Other Items Considered by the Committee
(a)Update on Activities at the Metro Convention Centre.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received a presentation from Mr. Tom Wells and
Mr. Howard Brown, City Appointed Directors, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, providing an update on
present and future activities at the Metro Convention Centre. The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr.
Wells and Mr. Brown for for their presentation.
(b)Expansion of Victoria Village Arena - Agreement with the Canadian Macedonian Federation (Ward 11 - Don
Parkway).
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having deferred consideration of the following report
and communications to the next meeting of the Committee to be held on October 4, 1999:
(i)(June 2, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, recommending that:
(1)the appropriate City officials be authorized to enter into negotiations with the Canadian Macedonian Federation for an
agreement based on the key points of the letter of intent referred to in this report; and
(2)upon successful completion of the negotiations, such agreement be brought forward to the Economic Development
and Parks Committee and City Council for review and consideration, and not be executed until approval has been obtained.
(ii)(June 21, 1999) from Mr. James G. Karas, President, Pan-Macedonian Association of Ontario Inc., requesting to make
a presentation to the Economic Development and Parks Committee and requesting a postponement for the hearing of
deputations.
(iii)(undated) from Mr. Michael Papadouris, AHEPA, requesting to make a presentation to the Economic Development
and Parks Committee and to have the matter deferred to the North York Community Council meeting.
(c)Harmonization of Ice Rental Rates - Arena Boards of Management - East York (Ward 1);
Lakeshore-Queensway (Ward 2);
York Humber (Ward 27); and all Former City of Toronto Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(1)deferred consideration of the following report and communications and directed that a working group be
established to look further into the harmonization of ice rental rates at Board of Management or Agency operated
Arenas, and report thereon to the Economic Development and Parks Committee on or before September 2000; and
(2)requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report to the Economic
Development and Parks Committee meeting of October 4, 1999, on membership of the aforementioned working
group:
(i)(June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, providing an outline
identifying potential implementation options and financial effects of harmonizing ice rental rates and policies between City
owned, City operated indoor arenas and City owned, Board of Management or service agency operated arenas and
recommending that:
(1)the principle of harmonization of ice rental rates across the City be adopted;
(2)in addition to financial statements, the Arena Boards of Management and the two arenas leased by Lions' Clubs, as
well as city managed arenas, be required to report annually on the statistical usage by category of renters as set out in this
report (Appendix "D");
(3)the Department staff continue to work co-operatively with the Arena Boards and Lions Clubs to review harmonization
issues and opportunities for cooperative service;
(4)the ice rental category of "Community Youth" (local youth involved in ice activities) be harmonized effective
September 1, 2000, at an annualized cost of $141,321.00;
OR
instead of the Departmental Recommendation No. (4), the Committee may wish to choose:
(5)no change occur at this time with respect to harmonization of ice rental rates at Board of Management or Agency
operated arenas.
(ii)(July 5, 1999) from Councillor Bill Saundercook, Chair, Works Committee, requesting that Recommendation No. (4)
in the report (June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be amended to read
"effective September 1, 1999"; and that staff be authorized to negotiate on an arena specific basis with the arena Boards of
Management in conjunction with the "Community Youth" user groups in order to adjust the contracts between these user
groups and the Boards allowing for the flow-through of the savings to the user groups as a result of lower ice rental rate,
and that the department budget be adjusted accordingly.
(iii)(July 7,1999) from Councillor Anne Johnston, North Toronto, requesting that this item be deferred until October
1999, to allow the arena boards time to review the Commissioner's report and to respond to same.
(iv)(July 5, 1999) from Mr. Eric Anweiler, Manager, North Toronto Memorial Arena, requesting that this item be
deferred until September or October 1999, to allow Arena Boards, Users Groups and Individuals ample time to study this
report and prepare to come before the Economic Development Committee and make their concerns heard.
(v)(July 6, 1999) from Mr. Donald G. Ottaway, Chair, Ted Reeve Community Arena, requesting that this item be
postponed until September 1999, so that the Board Chairs and the Members can discuss and present their comments
without being rushed into perhaps what might be a compromised position.
(vi)(July 6, 1999) from Mr. Peter Simmie, Chairman, Leaside Gardens Board of Management, commenting on the
options presented in the draft report on Ice Harmonization.
(vii)(September 4, 1999) from Ms. Vivian Perks, requesting that the City reconsider the option of harmonizing ice rental
rates at the North Toronto Memorial Arena.
(viii)(September 8, 1999) from Mr. Thomas C. MacMillan, advising of his concerns regarding the harmonization of ice
rental rates at the North Toronto Memorial Arena.
(ix)(September 9, 1999) from Mr. L. Milton Hess, Q.C., advising of his concerns regarding the harmonization of ice
rental rates at the North Toronto Memorial Arena.
(x)(September 9, 1999) from Mr. Eric L. Versteeg, expressing his lack of support for the ice rental harmonization
proposal presently under consideration, and outlining his concerns.
(xi)(September 10) from Councillor Anne Johnston, North Toronto, requesting that the Committee adopt
Recommendation No. 5 in the report (June 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism.
(xii)(September 12, 1999) from Ms. Susan Krausz, President, North Toronto Hockey Association, expressing her
concern regarding the proposed harmonization of ice rental rates and the proposed reduction in ice rates at North Toronto
Arena which will result in the arena running at a deficit, rather than a surplus.
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Mr. Mario Zanetti, Director of Parks and Recreation, South District, made a presentation to the Economic Development
and Parks Committee regarding the foregoing matter.
The following persons also appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the
foregoing matter:
-Councillor Anne Johnston, North Toronto;
-Mr. Bill Channing, Greater Toronto Hockey League;
-Mr. Peter Simmie, Chair, Leaside Arena;
-Councillor Michael Walker, North Toronto;
-Mr. Brian McGroarty, William H. 'Bill' Bolton Arena;
-Ms. Jacyn Wade, North Toronto Skating Club;
-Ms. Lucy Kovac, North Toronto Skating Club;
-Mr. Jim Herder, Chair, North Toronto Memorial Arena Board of Directors;
-Ms. Kathy Grant, Toronto, Ontario;
-Mr. Richard Parker, Toronto, Ontario;
-Mr. Kevin Gordon, Toronto, Ontario;
-Mr. Jim Lutz, President, Leaside Hockey Association; and
-Ms. Debbie Wilkes, Toronto, Ontario.
(d)Long Term Planning for Parks and Recreation Facilities - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(1)requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back to the Economic
Development and Parks Committee meeting on October 4, 1999, providing a consultation work plan with respect to
addressing Councillors' concerns with regard to this matter; and
(2)received the following report and communication:
(i)(August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, outlining general
directions for the development of long term plans for parks and recreation facilities; and recommending that this report be
received for information.
(ii)(September 10, 1999) from Ms. Anne Dubas, President, CUPE Local 79, requesting that Local 79 representatives be
included in the long term planning process for Parks and Recreation Facilities.
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The following Members of Council appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with
the foregoing matter:
-Councillor Joanne Flint, North York Centre South; and
-Councillor Michael Walker, North Toronto.
(e)Natural Ice Rink Program - All Wards
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having withdrawn the following report and
communications for further review at the request of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism:
(i)(August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, providing information
regarding the harmonization of the operation of natural ice rinks in the City of Toronto; and recommending that:
(1)effective January 1, 2000, the operation of all natural ice rinks in the City of Toronto become the responsibility of
interested community groups and volunteers, with the exception of those rinks being provided on park ponds, which would
continue to be maintained by Parks and Recreation staff; and
(2)City staff provide guidance to the community groups and volunteers in the making of natural ice rinks and the
necessary maintenance requirements; Parks and Recreation staff continue to install temporary lighting and rink boards, and
provide hoses for volunteers to use; and in addition, City staff provide snow removal services for the community operated
rinks during excessive snowfall situations, along with regular monitoring of the rinks, to ensure public safety.
(ii)(September 10, 1999) from Ms. Anne Dubas, President, CUPE Local 79, urging the Committee to reject the report's
recommendation and to ensure that Parks and Recreation employees continue to maintain the City's natural ice rinks.
(iii)(September 10, 1999) from Mr. Michael Penman, Toronto, Ontario, respecting maintaining the natural ice surfaces.
(iv)(September 13, 1999) from Mr. Brian Cochrane, President, CUPE Local 416, requesting that City officials be
directed to meet with Local 416 to discuss their proposed course of action and to provide all the information relating to the
Natural Ice Rink Program.
(f)Recreation Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study
Findings and Recommendations Respecting Five Study Areas -
Wards 2, 6, 19, 24, 25, 27, and 28.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(1)recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee, and Council, the adoption of the following report (August
23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, subject to deleting the word
"considered" in Recommendation No. (3) and inserting in lieu thereof the word "approved", so that such
Recommendation now reads:
"(3) the guidelines outlined in this report for structuring the inclusion of the proposed facilities in the Parks and
Recreation Capital Program be approved by Council."; and
(2)requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
(1)to report directly to City Council for its meeting of September 28, 1999, on the cost of securing, for public use,
the St. Basil's North Campus site (3100 Weston Road) through a long-term lease and/or other arrangement; and
(2)to include in the final needs assessment and feasibility study the following as it relates to South Etobicoke:
(a)funding required for the potential replacement of the pool and health club at the Gus Ryder facility;
(b)the inclusion of the Toronto School Board and the Lakeshore Lion's club in the process;
(c)that the gymnasium be a joint venture with the Separate School Board, noting that the said School Board is
submitting a site plan in the Year 2000 for a new facility, and that this project be considered for inclusion in the
Year 2000 and 2001 Capital Budget process; and
(d)review a possible merger of the programs and activities of the Horner Avenue Seniors Centre and the Franklin
Horner Community Centre and identify the City's ability to secure a long term lease with the Toronto District
School Board for the continuation of the programs at the Franklin Horner Community Centre.
