City Council meeting of March 6, 2001
Commitment to best-value services
Council adopted a policy to serve as a guide for City services, specifying that the City of Toronto is committed to providing high quality, accountable services at an affordable, sustainable cost. The policy calls for a review of City services to develop service-delivery models that may include competitive bidding, public-private partnerships and contracting out service delivery. City employee groups will be encouraged to bid on "requests for proposals" for services that are open for bids.
Measuring the City's performance
Council approved a plan to continue developing a performance measurement framework for City services to help with planning and decision-making. Measuring performance and tracking progress toward goals is helping to promote the continuous improvement of services to citizens and businesses, ensuring services are efficient and effective. There is also a requirement for municipalities to report to the province on 35 performance measures.
Fee for recreation programs
Council approved a $25 fee for specified children's camps and instructional programs to help the City pay for the programs. There will also be a $25 increase for camps that had a $50 registration fee. Drop-in recreation programs remain free for all ages. Promotion of the City's Welcome Policy will be enhanced to make sure people in financial need can participate in recreation programs. The policy provides for 25 priority centres in designated high needs neighbourhoods where all programs are free, and for an individual access program that provides subsidies to people in financial need.
Report card on homelessness
Adopting the 2001 version of the Toronto Report Card on Homelessness, Council reaffirmed its commitment to actively address the problems of homelessness. With more people being forced to use shelters as housing, the City will continue to develop emergency shelter services and pursue other ways to help homeless and socially-isolated people, while urging the senior governments to take action in their jurisdictions.
Action on hunger and nutrition
The City will continue its efforts to address issues of hunger and nutrition through various initiatives. Council made that commitment by adopting recommendations of the "Toronto Food Charter" and those in the "Phase 2" report of the Food and Hunger Action Committee that do not have financial implications. Actions that have financial implications for the City will be considered as part of the 2001 operating budget.
Prince Edward Viaduct safety barrier
Council approved a plan for the construction of barriers to prevent people from jumping to their death from the Prince Edward Viaduct. Tribar Industries will pay $3.5 million of the $5.5 million cost in exchange for the right to erect two electronic billboards. Tribar's proposal deals with two locations along the Don Valley Parkway, but Council has asked staff to discuss with Tribar other possible locations for the billboards.
Transporting waste to Michigan
Council directed staff to examine the possibility of transporting all or part of Toronto's garbage to Michigan by train instead of strictly by truck. In addition, Council decided to establish a Highway 401 and Highway 402 consultation process involving the South Western Ontario Trash Coalition, inviting input from interested parties including those in the State of Michigan.
Redevelopment of Union Station
Council took the next step in the redevelopment of City-owned Union Station, agreeing to establish a non-for-profit corporation to oversee the redevelopment. The City will invite three qualified groups to present their proposals to restore, develop and operate the historic transportation hub on Front Street.
Collecting parking fines
The City will take steps to improve the collection of fines for illegal parking. Council approved the use of collection agencies to help out. The fines, imposed as a deterrent to illegal parking, are an important source of City revenue. At present, about 20 per cent of the infraction notices issued do not bring payment of the fines.
Leaf and yard waste collection
Council decided to extend the leniency period beyond April for discontinuing curb-side pick-up of leaf and yard waste in plastic bags. Those who put out leaf or other yard waste in plastic bags in May will have all but one bag picked up from the residence and will receive a notice that the policy of "zero tolerance of plastic bags" will be fully enforced starting June 1. The City wants people to use kraft paper bags, which decompose, or else reusable open-top containers, when placing their yard waste at the curb for pick-up.
Dealing with problem addresses
The City will petition the provincial government to consider amending relevant policies, practices and laws to support the work of City building and municipal licensing inspectors in taking action on chronic problem addresses such as night clubs that disrupt neighbourhoods. Measures supported by Council include increasing fines for offences to improve compliance with regulations.
Plan for City fleet operation
Council approved a five-year plan for the operation of the City's large fleet of cars, trucks and other vehicles. The plan consists of a framework for continued efforts to make Fleet Services a highly responsive and efficient operation in support of public services.
Previous Council Highlights
For inquiries about the official documentation of Council decisions, contact the City Clerk by e-mail, clerk@toronto.ca
Council Highlights, produced for your convenience, is a summary of Council's recent decisions. Council Highlights is not intended to serve as an official record of the meeting. If you have questions about this summary, please e-mail Strategic Communications at stratcom@toronto.ca.
