto Public Health 2009 Operating Budget for 100 per cent provincial funds based on the MOH/AMOH Compensation Funding Agreement received from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. |
Decision Advice and Other Information |
The Board of Health confirmed its approval to apply for 100 per cent provincial funds to increase Medical Officer of Health/Associate Medical Officer of Health compensation in accordance with the Physician Services Agreement between the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ontario Medical Association ratified in October 2008 with an effective term of April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2012. |
Origin |
(October 26, 2009) Report from City Manager |
Summary |
Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and Associated Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) vacancies are a significant and longstanding issue in the Ontario public health system. The recruitment and retention of MOHs and AMOHs in Ontario is considered essential to public health renewal. To address these issues the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) have agreed to increase compensation levels for MOHs and AMOHs to encourage recruitment and retention. This has been accomplished through the 2008 Physician Services Agreement that was ratified by the OMA’s members in October 2008.
The purpose of this report is to seek confirmation from the Board of Health to apply for 100 per cent provincial funds that will increase the MOH and AMOH compensation within the provisions included in the 2008 Physician Services Agreement between the MOHLTC and the OMA.
This report also seeks City Council approval for a budget adjustment to the Toronto Public Health (TPH) 2009 Operating Budget for the additional 100 per cent funding allocation from the MOHLTC for the increased compensation levels for eligible MOHs and AMOHs. |
Background Information |
HL26.9 - Budget Adjustment to the Toronto Public Health 2009 Operating Budget for the MOH/AMOH Compensation Initiative - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25029.pdf) |
9a | Budget Adjustment to the Toronto Public Health 2009 Operating Budget for the Medical Officer of Health/Associate Medical Officer of Health Compensation Initiative |
Origin |
(November 5, 2009) Letter from Board of Health Budget Sub-Committee |
Summary |
The Board of Health Budget Sub-Committee on November 5, 2009, considered a report (October 26, 2009) from the City Manager, addressed to the Board of Health, entitled “Budget Adjustment to the Toronto Public Health 2009 Operating Budget for the Medical Officer of Health/Associate Medical Officer of Health Compensation Initiative”. |
Background Information |
HL26.9a - Letter from the Board of Health Budget Sub-Committee (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25136.pdf) |
HL26.10 | Information |
Received |
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Toronto Public Health Capital Budget Variance Report for the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2009 |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health received, for information, the report (October 21, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health. |
Origin |
(October 21, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
This report provides an update to the Board of Health on the Toronto Public Health (TPH) Capital Budget variance for the nine-month period ended September 25, 2009.
Toronto Public Health spent $1.879 million or 33.1 percent of the 2009 approved cash flow of $5.670 million as of September 25, 2009.
The year-end capital expenditure is projected to be $3.398 million or 59.9 percent of the approved cash flow. |
Background Information |
HL26.10 - Toronto Public Health Capital Budget Variance Report for the Nine Months Ended September 25, 2009 - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25026.pdf) HL26.10 - Attachment 1 (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25027.pdf) |
HL26.11 | Information |
Received |
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Toronto Public Health Operating Budget Variance Report for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2009 |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health received, for information, the report (October 21, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health. |
Origin |
(October 21, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
This report provides an update to the Board of Health on Toronto Public Health’s (TPH) Operating Budget Variance for the nine months of operation ending on September 30, 2009.
Toronto Public Health’s operating budget was under spent by $86.1 thousand net or 0.3 percent for the nine-month period ending on September 30, 2009.
TPH gross expenditures were below budget by $9,275.2 thousand or 6.0 percent, attributable to the underspending of $2,385.8 thousand in Salaries and Benefits and $6,889.4 thousand in non-payroll. Revenue was underachieved by $9,198.1 thousand or 7.4 percent due to under-expenditures in provincial cost shared and fully funded programs, including Children in Need of Dental Treatment (CINOT) Expansion.
