City Council meeting of July 30, 2002
Restoration of Union Station
Council selected the Union Pearson Group Inc. to restore, develop and operate Union Station. The City will negotiate details of the project with the consortium, including discussion of development rights above the City-owned railway station on Front Street. Council wants to revitalize Union Station as a transportation hub while preserving its heritage features.
Charter for Toronto
Council decided to begin a process involving the people of Toronto, using a "model framework" to craft a city charter for Toronto that empowers the local government in order to meet the needs of the City and its residents. The City of Toronto has been taking steps to establish a new relationship with the Ontario and Canadian governments for the past 18 months. These steps have included working with other cities across Canada to produce the model framework for a city charter.
Four districts for City services
Council approved amendments to the four-district model of City services, which is now to include York and East York civic centres as satellite locations for counter services, supplementing the main headquarters of the four districts (south, east, north and west). Work will continue on co-ordination associated with the fact that the geographic boundaries defining the six community councils do not match those of the four service districts.
Playgrounds with pressure-treated wood
Council approved funding for a study of 260 City playgrounds to assess the soil near playground structures built of wood treated with a preservative containing arsenic. The funding also covers the development of a remediation strategy, which may involve applying a sealant to the wooden structures to prevent leaching of the preservative.
Position on same-sex marriages
Council supported a motion to endorse a recent ruling of the Ontario Superior Court allowing marriages between persons of the same sex, and to ask the federal government not to appeal the provincial court's ruling.
Red-light camera project
The City intends to operate its red-light camera systems for another year beyond the current two-year pilot project that concludes this November. Council approved funding until November 2003, contingent upon the Province of Ontario extending legislation that permits the camera systems at intersections. Initial results indicate the cameras are reducing the frequency of red-light running.
City's shelter strategy
Council approved components of a multi-year strategy for City emergency shelters, including priorities such as a harmonization strategy that will encourage the development of shelter beds outside the downtown core. A decision on the issue of numerical, annual targets for new beds was deferred for further study.
City's 2003 budget process
Council approved principles to guide the City's 2003 budget-setting process. Consistent with 2002, the 2003 budget process will aim to maintain current services, adjusting for inflation. Business cases and performance measurement will be central to financial decisions. Capital funding decisions will focus on legislated requirements, health and safety needs, and building maintenance. Under a revised schedule of Council and committee meetings for 2002-03, committees will begin reviewing budget submissions the first week of December and Council will consider a recommended budget in late February.
On-street parking fines
The City will raise the fines for on-street meter and pay-and-display parking offences. Council endorsed an increase from the current $20 to $30. The increased revenue is expected to offset a revenue loss resulting from the recent decision to reduce the fines for parking offences on private and municipal property.
Plan for more sidewalks
Council supported undertaking a city-wide program for the construction of pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of arterial and collector roads where feasible. Many of the new sidewalks will be built as part of road reconstruction projects during the next 10 years. The City will continue to install sidewalks on local residential streets when requested and supported by residents.
City-wide street vending bylaw
The City will hold public consultations to review the principles of a proposed new bylaw for street vending. Council approved principles that include, for example, permitting a street vendor to operate at a given location only if the vendor is selling products that do not compete directly with those of nearby businesses.
Greenhouse to be moved
The University of Toronto Greenhouse, a City heritage structure also known as the Botany Building, will be dismantled and moved from 150 College St. to become part of the City's Allan Gardens Conservatory (situated on the south side of Carlton Street between Jarvis and Sherbourne Streets). Council approved the project, which will be paid for by the university. In its new location, the greenhouse is expected to become a child-oriented educational conservatory.
City's Web address
Council approved a new Internet domain name for the City's external Web site and for its e-mail addresses. The new Web address, or URL, will be www.toronto.ca - shortened from the current www.toronto.ca. Employees' e-mail addresses will also be simplified. The City will issue a news release giving the effective date of the new URL and e-mail address. It will be possible to use either address format during a long transition period.
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.
