City Council meetings of April 14 and 24, 2003
Plan for Toronto recovery campaign
At a special meeting of Council on April 24, Council approved a series of actions and recommendations addressing the local health and economic crisis involving Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). In one such action, Council approved $5 million in funding as the City's financial contribution to a promotional campaign to help revive Toronto's international image as a great place to visit and do business. The campaign, also supported by the Ontario and federal governments, is to begin when the city experiences 20 consecutive days with no new SARS cases.
Plan for Toronto's central waterfront
At its meeting April 14 to 16, Council approved a plan to guide the redevelopment of the city's central waterfront to provide an exciting mix of parks, residential buildings, media and knowledge-based industries, and tourist facilities within the city's industrial port lands. Entitled "Making Waves: Principles for Building Toronto's Waterfront," the plan establishes principles and policies to guide the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation in this long-term waterfront project.
Toronto's smoking bylaw
After extensive debate, Council decided to delay making a decision on whether or not to change a City bylaw that currently permits businesses and other workplaces to provide separately ventilated smoking rooms for employees and patrons who want to smoke. The Toronto Board of Health recommends ending that option by 2005. Council referred the issue to the Economic Development Committee for consultations on how and when designated smoking rooms can be phased out.
Taxi fares and ambassador licences
Council approved a 20 per cent fare increase for taxis in Toronto. The new rate will rise from $1.05 to $1.32 a kilometre later this spring when taxi meters are calibrated for the new rate. The initial fee charged for entering a cab will also increase, from $2.50 to $2.75. Council also decided to issue an additional 841 ambassador class cab licences to qualified taxi drivers during the next two-and-a-half years, bringing the total to 1,398 ambassador licences by the end of 2005. Unlike regular taxi operator licences, ambassador licences may not be leased or sold to other drivers.
Waste diversion by City and agencies
Council approved plans for pilot studies of source-separated organics collection at about 20 facilities in preparation for a program of organics collection from all City departments, agencies, boards, commissions and schools. In addition, each of those organizations (apart from schools) will be asked to appoint a waste diversion co-ordinator to a new City-wide waste diversion team. Previously, waste diversion efforts were implemented individually without a common corporate strategy.
Plan of action on racial discrimination
Council endorsed a plan of action to eliminate racism and discrimination. The plan, aimed at achieving Council's goals for access, equity and diversity, supports the City's motto - "Diversity our strength." The plan of action is based on strategic directions and priorities identified through community consultations, and it reinforces recommendations of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity. Through implementation of its plan of action, the City will continue to integrate anti-racism and anti-discrimination principles into all operations of Toronto's municipal government.
Toronto Public Service Initiative
Council gave its approval in principle to a Toronto Public Service Initiative for the City. "Toronto Public Service" refers to the municipal public service and the City's corporate culture. Council also approved a related People Strategy for the City's human resources, considered an essential part of the initiative to strengthen the Toronto Public Service.
Councillors' use of corporate resources
Council adopted a series of guidelines and restrictions concerning members of Council during the pre-election period of an election year. During that time, members are not allowed to use corporate resources or their office budgets for election-related purposes. Restrictions also apply to City communications and advertising after September 25 in an election year such as 2003. In addition, Council adopted a policy that prohibits partisan political activities by City-funded programs during an election year. A grant recipient may not use funds provided by the City to endorse or oppose a specific candidate.
Certification of Toronto EMS
Council acknowledged the achievement of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff in obtaining certification following a recent audit of ambulance operations by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The audit noted exceptional performance in the quality of patient care, the ability to mobilize multiple resources in response to major incidents, and the support given for research.
New waste-processing technologies
The City will issue a "Request for Expressions of Interest" in May to help the City assess private-sector interest in providing new and emerging technologies for managing residual solid waste. Council approved the undertaking as part of its efforts to achieve the goal of diverting 60 per cent of Toronto's solid waste away from landfill by 2006, and 100 per cent of it by 2010. New and emerging technologies include gasification, pyrolysis and plasma arc.
Appointment - special meeting March 26
At a special meeting on March 26, City Council appointed Laura Jones the councillor for Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth. Councillor Jones fills the vacancy left by Jack Layton, who resigned February 4.
City budget - special meeting February 24
At special Council meetings that began on February 24 and concluded on March 3, Council reviewed and ultimately approved the City's 2003 budget. The $6.4 billion operating budget results in a net tax levy of $2.85 billion, requiring a property tax increase of three per cent for residential homeowners this year. Council also approved a $965 million capital budget to help maintain the City's assets in a state of good repair.
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.
