City Council meeting of January 31, February 1 and 2, 2006
Implementing Union Station master plan
Council approved a strategy to implement initiatives of the Union Station Master Plan that was adopted in December 2004. The strategy sets out actions in support of the plan's three core initiatives - to maintain Union Station as a transportation hub, restore the building's heritage features, and revitalize the station to ensure its financial stability. The City's negotiating team and representatives of the Union Pearson Group (which Council chose to restore, operate and maintain Union Station) recently settled on terms of a long-term lease, meeting the due diligence deadline set by Council. Negotiations continue on details to formally close the transaction by the City's deadline of May 31, 2006.
Design competition for Nathan Phillips Square
Council adopted plans for a design competition to update Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall's public square. Terms of reference for a public advisory group were adopted, and Council supported a recommendation by the Roundtable on a Beautiful City calling for the re-opening of City Hall's rooftop observatory overlooking Nathan Phillips Square as a component of this civic project.
Advancing waterfront renewal
Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation that sets out the three parties' roles and responsibilities in revitalizing East Bayfront and the Port Lands. The memorandum is the final piece in a comprehensive implementation framework for creating a dynamic, accessible waterfront.
Support for green roofs
City Council approved a Green Roofs strategy promoting the use of city rooftops to grow gardens and other vegetation. The strategy includes a commitment to install green roofs on new and existing buildings owned by the City wherever practical. Council also endorsed initiatives to provide financial incentives for the creation of green roofs. Research has shown that green roofs provide numerous benefits for the urban environment - such as moderating summer heat. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/greenroofs.
Push for new rental housing
Council adopted recommendations calling for the approval of 1,000 new, affordable rental homes in Toronto this year. The action plan that Council adopted aims at situating affordable housing in all parts of the city. Funding available to support developers that undertake the construction projects includes $56 million from the federal-provincial Affordable Housing Program, $7 million from the federal Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative and $8.9 million from the City. The plan provides for the potential use of City-owned sites for 200 of the housing units.
Recreation facilities and nut allergies
Council agreed to encourage food vendors at City recreation facilities to voluntarily stop selling unpackaged nuts and to limit the availability of chocolate bars containing nut products. The City's action responds to the problem of nut/peanut allergies. Exposure to nuts can be life-threatening for some children.
Strategy for special events
Council adopted plans for the implementation of an Event Enhancement Strategy. The strategy, prepared by the Toronto Special Events unit, includes creating an online resource to support the organizers of special events, and establishing a formal network of festival/event organizers. City staff will review all City service fees related to festivals and other special events, addressing concerns raised by event organizers in the community. All divisions are being asked to assist in the review by keeping clear records of all event-related requests they receive, as well as any fees collected and costs expended in the first nine months of this year.
RV campgrounds in Toronto
Council supported a proposal to have staff research opportunities to attract recreational vehicle tourism to Toronto. Staff will identify potential locations for recreational vehicle campgrounds near Toronto's downtown core that offer good access to public transit and other amenities for visitors. The City already operates one campground that can accommodate recreational vehicle travellers. The Glen Rouge Campground in Rouge Park has 124 sites to support every form of camping.
Councillor appointments
At a special meeting on January 31, Council appointed two councillors to fill vacant seats on City Council. Martin Silva was appointed to Ward 20 (Trinity-Spadina) and Paul Ainslie was appointed to Ward 41 (Scarborough-Rouge River). Both seats became vacant late last year when Olivia Chow and Bas Balkissoon resigned from City Council to stand for election at the federal and provincial levels of government. The appointments were decided in a process designed to fill the two vacancies until the current term of Council expires on November 30, 2006.
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.
