STAFF REPORT

November 16, 1999

To: Policy and Finance Committee

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

Subject: 2008 Toronto Olympic Bid

All Wards

Purpose:

To update Council on the process to assess the Master Plan unveiled November 9th, 1999 by the 2008 Toronto Olympic Bid Corporation (TO-Bid).

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) Council receive this report for information; and

(2) participate in Ward meetings on the Olympic Master Plan.

Background:

On November 9, 1999, the 2008 TorontoOlympic Bid Coporation (TO-Bid) unveiled their Master Plan. All members of Council are in receipt of the materials distributed at the media conference. The Master Plan will be used as the basis for discussions with the City of Toronto as the Bid seeks Council approval. The Bid will also be seeking the agreement of the federal and provincial governments.

Comments:

The City's Olympic Steering Committee as well as athe City's Olympic Task Force continue to work with TO-Bid to rationalize the proposed plan and will be assessing the details of the Master Plan over the coming months. February 2000 has been targetted as the time to return to Council with a staff report on our findings of the Master Plan and will be making appropriate recommendations. Specifically, as per Council's direction back in February and March 1998, staff will be exploring the areas of costs, legacy and management of the City's exposure.

Conclusions:

If Council endorses the Master Plan at its February Council meeting, TO-Bid can begin to promote its concept to the International Sport Community and in essence, begin the international program.

Meanwhile, the Master Plan along with a motion of City Council in July 1998, sets out a framework for continuing community consultations over the next three months. Beginning late in November, 1999, the Bid will, thorugh its agent, the Community Social Planning Council launch an extensive consultation program consisting of a mass mailing, a telephone survey, a series of focus groups, and Town Hall meetings - one in each Ward of the City of Toronto. This part of the consultation, will be used to introduce the community to the social, environmental, accessibilty, and arts and cultural elements of the Master plan and assess the public's perception of the impacts of the Master Plan. A schedule of those Town Hall meetings is attached.

Contact:

Joe Halstead, Commissioner

Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Tel: (416)395-6188

Fax:(416)395-0388

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

List of Attachments:

Community Social Planning Council, Town Hall Meetings