July 7, 1998
TO:Toronto Emergency & Protective Services Committee
FROM:Norman Gardner, Chairman
Toronto Police Services Board
SUBJECT:Land Acquisition Plans for 51 Division.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1.the following report be received; and
2.the report be forwarded to the next meeting of Council for information.
Council Reference/Background History:
At its meeting on June 18, 1998, the Toronto Police Services Board was in receipt of the
following report MAY 29, 1998 from David J. Boothby, Chief of Police:
"SUBJECT:LAND ACQUISITION PLANS FOR 51 DIVISION
RECOMMENDATION:THAT the Board receive the following report, as requested, for
information purposes.
BACKGROUND:
The Toronto City Council, at its meeting on April 16, 1998, adopted a motion requesting a
report on the land acquisition plans for 51 Division. The following report outlines these
plans.
At its meeting of November 4, 1996 (BM #349/96 refers), the Police Services Board,
approved the implementation of the Long Range Facility Redevelopment Plan with the top
priority for facility replacement being 51 Division.
On February 25, 1997, the Service requested the City of Toronto Real Estate Department
(formerly Metro Toronto) to assist in the research and acquisition of a suitable property for
the relocation of 51 Division. The Real Estate Department, in co-operation with the Service,
compiled a list of all Metro, City of Toronto, government-owned, and privately-owned
properties that might be suitable for the requirements of the Toronto Police Service with the
intention of acquiring the property at little or no cost.
The Service's preferred site was Moss Park Armoury. Discussions were held with the
Ministry of Defence to acquire this property, but the Ministry was unable to commit to a
date when the site might be available. The Service's second choice, the only other suitable
site available at the time, was 296 Front Street East.
On July 25, 1997, the Service recommended to the Real Estate Department that the
appropriate conditional purchase agreement be drafted for the acquisition of this property.
This conditional purchase agreement was finalised on February 6, 1998, and is subject to the
necessary approvals from both the Police Services Board and the City of Toronto. In the
interim, another suitable parcel of land became available, and the Service proceeded to
evaluate it. This site had been previously identified but was not available at the time the
initial search was conducted. It was re-identified as part of the ongoing property review
requested by the Service.
During the 1998 - 2002 Capital Budget process, the methodology for identifying suitable
properties was questioned by the newly amalgamated City's Budget Committee. The City's
CAO was directed to review the methodology, and find the Police Service a suitable
City-owned parcel of land. The Service also requested a meeting with the new Interim Lead,
City Real Estate Department to ensure that the requirements of the Service were fully
comprehended. In addition, Councillor Jakobek, Chair of the City's Budget Committee,
wrote to Mr. H. Moore, CAO - Policing, requesting that no action be taken to acquire land
for 51 Division until the review by the City CAO was completed.
Service representatives met with the City's CAO's staff on February 24, 1998 to explain the
methodology used to determine the suitability of property. They subsequently met with the
Real Estate Department on Tuesday, May 12, 1998. At this meeting, Real Estate advised the
Service that they had requested a complete property inventory from the City of Toronto. The
Service's understanding is that the City Real Estate Department will identify all City-owned
properties within 51 Division, and will inspect all properties that appear to meet the
requirements of the Service. Previously, the City Real Estate Department had only requested
information pertaining to surplus and vacant properties. The City Real Estate Department
also indicated at the meeting that they would attempt to have the review completed prior to
the next Project Steering Committee scheduled for May 28, 1998. Unfortunately this review
was not completed in time for the Steering Committee Meeting. City Real Estate also
advised the Service that many of the properties suggested since the budget process are
currently occupied by City Operating Departments.
Currently, the Service has had identified two properties within 51 Division that meet the
Service's requirements. The Steering Committee reviewed these properties at their meeting
of May 28, 1998. However, any recommendation to the Police Services Board concerning
the acquisition of a suitable property will be deferred until the City Real Estate Department
completes their review.
The primary purpose of the May 28, 1998 meeting was to review and approve the 51
Division design program. The design program was approved by the Steering Committee. In
order for the Service to proceed further a suitable site must be obtained.
Funding, if required, for the purchase of the land for 51 Division will be made available as
approved by City Council. At this time, the Project Steering Committee is unclear as to how
this process will work, or the time frame required to secure this funding.
Mr. Frank Chen, Director, Finance & Administration (local 8-7877), and Mr. Michael Ellis,
Manager, Facilities Management (local 8-7951), will be in attendance to answer any
questions from the Board."
Conclusions:
The Board received the foregoing.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Michael Ellis, Manager, Facilities Management, Toronto Police Service, 808-7951.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Gardner
Chairman
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