City Council meeting of July 24, 25 and 26, 2001
Strategic plan for cycling in Toronto
Council endorsed a strategy for promoting and supporting bicycle transportation. The end result will be an extensive network of bike paths and lanes that will make Toronto one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in North America. The bike plan, which Council adopted in principle, proposes a variety of cycling policies, programs and infrastructure improvements to help achieve the goal of doubling the number of bike trips in Toronto by 2011 while reducing cycling accidents.
Sidewalk snow clearing
Council approved a snow-clearing policy for the municipal removal of snow from sidewalks along residential streets throughout Toronto. The decision extends a service that had been limited to former North York. This winter, the City will mechanically clear snow from sidewalks along all arterial roads, collectors and streetcar routes, as well as along residential streets where the sidewalks are wide enough for the City's equipment. Council also established a working group of six councillors to develop a public opinion survey regarding City services such as snow removal, garbage and litter collection, street cleaning, leaf collection and water services.
Waterfront renewal project
Council endorsed the appointment of Robert Fung as chair of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation responsible for overseeing waterfront revitalization in consultation with the federal, provincial and Toronto governments. Each level of government has committed $500 million to start work on transforming the waterfront into a major public attraction and asset.
Investigation into port lands deal
Council is seeking an explanation from the Ontario Provincial Police concerning the outcome of an investigation the City earlier requested into a controversial long-term lease issued by the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) for a piece of prime property in the port area. The OPP have stated that there are no grounds for a criminal investigation concerning the transaction.
Rental action plan
Council endorsed a report recommending a series of actions to encourage the building of new rental accommodation in Toronto. The report, Unlocking the Opportunity for New Rental Housing: A Call to Action, urges the federal and provincial governments to join the City in kick-starting the construction of rental housing by removing barriers such as unequal tax treatment. Produced for the City's new Official Plan, the report emphasizes the importance of new rental housing in achieving smart growth, a healthy economy and livable communities.
Advocacy of rent rollback
Council supported a recommendation of its Tenant Defence Sub-Committee to seek provincial legislation to roll back rents to 1998 levels for market rental buildings. The extensive loss of affordable rental apartments in Toronto has resulted in a waiting list of more than 60,000 applicants for social housing. No new social housing has been built in Toronto since 1995.
Measuring municipal performance
The City has provided the results of the provincial requirement to report on 16 performance measures in nine areas of local government service - such as solid waste management, water and wastewater, public transit and police - under the Municipal Performance Measurement Program. Council approved use of the Internet as the main way of communicating the results to the public.
City employee attendance
Council approved a corporation-wide attendance management program for City of Toronto employees. The program is designed to provide assistance in the form of accommodation, assistance and rehabilitation to help reduce the absenteeism of employees who are away more than the workplace average. Human Resources will assist managers with the program.
Canadian Technology Walk of Fame
Council authorized an agreement that will establish the Canadian Technology Walk of Fame along Liberty Street in the King-Dufferin area. The walk will showcase Toronto as Canada's high-tech capital by honouring Canadians who have invented technologies that have a global impact.
Early childhood education project
Council approved funding to support the York Early Years pilot project as an "early leader" in the City's broader Early Childhood Education, Development and Care project. It involves improving and integrating various early childhood services. The Children's Services division will work with community groups and funding partners to manage several pilot projects over a three-year period.
Transfer of provincial offences courts
Council approved the transfer of responsibilities for the operation of provincial offences courts from the Province of Ontario to the City of Toronto during the month of February 2002. The provincial government will continue to appoint and pay justices of the peace for the courts.
Deep lake water project
Council gave staff authority to execute an agreement with Enwave District Energy for the supply of cold water from deep in Lake Ontario to cool buildings in the downtown core (and as a source of potable water). Using deep lake water for cooling purposes is economically and environmentally attractive. It will reduce demand for electricity and permit the removal of ozone-depleting refrigerants from buildings' air-conditioning systems.
Car free day
Council approved a "Car Free Day" to be held on St. George Street on September 22. The event, which will involve closing the street to cars and other motor vehicles between Bloor and College Streets, will promote alternative means of local transportation.
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.
