January 29, 1999.

To:Economic Development Committee

From:Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Yards Rationalization Update

Purpose:

To provide an update on the status of the yard rationalization study and a listing of Parks Yard locations that are surplus to the Department's operating requirements.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable at this time.

Recommendations:

That this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee at its December 15, 1998 meeting, in considering the recommendations from the Budget Committee, contained in the report (November 19, 1998) from the City Clerk, requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department report to the Economic Development Committee on the impact of the closure of the yard locations and that this Committee report thereon to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The Parks and Recreation Division, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department with the Works and Emergency Services Department in coordination with Facilities and Real Estate, Corporate Services, has commenced a process to rationalize its yards and facilities. Given the complexities involved in the full rationalization of all yards and facilities, a two phased approach is planned. The first phase of the process has been to identify those yards and facilities where the activities can be moved to other locations without incurring significant operating or capital costs.

The second phase involves a more comprehensive study intended to examine opportunities for relocations and better utilization of existing facilities. The study will identify options which will result in longer term efficiencies, through a variety of mechanisms including, co-location of complementary operations, shared use of equipment, human resources and administrative support, standardized technology and more effective positioning of fleet operations, shops and stores.

At its December 15, 1998 meeting, the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee deferred the request for the approval of funds to hire a consultant and requested that the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism report on the impact of closures of the yards and facilities that are surplus to the requirements of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department as part of Phase One.

There are currently thirty-one (31) Parks Yard Operations across the City of Toronto. These locations include full-time parks operations, offices, workshops, storage, garages, compounds and seasonal storage building or golf course operation facility.

In addition, seven (7) Yards are shared between the Works and Parks Operations. These Yards are used for fleet and equipment maintenance and storage, supply material inventory and sign shops.

Two (2) locations are shared between Parks/Works/Transportation.

District staff are currently evaluating the thirty-one (31) Parks Yards (the ones not located in parks) with respect to amenities, square footage of sites, users, features, technology and travel time to parks sites.

At present, the Edenbridge Yard located at Edenbridge and Scarlett Road is declared surplus to Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Parks and Recreation Division. The Edenbridge Yard located in the West District includes a building with two mechanic bays, lunchroom, locker-room and office space. Currently the building has used capacity of 3,280 sq. ft. and the Yard compound for storage of equipment and vehicles - 27,514 sq. ft.

There are a limited number of staff that work at the site. They include one full-time mechanic, 4 forestry and 4 Parks Maintenance staff. As the Forestry and Maintenance staff work in the field, there is only one staff (mechanic) in the building working full-time.

Staff that currently work at the Edenbridge Yard will be redeployed to either the Kipling or Rockcliffe Parks Yard that are fully functioning operations. The closing of this location will not have an operating impact on Parks Services in the West District. The minimal costs required to move will be absorbed within the Department's operating budget. Corporate Services can now determine the future status of this site and whether they can be declared surplus, made available for sale, lease or incorporate into the general parks inventory.

The Corporate Services Department will be forwarding a report to the February, 1999 meeting of the Corporate Services Committee with recommendations on the completion of the second phase of the yard rationalization study.

Contact Name:

Don Boyle, Director

Parks & Recreation

West District

394-5723

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism