February 5, 1998
To: North York Community Council
From: Joe Halstead
Commissioner
Parks and Recreation
Subject: JOINT PROJECT WITH METROPOLITAN SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD AT
ST. BASIL THE GREAT COLLEGE SCHOOL (WARD 6)
Purpose:
North York Community Council at their meeting of January 21, 1998, requested an information report on the above project. The proposed community centre adjacent to St. Basil The Great College School was previously approved by North York Council. Background information leading to this approval and actions taken by staff to develop the project are outlined in this report.
Source of Funds:
In a confidential report (No. 32) to North York Council on October 6, 1997, funds in the amount of $950,000 were approved for the St. Basil=s project, financed as follows: $475,000 - Parkland Acquisition Reserve Fund and $475,000 - Land Acquisition Reserve Fund. In December 1997, the Financial Advisory Board denied permission to proceed with the project recommending that it be considered by the new Council of the new City of Toronto. As a result, the Parks and Recreation Department=s 1998 proposed Capital Budget has been amended to seek approval for $950,000 from Toronto Council in April of this year.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the project as previously approved by North York Council be endorsed and included in the 1998 Capital Budget;
(2) staff continue negotiations with the Toronto District Catholic School Board to complete the necessary Agreement(s) pending funding approval; and
(3) that appropriate staff be authorized to carry out all things necessary thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
There is a long history of discussion amongst the community, Parks and Recreation and MSSB concerning their new school facility presently under construction and the community=s desire for a joint project at this site, in order to co-operatively address community needs. While residents recognize that the community will derive recreational as well as educational benefits from the new school facilities, they have taken a very strong position that daytime recreational needs for seniors, adults, and preschool children cannot be adequately met without new community centre space. No public recreation facilities exist along the Weston Road corridor to address these needs. In addition, the community is in need of social and cultural space for special events which cannot be met in school-based facilities.
Comments/Justification:
Staff reviewed the site plan and detailed drawings for the new school. It was determined that a separate addition to the school, likely on the north-east side, was feasible and that no additional land or site amenities (e.g. parking) would be required. Staff have subsequently held discussions with senior staff of the MSSB to develop a proposed Land Lease Agreement to allow for the construction of a community centre by the City, on their lands. This centre would be in close proximity to the school=s sports fields and other recreational amenities such as the gymnasia and change rooms. Therefore, a smaller scale community centre, with access to the adjacent school facilities, would meet the needs of the community. The referenced Alease@ of the school lands to the City would be at nominal sum and form part of a shared use/reciprocal service agreement between both parties. The principles of a Memorandum of Understanding, a Land Lease Agreement, and an Operational Agreement have been negotiated. The main elements of those agreements provide for access to the community centre day and evening and access to the school=s recreation amenities outside of school hours. Through exchanges of maintenance services, no annual operational billing would be required for the proposed fifty year term.
Construction of the new school began last fall. By proceeding in 1998, the City would be in a position to construct the community centre concurrent with the school development.
Conclusions:
Recreational facilities are much needed in this community. The joint project makes sense - no land purchase is required, reciprocal service agreements will minimize annual budget pressure and the community=s access to quality recreation will be realized.
Contact Name:
Gary W. Stoner
Deputy Commissioner, Toronto Parks and Recreation, North York
Telephone: 395-6190
Fax: 395-0105
E-mail: gwstoner@city.north-york.on.ca
_________________________________
Joe Halstead
Commissioner
Toronto Parks and Recreation, North York
