Millennium Publications

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation of the Millennium Task Force embodied in the following report (June 3, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendation:

The Millennium Task Force on June 2, 1999, recommended to the Economic Development and Parks Committee, and Council, the adoption of the report (May 26, 1999) from the Commissioner of Development, Culture and Tourism, wherein it is recommended that:

(1) the Millennium retail publications endorsed by the City receive a letter of support incorporating the Millennium logo in the letterhead which could appear within the body of the publication; and

(2) the endorsement of Millennium retail publications would not extend to the use of the Millennium logo on the cover or outside packaging, excepting publications:

(i) recommended to receive a Millennium Grant; and

(ii) developed or initiated by City departments, agencies, boards or commissions.

The Millennium Task Force reports, for the information of the Economic Development and Parks Committee, and Council, having requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to provide Task Force Members with a draft copy of all publications requesting endorsement of same and that such endorsements must have the signature of the Mayor and the Chairman of the Millennium Task Force.

Background:

The Millennium Task Force had before it a report (May 26, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, requesting the Millennium Task Force to review and approve the recommendations for dealing with endorsement requests related to millennium retail publications received by the City of Toronto.

(Report dated May 26, 1999, addressed to the

Millennium Task Force from the Commissioner of

Economic Development, Culture and Tourism)

Purpose:

To request that the Millennium Task Force review and approve the following recommendations for dealing with endorsement requests related to millennium retail publications received by the City of Toronto.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the Millennium retail publications endorsed by the City receive a letter of support incorporating the Millennium logo in the letterhead which could appear within the body of the publication; and

(2)the endorsement of Millennium retail publications would not extend to the use of the Millennium logo on the cover or outside packaging, excepting publications:

(i) recommended to receive a Millennium Grant;

(ii) developed or initiated by City departments, agencies, boards or commissions.

Discussion:

The Millennium Task Force received presentations regarding three Millennium retail publication projects at the April meeting. A request was made for staff to report back on a recommended plan of action for endorsing retail publications. Issues discussed included:

Developing the Selection Criteria or Guidelines for Endorsement:

Staff generally agreed that it would be difficult to develop a clear set of guidelines to endorse or select a quality Millennium retail publication that reflected the City's values.

Possible Conflict with the Millennium Souvenir Licensing Program Request for Proposal:

A Request for Proposal has been issued for a Millennium Souvenir Licensing program that requires the successful proponent to submit a licensing fee for sole use of the Millennium logo on souvenir products. This fee should apply to the licensing of the logo on any commercial item to be fair and consistent. A retail publication would fall into this category.

Initiating a City Millennium Publication Given the Resource and Time Constraints:

Although there is interest from the City Archivist and other staff to develop a Toronto Millennium publication, there are no resources available at this time. In addition, staff resources are very limited with respect to providing extensive support for the publication and marketing of external projects.

Conclusion:

The above recommendations will ensure an approach for City endorsement that is consistent with the Millennium Souvenir Licensing program while providing the City with the discretion to encourage and support exceptional Millennium publication projects.

Contact Name:

Ms. Halina Cieszynska, Project Manager, 397-9998.