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Decision Document |
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Licensing and Standards Committee |
Meeting No. | 30 | Contact | Dela Ting, Acting Administrator | |
Meeting Date |
Thursday, May 27, 2010 |
Phone | 416-397-7769 | |
Start Time |
9:30 AM |
lsc@toronto.ca | ||
Location |
Committee Room 1, City Hall
|
Chair | Councillor Howard Moscoe |
The Decision Document is for preliminary reference purposes only. Please refer to the Committee’s Report to Council or to the Minutes for the official record.
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LS30.1 | ACTION |
Deferred |
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Ward: All |
Regulation of Mobile Billboards on Moving Vehicles |
Public Notice Given |
Committee Decision |
The Licensing and Standards Committee deferred consideration of this item until the year 2011 and requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in the interim, to consult with:
a. industry stakeholders on the prohibition of video display advertisements and advertisements enhanced by audio messaging; and
b. Ward Councillors on any complaints they have received from their constituents. |
Origin |
(April 15, 2010) Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards |
Summary |
The purpose of this report to address Council’s direction on a mechanism to regulate, control and/or eliminate third party signs or billboards on moving vehicles.
The growing public interest in the administration and enforcement of sign regulations in the City has suggested the need for up-to-date and consistent regulations for signage. Recent amendments to the City's sign regulations have focused on permanent signs. In 2005, the City harmonized the regulations in relation to mobile or temporary signage in the City. However, over the last several years, the mobile sign industry has evolved from signs that are part of, or attached to, a readily re-locatable wheeled trailer or frame without wheels, to include vehicles that have been adapted to have an advertising sign, billboard or other display attached or painted on, that moves from one location to another.
The City of Toronto currently regulates the mobile sign industry through Chapter 693, Signs, and Chapter 545, Licensing. Amendments to these bylaws are required to reflect the evolving nature of the industry and enable the City of Toronto the ability to effectively regulate the mobile sign industry in a manner that serves to protect our neighbourhoods and the environment.
Both the Legal Services Division, and the Finance Division’s Insurance and Risk Management Unit have been consulted in the preparation of this report. |
Background Information |
Staff Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30078.pdf) Appendices A B C (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30079.pdf) |
Speakers |
Jonathan Goldsbie, Campaign Coordinator, Toronto Public Space Committee |
LS30.2 | ACTION |
Referred |
|
Ward: All |
Fairness Protocol for Removal of Street Vendors |
Committee Decision |
The Licensing and Standards Committee endorsed the process outlined in the communication (April 29, 2010) from Councillor Howard Moscoe and in so doing:
1. requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to work with the General Manager, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to identify those Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) that have more than three street vendors with permits to occupy public property.
2. referred proposals 1 to 5 in the communication (July 10, 2008) from Councillor Howard Moscoe to each of those BIAs with a request that they meet with the Vendors' Association and under the auspices of their Ward Councillor, attempt to work out a fairness protocol within their BIA area to submit their joint recommendations back to the Licensing and Standards Committee that are applicable to their own BIA area.
3. requested that the BIAs and Vendors' Association adopt the ground rules which would require:
a. that they work within the existing vending by-law;
b. that they attempt to work out a dispute resolution mechanism that works for them locally and includes a way of dealing with complaints against vendors;
c. that BIAs be encouraged to explore ways of extending associate membership to vendors who have locations within their BIA areas.
4. requested that the general issues be reported back to the Licensing and Standards Committee jointly by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) and the Vendors' Association so that a general fairness protocol can be applied across the City of Toronto. |
Origin |
(April 29, 2010) Letter from Councillor Howard Moscoe, Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence |
Summary |
A suggested process to bring interested parties together to come up with a fair protocol for the removal of street vendors. |
Background Information |
Letter (April 29, 2010) from Councillor Howard Moscoe, Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30080.pdf) Letter (July 10, 2008) from Councillor Howard Moscoe, Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30081.pdf) |
Speakers |
Fathiya Shafi |
LS30.3 | ACTION |
Referred |
|
Ward: All |
Request for Report on Improving Housing Conditions for Tenants |
Committee Decision |
The Licensing and Standards Committee referred motion MM47.2 from City Council to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards with a request to submit a report to the June 25, 2010 meeting of the Committee and to allow for the hearing of public deputations. |
Origin |
(April 7, 2010) Member Motion from City Council |
Summary |
The City of Toronto has been working to improve the standard of living for tenants across the City through the enforcement of property standards in multi-residential buildings. The City is conducting enforcement to bring rental buildings up to the standards set out in the City's bylaws, and landlords are being required to make the necessary repairs and upgrades to rental housing buildings and individual units. The MRAB pilot program utilizes a process of targeted enforcement that successfully identified and improved conditions for tenants in those buildings that have been inspected.
