City Council meeting of March 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2007
New design for street name signs
Council adopted a new street name design style for the City of Toronto that introduces commonality of colour and shape, improves legibility, and proposes consistency and distinctiveness for those neighbourhoods and BIAs that request specific identification and branding. The City replaces between 2,000 and 2,500 street name signs each year. The new street name signs will be introduced, as the old signs require regular replacement. City staff will provide options for the disposal of decommissioned signs, including the sale of old signs with proceeds benefiting the community. Staff will also report on a program to permit existing signs to remain in heritage conservation districts, and in older neighbourhoods and historic communities in the city, as well as in areas where current multilingual signs exist. Council's decision to consolidate and co-ordinate the City's street name signage supports the beautification and cleanliness of Toronto's roads, and preserves the unique quality of Toronto's many distinct neighbourhoods.
Children's anti-poverty and nutrition needs package
Following debate, Council approved a comprehensive anti-poverty package to support the nutrition needs and well-being of Toronto's children and youth, and to alleviate the conditions of poverty affecting families in Toronto. Part of the multi-pronged Council-approved plan calls on the Ontario Government to increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour and to increase the social assistance and Ontario Disability Support Payments to reflect cost of living standards and rates of inflation. Council also directed the Medical Officer of Health to report back on the state of Basic Dental Care among Toronto children as an indicator of their current and future health and well-being.
City to collect waste in former York
Council voted to allow City staff to undertake the collection of residential waste in the former York, starting August 7, 2007. The decision to in-source the collection of York's curbside waste is expected to save the City approximately $4 million each year, beginning in 2008. Council also agreed to in-source the collection of white goods, which includes stoves and dishwashers, in the former East York, Etobicoke, Scarborough and York, effective September 1, 2007. Staff will hold public meetings to inform affected residents of the changes to service delivery. Curbside waste collection in the former City of Etobicoke will continue to be out-sourced to a private waste collection firm.
Enhanced property standards for heritage buildings
Council agreed to a set of minimum property standards to protect heritage properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Designated properties that fail to comply with the new standards will be required to undergo repairs and maintenance work to ensure compliance with the standards. In addition, staff will prepare a report on the use of the City's powers under the City of Toronto Act to carry out emergency repairs to protect the structural integrity, and prevent the deterioration of Toronto's heritage properties from neglect.
Conference Centre proposed for Exhibition Place
Council approved $29 million in capital funding, including a $21.2 million loan from the City, to construct and furnish a new Conference Centre at Exhibition Place. Under the proposed plan, the Automotive Building will be renovated to accommodate the new conference facility. City heritage Preservation staff will work with Exhibition Place staff to ensure the heritage character of the building, which is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, is preserved. The lack of available meeting space is an important issue as trade shows often incorporate seminars and break-out sessions as part of their activities. Exhibition Place's shortage of meeting space has resulted in the loss of clients to other facilities. The new Conference Centre will enable Exhibition Place to better compete to host major North American events.
Toronto Just For Laughs Comedy Festival
Council authorized the approval of a $500,000 loan to establish an annual Toronto Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, beginning in July 2007. The Tourism Event Development Loan is a Council-approved program that is designed to help bring significant events and festivals to Toronto. Just For Laughs is a globally-recognized entertainment brand with a long history of providing quality comedic entertainment. The Toronto Just For Laughs Comedy Festival is positioned as part of the organization's 25th anniversary celebrations and will be a positive addition to the Toronto tourism, entertainment and cultural landscape.
New meeting times for City Council meetings
City Council approved new meeting times for Council meetings, effective immediately. Council will now meet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Council also agreed to have dinner provided during the half-hour dinner break.
New name for the General Government Committee
Council adopted a motion to amend its procedures bylaw to change the name of the General Government Committee to the Government Management Committee.
City of Toronto 2007 Capital Budget and 2008-2011 Capital Plan
At a special meeting on March 7, Council approved the City's $1.432 billion 2007 Capital Budget, with 50 per cent of the budget earmarked for the TTC. For the first time, Council also approved a five-year Capital Plan of $6.7 billion with two-thirds of the budget focused on improving city transit and transportation infrastructure. Included in the five-year Capital Plan are investments in projects to make Toronto a safer, cleaner, greener and beautiful city. State of good repair spending will average $1 billion each year from 2007 to 2011.
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.
