City of Toronto Logo Minutes



Community Development and Recreation Committee


Meeting No. 35   Contact Candy Davidovits, Committee Administrator
Meeting Date Thursday, August 19, 2010
  Phone 416-392-8032
Start Time 9:30 AM
  E-mail cdrc@toronto.ca
Location Committee Room 1, City Hall
  Chair   Councillor Janet Davis  

CD35.1

ACTION

Adopted 

 

Ward: All 

Toronto Fire Services Quality Assurance Review Report

Committee Decision

The Community Development and Recreation Committee requested the Fire Chief and General Manager to report through the Community Development and Recreation and Budget Committees in 2011 on the status of the Master Fire Plan, with a strategy to complete its implementation, including achieving the NFPA Standard 1710, and Communications Systems improvements, and identify any resources required for consideration in 2011 operating and capital budgets.
Origin
(July 2, 2010) Letter from Councillor Janet Davis, Ward 31 - Beaches-East York
Summary

Councillor Janet Davis requesting that the Fire Chief report through the Community Development and Recreation and Budget Committees in 2011 on the status of the Master Fire Plan, with a strategy to complete its implementation, including achieving the NFPA Standard 1710, and Communications Systems improvements, and identify any resources required for consideration in the 2011 operating and capital budgets.

Background Information
CD35.1 - Toronto Fire Services Quality Assurance Review Report - Letter from Councillor Janet Davis
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32062.pdf)

Motions
Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Joe Mihevc (Carried)

CD35.2

Information

Received 

 

Ward: All 

Towards a Quality Assurance Scorecard – Update 2009

Committee Decision

The Community Development and Recreation Committee received Item CD35.2 for information.

Origin
(July 23, 2010) Report from General Manager, Employment and Social Services
Summary

Toronto Employment and Social Services (TESS) is in a unique position of dual responsibility as both Toronto's delivery agent mandated by the Province under the Ontario Works Act to administer financial benefits and employment assistance to those on social assistance as well as a city service responsible for providing accessible and critical services to unemployed and underemployed Torontonians.

 

Whether it is by providing support to those on assistance or to the broader residents of Toronto, TESS has a responsibility for ensuring program integrity and sound stewardship in how finances are managed and ultimately demonstrating good value for money by helping individuals secure employment.  Thus, in order to maintain this level of accountability an integral part of TESS' strategic and operational planning has been its commitment to prudent decision-making while delivering high quality services to Torontonians.  

 

The following report highlights the division's performance in relation to program management outcomes and service level indicators within a framework of continuous improvement to strengthen quality assurance and ensure program integrity and accountability. 

Background Information
CD35.2 - Towards a Quality Assurance Scorecard - Update 2009 - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32199.pdf)

CD35.2 - Towards a Quality Assurance Scorecard - Update 2009 - Attachment 1
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32200.pdf)

CD 35.2 - Towards a Quality Assurance Scorecard - Update 2009 - Attachment 2
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32201.pdf)

Motions
Motion to Receive Item moved by Councillor John Parker (Carried)
That the item be received for information.

CD35.3

ACTION

Amended 

 

Ward: All 

Overview of a Report on an Ontario Income Security Review

Committee Recommendations

The Community Development and Recreation Committee, recommends that:

 

1.         Consistent with positions City Council has already taken with respect to income security, employment services and social supports, City Council endorse, in principle, the broad directions and process proposed by the Social Assistance Review Advisory Council (SARAC) for a comprehensive and timely review of Ontario's income security system.

 

2.         City Council request the Province of Ontario to engage and consult the City of Toronto as an order of government through the process established to review Ontario’s income security system.

 

3.         City Council request the Mayor and the Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee to write to the Minister of Community and Social Services conveying Council's position with respect to the directions and process proposed by SARAC, and urging the Province to commence the review as soon as possible and support, in principle, the short term recommendations consistent with the City’s positions and urge their implementation.

 

4.         City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services, to report back to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on a strategy for the City of Toronto’s input, such strategy to include a strong and broad public participation.

Origin
(July 27, 2010) Report from General Manager, Employment and Social Services
Summary

On May 10, 2010, the Social Assistance Review Advisory Council (SARAC), a panel appointed by the government of Ontario to recommend a scope and terms of reference for reviewing Ontario's social assistance system, released Recommendations  for an Ontario Income Security Review.

 

Noting that Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) represent only 23% of all Provincial and Federal income security program spending, the SARAC Report recommends that the Province look beyond OW and ODSP and undertake a comprehensive review of the full range of Ontario's income security programs and related employment supports, including Federal programs such as Employment Insurance (EI).  The Report also recognizes that an investigation of the roles of municipalities and communities should be undertaken as part of the review.

