November 25, 1998

To:Economic Development Committee

From:City Clerk

Subject:Harmonization of User Fees

Recommendation:

The User Fee Committee, Chaired by Councillor George Mammoliti, at its meeting on November 24, 1998, recommended to the Economic Development Committee, and Council, the adoption of the following recommendations pertaining to Harmonization of User Fees for the City of Toronto, having completed a comprehensive consultation process in that regard:

(1)(a)Policy Principles

-Recreation programs are important municipal services which contribute significant personal, social, economic and environmental benefits which enhance the well-being of Toronto citizens, their neighbourhoods and the local economy

-The City of Toronto shall ensure all residents year-round accessibility to high quality community recreation and leisure programs regardless of their ability to pay

-The City of Toronto shall ensure equity and fairness to taxpayers and contribute to the long term vitality of public recreation services provided by the City and the voluntary and not-for-profit sectors

-The City of Toronto shall encourage maximum opportunity for the enjoyable, healthful, satisfying and creative use of leisure time

(b)Policy Elements

-Client and taxpayers at the forefront of pricing decisions

-Consistency City-wide

-Quality service standards not influenced by user fees

-Accessibility strategies

-Price based on benefits to user, benefits to community and operating costs

-Accountability

(c)Implementation Guidelines

-Establish list of services which do not charge a user fee and are available universally

-Where a user fee is to be charged, fees to be based on different levels of cost recovery (10% to over 100%)

-Harmonize January 1999, followed by stable price strategy to ensure future adjustments are gradual

-Establish effective measures to provide access to low income individuals and high need communities

-Monitor and adjust fees on an annual basis prior to the submission of the annual budget

-Utilize a variety of effective user fee methods, including current technologies to enhance customer service (e.g. access "smart" card and improved registration system);

(2)"WHEREAS recreational services in the City of Toronto are a key component in providing a healthy City and contributing to the quality of life in communities across Toronto;

AND WHEREAS Toronto should be committed to equal access to these services, regardless of income, age or geographic location;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the User Fee Committee, after having now completed the public consultation process, recommend the harmonization of all user fees for recreational services by the City of Toronto effective January 1, 1999;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the User Fee Committee recommends the elimination of all user fees for drop in programs, subscriber programs and basic instructional programs.";

(3)That the surcharge for programs and activities for participants outside the City of Toronto area be retained;

(4)That 'high needs' communities be exempt from paying user fees for specialized programs;

(5)That Recommendation No. (2) of the Scarborough Community Council be adopted, viz:

" an access policy be considered that would ensure that low income families and individuals are not penalized.";

(6)That the Budget Committee be requested to consider Parks and Recreation revenues being placed in general revenues and the Parks and Recreation budget being considered outside the framework of revenues generated;

(7)That Toronto Community Council's position (November 12, 1998) that there be no User Fees in the City of Toronto be reiterated; and

(8)That the mandate of the User Fee Committee be expanded to address the issue of recreational permits and a similar comprehensive consultation process as that undertaken for user fees for recreation programs.

The Committee further reports having requested that:

(a)Prior to deputations being heard at Economic Development Committee and Council respecting user fees for recreation programs, the video 'Living Well - The Benefits of Recreation' be shown;

(b)Ms. Monica Matel and Ms. Esther Afriat, Masaryk Cowan Community Centre, appear before the Economic Development Committee and Council respecting user fees and the video 'User Fee .....What' produced by the Parkdale Youth Video Group, be shown;

(c)The Chair of the User Fee Committee meet with the Mayor, Budget Chief, and Economic Development Department staff to advise same of the User Fee Committee's position pertaining to the harmonization of fees throughout the City, prior to the Economic Development Committee meeting of December 11, 1998.

