City Council meeting of February 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2007
West Queen West Triangle appeal of OMB decision
Council directed City officials to take actions on multiple fronts to appeal a decision by the Ontario Municipal Board on the West Queen West Triangle developments. The OMB overruled the City's rejection of plans by developers to build condominiums in the neighbourhood that may have a negative impact on employment in this artistic community. The actions included: to send a letter to the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting that the OMB decision be overturned; to submit a request to Divisional Court to appeal the OMB decision; to request the OMB to reconsider its decision; and to have City staff speak to the developers to explore a settlement.
Lobbying Control Framework
Council adopted the framework which includes a lobbyist registration system and a Lobbyist Registrar to provide oversight. It requires that the activity of lobbying Members of Council and City staff to be disclosed within two days of the activity, and for this information to be publicly accessible for Members of Council, staff and the public. The appointment of the City's first Lobbyist Registrar, Marilyn Abraham, was also approved. The Registrar and City Manager will report to Council when the lobbyist registry system is ready for use, and subsequently will recommend to Council when the reporting of lobbying activity is required. The Lobbyist Registrar will develop a plan to recover some of the Registry costs by charging a fee to lobbyists.
Powers of Community Councils enhanced
Council approved the move of more local, routine matters to be dealt with at Community Council rather than City Council. The new responsibilities include the approval of traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, the naming of streets, permit appeals for residential front yard parking, accepting the donation of Art in Public Spaces ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 in value, the approval of encroachment agreements for roads, parkways and ravines, boulevard café applications, and the appointment of citizens to arena boards, agency and museum boards, and Business Improvement Areas. City Council retains the right to make decisions on matters of city-wide significance and those that impact more than one Community Council.
Water service capital improvements and water rates
Council approved a nine per cent increase in water rates for Toronto Water for its operating and capital budgets. Because the increase will take place part way through the fiscal year, the increase will be shown as 10.8 per cent as it is charged on future water bills. The increase will help the City complete projects to repair the water infrastructure and to keep the water delivery and waste water system in good repair, to ensure the City is in compliance with new provincial legislation requirements for drinking water safety and reporting, to help clean up City beaches for public swimming, and to acquire land to preserve source water.
Eucan settlement accepted by City
Council agreed to receive a settlement from Eucan Urban Equipment of Canada - the company which had the litter and recycling bin contract for the City. In year eight of a 10-year contract, Eucan stopped making payments to the City and staff negotiated a settlement with Eucan.
Tuggs Incorporated to continue operating eateries in the Beach
Tuggs Incorporated was approved for a 20-year lease extension for its operation of restaurants and concession stands on City property in the Beach. The contract was not put out for a competitive bid. As part of the agreement, the rent will be reviewed January 2018, and at five-year intervals after that to ensure it's in line with fair market values. Tuggs Incorporated has committed a minimum of $2.15 million to its facilities to be completed by January 1, 2009.
Rate increase for homemakers and nursing services
Council approved rate service increases to community agencies that service the Homemaking and Nursing Services Program (HMNS) from $16.83 to $20.65 effective January 1, 2007. This rate is an all-inclusive rate to cover hourly wage costs, as well as travel expenses and pay equity adjustments. The Ontario Government pays 80 per cent of the HMNS program costs, and the City pays 20 per cent. The previous rate was set in 2004, and since then staff costs have risen, making it a challenge for agencies to not drop the level of service provided. The City is engaged in funding discussions with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for additional funding to help cover costs of agencies that charge more than the new rate. The HMNS provides services to 2,300 vulnerable residents, largely seniors who are frail and elderly and people with disabilities who are not receiving services through Community Care Access Centres.
Spraying to control Gypsy Moths
To control an outbreak of European Gypsy Moths and prevent damage to trees, Council approved the spraying and other forms of removal of the moth larvae from trees on City and privately-owned property in Wards 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 22, 25, 26 and 27. The Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division will conduct an education campaign to advise residents in areas impacted by Gypsy Moths on methods to remove and destroy eggs.
New partnership for immigration and settlement
Council ratified a September 29, 2006 Memorandum of Understanding with the federal and provincial governments that establishes a formal framework for discussions between the governments on matters of immigration and settlement.
City's search and rescue team to service Canada
The City will be able to deploy its Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) Team anywhere in Canada after Council approved its use, contingent on signed agreements with Ontario's Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the federal Department of Public Safety. The federal Department of Public Safety will reimburse the City for the costs of deployment outside of Toronto. Council also approved the potential deployment of HUSAR internationally.
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.
