Carol Cormier, Manager, Standards and Innovation, Yafit Rokach and Robin Salt, Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division gave a presentation to the Committee.

This report seeks Council approval to accept an in-kind donation from Sir Sandford Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology (Fleming College) toward building the High Park Children’s Teaching Kitchen, in accordance with the Policy on Donations to the City for Community Benefits.  Since the estimated value of this offer exceeds the $50,000.00 threshold for donation acceptance established in the policy, the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division requires City Council consent before proceeding with the initiative. 

Fleming College is committed to contributing construction supervision and general labour, estimated at $235,000.00 in-kind donation towards the building of the kitchen.  The Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division will oversee the project through to completion.  In addition to the in-kind donation, funding for this project was approved in the 2009 Capital Budget.  The collaboration will enable significant enhancements to the project, becoming a showcase for green building innovation.

The Parks and Environment Committee referred the submissions filed by Lauren Baker and Ravenna Barker on June 16, 2009 to the Director, Toronto Environment Office, for consideration.

Promoting local food production is an important component of the Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainability Energy Action Plan, which was unanimously adopted by City Council in 2007. When food is grown and consumed locally, as opposed to food imports that are transported greater distances from the field to the point of purchase, there is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Public interest in local food and urban agriculture is growing rapidly and there is increasing demand from City park users to allocate additional city lands, particularly parkland, for the purpose of gardening and food production. Community groups and organizations experienced in urban food production have continued to make urban agriculture a valuable community building exercise as well as endeavouring to address the food security issues that are prevalent in Priority Neighbourhoods.

On February 5, 2009, the Parks and Environment Committee heard from a panel of experts in the field of urban agriculture who were invited to make presentations about of urban food production and how the City of Toronto can best support the urban agriculture movement while considering important constraints and opportunities.

This report responds to the issues examined by the expert panel and provides a platform to continue the policy development work needed to support the increase of opportunities for food production in the City, with a focus on maintaining collaborative working relationships among City divisions and community organizations.