Youth Employment Program - Two Wheel Drive

Grant from Human Resources Development Canada

The Policy and Finance Committee submits, without recommendation, the following report (July 12, 1999) from the Chief Administrative Officer; and reports having requested the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services to submit comments thereon directly to Council for its meeting scheduled to be held on July 27, 1999:

Purpose:

To request approval to receive grants from Human Resources Development Canada to provide training opportunities for high risk youth and to adjust the gross expenditure of the Access and Equity Unit accordingly.

Financial Implications:

Human Resources Development Canada is providing 100 percent of the funding for this project. There is no direct cost to the City. The Access and Equity Unit provides overall co-ordination for the project.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)authority be granted to receive project funds from HRDC Canada to provide training opportunities for youth and that the approved budget of $1,501,000.00 gross expenditure ($1,471,000 net expenditure) for the Access and Equity Unit be changed to $1,800,998.00 gross expenditure ($1,471,00.00 net expenditure); and,

(2)the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference:

On March 4, 5 and 6, 1998, (Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team Report 3(6)), Council approved the Mandate of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity which authorized the continuation of the existing municipal advisory committees on access and equity pending receipt of the Report of the Task Force on Community Access and Equity. On June 9, 10 and 11, 1999 (Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee Report 10, Clause 2) Council approved the Report of the Chief Administrative Officer transferring the resources and functions of the Corporate Access and Equity Unit to the Strategic and Corporate Policy Division in the Chief Administrator's Office. The report noted that the 1999 approved budget was $1,501,000.00 total gross expenditures ($1,471,000.00 net expenditure).

Comments:

The Committee on Community, Race and Ethnic Relations established by the former North York Council has implemented a variety of youth oriented programs since the Committee's establishment. The Committee submitted applications to Human Resources Development Canada to implement a training program for 15 high risk youth.

In an effort to give high needs youth and new Canadians the opportunity to ride and own their own bicycle, a program was developed to reuse and refurbish old bikes. A bicycle drive was organized by the Committee in conjunction with the Breakfast Club in October last year. Approximately 3,000 unwanted, used bicycles were donated by the City residents with the knowledge that these bicycles would be repaired and refurbished by youth so that the children associated with the Breakfast Clubs would receive a free bicycle in the spring.

This program is also geared toward decreasing bicycle-related injuries among children. According to The Hospital for Sick Children, statistics in Ontario show that more than 1,500 children are injured and 12 are killed each year in cycling mishaps. In addition, 75 percent of cycling deaths are the result of head injuries, injuries that helmet use can reduce by 85 percent. To address this concern, the participating youth will also receive bicycle safety training, bicycle repair and maintenance training and a free bicycle helmet, in addition to life skills and literacy training.

The project is being carried out in conjunction with several organizations including the Hospital for Sick Children, the Toronto Children's Breakfast Club, the Canadian Tire Corporation, Seneca College, Hispanic Development Council, African Canadian Entrepreneurs, the Carpenters Union and the Community Unity Alliance. These organizations are assisting with various elements of the project such as the provision of literature and training on safety, outreach and promotions.

The first demonstration project initiated by the Committee has been successful and HRDC has approved a second project. The project budget provides for a weekly stipend for each student for 24 weeks and the salaries of a repair co-ordinator and a project co-ordinator. The funding for these projects was not reflected in the 1999 approved budget for the Access and Equity unit, therefore the approved gross expenditure needs to reflect the two grants of $149,999.00 each for a total of $299,998.00. This project supports the City's overall access and equity objectives to increase opportunities for persons facing disadvantage, especially youth. The project is consistent with the City's commitment to youth focused initiatives including the Job Corps program administered through the Community Services Department.

Conclusions:

The implementation of this training program advances the City's access and equity objectives to improve opportunities for disadvantaged persons with a specific focus on youth.

Contact:

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh:392-6824

Rick Gosling:395-6475