School Board Lands

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the report (March 26, 1999) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

The Committee reports, for the information of Council, having forwarded a copy of report (March 26, 1999) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services and the communication from Councillor Moscoe, to the School Tax Sub-Committee for information.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee submits the following report (March 26, 1999) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services:

Purpose:

To provide members of Council with background information regarding the recent announcement by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) with respect to its intention to lease space within Board-owned buildings presently being used for administrative purposes.

Source of Funds:

None required.

Recommendations:

1. That discussions between the TDSB and City officials regarding the lease of the Board's surplus administrative space be coordinated with the on-going discussions regarding potential surplus educational facilities.

2. That any future discussions with TDSB officials reflect the need to preserve community use of surplus school facilities and any associated open spaces.

3. That this report be forwarded to the TDSB for their consideration.

Background:

The TDSB has recently approved a report which details a capital management strategy for its administrative buildings, which is not available to the public. However, details of the report have been reported in the press. TDSB staff have confirmed that the strategy entails leasing 625,000 square feet of Board-owned administrative space, in response to a reduction of $75 million in Provincial funding annually for the operation and maintenance of these buildings.

Staff from my Department have been working with both the TDSB and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) regarding the disposal of surplus schools. It is important to note that the operation and maintenance of schools is funded separately from administrative space, and any unfunded administrative space is in addition to school facilities which might be designated surplus to requirements.

Comments:

1. Existing Administrative Buildings

Prior to amalgamation, each of the seven former boards of education had headquarters used primarily for administrative purposes, and in some instances used vacant space within local schools as well. Presently, the newly created Board has a total of 1.6 million square feet of administrative space. Reduction of staffing levels, in addition to the need to respond to reduced funding levels for the operation and maintenance of facilities, has prompted a need to rationalize the use of administrative space.

The TDSB administrative capital management strategy identifies the former Toronto Board of Education's facility at 155 College Street as the main headquarters of the new School Board, for its sole use. Portions of the former headquarters located in Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke will be retained for TDSB use, with the remainder to be leased in accordance with Provincial regulations pertaining to the leasing and disposal of property. The proposed use of these properties, as outlined in a recent TDSB newsletter entitled "Transitions Up-date" outlining the plan to consolidate administrative buildings, are described in the chart below.

2.Zoning and Official Plan Designations for Identified Sites

Generally, in the various Official Plans, the sites are designated for institutional or residential uses (Appendix A). The Scarborough location is part of the Civic Centre and is designated City Centre Uses.

The zoning generally permits residential uses which are in character with the surrounding area. Many of the zoning by-laws permit institutional uses, schools and other government uses in residential zones. The Etobicoke location does provide for a wide variety of commercial, office and public uses, but this location is not in a community, it is part of the Civic Centre area.

It is important that the school boards consult with the City to understand the opportunities and the limitations that exist for leasing any of their lands.

3.Community Use Within Identified Sites

All of the administrative buildings are available for community use, ranging from sports activities to public meetings. Three of these facilities were constructed as elementary schools, and two continue to house educational programs which have varying degrees of municipal recreation and public health programming. There are no licensed daycare programs located in any of the administrative sites. TDSB staff have indicated that existing programs will either remain in place in instances where the sites will be retained for educational purposes, or will be re-located to a neighbouring school. Information about the range and extent of the City's use of these facilities is contained in Appendix B.

The use of schools for non-municipal programs, typically on a permit basis, will not be available from the TDSB on a City-wide basis until 2000.

4.Future Uses

The TDSB's ability to lease its properties is governed by Ministry of Education and Training regulations, which are explicit with respect to the public bodies which must receive first right of refusal. In accordance with these regulations, the City's Realty Division of Corporate Services has been contacted by the Board to determine if the City has an interest in leasing any of the available space at fair market value. Property cannot be offered to the other designated parties until all of the other public bodies have been offered the opportunity to lease it.

Conclusions:

Schools are a critical component of the social infrastructure within local communities. Recent reductions in funding will present a significant challenge to residents' continued access to these publicly-funded facilities. City officials can assist in meeting this challenge by ensuring that discussions with the TDSB reflect this important corporate objective.

Contact Name:

Paula Prieditis, Planner

392-0400

Appendix A

Zoning and Official Plan Designations of Surplus Sites

Appendix B

City Use of TDSB Administrative Building Identified as Surplus

The Urban Environment and Development Committee also submits the following resolution (undated) from Councillor Howard Moscoe:

Whereas the Toronto District Board of Education has voted to lease 625,000 square feet of administrative space; and,

Whereas this does not include the former main buildings of three Scarborough, Etobicoke, Toronto and North York (375,000 sq...ft) but primarily satellite locations located in former schools; and,

Whereas, as expected, The Board will be seeking the highest and best use of this space; and,

Whereas at the same meeting Trustees refused to consider a motion that would have the Board working co-operatively with the City in this endeavour; and,

Whereas school buildings and school lands are part of inventory of public assets that belong to the community and function in many instances as park space and community centres;

Therefore be it resolved that planning staff undertake a review of all school lands to ensure that the use of these lands and buildings continue to be regarded as community assets and that the zoning on these lands and buildings are consistent with that purpose; and,

Furthermore be it resolved that a preliminary report on this matter be brought forward at the next Urban Environment and Development Committee so that planning staff can received further direction; and

Furthermore be it resolved that the Toronto District Board of Education be put on notice that any use of School lands and buildings will be required to conform to the zoning; and,

Furthermore be it resolved that the Board be advised that planning staff will be undertaking a review of the zoning of all school lands with a view to ensuring that sufficient protections for the surrounding communities are in place and that public input through the zoning process is ensured wherever possible.