Barry H. Gutteridge

Acting Executive Commissioner

Emergency & Protective Services

100 Queen Street West

Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

January 27, 1998

To: Emergency & Protective Services Committee

From: Acting Commissioner of Emergency & Protective Services

Subject: Existing Committees and the Task Force on Community Safety

Purpose:

This report explains the role of six existing special committees with responsibility for safety-related matters and explores potential overlaps between them and City Council's Task Force on Community Safety.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that when terms of reference for the new Task Force on Community Safety have been prepared, they be sent to the six existing committees, together with a copy of this report, and that each committee be asked to comment on the ongoing need for their work, if any, on their relationship to the Task Force, and on their ongoing staff support needs.

Background:

At its first meeting your Committee referred to the City Clerk and to me a communication from Councillor Jack Layton (January 13, 1998) relating to six committees, and asked for a report back to your meeting of February 10, 1998.

The committees are:

Comments:

The composition and formal mandate of the six committees listed by Councillor Layton are set out in Appendix 1.

The two Safety Councils (Etobicoke and East York) are long-established organizations with more general mandates, and tend to focus on traffic safety and educating young children on safe cycling. Although there may be overlap, it is unlikely that all their concerns would be covered by the new Task Force. Your Committee may, however, want to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of the East York / Etobicoke approach with the way such issues are dealt with in other parts of Toronto.

The table below summarizes the staff time involved in supporting five of the existing six committees. (The Emergency Planning Committee is not included since it is a staff committee with no citizen members).

EXISTING COMMITTEES - STAFF TIME COMMITMENTS

(estimated staff hours per annum)

Conclusions:

Rather than make decisions now about the future of these committees, City Council may want to consider a two-step process:

(1) Develop draft terms of reference for the new Task Force on Community Safety;

(2) Send the draft terms of reference, together with a copy of this report, to the six existing committees and ask them to comment on the ongoing need for their work, if any, their relationship to the Task Force and their ongoing staff support needs.

Contact Name:

Simon B. Chamberlain, Director, Policy Coordination

392-7404, Fax: 392-1827

Acting Executive Commissioner

Emergency & Protective Services

MEMBERSHIP & MANDATE OF EXISTING SAFETY-RELATED COMMITTEES

The following information was compiled during the fall of 1997.

EAST YORK SAFETY COUNCIL

Composition:

11 Citizen members, 1 Member of Council

Membership:

Ms. L. Boast Citizen 1997 1 year

Mr. A. Dawood Citizen 1996 2 years

Mr. P. Grivogiannis Citizen 1997 1 year

Mr. G. Hall Citizen 1997 1 year

Mr. A. Hossack Citizen 1996 2 years

Mr. J. Koumarelas Citizen 1997 1 year

Ms. L. LeBlanc Citizen 1997 1 year

Mrs. A. Niece Citizen 1980 18 years

Mr. J. Nursey Citizen 1982 16 years

Mr. Sissakis Citizen 1997 1 year

Councillor John Antonopoulos December 1, 1996 - December 31, 1997

(Citizens were appointed through East York's interview process.)

To provide educational and public awareness programs on public safety legislation, public safety hazards, local safety problems and injury prevention. To investigate and provide recommendations on public safety issues of concern to East York Council.

EMERGENCY PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Composition:

Metro Chairman

one member of Metro Council,

Metro Department Heads: CAO; Works; Community Services; Ambulance; Transportation; TTC;

City of Toronto Dept. Heads: Fire; Health; Purchasing & Supply;

one representative from MTRCA, and

such other members who may be appointed from time to time by reason of their holding an office approved by the Advisory Committee as entitling them to membership thereon.

Membership:

includes two Metropolitan Toronto Appointees:

Councillor I. Bossons (expiring November 30, 1997)

Metropolitan Chairman (or Delegate)

ETOBICOKE CRIME SCOPE COMMITTEE

5 Representatives of the Metropolitan Toronto Police

1 Representative of the Etobicoke Board of Education

1 Representative of the Metropolitan Separate School Board

1 Representative of Etobicoke Safety Council

1 Representative of Etobicoke Parks and Recreation Department

1 Assistant to the Mayor

Chair and Co-ordinator of this special project

Membership (Implementation Committee):

Sgt. Don Bevers, Metropolitan Toronto Police, Northwest Field Command

Lynn Butler, Vice-Chair, Etobicoke Safety Council

Gerry De Leskie, Superintendent of Planning and Plant, Etobicoke Bd. of Education

Barry Dimart, Superintendent of Education, Etobicoke York South, Metro Separate School Bd.

Allan Graham, Manager, Community Programs, Etobicoke, Parks & Recreation Dept.

Fred Haggerty, Co-Ordinator, Special Project

Andrew Leach, Assistant to Mayor

Councillor Connie Micallef

(Other Police Officers as required depending on issues being discussed)

CRIME S.C.O.P.E Etobicoke is a charitable organization associated with the Crime Concern Network. S.C.O.P.E. is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of the recommendations of the Mayors Task Force on Community Safety through building community partnerships and involving people in creating programs to enhance feelings of community safety.

SAFE CITY COMMITTEE

Composition:

6 City Council Members

Membership: (numbers in brackets are years on the Committee)

John Archer (November 30, 1997) (1)

Patrick Au (November 30, 1997) (1)

Bruce Budd (November 30, 1997) (2)

Sandra Loucks Campbell (November 30, 1997) (1)

Isaura Carniero (November 30, 1997) (1)

Joan Doiron (November 30, 1997) (2)

O. Eno Egbo-Egbo (November 30, 1997) (2)

Councillor Gardner (November 30, 1997) (3)

Connie Guberman (November 30, 1997) (2)

Mayor Hall (November 30, 1997) (2)

Melanie Hare (November 30, 1997) (2)

Councillor Korwin-Kuczynski (November 30, 1997) (2)

Elaine Levesque (November 30, 1997) (2)

Councillor McConnell (November 30, 1997) (2)

Helen Melbourne (November 30, 1997) (4)

Mari Muli (November 30, 1997) (1)

Len Paris (November 30, 1997) (1)

Kathryn Penwill (November 30, 1997) (2)

Frank Pimentel (November 30, 1997) (1)

Kelly Potvin (November 30, 1997) (1)

Gord Reynolds (November 30, 1997) (1)

Lisa Rodwell (November 30, 1997) (1)

Jeannie Samuel (November 30, 1997) (1)

Nancy Smith (November 30, 1997) (2)

Marsha Wallerstein (November 30, 1997) (2)

Mandate:

b) To consult with and provide information resources to individuals, community groups and agencies in their ongoing work to prevent violence and promote community safety;

*SCC consults and provides advise on program criteria and funding and outreach priorities to meet the needs of the community.

SAFETY COUNCIL (ETOBICOKE)

Composition:

7 citizens, 2 Councillors, 1 Fire Representative, 1 Police Representative.

Membership:

Mr. Jeffery Zajac citizen Jan. 16/95 - 1998 (4 yrs.)

Ms. Laura Kemp citizen Jan. 16/95 - 1998 (4 yrs.)

Mrs. Keitha Buckingham citizen Dec. 1/92 - 1998 (5 yrs.)

Ms. Lynn Butler citizen Dec. 1/95 - 1998 (3 yrs.)

Mr. Vito Pastore citizen Dec. 1/91 - 1998 (5 yrs.)

Mr. Gunter Schroder citizen Dec. 1/90 - 1998 (7 yrs.)

1 citizen (vacant)

Sergeant William Turnbull, Police Representative Dec. 9/91 - 1998 (6 yrs.)

Mr. Robert Webb, Fire Chief Representative Jan 16/95 - 1998 (4 yrs.)

Councillor Vincent Crisanti Dec. 1/95 - 1998 (3 yrs.)

Councillor Connie Micallef Jan. 15/96 - 1998 (2 yrs.)

Mandate:

To investigate matters relating to safety within the municipality, and promote ideas and methods in the interest of public safety.

TAXIS ON PATROL (TAXI WATCH)

Composition:

1 Member of Metro Council, General Manager of the Metro Licensing Commission, 1 representative of the Police Services Board, and various representatives of Taxi Industry.

- staff support provided by the Clerks Department, Metro Licensing Commission and staff of the Committee Chair (i.e. EA/AA)

Membership:

Councillor Joan King (Chair)

Ms. Sheila Marshall, Enforcement Officer, Metropolitan Licensing Commission

(designate for General Manager, MLC)

Mrs. C. Ruddell-Foster, General Manager, Metropolitan

Licensing Commission

P.C. Ed Heinrichs, Metropolitan Toronto Police, Community Services Education Unit

Mr. Paul Gleitman, General Manager, Co-op Cabs

Mr. Jim Bell, Diamond Taxicab

Mr. Dan Hisson, Arrow Taxi

Mr. Foster Halket, Eastend Taxi

Mrs. Gail Souter, Beck Taxi

Mr. Jag Chan, Able-Atlantic Taxi

Mr. Mitch Grossman, Royal A-Kwik Taxi

Mr. Larry Labovitch, Kingsboro Taxi

Mr. Rajbir Singh, Manager, Kipling Taxi

Mr. Diego Gueli, Scarborough City Cabs

Mr. Spiros Bastas, General Manager, Maple Leaf Taxi

Mr. Joseph Than, Bee Line Taxi

Mr. Jim Monahan, Crown Taxi

Mr. Paul Forhan, President, Independent Cab Owners' Association

Founding Members: Mr. Abe Bresver, Metro Cab; Mr. Joe Hadbavny

Mandate:

The Taxi Watch Program encourages drivers to report all situations that require the aid of emergency services. The Committee meets several times a year to administer the Program and to organize the presentation of awards at Metro Council and at the Taxicab Drivers' Appreciation Night.

TRANSITION TEAM PROPOSAL FOR TASK FORCE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY

Community safety is consistently identified as one of the top concerns of citizens. The solutions involve both prevention and crime reduction. People feel safe in an urban environment where the community as a whole takes responsibility for safety, including addressing the causes of crime and violence.

A Community Safety Task Force should be given the task of developing a comprehensive, coordinated community safety strategy for the new City that includes all departments and reaches out to the community at large. People representing the business community, community-based groups and agencies, community policing, youth-serving agencies and other interested groups should have representation on this Task Force to ensure diverse citizen input and a broadly-based approach to tackling the issues.

A variety of resources should be brought to this task. That is why it is essential not only to involve a range of City departments, but other levels of government, the private sector and citizens.

The Task Force should involve and build on the work of current community strategies and safety committees. It should be assisted by staff in the Strategic Directions Secretariat, coordinating with staff from each of the departmental clusters. The Task Force might support the development of a reporting mechanism for the new City on the state of community safety and violence prevention. It should also look at best practices for safety policies in neighbourhoods, parks and other public places.

Prepared by Fran Perkins, Healthy City Office

The purpose of this proposed template is to:

The Mandate of the Task Force is to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan of action that will best address the issue, including recommendations as to policies and practices across the corporation (new City of Toronto) and in the community. This plan of action will build on:

1. Membership

The Task Force should be composed of no more than 15 members, drawn from City Councillors and representatives of stakeholder groups: [Note: this will depend on the Task Force. The following example is for the Community Safety Task Force.]

1. Chairperson

 

The Task Force will be Chaired by a City Councillor. Co-chairs may be designated by the Chair.

2. Staffing and Resources

The Task Force should be staffed by administrative and professional staff. Staff should be selected in consultation between the Chair and the Chief Administrative Officer, on the basis of:

• Ability to gather, synthesize and analyse background information;
• Ability to write background papers, and assist in the writing of the draft and final reports;
• Ability to facilitate a community consultation process; and
• Knowledge of the issue.

Other staff will resource the Task Force as necessary (see item 11).

The Task Force will need sufficient resources to cover:

• Meeting costs (mailing, etc.);
• Community consultation and other communications costs; and
• Preparation of public documents, including the Final Report.

1. Membership Selection

Members may be selected either through: a public call, staff review, and ratification by a Nominations Committee; or by the Chair, in consultation with staff and community members knowledgeable in the issue.

The selection process should be based on criteria, clearly understood and equitable.

Members should be selected on the basis of the following attributes:

Barriers to access by potential Task Force members should be addressed, such as:

• Childcare costs for single parents; and
• All meetings should be accessible to wheelchairs and to people with different abilities.

1. First Meeting/ Orientation

At its First Meeting, the Task Force should:

• Review the Terms of Reference, and confirm the Mandate, Chair, and Membership.
• Set a Schedule of meeting dates, including location.
• Orient members as to role of Task Force, City structure and process, Human Rights issues, etc.

1. Task Force Process

At all levels of this process stakeholders (community and staff) input is desirable to ensure a commitment to the outcomes and therefore, implementation of recommendations.

• Specify major issues to be dealt with, in consultation with the community

1. Information Gathering (3 months):

1. Vision (1 month):

1. Analysis (2 months):

1. Draft Report (2 months):

• assign recommendations within Corporation, community, partnerships
• assign who is going to monitor on an ongoing progress
• distribute to community and to staff group for comments
• integrate comments in final report

1. Present Final Report to Council

1. Community consultation

Task Forces can be an excellent tool to enable government to have in-depth collaboration with citizens on major issues. Citizen participation can:

A community consultation plan is necessary because:

• The issues addressed by the Task Force are essential to the well being of citizens;
• Individuals and groups have the opportunity to participate in the solutions to the problems addressed by the Task Force; and
• Good governance engages citizens in meaningful, proactive participation on issues that affect their lives.

At a minimum, individuals and community organizations should be consulted at these points in the process:

1. Problem Identification
2. Information Gathering: identifying Community Resources/ Capacities, and Best Practices;
3. Vision
5. Reviewing the Draft Report

Community consultation processes can include:

• open and advertised meetings of the Task Force;
• other public meetings, on particular topics and/or in various locations around the City;
• focus groups or subcommittees on particular topics;
• surveys (faxed or e-mailed) to stakeholder organizations;
• advertised opportunities for public input, including surveys;
• deputations on the draft report; and
• many other mechanisms.

1. Staff consultation

Because of the importance and cross-corporate nature of the issues addressed by each Task Force, there is the need for ongoing consultation with senior staff from relevent City Departments, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions: [Note: this will depend on the Task Force. The following example is for the Community Safety Taskforce]

Consultation with staff should include:

1. Analysis: especially developing recommendations
2. Reviewing the Draft Report

Senior staff should attend Task Force meetings as necessary or on the call of the Chair.

1. Opportunities for Youth