December 3, 1999

To: Budget Advisory Committee

From: Commissioner, Community and Neighbourhood Services

Subject: Follow-up Report on the 2000-2004 Capital Budget Request for Homes for the Aged

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to provide additional information related to the outdoor amenities required at Cummer Lodge.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that this report be received for information by the Budget Advisory Committee.

Background:

At the November 16, 1999 meeting of the Budget Advisory Committee, when the 2000-2004 Capital Budget Request for Homes for the Aged was initially discussed, staff advised that one of the recommended projects was the completion of the final phase of renovations at Cummer Lodge. Cummer Lodge has been involved in a multi-year, total redevelopment project since 1996. The Committee raised questions related to the outside appearance of Cummer Lodge and requested that "the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services report back on outdoor amenities required at Cummer Lodge, including the estimated cost of such amenities and timeframes for completion of same".

Comments:

We would like to clarify that there are a number of outdoor amenity upgrades being completed as a component of the already approved capital project. Therefore, staff are confident that the current project will satisfy Committee's concerns without incurring additional capital expense.

It should be noted that, with the additions to Cummer Lodge completed throughout the renovation project, the footprint of the building has increased substantially. Therefore, there is less green space than was previously available, and therefore less opportunity for landscaping. However, the landscape architect has carefully considered the best treatment for all the available outdoor space, in order to achieve attractive, safe outdoor areas for residents and their visitors, which also add to the neighbourhood ambiance.

The current project involves:

(1) the restoration and upgrading of a safe, secured therapeutic garden for residents' use, located at the south end of the site;

(2) a landscaped area, including the creation of a patio with benches, planters, etc. at the west side of the site, which will also be the new main entrance to the Home;

(3) the creation of a new large, safe turning circle and passenger drop-off area at the new entrance;

(4) the creation of a day centre courtyard and an auditorium courtyard, to allow safe, outdoor client/resident activities;

(5) tree retention and new planting in a number of areas around the site, including the west side of the site and the easement at the north end of the site (on Cummer Avenue); planting will include a variety of tress, shrubs, and perrenials; and

(6) the creation of sidewalks, asphalt paving, curbs, retaining walls, and guard rails at strategic locations around the site.

Under the terms of the contract, the contractor is required to protect the existing tress, sod, and all other features in the Newton Brook Park during construction, and to repair any damage to the satisfaction of the City of Toronto.

It is estimated that all of the requisite outside work will be completed by May 2000. All work will be able to be completed within the prior approved project budget.

Conclusions:

Staff are confident that the work being undertaken within the confines of the current approved capital project will provide very attractive, safe outdoor amenities. Detailed drawings can be made available to Committee members for their review and interest, upon request to staff.

Contact:

Sandra Pitters, General Manager, Homes for the Aged Division

Tel: 392-8907; Fax: 392-4180; E-mail: spitters@toronto.ca

Sandra Pitters

General Manager, Homes for the Aged

Shirley Hoy

Commissioner, Community and Neighbourhood Services