September 22, 1998

To:Works and Utilities Committee

From:Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

Subject:Establishing a Heritage Reserve Fund for the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant (Ward 13)

Purpose:

To request authority to solicit donations from film companies who film at the R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant to be used exclusively for heritage restoration at the plant, and to establish a reserve fund for this purpose.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Donations received will be set aside in a heritage reserve fund which will, in turn, finance heritage-related expenditures. Accordingly, there is no impact on the water rate and revenues.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)a R.C. Harris Heritage Reserve Fund be established through donations from film companies; and

(2)the City Solicitor and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer be authorised to introduce the necessary by-law to give effect thereto.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The R.C. Harris was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Site by the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering in 1992. In November 1995, a group of citizen volunteers came together to form the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant Public Advisory Committee. The committee was formed for the purpose of consultation with city staff and advising on plant issues such as security upgrades, future plant improvements, water treatment residue management, passive use of the grounds and heritage conservation.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

During its ongoing work, the Public Advisory Committee has noted the frequent and regular use of the plant buildings and grounds as settings for films. The plant charges film companies for expense recovery (i.e. supervisory time and specific restoration and repairs for damages), but as part of a general policy to encourage the film industry in the city, does not charge a user fee and does not charge for general wear and tear on the site. The annual Capital and Operating budgets have funds for repair and/or replacement of items which allow the facility to maintain its heritage nature. However, over the past 60 years, many fixtures and features were replaced without adequate attention to the plant's unique architecture. It is these features that could be restored with the donations from film companies. Because of the unique nature of these items, their restoration often requires special care and attention and usually extra cost.

There are on average about 25 film shoots per year at the facility resulting in approximately 50 to 60 days of filming. It is proposed that cash donations in the range of $1,000.00 per filming day would be reasonable. This proposal was discussed with several members of the film community, including members of the Film Liaison Industry Committee, who have indicated that maintenance and restoration of the facility would be in everyone's best interest in order to preserve its special appearance. Members also advised that they support this proposal as long as the contribution is voluntary. Research indicates that it costs the film industry $2,000.00 per day to film at any Ontario Hydro site and as much as $8,000.00 per day at Old City Hall. While all film companies that request use of the site will be asked to contribute, any company that chooses not to donate will still be granted permission to film at the facility pending the usual approval process. This report has also been discussed with the City of Toronto Film and Television Office and with the Economic Development Division and both were in agreement with its contents.

The R.C. Harris Filtration Plant Public Advisory Committee has recommended and endorsed requesting donations from film companies to be used exclusively for heritage restoration purposes. The funds collected and their use would be monitored by appropriate Works staff and designated members of the existing public committee. The projected $50-60,000.00 per year in cash donations would allow proper heritage maintenance and restoration.

Conclusions:

A reserve fund should be established through donations from film companies who film at the R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant to be used exclusively for heritage restoration at the plant.

Contact Name:

Nicole Dufort

Manager, Environmental Promotion & Consultation

Works and Emergency Services

Phone: (416) 392-2963, Fax: (416) 392-2974

E-Mail: nicole_dufort@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca

Michael A. PriceBarry H. Gutteridge

General ManagerCommissioner

Water and Wastewater ServicesWorks and Emergency Services