At year-end, TPH expects to be underspent due a delay in implementing the CINOT Expansion. The H1N1 outbreak response in the last quarter of the year is not expected to have a net impact on TPH’s financial results for the year. |
Background Information |
HL26.11 - Toronto Public Health Operating Budget Variance Report for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2009 - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25028.pdf) HL26.11 - Attachment 1 (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25144.pdf) |
HL26.12 | Information |
Received |
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Ward: All |
Etobicoke/York Local Health Committee Minutes |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health received, for information, the minutes of the Etobicoke/York Local Health Committee meeting held on February 5, 2009. |
Summary |
• Minutes of the Etobicoke/York Local Health Committee meeting held on February 5, 2009. |
Background Information |
HL26.12 - Etobicoke/York Local Health Committee (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25076.pdf) |
HL26.13 | Information |
Received |
|
Ward: All |
Toronto/East York Local Health Committee Minutes |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health received, for information, the minutes of the Toronto/East York Local Health Committee meetings held on April 14, 2009, June 9, 2009 and September 15, 2009. |
Summary |
• Minutes of the Toronto/East York Local Health Committee meeting held on April 14, 2009
• Minutes of the Toronto/East York Local Health Committee meeting held on June 9, 2009
• Minutes of the Toronto/East York Local Health Committee meeting held on September 15, 2009 |
Background Information |
HL26.13 - Toronto/East York Local Health Committee Minutes - April 14, 2009 (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25030.pdf) HL26.13 - Toronto Local Health Committee Minutes - June 9, 2009 (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25031.pdf) HL26.13 - Toronto/East York Local Health Committee Minutes - September 15, 2009 (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25032.pdf) |
HL26.14 | ACTION |
Referred |
|
Ward: All |
Clean Air Checklist |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health referred the letter (October 13, 2009) from Councillor Paula Fletcher to the Medical Officer of Health for a report to the Board of Health. |
Origin |
(October 13, 2009) Letter from Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 30, Toronto-Danforth |
Summary |
Councillor Paula Fletcher advising that the South Riverdale Community Health Centre and the Ontario Healthy Schools Coalition have produced a “Clean Air Checklist” to help raise awareness about indoor air quality issues and assist teachers in improving the air quality in their classrooms. The Checklist provides simple and easy suggestions for teachers and students who are seeking to contribute to environmental health. |
Background Information |
HL26.14 - Letter from Councillor Paula Fletcher (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25024.pdf) HL26.14 - Clean Air Checklist (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25025.pdf) |
HL26.15 | ACTION |
Amended |
|
Ward: All |
Street Food Pilot Project Update |
Public Notice Given |
Committee Recommendations |
The Board of Health recommends that:
1. City Council approve the street vending location fees for 2010 for existing locations as set out in Attachment A to the report (November 10, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health.
2. City Council direct that the Vendor agreements be amended to allow the fee to be payable as follows: 10 percent of the annual amount payable on the last working day of April, and 30 percent of the annual amount payable on the last working day of each of June, August and October.
3. City Council direct that the Toronto a la Cart pilot project:
a. include new vending locations and fees as set out in Attachment B to the report (November 10, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health; and
b. offer the first right of refusal for the new approved locations to the eight current Toronto a la Cart vendors for the remaining term of their Licence Agreements.
4. City Council approve the transfer of all authority with respect to the implementation and administration of the Street Food Pilot Projects previously delegated to the Medical Officer of Health to the General Manager, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.
5. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, to:
a. continue efforts to expand healthy food options for existing food vendors; and
b. investigate, with the cart manufacturer, ways to improve the cart design.
6. City Council approve the transfer of the recommended 2010 budget of $50,000 gross and $0 net for the pilot projects from Toronto Public Health to Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.
7. City Council direct that amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 738 be made as required to implement the recommendations in this report, including:
a. the requirement that the Toronto a la Cart owner shall personally operate the cart for a minimum of 70 percent of the hours of operation be reduced from 70 percent to 50 percent; and
b. deleting the restriction that each Toronto a la Cart vendor may only employ up to three assistants; and
c. revising the description of the Queen’s Park location in Schedule A to the report (November 10, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health to read as follows: “Queen’s Park (City owned parkland) west side of Queen’s Park Crescent West at Hoskin Avenue (signalized intersection)”; and
d. replacing as necessary all references to the “Medical Officer of Health” with “General Manager of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism” as the official with responsibility for the implementation and administration of the project; and
e. adding the new Toronto a la Cart vending locations as recommended in this report; and
f. adding the location fees for 2010 as set out in Attachments A and B to the report (November 10, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health.
8. City Council direct that amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 441 be made as required to add the location fees for 2010 as set out in Attachments A and B to the report (November 10, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health.
9. City Council grant permission to the Toronto a la Cart vendor temporarily relocated to the northwest corner of University Avenue and College Street to remain there for the remaining two years of the current Licence Agreement.
10. City Council direct the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division to review the categories and fees for both Non-Motorized Refreshment Vehicles Licences and for Assistant’s Licences with a view to making it easier and more cost effective for Assistants to obtain licences. |
Decision Advice and Other Information |
The Board of Health held a public meeting on November 16, 2009, and notice of the proposed amendments to Chapters 738 and 441 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code was given in accordance with the City of Toronto Act, 2006, and was posted on the City's web site. |
Origin |
(November 10, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
At the request of the Executive Committee, Toronto Public Health designed and implemented a number of street food vending pilot projects to assess the impact of introducing new street foods at mobile vending carts. “Toronto a la Cart”, a pilot project for new street food vendors, was approved for up to fifteen vendors and has been implemented with eight vendors. Based on the first five months of operation, it is evident that location, product, and marketing are the critical success factors for street vending. From a food safety perspective, this pilot demonstrates that food safety risk can be minimized if vendors implement the necessary precautions. This report recommends location fee adjustments, new Toronto a la Cart locations, and modifications to the regulations governing this initiative.