(b)That the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism report directly to the Economic Development Committee for its meeting of December 11, 1998, on the following matters:

(i)Consolidated report incorporating:

-Community Council recommendations as presented to the User Fee Committee at its meeting of November 24, 1998

-possible partnerships with regard to passport cards, i.e. Library Board (priority) T.T.C. , related costs and security aspects pertaining to the usage of such a card

-list of 'high need' communities throughout the City

-financial implications to the City implementing Option 5

-use of street ad devices at recreation centres as a potential revenue source for the City

-total revenue that could be generated from advertising within City facilities

-public skating programs;

(ii)Net projected revenues after having deducted the costs of collecting fees and the cost of establishing a revenue generating infrastructure in the former City of Toronto;

(iii)In consultation with Communications and Public Affairs staff, submit a campaign design to encourage voluntary contributions for recreation programs and the issuance of tax receipts for said contributions; seeking information from other jurisdictions in that regard; and

(iv)Level of services provided to the Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority communities in the City, submitting recommendations on appropriate program funding required given the Province's withdrawal of funds.

(b)Upon the adoption of Recommendation (8), that staff submit a 'Terms of Reference' for recreational permits for Committee's consideration at its meeting in January, 1999.

The Chair, on behalf of Committee members, wished to thank the residents of the City of Toronto and staff for their participation in this process providing valuable input and information in that regard, including:

-public involvement early in policy development process with discussion of issues and options

-distribution of 72,000 copies of "Recreation User Fees - Changes and Choices"

-consultations involving stakeholders, allied partners, public meetings, staff and general public

-commissioned public opinion telephone survey

-Community Council meetings and public deputations

The following persons appeared before the User Fee Committee at its November 24, 1998 meeting in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Councillor King, Seneca Heights (Ward 12)

-Ms. Patricia O'Connell, Toronto resident

-Mr. Julius Deutsch, Labour Council of Toronto and York Region

-Mr. Herb Pirk, Toronto resident

-Mr. Mike Zimmerman, Toronto resident

-Mr. Bill Ellecker, Toronto resident

-Ms. Anne Dubas, President, CUPE Local 79

-Mr. Cy Howes, Chair, Long Range Planning Committee, St. James United Church, Etobicoke

-Ms. Miriam Bensimon, Adventure Place, Early Years Action Group

-Ms. Heather John, City of Toronto Youth Cabinet

-Mr. Kevin King, City of Toronto Youth Cabinet

-Mr. Steven Wilson, City of Toronto Youth Cabinet

-Ms. Njeri Campbell, City of Toronto Youth Cabinet

-Ms. Caroline Cheung, City of Toronto Youth Cabinet

-Ms. Gloria Parkin, Toronto resident

-Mr. Howard Bernie, Toronto Baseball Association

-Ms. Monica Matel, Masaryk Cowan Community Centre (video presentation)

-Ms. Esther Afriat, Masaryk Cowan Community Centre

Background:

The User Fee Committee had before it the following reports and communications at its meeting of November 24, 1998, pertaining to the harmonization of user fees for recreation programs across the City:

-(November 18, 1998) from City Clerk forwarding East York Community Council's position respecting the harmonization of user fees for recreation programs for the Committee's consideration

-(November 17, 1998) from City Clerk forwarding Etobicoke Community Council's recommendation respecting the harmonization of user fees for recreation programs for the Committee's consideration

-(November 16, 1998) from City Clerk forwarding Scarborough Community Council's recommendation respecting the harmonization of user fees for recreation programs for the Committee's consideration

-(November 16, 1998) from City Clerk forwarding Toronto Community Council's recommendation respecting the harmonization of user fees for recreation programs for the Committee's consideration

-(November 18, 1998) from City Clerk forwarding York Community Council's recommendation respecting the harmonization of user fees for recreation programs for the Committee's consideration

-(November 23, 1998) from Ms. Anne Dubas, President, Local 79, Canadian Union of Public Employees

-(November 18, 1998) from Councillor Joan King, Seneca Heights, Ward 12, submitting input from Seneca Heights residents regarding user fees for recreation programs

-(November 18, 1998) from Marbeth Greer, Committee Administrator, Committee on the Status of Woman

- (November 3, 1998) from Councillor R. Moeser, Scarborough Highland Creek (Ward 16), forwarding communication from Ms. Jane Sims

City Clerk

Betty Henderson

Attachment

(Report dated November 18, 1998, addressed to the

User Fee Committee from the City Clerk)

Recommendation:

The East York Community Council reports having advised the User Fee Committee to consider the following position put forth by the Community Council:

(1)requested the User Fee Committee to submit a consolidated report to City Council which shall incorporate recommendations from all Community Councils, including the following:

(a)adoption of Option No. 4 of the User Fee Committee as contained in the Recreation User Fees Discussion Paper with the proviso that each child in the City of Toronto be entitled to receive 2 weeks of summer day camp free of charge and that additional weeks of the summer day camp program be available for the balance of the summer on a user fee basis;

(b)that a means be found to assist those who are in need of financial assistance to pay for user fees;

(c)adoption of the recommendations embodied in the following communication (October29, 1998) from the User Fee Committee, subject to:

(i)amending the fifth bullet in Recommendation No. (1)(b) by adding the words "and taxpayer ability to subsidize" after the word "costs" so that it shall now read as follows:

"(1)(b)-Price based on benefits to user, benefits to community and operating costs and taxpayer ability to subsidize";

(ii)striking out Recommendation No. 4;

(iii)striking out Recommendation No. 5; and

(2)received the following communications (November 12, 1998) from Ms.AnneDubas, President, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 79, Toronto; (undated) from Mr.Gerard Van Deelen, Toronto and York Region Labour Council, Don Mills; (November9,1998) from Mr. Howard Birnie, Treasurer, Life Member, TorontoBaseball Association, Toronto; and (undated) from Ms. Margaret Watson, Co-Chair, Metro Chapter, Canadian Pensioners Concerned Inc., Ontario Division, Toronto:

Background

The East York Community Council, at its meeting on November 12, 1998, had before it the following communication (October 29, 1998) from the City Clerk regarding recommendations that were adopted by the User Fee Committee with respect to Parks and Recreation User Fees and requesting that their comments be made available for the consideration of the User Fee Committee.

The East York Community Council also had before it communications from the following with respect to Parks and Recreation User Fees:

-(November 12, 1998) from Ms. Anne Dubas, President, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local79, Toronto, opposing the implementation of user fees;

-(Undated) from Mr. Gerard Van Deelen, Toronto and York Region Labour Council, DonMills, opposing the implementation of user fees;

-(November 9, 1998) from Mr. Howard Birnie, Treasurer, Life Member, Toronto Baseball Association Toronto, requesting an opportunity to provide input regarding Harmonizing Recreation User Fees; and

-(Undated) from Ms. Margaret Watson, Co-Chair, Metro Chapter, Canadian Pensioners Concerned Inc., Ontario Division, Toronto, opposing the implementation of user fees.

The following persons appeared before the East York Community Council in connection with the foregoing:

-Mr. Glenn Steeves, City Unit Officer, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local79, Toronto;

-Ms. Donna Devlin, East York;

-Mr. Gerard Van Deelen, Toronto and York Region Labour Council, Don Mills;

-Reverend Barbara Bishop, Woodbine Heights Baptist Church, East York;

-Mr. Brian Barron, President, Ward 2 Property Owners Association of East York, EastYork; and

-Ms. Donna-Lynn McCallum, East York.

City Clerk

J. McCusker

(Report dated November 17, 1998, addressed to the

User Fee Committee from the City Clerk)

The Etobicoke Community Council at its meeting on November 12, 1998:

(1)endorsed Option 2: No user fees for children and youth Drop-In Programs and Subscriber Programs for children 6-12 and Youth. Charge user fees for all other recreation programs for all ages; and

(2)received the following report (October 29, 1998) from the City Clerk.

Background:

The Etobicoke Community Council had before it a report (October 29, 1998) from the City Clerk, submitting the recommendations of the User Fee Committee from its meeting of October 27, 1998, with respect to the development of recommendations regarding the harmonization of recreation user fees. The Etobicoke Community Council also received a presentation by the Director of Parks and Recreation, Central District, with respect to the recommendations of the User Fee Committee.

