October 5, 1998

To:Corporate Services Committee

From:Commissioner of Corporate Services

Subject:Signboards presently located on former Metropolitan Toronto Properties

(Wards: 1-East York; 13-Scarborough Bluffs; 15-Scarborough City Centre; and 25-Don River)

Purpose:

To report on the signboard locations, as set out on Appendix "A" and locations shown on the attached maps, presently located on former Metropolitan Toronto properties arising from a request made by Corporate Services Committee resulting from consideration of Corporate Services Committee Report No. 11, Clause No. 26, as adopted by Toronto City Council on July 29, 30 and 31, 1998.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Current annual revenue for the 8 signboard locations is approximately $33,500.00.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)Committee and Council provide direction on whether the existing signboard agreements for locations No. 1, 2 and 5 should be terminated and the signboards removed, or if these three existing signboards should remain;

(2)the existing signboard agreements for locations No. 3, 4 and 7 be terminated upon giving 90 days notice to the lessee and the signboards be removed;

(3)the existing signboard agreement at location No. 6 as identified in Appendix "A" be maintained and a rent review process be initiated with Mediacom in order to optimize the rent generated;

(4)a tender be issued for signboard location No. 8. and upon the award of the tender, the existing agreement is to be terminated and a new lease agreement is to be entered into with the successful tenderer; and

(5)the appropriate officials take whatever action is deemed necessary to give effect to this report.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting held on July 29, 30 and 31, 1998, Toronto City Council adopted Corporate Services Committee Report No. 11(26) respecting existing signboard locations on former City of Toronto owned properties. The Report recommended that 8 signboard agreements be terminated and the signboards be removed, and a tender be issued for 3 signboard locations. Council also requested that the Commissioner of Corporate Services provide a similar report to the meeting of the Corporate Services Committee scheduled to be held on September 14, 1998. An interim report was submitted advising that additional time was required to complete the consultation process with each affected Ward Councillor and a full report would be provided to the Corporate Services Committee meeting to be held on October 9, 1998.

At its meeting held on November 24 and 25, 1987, the former Metropolitan Toronto Council adopted The Parks, Recreation and Property Committee Report No. 14(1) respecting signboard rentals. The report recommended that a new agreement be entered into with Mediacom Inc. commencing January 1, 1988, for a term of one year and on an annual basis thereafter, with a 30-day termination clause and that the policy apply to all outdoor advertising companies as their leases expire.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The details of the existing signboard locations on former Metropolitan Toronto properties, are set out on attached Appendix "A" and the financial return generated is:

(1)7 Legal Non-Conforming signboards at Locations No. 1 to No. 7 currently generate revenue in the amount of approximately $29,000.00 per annum; and

(2)the Legal Conforming signboard at Location No. 8 generates approximately $4,500.00 in revenue per annum.

Each of the affected Ward Councillors were consulted concerning the future disposition of these signboards and their comments are also included in Appendix "A". Signboard Locations No. 1, 2 and 5 are Legal Non-Conforming and are located in Ward 13 - Scarborough Bluffs. Councillor Brian Ashton believes that these 3 locations are revenue generators for the City and are non-intrusive on local residences so they should be allowed to remain. On the other hand, Councillor Gerry Altobello wants all the Legal Non-Conforming signboards removed from his Ward.

Conclusion:

In view of the positions of the affected Ward Councillors, it is concluded that the most appropriate action is to:

(A)provide direction on Legal Non-Conforming signboard locations No. 1, 2 and 5;

(B)allow Legal Non-Conforming signboard location No. 6 to remain;

(C)terminate the agreements for Legal Non-Conforming signboard locations No. 3, 4 and 7; and

(D)issue a tender for Legal Conforming signboard location No. 8.

Contact Name:

Sal Dominicis, Telephone No. (416)397-0806; Fax No. (416)392-4828; E-Mail Address: sdominicis@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca. (cs98186.wpd)

Margaret Rodrigues

Commissioner of Corporate Services

SD/vp

APPENDIX A

THIRD-PARTY SIGNS ON PUBLIC LANDS