City Council meeting of April 12, 13 and 14, 2005
2015 World Expo
Council approved a plan to help the City determine whether Toronto should make a bid to host the 2015 World's Fair, also known as World Expo. The pre-bid work is expected to outline key findings, present recommendations and provide a business plan. Council's decision was informed by the preliminary study of a steering committee that was formed last summer. The next steps include public consultation and further investigation of three potential sites. Subsequently, Council will review a master plan and determine whether to proceed with a formal bid.
Senior staff appointments
Council appointed three people to the new positions of Deputy City Manager and Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer in a restructured City administration. Fareed Amin and Sue Corke, the two Deputy City Managers, leave positions as Deputy Ministers in the Ontario government in order to join the City. Joseph Pennachetti, the Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, was already with the City of Toronto in the former position of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The restructuring, which took effect April 15, is designed to give the City administration greater public accountability and more flexibility in responding to the changing needs of the city. Shirley Hoy, formerly the Chief Administrative Officer, stays on as head of the administration but with the new title of City Manager.
New inter-city bus terminal
Council decided to establish a committee to work with City Planning staff for public consultation on the feasibility of relocating Toronto's main bus terminal. The committee, chaired by Councillor Gerry Altobello and including broad representation, will consider issues such as whether a relocated terminal should be publicly owned or possibly involve a public-private partnership. Council prefers that the location be in the vicinity of Union Station.
City's long-term fiscal plan
Council approved a Long-Term Fiscal Plan designed to guide the City in achieving sustainability through new revenue sources provided by the federal and provincial governments. The plan, also designed to help the City maintain its strong credit rating, offers strategies for funding assets and liabilities, managing expenditures and enhancing revenues. The fiscal principles and policies will be incorporated into the City's annual budget guidelines. Council directed staff to send copies of the Long-Term Fiscal Plan to senior federal and provincial government officials, including the Prime Minister and the Premier of Ontario.
Telecommunications review
Council decided that the City will undertake a comprehensive review of its use of telecommunications services and technology such as cellular phones, pagers, land lines and Internet connectivity. The review, which will identify any opportunities for cost savings, is tied in with an effort to improve the City's management of telecommunications contracts.
Identification of service districts
Council approved a motion to rename the City's four geographical service districts to correspond with the names of the four community councils. As a result, the service districts will be called Etobicoke York District, North York District, Scarborough District, and Toronto and East York District.
Dispute resolution for bylaw enforcement
Council endorsed a Comprehensive Bylaw Compliance Program that will introduce a process to resolve disputes in the City's enforcement of bylaws, particularly those involving property standards. The new process is expected to streamline the resolution of such disputes. The result will be more efficient and effective management of bylaw compliance issues.
Cross-border transport of waste
At the invitation of Environment Canada, Council agreed to Toronto's participation in a pilot project on the cross-border shipment of municipal solid waste. Environment Canada and the United States Environmental Protection Agency initiated the project, which focuses on the notification process around the import and export of municipal solid waste. Toronto is a significant exporter of solid waste for disposal in the United States.
Poetry in the Street project
The City of Toronto will introduce a Poetry in the Street program as a tribute to Toronto's poets and the broader literary community. Council approved plans for a program that involves inscribing poems written by accomplished Toronto poets into sidewalks at various locations across the city. Toronto poet laureate Pier Giorgio di Cicco and his advisory committee have expressed support for the project.
New name for trade centre
Council approved a recommendation that the City enter into a legal agreement resulting in the renaming of the National Trade Centre at Exhibition Place to the Direct Energy Centre - Exhibition and Convention Facility.
Council's budget meetings February 21 to March 1, 2005
City's 2005 budget
Council adopted a 2005 budget for the City of Toronto on March 1, concluding a full week of meetings devoted to the budget. Highlights include funding for 100 additional buses for suburban routes and almost $12 million in new money for Clean and Beautiful City programs. Increased investment in Clean and Beautiful City programs will enable Toronto to introduce new beautification initiatives, increase litter picking and improve the city's urban forest. The budget requires a three per cent increase in residential property taxes and a 1.5 per cent increase in business property taxes. A detailed summary of the budget is available.
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.
