Review of Urban Environment and Development

Committee's Accomplishments

The Urban Environment and Development Committee reports having received the report (May 5, 1999) from Councillor Pantalone and submits it to City Council for its information.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee submits the following report (May 5, 1999) from Councillor Pantalone:

As this is the final meeting of the first Urban Environment and Development Committee, I thought it would be appropriate to extent my congratulations to both the Committee members and the staff for the many accomplishments over the past year and a half.

I, as Chair, am very pleased to have done my share in this regard and would like to take the opportunity to enumerate some of the more complex issues that our committee dealt with and that have been adopted by Toronto Council:

- The Carbon Monoxide Detector By-Law. Recognizing the dangers of carbon monoxide and then passing legislation to be the first municipality to enact mandatory installation of Carbon Monoxide Dectors in all at - risk housing units.

-Ward Boundary Changes. For the 2000 elections, successfully proposing changes to Toronto's Ward Boundaries including reverting to the system of one Councillor per ward. This has just cleared a potential legal roadblock and is proceeding on schedule.

-Monitoring of Red-light Violations at Traffic Control Signals. Our committee advocated this much needed safety issue and pilot projects are going to be implemented.

-Prevention of Suicides on the Bloor Street Viaduct. Initiated the delicate and complicated process of installing a safety barrier on this bridge.

-City Powers, Policies and Procedures Regarding the Conversion to Condominium and Demolition on Rental Housing Before and After the Proclamation of the Tenant Protection Act. Much needed attempts to safeguard affordable housing in Toronto.

-A Rapid Transit Connection Between Pearson International Airport and Union Station. This is an ongoing issue which we kept on the public agenda.

-Vital Services in Rental Residential Properties in the City of Toronto. Essential legislation, especially in the vulnerable winter months.

-Idling Control By-law. A former City of Toronto environmental by-law which has been extended city-wide.

-School Facility Review City-Wide. Our committee co-ordinated the City's response, this making it easier to win the eventual partial victory.

-Bicycle Lanes in Spadina Avenue and Across the City of Toronto. This is now City policy to be implemented at a quicker pace.

-The Framework for the Official Plan for Toronto. Perhaps the City of Toronto's greatest initiative in terms of future impact. Its launch was very successful.

-Snow Management Plan. Self explanatory.

Once again, I extend my congratulations and thanks for all your hard work and dedication over the past term.