City Council meeting of May 26 and 27, 2008
Unanimous approval for incentives to attract industry to Toronto
City Council unanimously approved its first-ever city-wide financial incentives program to stimulate growth in key value-added economic sectors, including manufacturing, bio-medical, environmental, information technology, creative industries and tourism. The new investment will produce new jobs, and eventually increased City revenue through property taxes. All properties and projects affected by the program will continue to pay base taxes, but will receive grants of up to 60 per cent of the tax increase resulting from new investment. It is anticipated that by delaying receipt of approximately $6 million in taxes over 10 years, the program will result in: $904 million in new capital investment, 11,000 new jobs and $43 million in new tax revenue. The new incentives program addresses priorities identified by City initiatives including the Enhancing Toronto's Business Climate report, and the Agenda for Prosperity.
Council approves enhanced programming to get panhandlers off the street
Enhanced housing and support services to get panhandlers off the street were approved by Council. Building on the successful Streets to Homes program, the enhanced services will take a housing first approach, getting panhandlers into housing while providing support services that will help them remain permanently housed. The program will extend beyond panhandlers to others living on the street. Additional community workers will be hired and will be visible on the streets providing counseling, referrals, case management and assistance in finding and keeping permanent housing. A central phone number will be established so that anyone across the city can trigger a response for those who need help. Additional mental health, addiction and employment supports are also being established. The enhanced service is supported by the business community, and will cost about $2.6 million in 2008.
Youth employment opportunities approved through graffiti clean up project
Council approved $340,000 in funding to provide youth employment opportunities to clean graffiti and beautify neighbourhoods through the Graffiti Transformation Investment Program. The funding will be provided to community-based organizations which will employ youth to remove and resurface areas with graffiti.
Council approves principles for poverty reduction
Council put its support behind the principles to reduce poverty recommended in the 25 in 5 Declaration. The declaration and its strategy were developed by a broad range of community organizations and faith groups who are calling on the Provincial government to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce poverty levels by 25 per cent in five years and 50 per cent before 2018. Principles of the poverty reduction strategy include creating sustainable, year-round employment for working adults, ensuring liveable incomes and building strong communities with supports including affordable housing and community programs.
Council endorses action to improve tourism for Toronto
Council endorsed actions from the report Making Toronto the Best It Can Be, which has recommendations from industry leaders, City staff and Member of Council to enhance Toronto's ability to serve as a premier tourist destination and reap the economic benefits. The City participated in the Toronto's Premier Ranked Tourism Destination project which identifies 93 action items. These include attracting new 'blockbuster exhibits,' renewing and creating tourist magnets like a revitalized waterfront, telling the story of Toronto's history in a more captivating way, and for people involved in the tourism industry to elevate the level of service offered to tourists. City Divisions will meet to explore avenues to improve services to support growth in the tourism sector.
New visions for Old City Hall
The City will look to capitalize on the historic appeal of Old City Hall in future years, with staff directed to identify potential new uses for the site once its lease as a Provincial court house ends in 2016.
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.