(August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism reporting on the objectives,
approach and findings of a needs assessment and feasibility study (draft final stage) for proposed indoor recreation
facilities in five areas of the city (South Etobicoke, Western North York, York, Parkdale and St. James Town); and
recommending that:
(1)the findings of the needs assessment and recreation study, as contained in the draft final study report and outlined in
this report, for the areas of South Etobicoke, Western North York, York, Parkdale, and St. James Town be received;
(2)staff be directed to report back to the Economic Development and Parks Committee following the public meetings
anticipated to be held in each of the study areas in October; and
(3)the guidelines outlined in this report for structuring the inclusion of the proposed facilities in the Parks and Recreation
Capital Program be considered by Council.
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The following Members of Council appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with
the foregoing matter:
-Councillor Irene Jones, Lakeshore-Queensway;
-Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park;
-Councillor Pam McConnell, Don River;
-Councillor Joe Mihevc, York Eglinton; and
-Councillor Kyle Rae, Downtown.
(g)Decision-Making Protocol for Parks and Recreation Matters - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having:
(a)adopted the report (August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism,
subject to the following amendments:
(1)amending Recommendation No. (2) to read:
"(2)upon consideration of this report and any comments from the Community Councils, the Economic
Development and Parks Committee endorse a protocol for dealing with parks and recreation matters and authorize
its use by the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism (or designate) in determining the
appropriate Committee routing process for parks and recreation matters;";
(2)amending Recommendation No. (3) to read:
"(3)authority be granted, at the appropriate time, to introduce any necessary Bills in Council."; and
(3)deleting the word "citizen" in the following report and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "nomination to
City-wide special committees and task forces of residents and/or municipal property taxpayers in the City of
Toronto who are at least 18 years of age, except on bodies dealing with children and youth issues."
(b)referred the report (August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
to all Community Councils for consideration with a request that any comments be forwarded to the Economic
Development and Parks Committee for consideration at its November 8, 1999 meeting.
(August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism recommending that:
(1)this report be forwarded to the Community Councils for consideration, with a request that any comments be forwarded
to the Economic Development and Parks Committee for consideration at its November 8, 1999 meeting;
(2)upon consideration of this report and any comments from the Community Councils, the Economic Development and
Parks Committee endorse the protocol outlined in this report for dealing with parks and recreation matters and authorize its
use by the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism (or designate) in determining the appropriate
Committee routing process for parks and recreation matters; and
(3)authority be granted to introduce any necessary Bills in Council.
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Councillor Joanne Flint, North York Centre South, appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in
connection with the foregoing matter.
(h)Renaming of Beltline Park (Ward 22) - The Kay Gardner Beltline Park.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having referred the following communication to the
Toronto Community Council for report thereon to City Council, together with the "Revision to Parkland Naming
Policy" adopted by City Council on November 25, 26 and 27, 1998:
(August 23, 1999) from Councillor Michael Walker, North Toronto, recommending that staff from the Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism Department, Parks and Recreation Division, in consultation with Heritage Toronto
staff, be requested to report on renaming the Beltline Park which runs right through Ward 22 in the old City of Toronto the
"Kay Gardner Beltline Park" in recognition of former Councillor Kay Gardner who was instrumental in creating the park
back in 1989.
(i)Naming of New Parkette - North East Corner of Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue East - The George
Milbrandt Parkette.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having referred the following communication to the
Toronto Community Council for report thereon to City Council, together with the "Revision to Parkland Naming
Policy" adopted by City Council on November 25, 26 and 27, 1998:
(August 23, 1999) from Councillor Michael Walker, North Toronto, recommending that staff from the Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism Department, Parks and Recreation Division, in consultation with Heritage Toronto
staff, be requested to report on naming the new parkette on the north-east corner of Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue
East in Ward 22, "The George Milbrandt Parkette" in recognition of local citizen George Milbrandt who was instrumental
in creating the park.
(j)Support for Community and Major Festivals - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information;
and having requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back on a
strategic approach to the co-ordination of City support of major festivals, small community festivals, tourist
attractions, etc.:
(August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, providing information
regarding support available to community and major festivals and events; referring to a more substantive report in this
regard which was adopted by Council at its meeting June 9, 10 and 11, 1999; and recommending that this report be
received for information.
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The following persons appeared before the Economic Development and Parks Committee in connection with the foregoing
matter:
-Mr. Adonis Artemakis, Chair, Greektown on the Danforth Business Improvement Association, and filed a copy of his
presentation; and
-Ms. Susan Graham-Nutter, Affinity Marketing Concepts, and filed a copy of her presentation.
(k)Nations in Bloom Competition - All Wards.
The Economic Development and Parks Committee reports having received the following report for information:
(August 23, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, reporting on the status of the
Nations in Bloom 99 project and competition process; and recommending that this report be received for information.
Respectfully submitted,
COUNCILLOR BRIAN ASHTON,
Chair
Toronto, September 13, 1999
Betty Henderson
Tel. (416) 392-8088