In a recent report (EX 40.4: Multi-Residential Apartment Building Audit Program), the Executive Director of Municipal Licensing and Standards outlined plans for the expansion of the program. Tenants across the City have engaged in the process and provided feedback that included ways to improve and enhance this approach, along with ideas for extending the reach of the program.
MRAB program staff have been responsive and engaged with tenants on these ideas, and the recommendation above would provide an opportunity for staff to formally report on some of these ideas and provide an assessment of suggestions for further improvement to the program.
(Submitted to City Council on March 31, April 1, 2010 as MM47.2) |
Background Information |
Referral of Member Motion (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30419.pdf) Member Motion (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30420.pdf) |
Speakers |
Councillor Janet Davis |
LS30.4 | ACTION |
Adopted |
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Ward: All |
Review of Applications to be Included in the City’s List of Approved Professional Holistic Associations |
Public Notice Given |
Committee Recommendations |
The Licensing and Standards Committee recommends that:
1. City Council approve the addition to Appendix L of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, of the following Professional Holistic Associations:
(a) Traditional Thai Massage Association of Ontario;
(b) International Health Qi Gong Federation; and
(c) Canadian Natural Medicine Corporation of Ontario.
2. City Council direct the City Solicitor to prepare the necessary bill to give effect to the recommendations in this report, effective immediately.
3. City Council authorise and direct all other appropriate City officials to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto. |
Decision Advice and Other Information |
Public notice has been given in a manner prescribed in the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 162, Notice, Public. |
Origin |
(May 5, 2010) Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards |
Summary |
To recommend to the Licensing and Standards Committee the addition of three Professional Holistic Associations (PHAs) to Appendix L to Chapter 545, Licensing, List of Professional Holistic Associations for the purposes of licensing holistic practitioners and owners.
Staff received three applications to be added to Appendix L from the Traditional Thai Massage Association of Ontario, the International Health Qi Gong Federation, and the Canadian Natural Medicine Corporation of Ontario. These associations were evaluated on three main criteria: (a) Governance; (b) Membership and Membership Services; and (c) Ethics and Discipline.
Based on the applications submitted, all three associations meet or exceed the minimum requirements to be included in the City’s list of approved PHAs. |
Background Information |
Staff Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30421.pdf) |
LS30.5 | ACTION |
Adopted |
|
Ward: All |
Business Licensing Thresholds |
Public Notice Given |
Committee Recommendations |
The Licensing and Standards Committee recommends that:
1. City Council adopt the amendments to Schedule A of Appendix K of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, as per Appendix A of this report.
2. City Council adopt the following definition for Demerit Point, to be included in Chapter 545: “DEMERIT POINT – a unit of measurement applied to a bylaw conviction in accordance with Schedule B of Appendix K of this Chapter, for the purpose of administering the business licensing thresholds”.
3. City Council make the amendments retroactive to January 1, 2010, the same date that the previous by-law amendments came into effect.
4. City Council direct the City Solicitor to prepare the necessary bill, including any stylistic or technical amendments required, to give effect to any recommendations adopted by City Council.
5. City Council authorise and direct City staff to take any other action necessary to implement the by-law amendments. |
Decision Advice and Other Information |
Public notice has been given in a manner prescribed in the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 162, Notice, Public. |
Origin |
(May 4, 2010) Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards |
Summary |
This report is a staff initiated report arising from: (a) an unintended amendment to the City’s licensing thresholds when the criminal code offence sections were clarified; and (b) a lack of clarity on what constitutes a demerit point with respect to the licensing thresholds.
The errors, because they have not been reflected in the Licensing System, have not had an impact on licence issuing, renewals or hearings. The proposed changes in this report address the issues to bring the bylaw back in line with practice.
The City Solicitor was consulted in the preparation of this report.
Public notice has been given in a manner prescribed in the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 162, Notice, Public. |
Background Information |
Staff Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30422.pdf) |
LS30.6 | ACTION |
Amended |
|
Ward: All |
Charging For Visitors Parking at Multi-Residential Apartment Buildings |
Committee Decision |
The Licensing and Standards Committee requested the City Solicitor to draft a parallel by-law amendment to be considered in conjunction with the proposed Zoning By-law changes that would prohibit charging for visitor parking in apartment buildings. |
Origin |
(May 18, 2010) Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards |
Summary |
To report on the proposed provisions found in the proposed newly harmonized City of Toronto Zoning By-law, regarding the issue of charging for visitors parking at multi-residential apartment buildings. |
Background Information |
Staff Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30456.pdf) |
LS30.7 | ACTION |
Amended |
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Ward: All |
Taxicab Lease Agreements |
Public Notice Given |
Committee Recommendations |
The Licensing and Standards Committee recommends:
1. In order to promote stability in the taxicab industry and eliminate a considerable disincentive to provide a well maintained, safe, quality vehicle for the safety and comfort of Toronto passengers, City Council amend Chapter 545, Licensing by replacing subsection C(8) of section 545-145 of the Toronto Municipal Code with the following:
"(8) (a) the lease shall be for the period that the vehicle is permitted to continue to be used as a taxicab;
(b) the lease may be terminated earlier upon the written agreement of both parties or upon either party giving the other party one week's notice that there is just cause for termination of the lease."
