December 1, 1999

To: Budget Advisory Committee

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject: Items Referred from the Economic Development and Parks Committee Meeting of November 29, 1999 to the Budget Advisory Committee

All Wards

Purpose:

This report will provide responses to questions raised at the Economic Development and Parks Committee meeting in regard to the FY2000 to FY2004 Capital Works Programme.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

At this time there are no direct implications. However, if City Council adopts the items being forwarded to consideration to be added in to the programme, there will be implications on the overall costs of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the information contained in this report be received for consideration in the overall Capital Works Programme wrap-up of the Budget Advisory Committee; and

(2) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

During the review of the FY2000 to FY2004 Capital Works Programme by the Economic Development and Parks Committee, a number of questions were raised that required staff to investigate and report. This report satisfies this requirement.

Comments:

There were three areas raised and staff responses are as follows:

Area 1

The Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to report to the Budget Advisory Committee for its meeting of December 9, 1999 as to an appropriate minimum amount of funds to be allocated in the FY2000 Capital Budget for Forest Management of Ravines and Natural Areas.

Response:

The original estimate for forest management in ravines and natural areas was in the amount of $350 thousand. Staff have revisited this sub-project and advise that $270 thousand is required to perform a minimum level of forest management activity to maintain safe, natural environments and to prevent the loss of natural areas within the City.

Area 2.

The Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism report on the amount of funding required to be included in the FY2000 Capital Budget for studies to examine the possible expansion of the Bayview Arena site, and the future of the Edithvale Community Centre.

Response:

$50 thousand is estimated as being required for engineering/architectural and design specialists to assist in the two studies.

Area 3:

The Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism was requested to review Ward 6 playground and parks upgrades, replacements, improvements and expansion recommendations, in consultation with the community and the Ward Councillor. The outcome of said review was to be forwarded to the Budget Advisory Committee for its meeting of December 9, 1999.

Response:

The Department has discussed the projects in Ward 6 with the Councillor who raised the item and the Councillor is now satisfied with the Program submission at this time.

Conclusion:

This report provides the responses for the consideration of the Budget Advisory Committee in its final wrap-up meeting.

Contact:

Frank Kershaw

Director of Policy and Development

Telephone: 392-8199

Facsimile: 395-0278

E-Mail: fkershaw@mta1.metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca

Neil R. Zaph

Manager of Capital Projects

Telephone: 395-6065

Facsimile: 392-3355

E-Mail: nzaph@mta1.metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism