General Cleanliness of City Street
(All Wards)

The Policy and Finance Committee recommends the adoption of the Recommendation of the Works Committee embodied in the communication (January 12, 2000) from the City Clerk.

The Policy and Finance Committee reports, for the information of Council, having requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to submit a report:

(1) directly to Council for its meeting scheduled to be held on February 1, 2000, on the cost of employing students as environmental facilitators assisting in mobilising local organizations and residents in neighbourhood clean-up programs in public areas; and

(2) to the Works Committee outlining the cost of returning to the former municipalities grass cutting cycle of boulevards, such report to determine the cost of the additional staff that would be required to keep those boulevards free of debris.

The Policy and Finance Committee submits the following communication (January 12, 2000) from the City Clerk:

Recommendation:

The Works Committee recommends the adoption of the report dated January 7, 2000, from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services respecting the general cleanliness of City streets.

Background:

The Works Committee on January 12, 2000 had before it a communication (November 29, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that the City Council at its meeting held on November 23, 24 and 25, 1999, had before it Clause No. 16 contained in Report No. 5 of The Works Committee, headed "Other Items Considered by the Committee"; and directed that item (a), headed "General Cleanliness in the Downtown Core", embodied in the aforementioned Clause be struck out and referred back to the Works Committee for further consideration at its next meeting to be held on January 12, 2000.

The Committee also had before it a report (January 7, 2000) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services recommending that:

(1) the framework for the development of a "Clean Toronto" strategy as set out in this report be endorsed;

(2) the following elements, contained in the Solid Waste Management Services Division and Transportation Services Division 2000 Operating Budget requests, be approved in principle:

(a) street litter bin capacity - provision and servicing of 500 additional bins - $150,000.00;

(b) increased solid waste by-law enforcement - $780,000.00;(c) operational upgrades in sidewalk/street cleaning:

(i) $1,000,000.00 for 12 sidewalk litter vacuums and operators (April 1 to November 30);

(ii) $180,000.00 for 40 summer litter cleaning staff (May 1 to September 15);

(iii) $20,000.00 for purchase of sidewalk power washing unit; and

(d) Clean Toronto public awareness campaign - $1000,000.00; and

(3) appropriate staff, in consultation with Councillors continue to develop the details of a pilot project for the downtown core area bounded by Bathurst Street, Bloor Street, Sherbourne Street and the Lake, including the adjustment of current work shifts, routing and associated operations.

_________

(Report dated January 7, 2000, addressed to the

Works Committee from the

Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services)Purpose:

This report responds to a request by the Works Committee and outlines a framework for the development of a street cleanliness plan for the City, with particular emphasis on the downtown area, where specific concerns have been expressed. A longer term strategy is set out, as well as specific measures in refuse collection and street cleaning operations that will bring immediate improvements to the situation.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The Solid Waste Management Division 2000 Operating Budget submission will contain a request for $780,000.00 to hire 13 new By-law Enforcement Officers and $150,000.00 has been set aside for the placement and servicing of 500 additional litter containers.

A request will be contained in the Transportation Services Division 2000 Operating Budget submission to enhance litter and street cleaning capabilities. More particularly, increased mechanized sidewalk cleaning and summer litter cleaners, as set out in detail in the text of this report, are requested in an amount of $1.2 million.

Finally, funding in the total amount of $100,000.00 (requested equally in the Solid Waste and Transportation submissions) is recommended to undertake a Clean Toronto public awareness campaign.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the framework for the development of a "Clean Toronto" strategy as set out in this report be endorsed;

(2) the following elements, contained in the Solid Waste Management Services Division and Transportation Services Division 2000 Operating Budget requests, be approved in principle:

(a) street litter bin capacity - provision and servicing of 500 additional bins - $150,000.00

(b) increased solid waste by-law enforcement - $780,000.00;

(c) operational upgrades in sidewalk/street cleaning

(i) $1,000,000.00 for 12 sidewalk litter vacuums and operators (April 1 to November 30)

(ii) $180,000.00 for 40 summer litter cleaning staff (May 1 to September 15) and

(iii) $20,000.00 for purchase of sidewalk power washing unit; and

(d) Clean Toronto public awareness campaign - $100,000.00; and

(3) appropriate staff, in consultation with Councillors continue to develop the details of a pilot project for the downtown core area bounded by Bathurst Street, Bloor Street, Sherbourne Street and the Lake, including the adjustment of current work shifts, routing and associated operations.

Background:

The Works Committee, at its meeting of November 3, 1999, in considering a communication (October 18, 1999) from Downtown Councillor Olivia Chow, among other things, requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to develop a comprehensive plan that will improve the general cleanliness of the downtown area, including increasing the number of times the streets are swept and the number of garbage receptacles in the downtown core, and involving a public education campaign (Clause No. 16(a) of Report No. 5 of The Works Committee).The Works Committee:

(1) requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to:

(a) develop a plan as outlined in the aforementioned communication from Councillor Chow;

(b) meet or communicate with the downtown area Councillors to review options for running a "Clean Toronto" pilot project;

(c) submit a report on the foregoing, including budgetary implications, to the Community Councils in January 2000, for comment to the Works Committee, such report to also include the following:

(i) costs of upgrading the standard of commercial waste collection, and necessary public education programs;

(ii) resources required to provide flexibility in handling statutory holidays;

(iii) a proposal for requiring and enforcing the disposal of waste in garbage bags; and

(iv) an investigation of alternative forms of garbage collection for tourist areas such as Chinatown, Yorkville, Yonge Street and the Indian Bazaar;

(5) further requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to:

(a) report to the Committee on:

(i) the feasibility of garbage collection from laneways; and

(ii) developing the terms of reference for a uniform commercial litter container program; and

(b) meet with Councillors to review the sidewalk steam-cleaning schedule to determine whether adjustments are necessary; and

(3) requested the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services to submit a report to the Planning and Transportation Committee on the extension of boulevard occupancy licences to the East York, York, Etobicoke and Scarborough communities.

Comments:

Maintaining the streets and sidewalks of Toronto in a clean condition is of great concern to the Works and Emergency Services Department. This is a challenge in the older, more densely built areas of the City where properties are generally too confined to accommodate commercial garbage pick-up directly on-site. These areas are also high pedestrian traffic corridors and attract significant tourist activity. In these dense commercial areas, garbage and/or recyclables collection is carried out up to five or six nights per week. Streets are mechanically swept and flushed up to seven nights per week and litter is picked-up twice daily, Monday to Friday and once each Saturday and Sunday. In certain areas, sidewalks are also swept mechanically and/or power washed.

Factors Contributing to Increased Garbage and Litter:

Despite the considerable level of effort and resources dedicated to street cleanliness, there has been concern over the past few years with a deterioration in conditions, not just on the streets, but private properties, parks, etc. There are a multitude of factors contributing to these conditions. While the majority of the public are careful not to litter, and do dispose of their garbage properly, there appears to be an increasing number of people who disregard the conditions of our streets. The key elements are briefly outlined as follows:

(i) rapid expansion of night time uses into areas of the downtown and waterfront where such activity was non-existent even five years ago;

(ii) entertainment establishments, with extended hours, and a boom in residential development have led to a significant increase in the number of people and times they are active on the streets;

(iii) significant increase in festivals and special events which require enhanced resources, which in turn are drawn from the base operation;

(iv) the above activities have generated increased vending and advertising activity - flyers, brochures, etc. Whereas in the past the streets were generally clean by the time workers were arriving downtown, with establishments now open to 4:00 a.m. it is not possible to completely clean the streets by this time, although by noon on weekdays the streets are relatively clean;

(v) proliferation of fast food outlets using disposable packaging;

(vi) marked increase in illegal dumping of household and retail garbage and cardboard. This is one of the most pervasive problems at this time, as litter bins are being used routinely for household waste and small grocery bags and cardboards are placed out on most main streets at any time of the day and night. These tend to be blown around and contribute significantly to the litter problem;

(vii) implementation of anti-smoking by-law resulting in the discard of cigarette butts in the streets; and

(viii) Supreme Court ruling striking down postering by-law.

(A) Refuse Collection Operations:

To provide some context for the requests made by the Works Committee, we have included a brief summary of the waste management services provided to our commercial customers in the downtown core. These services are typically provided by our night-time or late night collection crews.

Municipal waste collection services are provided to eligible commercial establishments in the downtown core six nights a week, five nights a week, or twice a week. The regular twice a week Monday/Thursday routes each have between 350 to 400 stops, and collection is performed during both daytime and night-time shifts. The other restaurant/green grocer routes that receive either five or six nights a week collection vary greatly in size. These services are carried out on the night-time shift, and while these routes do not have as many stops as the twice-a-week collection routes, they require greater travel distance between stops. Currently in the downtown core, a total of 35 rear loading packers are used to collect waste and three rear load packers are used to collect recyclable materials each night.

Almost all businesses eligible for commercial collection recycle to some extent. Bundled old corrugated cardboard (OCC) is collected twice a week. Fibre material, other than OCC, is collected bi-weekly in clear bags, bundles and grey boxes. Commingled container material is collected twice a week from bars and restaurants in blue boxes and rollout carts.

In addition to the six night-a-week waste collection, the City operates rear-loading packers on Monday mornings to clean up in front of 30 locations where there are greengrocers. This collection service is not advertised.

Despite the level of service to commercial establishments in the downtown core, cleanliness remains an issue and in this regard, we are addressing operational changes that should improve present practices.

(i) changes to vehicle routing on the night-time shift to better co-ordinate garbage collection and street/sidewalk cleaning activities;

(ii) increased late night collection on holidays and weekends, especially Sunday nights, when we do not currently provide service. A review of present operations indicates that night-time collection at the beginning of the week (Monday to Wednesday) may be underutilized;

(iii) developing an amalgamated Waste Management By-law for the City which is scheduled to be finalized for the summer of 2000. In the absence of a harmonized by-law, it is increasingly difficult for by-law enforcement officers to police the improper placement of garbage. Council's approval of a by-law with clear, enforceable set-out rules, and higher fines for non-compliance, as well as greater diligence in prosecution would send a clear message that keeping Toronto clean is paramount;

(iv) replacement of about 3100 litter containers with new higher capacity model and redistribution of another 1600 started in October 1999; and

(v) augmenting by-law enforcement (detailed below) and adjusting shifts to have a presence on the streets on weekends and night-time, the two times when contravention of waste management by-laws is most frequent. Scheduling the by-law enforcement officers' shifts to coincide with the problem collection times should allow them to enforce garbage set-out times, locations and requirements. Although the greatest area of concern is the downtown area, the increased staff levels proposed below will assist City-wide.

Proposed Solid Waste Operational Enhancements:

In the 2000 Operating Budget, staff will be identifying funding requirements to directly address some of the concerns expressed. A total of $780,000.00 has been requested for 13 new By-law Enforcement Officers (BEOs) and $150,000.00 has been set aside for the placement and servicing of 500 additional litter containers over and above the existing units.

Laneway Collection:

Pursuant to the requests made by the Works Committee, we offer the following information. Most of the commercial waste collected by the City is set out in garbage bags. Very few businesses use standard garbage containers and some of the garbage is placed out in crates, boxes and bags, or just loose. The cleanliness problems associated with waste collection are mainly related to restaurants and greengrocers. These problems are due to both the volumes of waste that these establishments generate and the fact that a large percentage of the waste is organic waste. To further compound these problems, many of these establishments are located on main streets with no rear loading or collection access, or have a rear laneway that is too narrow or unsafe for our vehicles to pass through which makes it difficult for our crews to collect garbage safely, notwithstanding that the collection of garbage from the laneway would make the garbage less obtrusive to pedestrians and business patrons on the sidewalks.

Unfortunately, there are a number of problems associated with laneway collection which can be summarized as follows:

(1) many laneways are too narrow for our vehicles to safely access or for our collection crews to collect garbage safely. The laneways become even narrower when snow accumulates on either side and the snow will usually form narrow ruts from the traffic passing which makes it difficult for our vehicles to drive through. Snow and ice can create a further safety hazard for our collection crews;

(2) some laneways end in a dead end, have a narrow exit or have tight turns. City collection vehicles would have to back out of these types of laneways, therefore creating a safety hazard. There are often parked cars or delivery vehicles parked in the laneway. This not only delays collection but can be dangerous for our collection operators since they may have to back out of the laneway to exit;

(3) complaints from neighbouring residents due to noise, smell and vermin;

(4) increased evidence of vermin when the garbage is placed out in the rear lane because establishments do not contain the garbage as well as when they place it out front and also the laneways are cleaned less frequently by the City than streets are;

(5) garbage itself can be a safety hazard when passing through laneways. There is a tendency for businesses to store garbage in the laneway between collections, which is often run over by delivery trucks and other vehicles using the laneway creating a possible safety hazard; and

(6) garbage stored against the rear of the building may pose as a fire hazard or potentially be a target for arson.

Due to these problems in 1992, the former City of Toronto initiated a process of switching establishments with lane collection to curbside street collection. In the former City of Toronto, Public Works and Environment report dated June 14, 1995, to the City Services Committee, headed "City Cessation of Laneway Garbage Pickup in Dundas Street West Commercial Area," it stated that, "In most areas of the (former) City of Toronto where there is lane access to premises, the garbage and recycling collection is carried out from the street frontage. In the remaining areas where premises have street frontages and lane access and some garbage collection is carried out from the lane, I am systematically changing garbage and recycling collection to the street frontage. Since 1992, laneway collection has been converted to street frontage collection on 22 City blocks."

Notwithstanding the above, staff are reviewing the experience of other cities with laneway collection to assess how efficiently they are able to deal with these concerns. Solid Waste Management Services will be considering opportunities to re-introduce laneway collection at specific locations where the concerns can be effectively addressed. It is common practice for businesses and residents to be directly responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their building, even though the sidewalk is city property. Furthermore, if the snow or ice is not removed the owner of the property can be fined. For laneway collection to work effectively, similar expectations and responsibilities would need to be placed on the businesses availing themselves of municipal laneway collection services. If they are not willing to accept this responsibility, businesses found in contravention of the Waste Management By-law should be fined accordingly.

The Use of Uniform Commercial Garbage Containers:

The containment of garbage would theoretically help with the cleanliness problem by making the garbage less conspicuous. Either carts or a front-end collection container system could be used. However, there are problems in the downtown core with implementing a container collection program, many of which were realized during the Commercial Wet Waste Collection Pilot Project that was conducted in 1996.

The problems associated with using collection containers downtown are listed below:

(1) Most businesses do not have enough space at either the front or in the rear lane of the establishment for the storage of carts and almost no businesses would have room for a three or four cubic yard front end collection bin - let alone the area required for the safe collection of these containers;

(2) Many establishments are below or above street level and could not manoeuvre a cart or container in and out from their business;

(3) It is more efficient to collect bags of garbage than to collect garbage cans or carts. Bulk lift containers would be the most efficient, if space permitted;

(4) Parked cars and snow banks would make collection of garbage from containers difficult along busy streets. Snow would also be a problem in laneways; and

(5) Collection carts must be cleaned regularly to avoid vermin and odour problems.

Staff are also reviewing the experience of other cities with commercial bulk lift container or roll out container collection to determine the applicability to Toronto's conditions. For example, we understand that Waste Management Inc. provides businesses in Chicago with special narrow bulk lift bins that can be stored in the laneway behind the building and serviced by being tipped into a rear-loading packer truck.

(B) Street Cleaning Operations:

Within Transportation Services District 1, which comprises the denser inner areas of Toronto, York and East York and includes the downtown area, in the order of 200 staff are assigned to the function of manual street/sidewalk cleaning which includes activities like litter and poster removal and sweeping around parked cars. An additional 50 trucks drivers support the manual cleaning operation. The mechanical street cleaning operation, namely sweeping and flushing, comprises a further 95 staff. Currently in District 1, the following net expenditures are involved in street and litter cleaning:

(1) Mechanical Sweeping - $1.3 million

(2) Street Flushing - $1.1 million

(3) Manual Street Cleaning - $3.4 million

(4) Litter Cleaning - $7.2 million

In response to the challenges of increases in demand in conjunction with static or slightly declining staff and equipment resources, substantial progress in a service review of the litter and cleaning operations has been made, and several initiatives are under development to address the situation. These measures should be largely in place by the spring season:

(i) this past summer a new supervisory level has been filled which greatly improves accountability of the operation. These staff have provided valuable "street level" input for important refinements to the operation and the specific proposals that follows;

(ii) new work shifts and refinements to beats are being developed, largely to provide better coverage on weekends; and

(iii) steps to address certain workplace concerns to improve productivity.

Proposed Street Cleaning Operational Enhancements:

The Transportation Services Division 2000 Operating Budget submission will propose an enhanced sidewalk/litter cleaning initiative in the amount of $1.2 million. This will provide for the contracting of 12 additional sidewalk litter vacuums during the regular cleaning season (April 1 to November 30), and 40 summer students for May to September to augment existing staff during the heavy tourist season. Presently, only eight sidewalk sweepers/vacuums are available which is about a 50 percent reduction from past levels. In addition, we are in the process of altering shifts to provide more coverage on weekends. Finally, the former Toronto Council directed in 1994 that specific areas receive once-per-week sidewalk power washing. To address a significant increase in demand, an expansion of this service is proposed using existing staff and purchasing one additional power washing unit. Additional details of the deployment of the unit will be available in the next couple of weeks. However, unless pre-budget approval is granted, we will not be in a position to initiate these enhancements early in the season.

With respect to the mechanical street cleaning operation, Table 1 provides a comparison of existing and proposed service levels. These levels would provide consistent services across the City and can be provided with no net change in staff or budget levels.

Table 1

Street Cleaning Service Levels

Pitch In - Clean Toronto Programme:

The operational improvements noted above will lead to positive results in the cleanliness of streets and sidewalks. Still, it is disturbing to see the disregard that some people display by throwing litter on the road, sweeping out litter and garbage from properties onto streets, not packaging garbage securely, putting up unsightly posters, etc. The responsibility for keeping the City clean should be shared with the public and businesses. Many of the areas where cleanliness is a problem are tourist areas where physical appearance and cleanliness can directly affect the profitability of a business venture. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the businesses located in these tourist areas to ensure that their surrounding environs are clean.

We propose that a public communication/education program involving the various Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), and corporations whose services potentially produce litter items ,starting in the downtown area and expanding City-wide, be implemented. The following are envisaged.

(i) funding in the amount of $100,000.00 (i.e., $50,000.00 in each of Solid Waste and Transportation) will be requested for a public awareness campaign (ad campaign, quick clean-up number, community clean-up days, etc.); and

(ii) partnering and enforcement - improve linkages with community/business groups, increase enforcement of by-laws related to garbage set-out, poster clean-up, etc.

Meeting With Downtown Councillors:

We met with downtown area Councillors on December 16, 1999, to review concerns and begin formulating an anti-litter/community clean-up campaign. This has been followed up with discussions with other Councillors. Information was exchanged concerning the various elements of the problem and an overview of departmental initiatives. The issues discussed included the need for dedicated by-law enforcement, street and litter cleaning resources, garbage collection schedules, laneway cleaning and garbage collection and neighbourhood and business involvement. It was requested that the focus of the pilot program should be the area bounded by Bathurst Street, Sherbourne Street, Front Street and Bloor Street. This would encompass the key areas of Chinatown West and East, Kensington Market and the Entertainment District. Neighbourhood and business involvement are to be pursued.

As part of the continuing dialogue, we consider on going input from Councillors to be valuable in the development of the Clean Toronto program and operational improvements in garbage collection and street cleaning.

The other important element in City cleanliness is improved interdepartmental co-ordination (Works, Parks, Facilities, Community Services, Municipal Licensing and Standards). As an example we are now developing protocols with Parks to improve grass cutting and boulevard planting areas. Urban Development Services is leading a review of the postering issue. These linkages are important elements in the overall strategy and will be developed in the context of our continuing efforts.

Conclusions:

The issue of the cleanliness of Toronto's streets and sidewalks, particularly in the downtown core and other tourist areas, is of concern. A variety of factors have combined to place greater demands in this regard. Works and Emergency Services staff, in consultation with City Councillors, have initiated a comprehensive review of the various operations that deliver garbage collection and street cleaning services. This report sets a framework for continuing changes in the support and deployment of resources in a manner that matches the demands. As well, a number of specific proposals are made which will have immediate benefits as the overall strategy is refined and delivered.

The Clean Toronto program is based on four points, which are elaborated in this report and summarized as follows:

(1) More Street Litter Bin Capacity ($150,000.00):

(a) Replace containers (3100) with new OMG bins with higher capacity plus recycling.

(b) Replacement and servicing 500 additional bins.

(2) Increased Enforcement ($780,000.00):

(a) Hire 13 additional Garbage By-law Enforcement Officers.

(b) Harmonize and consolidate City-wide By-law.

(c) Remind contract holders for newsboxes, postal boxes, etc. re graffiti removal.

