April 7, 1999

To:Economic Development Committee

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

Subject:The Lion Park of the Toronto Lion Dance Festival - All Wards

Purpose:

To present a business development plan with respect to the Lion Park 1999 and to respond to the development of a policy for grants to community operated special events.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. this report be received for information.

Council Reference:

At the Economic Development Committee meeting of January 15, 1999, Mr. Kevin Lee, Executive Director of Scadding Court Community Centre made a deputation requesting endorsement and support for a grant of $10,000 from the Municipal Grant Review Committee for the development of the Lion Park. The Committee requested that Mr. Kevin Lee present a business plan for further consideration.

In addition, staff were requested to develop a policy on providing grants for festivals, as it was the view of the Committee that it could be faced with a number of similar requests in the future.

Comments:

The business plan for the development of the Lion Park 1999 is attached for information. There are many community organizations that operate annual special events and may require some financial support from the City. Department staff are currently developing a policy which will be presented to Committee for consideration at the June 1999 meeting. This policy will be done in consultation with staff who are working on the future direction for the distribution of grants by the Municipal Grant Review Committee.

Conclusions:

The Business Plan, attached as Appendix A, be received for information. A harmonizing policy for grants, across the City, to various community special events will be presented at a future Economic Development Committee meeting.

Contact Name:

Ken Jeffers

Operations Support Co-ordinator

392-7019

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism