September 15, 1999
To:Planning and Transportation Committee
From:Acting Commissioner, Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:Vital Services Programme
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to report on the success of the Vital Services Programme for the heating season of 1998/1999.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Council Reference/Background/History:
Council, at its meeting of October, 1998, adopted a Vital Services By-law to require the suppliers of vital services
(utilities), such as Enbridge Consumers Gas or Toronto Hydro, to provide the City of Toronto with 30 days' notice of a
proposed discontinuance of service to a rental unit where a landlord has failed to pay the supplier for the vital service.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
The programme, as adopted, has proven to be successful. The suppliers were cooperative in their participation in the
programme.
There were two or three discontinuances at locations where the records of the suppliers did not indicate that the premises
were tenanted. However, when the suppliers were advised, service was restored within hours.
There were a few instances of reluctance by landlords to pay the outstanding accounts; however, when the applicable
provisions and penalties of the current Property Standards/Housing By-laws were drawn to their attention, resolution was
achieved before the expiry of the thirty-day period. No bill payments were made by the City to a supplier.
There were no instances where it was necessary to call together the working group in order to develop an alternate
resolution.
Conclusion:
The Vital Services By-law was successful in establishing a mechanism for, and providing time for the resolution of issues
regarding the discontinuance of vital services (utilities) due to the non-payment of bills by landlords.
Contact Name:
Harold Bratten
Acting Executive Director
Municipal Licensing and Standards
Urban Planning and Development Services
12th Floor, East Tower, City Hall
397-4634 (tel.)
392-8805 (fax)Reviewed by:
______________________________________________________________
HAROLD BRATTENJAMES RIDGE
Acting Executive DirectorActing Commissioner
Municipal Licensing and StandardsUrban Planning and Development Services
