May 10, 1999

To:Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee

From:City Clerk

Subject:Toronto Heritage Fund Grants Program

Recommendation:

The Municipal Grants Review Committee on May 10, 1999, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee the adoption of the attached report (April 30, 1999) from the Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board, respecting the Toronto Heritage Fund Grants Program.

City Clerk

R. Dyers/tl

Item No. 3

(Report dated April 30, 1999, addressed to the

Municipal Grants Review Committee from the

Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board)

Purpose:

This report recommends that the Municipal Grants Review Committee designate $100,000.00 from the 1998 Consolidated Grants Budget underexpenditures to provide a one-time top up to the Toronto Heritage Fund Grants Program.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

During 1998, Heritage Toronto identified to the Municipal Grants Review Committee the need for a one time $100,000.00 top up to the reserve fund. This would provide for increased interest earnings which in turn would be made available to the anticipated 15 percent increase of designated properties eligible for grants.

Through the 1998 account closings underexpenditures of approximately $3.186 million were identified within the Consolidated Grants Program. A liability of $100,000.00 was created within the 1998 underexpenditures to provide for the Toronto Heritage Fund adjustment, subject to Heritage Toronto putting forward a report to the Municipal Grants Review Committee formerly requesting and justifying the increase.

Funds have been allocated from the Consolidated Grants Budget as approved by Council (subject to Council approval).

Recommendation:

It is recommended that to successfully provide grant funding from the Toronto Heritage Fund, Council top up the base fund by $100,000.00.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting of May 4, 1998, the Municipal Grants Review Committee requested that Heritage Toronto consult with stakeholders about expanding the Toronto Heritage Fund grant program to cover the entire City of Toronto. Heritage Toronto reported to the November 20, 1998, Municipal Grants Review Committee. The Committee adopted the following Recommendations Nos. (1) to (5) of the report:

(1)that the Heritage Toronto Fund grants program be expanded to cover the entire City of Toronto;

(2)that Heritage Toronto or its successor continue to administer and manage the Toronto Heritage Fund grant program on behalf of the City of Toronto;

(3)that Heritage Toronto or its successor should report back to Council in one year with a review of the program and an appropriate long-term strategy for managing the Fund;

(4)that applications be reviewed on a competition basis; and

(5)that a representative of each former municipality be invited to participate in a cross-jurisdictional review committee.

The Municipal Review Grants Committee deferred consideration of Recommendation No. (6):

"(6)That to successfully operate the expanded program, the Board requests Council to include an immediate contribution of $100,000.00 to the fund.,"

pending receipt of a detailed report from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services which establishes the priority services areas for the 1999 Municipal Grants Program and Heritage Toronto formally requesting the funds. City Council adopted these recommendations at its December 16 and 17, 1998, meeting (Clause No. 9, contained in Report No. 26 of The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, headed " The Toronto heritage Fund Grants Program").

Comments and /or Discussion and /or Justification:

Heritage Toronto has reviewed and recommended grants under the Toronto Heritage Fund grants program on behalf of the former City of Toronto for over 12 years. The Toronto Heritage Fund grant program allows the municipality to aid owners of properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act with approved restoration and conservation projects.

At its meeting of December 16, 1998, City Council adopted the recommendation to expand the Toronto Heritage Fund Grant Program to cover the entire City of Toronto. To successfully operate the expanded program, Heritage Toronto requires additional monies to augment the base fund to increase the amount of interest available to assist in the expanded services for grants. Based on the number of additional designated properties as a result of amalgamation that are now eligible for restoration grants, a 15 percent increase, Heritage Toronto requests that an additional $100,000.00 be allocated to the support the program.

Conclusion:

While the administration and management of the Toronto Heritage Fund grant program, remains substantially the same, and that the recently approved Heritage Services governance structure has yet to be implemented, the request for the $100,000.00 to the base fund assists in the amount of interest available for the expanded program and ensures its continued future.

Contact Name:

Marisa Williams,

Preservation Officer, Architecture,

Heritage Toronto,

Tel: 392-6827 Extension 240.

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