 

Key recommendations put forward by SARAC with respect to changes to income security programs are consistent with positions adopted by City Council over the past several years.

 

This report provides a brief overview of Recommendations for an Ontario Income Security Review, identifying the major directions put forward by SARAC, as well as the steps proposed to carry out the review.  This report also reviews the changes that have been proposed to the Special Diet Allowance program by the Province based on available information.

Background Information
CD35.3 - Overview of a Report on an Ontario Income Security Review - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32217.pdf)

CD35.3 - Overview of a Report on an Ontario Income Security Review - Attachment 1
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32238.pdf)

CD35.3 - Overview of a Report on an Ontario Income Security Review - Attachment 2
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32239.pdf)

Motions
1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Joe Mihevc (Carried)

That City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services, to report back to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on a strategy for the City of Toronto’s input, such strategy to include a strong and broad public participation.


2 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Janet Davis (Carried)

That Recommendation 3 in the report (July 27, 2010) from the General Manager, Employment and Social Services, be amended by adding “and support, in principle, the short term recommendations consistent with the City’s positions and urge their implementation”, so that Recommendation 3 reads:

 

“3.       City Council request the Mayor and the Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee to write to the Minister of Community and Social Services conveying Council's position with respect to the directions and process proposed by SARAC, and urging the Province to commence the review as soon as possible and support, in principle, the short term recommendations consistent with the City’s positions and urge their implementation.”


3 - Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)

CD35.4

ACTION

Adopted 

 

Ward: All 

Transforming Employment Services in Lawrence Heights

Committee Decision

The Community Development and Recreation Committee requested the General Manager, Toronto Employment and Social Services (TESS), to report back to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on the continuing work to improve employment services in Lawrence Heights through the development of an Employment Service Plan as part of the broader Social Development Plan for Lawrence Heights.

Origin
(July 28, 2010) Report from General Manager, Employment and Social Services
Summary

Responding to the recommendation made by the Community Development and Recreation Committee at their meeting on June 24, 2010, this report describes the work to date to make employment services work better for residents of Lawrence Heights, the actions underway and the steps that will be taken over the next 6 months and beyond.

Background Information
CD35.4 - Transforming Employment Services in Lawrence Heights - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32525.pdf)

CD35.4 - Transforming Employment Services in Lawrence Heights - Attachment 1
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32429.pdf)

CD35.4 - Transforming Employment Services in Lawrence Heights - Attachment 2
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32526.pdf)

CD35.4 - Transforming Employment Services in Lawrence Heights - Attachment 3
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32431.pdf)

CD35.4 - Transforming Employment Services in Lawrence Heights - Attachment 4
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32432.pdf)

CD35.4 - Transforming Employment Services in Lawrence Heights - Attachment 5
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32433.pdf)

Motions
Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor John Parker (Carried)

CD35.5

Information

Received 

 

Ward: 26 

Leaside Memorial Community Gardens – Addition of Second Ice Pad Business Plan Review

Committee Decision

The Community Development and Recreation Committee received Item CD35.5 for information.

Origin
(July 28, 2010) Report from General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer
Summary

The purpose of this report is to respond to a notice of motion concerning the Business Plan submitted by the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Board of Management for the addition of a second ice surface at the arena.

Background Information
CD35.5 - Leaside Memorial Community Gardens - Addition of Second Ice Pad Business Plan Review - Staff Report and Appendix 1
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32462.pdf)

CD35.5 - Leaside Memorial Community Gardens - Business Plan
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32968.pdf)

Motions
Motion to Receive Item moved by Councillor Maria Augimeri (Carried)
That the item be received for information.

CD35.6

Information

Received 

 

Ward: All 

City-run Golf Courses – Seniors’ Card

Committee Decision

The Community Development and Recreation Committee received Item CD35.6 for information.

Origin
(July 30, 2010) Report from General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation
Summary

Fees at City-run golf courses are established annually by City Council through the Operating Budget process, and are based on a scan of industry trends and a variety of parameters. The current fee structure provides substantial discounts for senior golfers (those aged 65 and older), ranging from 32% to 40% for weekday, 18-hole rounds, compared to a regular adult ticket.

 

Fee structures are assessed on an ongoing basis, and there may be opportunities to provide seniors with further savings, over and above the substantial discounts they are already entitled to. Some of these opportunities, as set out in this report, are incentives like the early-bird pilot package being recommended to Council in a companion report, and combining golf with a food and beverage package, which may be feasible through the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

 

In order to qualify for the discount rates, seniors only need to show some form of verification of age such as a valid driver’s license, senior citizen’s ID card, etc.

