City Council meeting of November 30 and December 1, 2, 4
and 7, 2009
Toronto's sustainable energy strategy
Council adopted a comprehensive energy strategy for Toronto called The Power to Live Green (PDF), which follows through on the City's climate change action plan of 2007 (Change Is in the Air). The Power to Live Green strategy is based on conservation, renewable energy and smart energy distribution to achieve progressive targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and improved air quality. The strategy involves a four-track process that consists of meeting the energy requirements of businesses and homes; reducing dependence on fossil fuels; investing in green technology and supporting the creation of green jobs and the global marketing of sustainable energy goods and services; and partnering with industry, businesses, institutions, non-profits, other governments, utilities and residents.
Next step for Union Station's revitalization
Council authorized the City's chief corporate officer to award contracts to proceed with work to revitalize Union Station, and approved the selection of Vanbots as general contractor and construction manager for the project. Council gave several directives, such as ensuring that an environmental assessment of Front Street take into account needs related to taxi operations at Union Station.
Regulation of outdoor signs
Council approved a new strategy to regulate outdoor signs in Toronto. The strategy includes a consolidated Sign Bylaw that replaces the current sign bylaws in effect across the city; a tax on third party signs; and administrative changes to improve the City's ability to regulate signs and enforce the regulations. This approach to sign regulation reflects the City's goals and objectives for improving what people see in the public realm.
Prime ice time at arenas
Council discussed the issue of allocating ice time in Toronto arenas and requested more information from eight City-owned arenas that are run by community boards. Council directed the arenas' boards of management to take the following steps: prepare 2010-11 ice time allocations in consultation with City staff; be consistent with the City's ice allocation policy that is adhered to by City-managed arenas; and ensure proportionate shares of prime ice time for various age groups and for girls and boys.
Solid Waste and Water budgets for 2010
On November 30, Council approved capital and operating budgets for Solid Waste Management Services and Toronto Water. The two capital budgets are part of the City's rollout of its 10-year capital plan for local infrastructure improvements.
Preserving the Canada Malting silos
Council approved a plan to preserve the Canada Malting silos on Toronto's waterfront. Site improvements will provide safe waterfront access to Ireland Park. The second phase of the project will entail creating a master plan for selling a portion of the site for private development and using funds generated by the development to pay for parkland improvements to the site and for the stabilization of the historic silos.
Special meeting December 2
2010 municipal election
At a meeting to discuss the October 2010 municipal election in Toronto, Council decided to implement a contribution rebate program for the election and approved a new bylaw prohibiting corporate and trade union contributions to candidates seeking election to Toronto City Council. In addition, Council adopted a bylaw authorizing the electronic filing of candidates' financial statements. Council also agreed to ask the Province of Ontario to conduct a study of municipal election finance models.
Special meeting December 8
City's 2010 capital budget and 10-year capital plan
On December 8, Council voted to continue investing in the infrastructure needed to keep Toronto moving, approving the City's 2010 capital budget and 10-year (2010-2019) capital plan. The plan approved by Council speeds up job creation and the maintenance of city infrastructure by moving more capital spending on infrastructure projects into the first five years of the plan. The 2010 capital budget and 10-year capital plan total about $16 billion, with $2.4 billion earmarked for 2010 and about $2.5 billion budgeted for each of 2011 and 2012.
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.
