August 13, 1998

To:Corporate Services Committee

From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner

Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Review of Rent - Lease of portion of Roxborough Parkette, adjacent to No. 3 Highland Avenue, Ward 23 (Midtown)

Purpose:

To secure Council authorization for the increase of annual rent paid to the City by Ms. Neema Verjee, in accordance with the terms of the lease between the City and Ms. Verjee pertaining to a portion of Roxborough Parkette, adjacent to No. 3 Highland Avenue.

Source of Funds:

No funding required.

Recommendations:

1. That authority be granted to increase the annual rent payable to the City by the current owner of No. 3 Highland Avenue pertaining to the lease of an adjacent portion of Roxborough Parkette to $100.00 per annum.
2. That this authority be granted subject to any conditions deemed necessary by the City Solicitor.
3. That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary steps to implement the foregoing.

Council Reference/Background/History:

City Council, at its meeting held on July 24 and 25, 1995, adopted without amendment Clause 21, contained in Report No. 9 of the Neighbourhoods Committee, titled "New Lease - Premises No. 3 Highland Avenue - Roxborough Parkette" (copy attached).

Council granted authority, therefore, for the execution and delivery of a new lease with Ms. Neema Verjee pertaining to a portion of Roxborough Parkette (adjacent to No. 3 Highland Avenue). Under the terms of this new lease, for residential gardening purposes only, Ms. Verjee is required to pay all realty and business taxes, and is not permitted to assign the lease or sub-let without leave. Ms. Verjee is also responsible for all maintenance and repairs to this property, including all costs for same, as well as all rates and charges for utilities, including water, gas and electricity and is to maintain comprehensive public liability insurance. The City may terminate this lease with thirty days written notice to the tenant if the demised premises are required for municipal purposes.

Also under the terms of the aforementioned lease, Ms. Verjee is required to pay the City an annual rent of fifty dollars ($50.00), with the understanding that prior to December 31, 1997, the amount of the annual rent to be paid to the City should be reviewed and agreed to by the City and Ms. Verjee. Failing such agreement, this lease is to be terminated.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

It was not possible to deal with the rent review prior to December 31, 1997. I have consulted with Property Services staff, requesting that the appraisal of this rent be carried out, and have received their recommendation that the rent for the subject should be increased to $100 per annum effective from January 1, 1998, with other lease terms remaining unchanged.

I have consulted with Ms. Verjee, who is in agreement with the recommended rent increase to $100 per annum.

Conclusion:

I have no objection to the increase of the annual rent payable to the City by the current owner of 3 Highland Avenue pertaining to the lease of an adjacent portion of Roxborough Parkette to $100 per annum. All other terms and conditions contained in the Lease shall remain the same.

Contact Name:

Mario Zanetti

Parks and Recreation Division

392-7252

Joe Halstead

Commissioner of Economic Development

Culture and Tourism

Attachment

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