Toronto Congress Centre - Request to Install Landscaping

on the Public Road Allowance at 650 Dixon Road

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 6, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District:

Purpose:

To authorize, in principle, the installation of landscaping on the public road allowance between City View Drive and Dixon Road adjacent to Toronto Congress Centre.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Toronto Congress Centre is located near Pearson International Airport, is highly visible from two main thoroughfares and often hosts domestic and international visitors to the City. The proposed landscaping will greatly improve the aesthetics of the area. The Congress Centre is also requesting permission to provide a high level of maintenance for the whole section of road allowance relieving the City of approximately $300 in annual maintenance costs.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)The request to install landscaping on the public road allowance be approved; and

(2)The City Solicitor be instructed to prepare an appropriate license agreement.

Background:

In an April 1, 1998 letter to the City (Attachment No. 1 & 2), Toronto Congress Centre requested permission to install approximately 1500 square metres of landscaping, primarily consisting of vegetation, on a peninsula of road allowance opposite the main entrance to the Congress Centre (Attachment No. 3). The proposal also includes a small cluster of approximately 10 trees and a six foot high decorative light post.

Comments and Discussion:

The site is currently a vacant area of road allowance requiring litter removal by City staff and receiving the standard six cuts of grass per year by the City=s contractor. The applicant wishes to install streetscape improvements similar to the landscaping on Congress Centre property in order to enhance the appearance of his business. The Congress Centre will bear all costs associated with installing and maintaining the landscaping and general maintenance of the site.

Toronto Congress Centre will be required to enter into a license agreement requiring that the City be insured against liability claims and stating that the Centre would not be entitled to damages should the City or a public utility company find it necessary to remove any portion of the landscaping. The Congress Centre will satisfy the City and public utility companies regarding the exact extent and location of all components.

Conclusions:

The proposed vegetation will not obstruct access to the road allowance and will result in greatly enhanced aesthetics for the area at no cost to the City. These improvements are mutually beneficial to the City and Toronto Congress Centre.

Contact Name:

Doug Robertson, Budget/Road Allowance Co-Ordinator

Building Operations, Fleet & Administration.

(416) 394-8360; Fax 394-8942.

(Copies of Attachment Nos. 1-3, referred to in the foregoing report, were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council Meeting of May 6, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)