Background Information
CD35.6 - City-run Golf Courses - Seniors' Card - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32506.pdf)

Motions
Motion to Receive Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)
That the item be received for information.

CD35.7

ACTION

Adopted 

 

Ward: 32, 36 

Sale of Five Toronto Community Housing Corporation Single-Family Houses

Committee Recommendations

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council approve the sale by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) of each of the five houses, as listed in Appendix A to the report (August 6, 2010) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, on the open market through the multiple listing service, in its capacity as Shareholder, pursuant to section 6.3.1(b) of the Shareholder Direction, on condition that:

 

a.         TCHC invests the proceeds of the sale net of reasonable transaction costs, in the renovation of existing social housing units or the creation of new units, consistent with its Housing Works Strategy as outlined in the Community Management Plan 2010-2012;

 

and subject to:

 

b.         approval from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

 

2.         City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to amend the TCHC Operating Agreement to adjust funding and service level obligations as a result of the sale and enter into any agreements and ancillary documentation deemed appropriate in connection with the sale of the houses on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

Origin
(August 6, 2010) Report from General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration
Summary

The purpose of this report is to request Council to consent to the sale by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) of five single family houses, in accordance with the City’s Shareholder Direction.

 

TCHC’s Housing Works Strategy identified 47 houses in the single family portfolio to be sold.  In May 2010, Council consented to the sale by TCHC of 20 of these single family homes to Wigwamen Inc.  TCHC initiated a process to solicit expressions of interest in the remaining 27 single family homes from community agencies that deliver housing and support services to low-income or vulnerable populations in Toronto.  Discussions are underway between TCHC and community social agencies that have expressed an interest in acquiring 22 of the properties.  This report deals with the proposed sale on the open market of the remaining five houses, as described in Appendix A, that no agency has expressed interest in acquiring.

Background Information
CD35.7 - Sale of Five Toronto Community Housing Corporation Single-Family Houses - Staff Report and Appendix A
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32984.pdf)

Motions
Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

CD35.8

ACTION

Adopted 

 

Ward: All 

2011 to 2014 Federal Homelessness Funding: Authority to Negotiate and Administer a New Federal Agreement

Committee Recommendations

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, in consultation with the City Solicitor, to enter into a contribution agreement with Service Canada or related entity for funding under a renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, or any new federal homelessness funding program.

 

2.         City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to undertake appropriate measures to develop funding priorities for any renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, or other similar federal funding program, including seeking input from community consultation, dependent on new program terms and conditions once announced and based on the proposed draft Community Plan substantially as outlined in Appendix A to the report (August 6, 2010) from the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration.

 

3.         Once the contribution agreement with Service Canada or related entity is in place, City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to enter into agreements with other City divisions, project sponsor agencies, and/or private expertise to deliver projects in line with the terms and conditions of the federal agreement, other than new housing development projects, which will be approved through the Affordable Housing Committee and Council.

 

4.         Based upon a finalized contribution agreement with Service Canada or related entity, City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to undertake appropriate measures to establish sound budgetary priorities, adjust funding among programs as required to ensure effective use of available federal funds, and seek and draw upon input from community consultation, new Council directions/priorities, or other circumstances as might occur in the future, requiring expenditure adjustments.

 

5.         City Council direct that any project currently funded under the Homelessness Partnership Strategy that is not completed by March 31, 2011 be approved as a priority for funding under any new contribution agreement entered into under Recommendation 1.

 

6.         City Council direct the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report to Committee and Council on any further implications relating to the renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy or the establishment of any new federal homelessness funding program, as required.

Origin
(August 6, 2010) Report from General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration
Summary

The current federal homelessness funding through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy ends March 31, 2011.  The Government of Canada in September 2008 announced that federal housing and homelessness investments would continue through to March 31, 2014.  Confirmation as to the nature, extent or parameters of federal funding for the period 2011 to 2014 has not yet been released.

 

The purpose of this report is to:

 

a.         seek authority for the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to enter into and administer a new contribution agreement with the federal government based on an anticipated extension to, or a replacement of, current Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding; and

 

b.         highlight key outcomes from the current Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding during the period April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011.

 

This report is similar in its objectives to one approved by Council in December 2008, granting the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, authority to negotiate and administer a contribution agreement for the extension of HPS from 2009 to 2011. This report is being presented to Council at an early date in view of the upcoming municipal election and the consequent interruption of the regular meeting schedule for Council and its Committees, in order to ensure that there is no interruption in services to vulnerable clients.