The Community Council also had before it the following communications with respect to the foregoing:

-(November 4, 1998) from Ms. S. Giovanella, President, Etobicoke Federation of Ratepayers' & Residents' Association, in favour of modest fees for recreations programs, no resulting increase in taxes, and harmonization across the City;

-(undated) from Ms. M. Watson, Co-Chair, Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Inc., Metro Chapter, regarding the impact of user fees on the number of seniors living on fixed incomes, many at or below the poverty line, and their ability to participate in community programs;

-(November 12, 1998) from Members of the Highfield Community Voices Committee, expressing concern about the high cost of participation in Parks and Recreation Programs, and the negative impact on low-income families;

_____

The following persons appeared before the Etobicoke Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Mr. C. Howes, St. James United Church;

-Mr. T. Reardon, Etobicoke Federation of Residents' and Ratepayers' Association;

-Ms. K. Savage, Equally Healthy Kids;

-Mr. B. Worrell, L.A.M.P, Etobicoke;

-Ms. A. McKelvey, Equally Health Kids;

-Ms. A. Dubas, President, CUPE Local 79;

-Mr. L. Cadore, Rexdale Youth Action Committee;

-Ms. L. Hunter, Albion Community Information Centre;

-Mr. K. King, Rexdale Youth Council;

-Mr. A. Ranachan, Toronto-York Region Labour Council;

-Mr. R. Summers, Etobicoke;

-Ms. L. Hammond, Etobicoke Takes a Stand;

-Ms. R. Weir, Etobicoke Takes a Stand;

-Mrs. M. Ciupa, Etobicoke;

-Mr. P. Schafft, Metropolitan Toronto Housing Company; and

-Mr. D. Hum, Children's Aid Society.

City Clerk

Molly Sutherland

(Report dated November 16, 1998, addressed to the

User Fee Committee from the City Clerk)

Recommendation:

The Scarborough Community Council, at its meeting held on November 12, 1998, directed that the User Fee Committee be advised that the Scarborough Community Council:

(1)supports the following recommendations of the User Fee Committee:

(a)that the User Fee Committee, after having completed the public consultation process, recommend the harmonization of all user fees for recreational services by the City of Toronto, effective January 1, 1999;

(b)that the surcharge for programs and activities for participants outside the City of Toronto area be retained;

(c)that the Chair of the User Fee Committee meet with the Budget Chief and staff to find potential funds to offset the costs of implementing Option 5 and report back to Committee at its next scheduled meeting in that regard; and

(2)recommends than an access policy be considered that would ensure that low income families and individuals are not penalized.

Background:

The Scarborough Community Council reports having:

(1)received a presentation by Parks and Recreation Division of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department respecting the Harmonization of Recreational User Fees;

(2)considered the recommendations of the User Fee Committee as forwarded from its meeting held on October 27, 1998; and

(3)conducted a Public Meeting thereon.

The following persons appeared before the Community Council in connection with this matter:

-Ms. Mary-Joyce Stone, Toronto;

-Ms. Carol Smith, Coalition for Children and Youth, Scarborough;

-Ms. Valarie Hartling, Children's Aid Society of Toronto;

-Mr. Denis Casey, 1st Vice-President, C.U.P.E. Local 79;

-Mr. Jim Buller, representative of Toronto and York Region Labour Council;

-Ms. Jacquie Buncel, Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre;

-Mr. David Rew, Executive Director, East Scarborough Boys' and Girls' Club;

-Mr. Richard De Gaetano, Scarborough Area Planner for the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto;

-Mr. Frank Shimada, representing seven Scarborough Seniors' Clubs;

-Ms. Margaret Killey, Scarborough Needle Art Guild;

-Mr. John Stapley, Toronto;

-Mr. John McClyment, Toronto; and

-Mr. Peter Vanslack, President, Agincourt Baseball League.

In addition, the attached written submissions were received from:

-Ms. Mary-Joyce Stone;

-Ms. Margaret Watson, Co-Chair, Metro Chapter, Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Inc., Ontario Division;

-Ms. Jacquie Buncel; and

-Mr. Frank Shimada.

Interim Contact,

Scarborough Community Council.

Margaret O'Neil

(Report dated November 16, 1998, addressed to the

User Fee Committee from the City Clerk)

Recommendations:

The Toronto Community Council:

(1)endorses the recommendations of the User Fee Committee, contained in the communication (October 29, 1998 from the City Clerk, User Fee Committee; and

(2)strongly states to the User Fee Committee that the Toronto Community Council does not support user fees in the City of Toronto.

