Financial Assistance for Public Art and Benches

- Kensington Market Area

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation in the following transmittal letter (June 26, 1998) from the Budget Committee:

Recommendation:

The Budget Committee on June 25, 1998, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council, the approval of funds in the amount of $30,000.00 for the Kensington Market Area improvement project.

The Budget Committee reports having requested the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to report directly to Council on July 8, 1998 on the appropriate funding source for the $30,000.00 with preference being given to having same allocated from within the departmental budget.

Background:

The Budget Committee on June 25, 1998, had before it a communication (June 1, 1998) from Ms. Barb Matthews, Community Development Coordinator, Kensington Market Action Committee, addressed to Councillor Olivia Chow regarding financial assistance for public art and benches.

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(Communication dated June 1, 1998, addressed toCouncillor Olivia Chow from Ms. Barb Matthews,Community Development Coordinator, Kensington Market Action Committee)

I am writing on behalf of the Committee to seek your assistance in raising $40,000.00 for the purchase and installation of two important improvements, public art and benches.

Over the past year, our Committee has been working on the areas of improvement identified in the May 1997 Council-approved Action Plan. We fully appreciate the extensive and ongoing support you and your staff, namely Bruce Scott, have given us.

Public Art ($10,000.00) - following the rave reviews received on the two pieces of public art installed by the TTC with support by the City, City Works has gone ahead with the design of two more pieces. This art would be installed at the entrance and exit of Augusta Street (Dundas Street and College Street corners). However, the project requires a further $10,000.00 for completion.

Benches ($30,000.00) - For many years merchants and residents living and working in the market have expressed a need for public seating. Business owners welcome benches for their customers. Residents believe the seating invites tourists and others to sit awhile, take in the scenery and enjoy the Kensington experience. Members of the Streetscaping Task Force, in consultation with Committee members, residents and merchants have identified at least 30 feasible locations for benches. City Works has agreed to work cooperatively with the Committee around the purchase and installation of these benches; however, an investment of $30,000.00 is needed to make the purchase.

As you are aware from our fax to Joe Halstead seeking request for the relocation of planters, we are actively involved in other efforts to beautify the area.

We value your assistance in helping these two projects become a reality. These improvements will greatly enhance and improve conditions in the Market and encourage its promotion as a tourist and shopping destination.