Background Information
CD35.8 - 2011 to 2014 Federal Homelessness Funding: Authority to Negotiate and Administer a New Federal Agreement - Staff Report and Appendices A and B
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32985.pdf)

Motions
Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

CD35.9

ACTION

Amended 

 

Ward: All 

Update on Newcomer and Settlement Issues and Initiatives

Committee Recommendations

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

 

1.         City Council direct that upon funding approval by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI), Social Development, Finance and Administration's 2010 Operating Budget be increased on a one-time basis by an amount of $87,500 gross and 0 net in 2010 and $87,500 gross and 0 net in 2011 including one temporary position for a total of $175,000 for 2010 and 2011.

 

2.         City Council reaffirm Toronto's motto "Diversity Our Strength" and the City’s commitment to supporting immigrants of all classes, including refugees, through the delivery and coordination of services and by working with the Ontario and federal governments to renew the trilateral agreements to provide Toronto with a strong role in serving immigrants to this City.

Origin
(August 3, 2010) Report from Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration
Summary

This report provides an update on a range of activities and issues associated with services for newcomers in the City of Toronto.  Specifically, the report includes comparative data on federal funding for settlement across provinces and territories, an update of the status of the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA), and an update on the implementation of the Toronto Newcomer Initiative including the value of the final agreement between the City and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

 

This report also requests for Council authority to receive and spend up to $175,000 from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI) to refresh the City’s immigration and settlement web portal.

Background Information
CD35.9 - Update on Newcomer and Settlement Issues and Initiatives - Staff Report
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-32953.pdf)

Motions
1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Janet Davis (Carried)

That City Council reaffirm Toronto's motto "Diversity Our Strength" and the City’s commitment to supporting immigrants of all classes, including refugees, through the delivery and coordination of services and by working with the Ontario and federal governments to renew the trilateral agreements to provide Toronto with a strong role in serving immigrants to this City.


Vote (Amend Item (Additional))

Aug-19-2010

Result: Carried Majority Required
Yes: 5 Ainslie, Davis (Chair), Jenkins, Mihevc, Parker 
No: 0  
Absent: 1 Augimeri 

2 - Motion to Adopt Item as Amended moved by Councillor Janet Davis (Carried)

Vote (Adopt Item as Amended)

Aug-19-2010

Result: Carried Majority Required
Yes: 5 Ainslie, Davis (Chair), Jenkins, Mihevc, Parker 
No: 0  
Absent: 1 Augimeri 

CD35.10

ACTION

Without Recs 

 

Ward: All 

Proposed Short Term Provincial Program to Help Address Housing Affordability Issues

Committee Recommendations

The Community Development and Recreation Committee submits this matter to City Council without recommendation.

Decision Advice and Other Information

The Community Development and Recreation Committee requested the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report directly to City Council on August 25, 2010, on the opportunity to participate in a new time limited provincial program to help address affordability issues of households in need, at no net cost to the City.

Origin
(August 19, 2010) Letter from Councillor Janet Davis, Ward 31 - Beaches East York
Summary

Councillor Janet Davis advising that the Province is contemplating a modest short term program to help address housing affordability issues.  While program details, delivery arrangements and funding allocations have yet to be finalized and negotiated, these discussions will take place between the Province and municipal service managers while Committee and Council is not in session because of the upcoming election.

Background Information
CD35.10 - Proposed Short Term Provincial Program to Help Address Housing Affordability Issues - Letter from Councillor Janet Davis
(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-33214.pdf)

Motions
1 - Motion to Add New Business at Committee moved by Councillor Janet Davis (Carried)

2 - Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Janet Davis (Carried)

That the Community Development and Recreation Committee request the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report directly to City Council on August 25, 2010, on the opportunity to participate in a new time limited provincial program to help address affordability issues of households in need, at no net cost to the City.


Procedural Motions
Motion to Adopt Minutes moved by Councillor John Parker (Carried)

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Community Development and Recreation Committee held on June 24, 2010, be confirmed.

 

 

Thursday, August 19, 2010
Councillor Janet Davis, Chair, Community Development and Recreation Committee
Meeting Sessions
Session Date Session Type Start Time End Time Public or Closed Session
2010-08-19 Morning 9:40 AM 10:15 AM Public
Attendance
Members were present for some or all of the time period indicated.
Date and Time Quorum Members
2010-08-19
9:40 AM - 10:15 AM
(Public Session)
Present Present: Ainslie, Augimeri, Davis (Chair), Jenkins, Mihevc, Parker