Process for City of Toronto Endorsement of

Community Events or Initiatives

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations of the Millennium Task Force contained in the following report (March 5, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendation:

The Millennium Task Force on February 26, 1999, recommended to the Economic Development Committee, and Council:

(1)the adoption of the report (February 19, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, subject to adding the heading "Charity/Partner" on the Community Registration form.

The Millennium Task Force reports, for the information of the Economic Development Committee and Council, having requested:

(1)the City Solicitor to prepare the terms and conditions which refer to the legal conditions for use of the logo; and

(2)the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report on:

(i)ways of promoting volunteerism, including City staff;

(ii)how to utilize the use of volunteers throughout the year and beyond the year 2000, i.e., permanently built into the management of City events.

Background:

The Millennium Task Force had before it a report (February 19, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, submitting a City of Toronto endorsement process and criteria for Millennium community events or initiatives, including those posted on the Millennium web site.

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(Report dated February 19,1999, addressed to the Millennium Task Force

from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism)

Purpose:

To seek approval on the City of Toronto endorsement process and criteria for Millennium community events or initiatives, including those posted on the Millennium web site.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)written requests for endorsement be reviewed by the Millennium Task Force and approved according to the criteria set out in Recommendation No. (2) and staff will follow up as required to ensure accuracy of information;

(2)the proposed event or initiative shall:

(i)be located in Toronto;

(ii)be relevant to the Millennium;

(iii)be of benefit to the general public;

(iv)demonstrate a tangible community contribution; and

(v)be accessible to the public;

(3)the group shall:

(i)have a mandate which meets generally accepted community standards;

(ii)have a sound administrative structure;

(iii)support the access and equity policies of the City of Toronto; and

(iv)provide sufficient confirmed information about the initiative or event; and

(4)upon approval by the Task Force, the group will be notified in writing of the endorsement, and provided with terms and conditions, to be developed by the City Solicitor, which will protect the City's interests and permit the City's withdrawal of its endorsement at any point.

Discussion:

Many community groups will seek the City's endorsement of their Millennium activities and events leading up to, and including, the year 2000. Benefits of endorsement to the groups would include:

-non-commercial usage of the Millennium logo;

-inclusion on the City's web site and calendar of events; and

-attendance at the event of the mascot (resources and schedule permitting).

A process for accommodating the requests for City endorsement in a timely, responsible and equitable fashion is required.

Upon approval by the Millennium Task Force, the group will be notified in writing of the endorsement and provided with terms and conditions, to be developed by the City Solicitor, which will protect the City's interests and permit the City's withdrawal of its endorsement at any point. The group will subsequently be provided with logos and have its information immediately posted on the web site. Organizations funded through the Millennium Grants Program would be endorsed upon acceptance of the terms and conditions and included on the web site.

Conclusion:

The City's endorsement of millennium initiatives or events will provide significant value to community and other groups celebrating the Year 2000. The above-described endorsement process by the Millennium Task Force will ensure that requests are administered responsibly, equitably and cost-effectively. Upon approval of this report, a media release will be issued to inform groups of the endorsement opportunity. Registration information will be distributed to interested groups and be available on-line.

Contact:

Irene Bauer, Acting Project Manager, Tel: 392-4218, Fax: 392-3355