STAFF REPORT

March 2, 2000

To: Economic Development and Parks Committee

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject: Provincial Funding for Tourism Toronto

All Wards

Purpose:

To report on a Committee's direction to request the Province of Ontario, Ministry of Tourism to support Tourism Toronto with a grant equal to the amount made by the City of Toronto.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications resulting in the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) this report be received for information.

Background:

At its meeting on January 17, 2000 the Economic Development and Parks Committee referred the following motion to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism for consideration and report thereon to the Economic Development and Parks Committee:

"That the Provincial Government by requested to match the City's grant to Tourism Toronto."

Comments:

The Committee's request has been forwarded to the Honourable Cameron Jackson, Ontario Minister of Tourism and a meeting has been requested to discuss the matter further with the Deputy Minister of Tourism.

Conclusions:

A verbal report will be provided by the Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism on the status of these discussions at the March 20, 2000 meeting of the Economic Development and Parks Committee.

Contact:

Rob Berry

Sector Development Officer

Telephone: (416) 392-3387

Fax: (416) 397-5332

Email: rberry@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism