January 25, 2000
To: Administration Committee
From: City Librarian
Subject: Toronto Public Library Board Building Projects
Purpose:
To recommend that City Council consent to certain building projects to be carried out by the
Toronto Public Library Board (the "Library Board").
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The Library Board's annual capital budget is the primary source of funding for all of the Library
Board's building projects. Projects are not undertaken until capital budget approval has been
obtained.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Subject to the necessary funding being approved by City Council in the Library Board's
capital budget, Council consent, pursuant to Section 19 of the Public Libraries Act, to the
Library Board proceeding with building projects having a maximum cost of $10.0 million
per project; and
(2) In those cases where the City is the owner of the land and/or building that is the subject
of the building project, that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood
Services be authorized to execute on behalf of the City any necessary Committee of
Adjustment or similar applications that are required in connection with the building
project.
Background:
The Library Board undertakes a number of building projects each year. The Library Board's
capital budget is the primary source of funding for these projects. All capital projects are
submitted to the Library Board for approval and forwarded to the City for funding consideration.
In 2000, the Library Board's capital submission to the City is $6,957,000 for seven projects.
Comments:
Pursuant to Section 19 of the Public Libraries Act, City Council's consent is required before the
Library Board may proceed with building projects. Section 19 of the Public Libraries Act
provides:
"19. (1) A board may, with the consent of the appointing council or, where it is a union
board, with the consent of the majority of the councils of the municipalities for which it
was established,
…
(b) erect, add to or alter buildings; …"
The Library Board approved the following motion on January 24, 2000:
That the Toronto Public Library Board request City Council to provide its blanket
consent to Library Board building projects having a maximum cost of $10.0 million per
project pursuant to Section 19 of the Public Libraries Act.
A copy of the report which was approved by the Board on January 24 concerning Toronto Public
Library Board Building Projects is attached.
In those cases where the City owns the subject land and/or building, the City's signature is
required on any Committee of Adjustment applications that are required in connection with the
building project before they will be processed. In order to expedite completion of the various
projects the Library Board undertakes, it is recommended that the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services be authorized to sign any such Committee of Adjustments or other
applications on behalf of the City.
Conclusion:
Approval of Recommendations 1 and 2 will ensure the timely completion of Library Board
building projects and Council agreement on the City official sanctioned to authorize documents
required for Library buildings and/or property owned by the City.
Contact:
Ann Eddie, Director, Administration, Tel: 393-7091, Fax: 397-5980, E-mail:
aeddie@tpl.toronto.on.ca