2. City Council receive for information Confidential Attachment 1 in the report (May 17, 2010) from the City Solicitor.
3. City Council direct that Confidential Attachment 1 in this report remain confidential in its entirety as the content relates to solicitor-client privilege. |
Decision Advice and Other Information |
Public notice has been given in a manner prescribed in the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 162, Notice, Public. |
Origin |
(May 18, 2010) Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards |
Summary |
To report further on consultations with the taxicab industry regarding the by-law provisions governing the leasing of taxicabs contained in the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing. |
Background Information |
Staff Report from Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30455.pdf) |
Communications |
(May 25, 2010) Letter from Jim Bell, Spokesperson, Toronto Taxicab Brokerage Association (TTBA) and Appendix A legal opinion from George H. Rust-D'Eye, LLP WeirFoulds (LS.New.LS30.7.1) (May 26, 2010) Letter from Peter Rosenthal, Roach, Schwartz and Associates, obo iTaxiwokers Association (LS.New.LS30.7.2) |
Speakers |
Peter Rosenthal, obo iTaxiworkers Association (Submission Filed) |
7a | Opinion Regarding Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 545 Licensing to Regulate the Leasing of Taxicabs |
Confidential Attachment - The receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege |
Origin |
(May 17, 2010) Report from City Solicitor |
Summary |
This report provides a legal opinion regarding the proposal to amend Municipal Code Chapter 545 Licensing to require that taxicab leases be for the life of the vehicle. This report is to be considered with the report of the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards dated May 17, 2010 entitled "Taxicab Lease Agreements". |
Background Information |
Staff Report from City Solicitor (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30471.pdf) |
LS30.8 | ACTION |
Received |
|
Ward: All |
Human Rights Tribunal Hearing Update |
Confidential Attachment - The receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege |
Committee Decision |
The Licensing and Standards Committee received for information a verbal update report from the City Solicitor. |
Summary |
Verbal update from the City Solicitor.
(No written material.) |
LS30.9 | ACTION |
Referred |
|
Ward: All |
Referral - Use of Tempered Glass as a Swimming Pool Enclosure (Item NY34.35) |
Committee Decision |
The Licensing and Standards Committee adopted the request from North York Community Council (Item NY34.35) to consider the matter of using tempered glass as a swimming pool enclosure and in so doing, requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to submit a report to the June 25, 2010 meeting of the Committee proposing by-law amendments that will allow for the use of tempered safety glass as an acceptable material for swimming pool enclosures along with other necessary amendments. The Committee also requested that a public hearing be scheduled for this item. |
Origin |
(May 26, 2010) Member Motion from North York Community Council |
Summary |
Forwarding motion from North York Community Council from its May 25 Community Council meeting. |
Background Information |
Referral North York Community Council (Item NY34.35) (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30602.pdf) |
LS30.10 | ACTION |
Adopted |
|
Ward: All |
Request for Report on Air Conditioning/Heat - Multi-residential Rental Buildings |
Committee Decision |
The Licensing and Standards Committee requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to investigate and report back to the Committee on more appropriate means of determining when air conditioning and heat should be turned on in multi-residential rental buildings. |
Summary |
Request staff to investigate a more appropriate means of determining when air conditioning should be turned on in multi-residential rental buildings. |
Background Information |
Member Motion from Councillor Mike Feldman, Ward 10 York Centre (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ls/bgrd/backgroundfile-30660.pdf) |
Meeting Sessions |
Session Date | Session Type | Start Time | End Time | Public or Closed Session |
2010-05-27 | Morning | 9:35 AM | 11:59 AM | Public |
2010-05-27 | Afternoon | 12:00 PM | 12:05 PM | Closed |
2010-05-27 | Afternoon | 12:06 PM | 12:07 PM | Public |
Attendance | ||
Members were present for some or all of the time period indicated. |
Date and Time | Quorum | Members |
2010-05-27 9:35 AM - 11:59 AM (Public Session) |
Present |
Present: Feldman, Ford, Minnan-Wong, Moscoe (Chair), Perruzza, Shiner Also present (non-members): Janet Davis, Adam Vaughan |
2010-05-27 12:00 PM - 12:05 PM (Closed Session) |
Present |
Present: Feldman, Ford, Minnan-Wong, Moscoe (Chair), Perruzza, Shiner |
2010-05-27 12:06 PM - 12:07 PM (Public Session) |
Present |
Present: Feldman, Ford, Minnan-Wong, Moscoe (Chair), Perruzza, Shiner |