The above recommendations were carried unanimously on the following division of votes:

Yeas:Councillors Rae, Adams, Bossons, Bussin, Chow, Disero, Korwin-Kuczynski, Miller and Walker

Background:

The Toronto Community Council, on November 12, 1998 had before it a presentation from Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Parks and Recreation Staff respecting Harmonizing Recreation User Fees.

During consideration of the foregoing matter, the Toronto Community Council also had before it the following communications:

-(October 29, 1998) from City Clerk, User Fee Committee, forwarding the Committee's action of October 17, 1998;

-(November 12, 1998) from Ms. Anne Dubas, CUPE Local 79;

-(undated) from Mr. Mike Zimmerman;

-(November 12, 1998) from Ms. Elizabeth Quance, Niagara Neighbourhood Association; and

-Videotape submitted by Mr. Niels Cho, Parkdale Youth Video Productions.

The following persons appeared before the Toronto Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Ms. Linda Pitney, Toronto, Ontario;

-Ms. Ann Dembinski, CUPE Local 79;

-Ms. Margaret Watson, Canadian Pensioners Concerned (Metro Chapter);

-Ms. Lillian Mitchell, Metro Labour Council;

-Mr. Marsh Birchard, Bob Abate Advisory Council;

-Mr. Mike Zimmerman, Bob Abate CRC - Adv. Council;

-Mr. John Primeau, President, Toronto High Park Baseball;

-Ms. Elizabeth Quance, Niagara Neighbourhood Association;

-Ms. Gloria Holmes Parkin, Toronto, Ontario;

-Ms. Madonna Mercer, Member-Board of Directors, Sherwood Park Residents' Association;

-Ms. Polly Priebe O'Keefe, Parkdale Advisory Council; and

-Mr. Niels Cho, CPRK Technical Training.

The Community Council's actions are noted above.

City Clerk,

Toronto Community Council

Frances M. Pritchard/mh

(Report dated November 18, 1998, addressed to the

User Fee Committee from the City Clerk)

Recommendation:

The York Community Council on November 12, 1998, recommended that the User Fee Committee give consideration to the following resolution :

WHEREAS recreational services in the City of Toronto are a key component in providing a healthy City and contributing to the quality of life in communities across Toronto; and

WHEREAS the City of Toronto should be committed to providing its residents equal access to these services, regardless of income, age or geographic location; and

WHEREAS the York Community Council having heard from several deputants at its public meeting, noted that all the comments expressed were not in support of user fees;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the User Fee Committee, after having now completed the public consultation process, recommend the harmonization of all user fees for recreational services in the City of Toronto, effecting January 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the York Community Council recommends Option 5, the elimination of all user fees for drop-in programs, subscriber programs and basic instructional programs.

Background:

The Community Council had before it during consideration of the foregoing matter, the following communications:

(I)(October 27, 1998) presentation material from Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, to the User Fee Committee regarding Harmonizing Recreation User Fees; and

(ii)(October 29, 1998) from the User Fee Committee to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, advising the Committee received the overview presentation by Mr. John Macintyre, Director, Parks and Recreation Central Services; and adopted recommendations to be included in the presentation by staff at the Community Councils on November 12, 1998.

The following persons appeared before the Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter.

-Mr. Loren Grebanier, Coordinator, For Youth Project;

-Mr. John MacLennan, Toronto and York Region Labour Council;

-Ms. Diana Andrews, Unit Officer, CUPE Local 79; and also submitted a letter from Ms.Anne Dubas, President, CUPE Local 79;

-Ms. Dorothy MacKinnon, West Enders Chapter of Canadian Pensioners Concerned;

-Ms. Stacy Miller, Black Students Association;

-Tricia Edwards, Black Students Association;

-Mr. Henry Cerda, York Hispanic Centre;

-Ms. Mandisa Keya, Weston student;

-Mr. Keddone Dias, Syme-Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre; and

-Representative on behalf of the residents in Metro Housing.

for Novina Wong

City Clerk

Glenda Jagai