(3) Public Awareness Campaign ($100,000.00):

(a) Publicize contact number for quick clean-ups.

(b) Schedule more clean-up days with community and school groups.

(c) Develop awareness campaign.

(d) Improve linkages with B.I.A.'s and commercial areas.

(4) Service Upgrades ($1,200,000.00):

(a) Contract 12 sidewalk litter vacuums and operators (April 1 - November 30).

(b) 40 summer staff (May 1 - September 15).

(c) Purchase one additional power washer/scrubber.

(d) Improve inter-departmental coordination (Works, Parks, Facilities, Community Services, Municipal Licensing and Standards).

(e) Review routing, scheduling and priorities for commercial garbage pickup.

(f) Develop pilot project for core area bounded by Bathurst/Bloor/Sherbourne/Lake.

(g) Improve coordination with M.T.O. on 400 series highways and off-ramps.

It is expected that with the upgrades in the operations in conjunction with a continued commitment to adequate funding, as well as the vigilance of citizens and business to curtail the problems at the source, we can better meet the increasing demands and guard Toronto's valued reputation as a clean city.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Andrew Koropeski Andrew Pollock

Director, Transportation Services District 1 Director, Policy and Planning

Telephone: (416) 392-7714 Solid Waste Management Services

Fax: ((416) 392-0816 Telephone: (416) 392-4715

E-mail: akoropes@toronto.ca Fax: (416) 392-4754

E-mail: andy pollock@toronto.ca

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(Communication dated November 29, 1999, addressed to the

Works Committee from the City Clerk)

City Council, at its meeting held on November 23, 24 and 25, 1999, had before it Clause No. 16 contained in Report No. 5 of The Works Committee, headed "Other Items Considered by the Committee".

Council directed that the following Item (a), embodied in the aforementioned Clause be struck out and referred back to the Works Committee for further consideration:

(a) General Cleanliness in the Downtown Core.The Works Committee reports having:

(1) requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to:

(i) develop a plan as outlined in the following communication from Councillor Chow;

(ii) meet or communicate with the downtown area Councillors to review options for running a "Clean Toronto" pilot project; and

(iii) develop the terms of reference for a uniform commercial litter container program;

and submit a comprehensive report on the foregoing, including budgetary implications, to the Community Councils in January 2000, for comment to the Works Committee, such report to also include the following:

(a) costs of upgrading the standard of commercial waste collection, and necessary public education programs;

(b) resources required to provide flexibility in handling statutory holidays;

(c) a proposal for requiring and enforcing the disposal of waste in garbage bags;

(d) an investigation of alternative forms of garbage collection for tourist areas such as Chinatown, Yorkville, Yonge Street and the India Bazaar; and

(e) the feasibility of garbage collection from laneways;

further requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to:

(i) meet with Councillors to review the sidewalk steam-cleaning schedule to determine whether adjustments are necessary; and

(ii) provide support to Councillors by way of information on what means of enforcement are available to them to respond to complaints; and

(2) requested the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development services to submit a report to the Planning and Transportation Committee on the extension of boulevard occupancy licences to the East York, York, Etobicke and Scarborough communities:

(i) (October 18, 1999) from Councillor Olivia Chow, Downtown, recommending that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services develop a comprehensive plan that will improve the general cleanliness of the downtown core, including increasing the number of times the streets are swept and the number of garbage receptacle sin the downtown core and involving a public education campaign.

(ii) (November 2, 1999) from Councillor Pam McConnell, Don River, suggesting that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services meet as soon as possible with the downtown are Councillors concerned about this issue, and review options for running a "Clean Toronto" pilot project that addresses the deteriorating level of cleanliness in the City core; and further suggesting that the Commissioner conclude the discussions and complete the development of strategy by early January.

(iii) (November 2, 1999) from Mr. Gordon Dreger, Urban Design Committee Chair, Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area, concurring with Councillor Chow that the level of street cleaning and the number of garbage receptacles presently provided needs to be increased; noting that by-law enforcement also requires improvement; and requesting that the Bloor-Yorkville BIA be included in recommendations for improvement_________The following persons appeared before the Works Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:Ms. Helen Hatton, Toronto, Ontario;

Councillor Olivia Chow, Downtown;

Councillor Pam McConnell, Don River;

Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park

Councillor Sandra Bussin, East Toronto; and

Councillor Kyle Rae, Downtown.