City Council meeting of July 20, 2004
Bins for recycling and litter
A debate concluded with Council voting in favour of a three-month test of the proposed design for recycling/litter containers that are integrated with illuminated panels for advertisements. As many as 132 of the units will be placed on sidewalks in wards where councillors allow their wards to be used for the test. The advertising panels that extend above the containers are the same size as those used for transit shelter advertisements. The City receives a portion of advertising revenues from Urban Equipment of Canada ("Eucan"), the company under contract to provide recycling/litter bins in Toronto until 2009. Eucan wants to replace the bins now in use with the new design giving advertising greater prominence.
Parking tickets
Council decided to prohibit private property owners or their agents from issuing parking tickets/notices demanding payment for parking on private property. As a result of the decision, the only document that may be issued for parking on private property without the property owner's consent is a City parking infraction notice (parking ticket) issued under the Provincial Offences Act. Council addressed the issue because of complaints to City officials and the police.
Changes to the Official Plan
Council agreed to amend the City's Official Plan in an effort to refine it as a guideline for development. The new provisions allow the City to define in more detail the boundaries between stable residential neighbourhoods and areas suitable for intensification. The amendments also specify the practices of city planners when they consult with communities about intensive development. The amendments must be approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in order to be incorporated into the Official Plan.
Strategic plan for parks and recreation
Council approved a 15-year action plan for Toronto Parks and Recreation. The plan, called Our Common Grounds, consists of 53 recommendations for the Parks and Recreation division, all relating to Toronto residents' health and well-being. The broader strategic goals are environmental stewardship, development of children and youth, and the theme "lifelong active living." Parks and Recreation is now preparing a plan to guide implementation of the 53 recommendations. Read the offical news release.
Public disclosure for apartment buildings
Council supported plans for a public disclosure system that will inform people about violations of property standards at multi-residential buildings in Toronto. The new system will be similar to the "Dinesafe" food inspection system for restaurants, which is communicated on the City's Web site, by telephone and by means of notices posted at premises' entrances. The information concerning apartment buildings will help people make informed choices about rental accommodations and will also act as an incentive for compliance with Toronto's property standards.
City's 2005 budget process
A schedule for the City's 2005 budget-setting process, which Council approved, calls for the adoption of the budget two months earlier than in the 2004 process. The schedule will begin with the public launch of the budget review process in December 2004, ending with Council's adoption of a budget on February 25, 2005.
Appointments
Council approved the selection of an integrity commissioner for the City. David Mullan, a retired law professor, is appointed to the new position effective September 1. As integrity commissioner, he will advise members of Council on their obligations under Council's code of conduct and other legislation governing ethical conduct. He will also assess and investigate complaints under the code of conduct's complaint protocol. Read the official news release.
Council approved the appointment of David McKeown as the City's new medical officer of health. Dr. McKeown, who is currently Peel Region's medical officer of health, held the same position with the former City of Toronto at the time of amalgamation in 1998. Dr. Sheela Basrur, who was chosen as the amalgamated city's top health official at that time, left the City earlier this year when she was appointed Ontario's medical officer of health. Dr. Barbara Yaffe will continue as Toronto's acting medical officer of health until Dr. McKeown begins his duties with the City on September 7. Read the official news release.
Proposals for election finance reform
Council decided to refer a City task force's recommendations on the subject of election finance reform back to staff for a report that will be presented to the Policy and Finance Committee in September. The issue will be back before Council at its September 28 meeting. Recommendations being considered include eliminating surplus campaign funds for candidates, banning corporate and union donations in municipal elections, and limiting the amount of money spent on fundraising activities and victory parties, among other rules.
Employment accommodation policy
Council endorsed a policy that describes the kinds of actions the City is committed to taking in order to provide employment accommodation measures. The measures usually pertain to disability, non-workplace injury or illness, religious or family needs, and pregnancy. The policy, which is required under the Ontario Human Rights Code, will guide managers in providing effective accommodation solutions.
Improvements to City's purchasing process
Council authorized changes in how the City buys goods and services. Improvements include updating the Municipal Code to meet legislated requirements; permitting a more flexible procurement process for orders involving relatively small amounts of money; and allowing the awarding of multi-year contracts. The City's Purchasing and Materials Management division will implement the changes over the next few months by issuing policies, procedures and bylaw documents, and by providing training to staff who make purchases for the City.
Call for action on air pollution
Council decided to ask the premier of Ontario to commit the provincial government to contributing 75 per cent of the funding needed to sustain and improve Toronto Transit Commission services. That and other steps taken by Council, such as a commitment to strengthen the City's vehicle idling control bylaw, respond to a Toronto Public Health report documenting human illness associated with air pollution. The report concludes that more needs to be done to reduce vehicle emissions - hence the recommendation to expand the role of public transit, among other measures.
Council's priorities for 2003-2006 term
Council adopted a set of priorities for its 2003-2006 term. The priorities will direct staff in the delivery of City services and the allocation of resources to support the achievement of priority goals. Council's priorities were established through consultations with members of Council and senior staff. Read the report approved by Council. (PDF)
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.