In another pilot initiative, up to 15 existing hot dog and sausage vendors were invited to add new healthier foods to their carts. However, after two attempts to find interested vendors, there were no project applicants. This report concludes that the cost and the limited variety of allowable foods made the project unattractive to these vendors.
Staff also investigated the potential of implementing healthy street food pilots with appropriate not-for-profit organizations. Although there is support among these non-governmental organizations for the street food vending initiatives, all agree that without financial assistance it is not possible for not-for-profit organizations to participate at the current time.
This report requests that the administrative responsibility for the street food vending pilot projects be transferred from Toronto Public Health to Economic Development, Culture and Tourism division starting in January 2010, and that the recommended funding of $50,000 gross and revenue in 2010 also be transferred to Economic, Development, Culture and Tourism. |
Background Information |
HL26.15 - Street Food Pilot Project Update - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25253.pdf) HL26.15 - Street Food Pilot Project Update - Attachment A (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25242.pdf) HL26.15 - Street Food Pilot Project Update - Attachment B (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25243.pdf) HL26.15 - Street Food Pilot Project Update - Attachment C (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25244.pdf) |
Communications |
(November 16, 2009) Submission from Kathy and Blair Bonivento (HL.New.HL26.15.1) |
HL26.16 | ACTION |
Amended |
|
Ward: All |
Toronto Public Health 2010 Operating Budget Request |
Committee Decision |
The Board of Health recommended to the Budget Committee, for consideration during the 2010 budget process, that:
1. City Council approve a Toronto Public Health 2010 Operating Budget request of $219,885.8 thousand gross / $44,792.9 thousand net as summarized in Table 1, “2010 Operating Budget Request”.
2. City Council approve the list of budget adjustments included in Table 3, “Summary of 2010 Base Budget Changes from 2009 Operating Budget” to the report (November 12, 2009) from the Medical Officer of Health, totalling a decrease of $2,622.7 thousand gross and an increase of $994.3 thousand net.
3. City Council approve the recommended service reduction options as summarized in Table 4, “Summary of 2010 Service Reduction Options” of this report totalling a budget reduction of $1,005.2 thousand gross and $251.4 thousand net expenditures to move towards the City’s target of a five percent net decrease from the 2009 Operating Budget.
4. City Council approve one 2010 New and Enhanced Service for the Investing in Families Program with an increase of $874.2 thousand gross / $0 net that is funded by Toronto Employment and Social Services.
5. City Council continue to invest sufficient municipal funds to maintain and strengthen public health services in Toronto as recommended by the Walker expert panel and the Campbell commission, and to leverage 75 percent provincial funding to promote and protect the health of the Toronto population. |
Decision Advice and Other Information |
The Board of Health requested that the Ministry of Health Promotion continue to fund the Children in Need of Dental Treatment (CINOT) Expansion program at 100 percent in 2010 in order to determine a more accurate and reliable budget and reduce budget pressure to municipalities. |
Origin |
(November 12, 2009) Report from Medical Officer of Health |
Summary |
This report outlines the Toronto Public Health (TPH) 2010 Operating Budget request.
The 2010 Operating Budget request totals $219,885.8 thousand gross / $44,792.9 thousand net. This request is $1,748.5 thousand gross or 0.8 percent below and $994.3 thousand net or 2.3 percent above the 2009 Operating Budget. Options for reductions to the request are provided for the Board of Health’s consideration to help achieve the City’s direction for budget cuts. |
Background Information |
HL26.16 - Toronto Public Health 2010 Operating Budget Request - Staff Report (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-25268.pdf) |
Meeting Sessions |
Session Date | Session Type | Start Time | End Time | Public or Closed Session |
2009-11-16 | Afternoon | 1:08 PM | 5:25 PM | Public |
Attendance | ||
Members were present for some or all of the time period indicated. |
Date and Time | Quorum | Members |
2009-11-16 1:08 PM - 5:25 PM (Public Session) |
Present |
Present: Bravo, Chari, Cho, Davis, Filion (Chair), Fletcher, Lee, Nelson, O'Brien, Perks, Sterling Not Present: Wong Also present (non-members): Vaughan |