Status of the Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games

The Scarborough Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (February 3, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, subject to:

(1)striking out Recommendation No. (4) and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

"(4)that the $20,000.00 annual operating grant be provided as a status quo grant in accordance with the pre-amalgamation commitment by the former City of Scarborough;"; and

(2)adding a new Recommendation No. (5), as follows:

"(5)that City Council request Mayor Lastman to communicate to the Mayor of the City of Indianapolis, City Council's support for the continuation of the Indianapolis-Scarborough Peace Games.":

Purpose:

This report provides an update on the status of the Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games which will be held in the Scarborough Community this year, and to inform Council of the need to establish a financial plan to ensure the future success of the Games.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Free use of facilities is provided to the Peace Games including playing fields, recreation centres and swimming pools. In 1997 and 1998, the former City of Scarborough provided $20,000.00 for the Games. In 1999, the Games Committee will be requesting financial support through the Recreation Grants Program.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the Parks and Recreation Division make the necessary facilities available at no charge for the hosting of the 1999 Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games to be held July 23-26, 1999;

(2)staff of the Parks and Recreation Division continue to work with the volunteer Board of Directors in the hosting of the 1999 Games and the planning for the Games in 2000;

(3)staff of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department assist the Peace Games Committee in the development of a Strategic Plan, to address the future of the Games and the financial challenges associated therewith; and

(4)The Peace Games Committee be encouraged to apply for financial assistance through the Recreation Grants Program.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games marked its twenty-sixth anniversary in 1998. Throughout its history, the Peace Games, which are conducted each summer and alternate between the two cities, have provided countless thousands of Scarborough residents with an opportunity to share in a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie with participants from the City of Indianapolis. This year, 1999, is Scarborough's turn to host the Games which will take place on July23-26, 1999.

The Scarborough component of the Peace Games has been organized, hosted and funded by a volunteer Board of Directors. Municipal support has been in the form of administrative and organizational assistance, particularly around obtaining adequate recreational facilities for the sixteen sporting categories that are organized. These facilities are provided free of charge for the Games.

Over the past several years, the Peace Games have faced a number of challenges listed below:

(i)Financial Constraints

A significant portion of the Peace Games budget is derived from bingo operations. With the opening of larger casino operations (e.g., Casino Rama), as well as the installation of gaming opportunities at local convenience stores (e.g., Nevada tickets), bingo revenues have decreased. This has left the Peace Games to rely on their existing reserve funds to financially support the event.

At the present time, the two year budget (home and away) is $200,000.00 (home year $50,000.00, away $150,000.00). The main expenses are the transportation costs incurred by busing one thousand (1,000) participants from Scarborough to Indianapolis. These costs are minimally offset by a fee collected from Peace Games participants.

In 1997 and 1998, the former Scarborough City Council approved a $20,000.00 annual operating grant to the Peace Games. Funding assistance in 1999 will be considered through the City of Toronto's Recreation Grants Program.

(ii)High Turnover of Staff from the City of Indianapolis

Key to the success of the Games is the joint planning and co-operation that takes place between the two Committees. Unlike the Scarborough Committee, the City of Indianapolis is driven mainly by municipal staff with limited volunteer involvement. With a high degree of turnover in past years, it has been challenging to provide for the Games. Funding, therefore, comes directly from municipal funds.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Staff have met with Executive Members of the Peace Games Committee to determine the current status of the 1999 and 2000 Games. Although the commitment of both Committees is evident, the Scarborough Committee feels it necessary that additional financial assistance from the City of Toronto will be necessary and will be making application through the Recreation Grants Program. This year, the intention of the Committee is to devise strategies both locally and in partnership with Indianapolis to build a stronger financial foundation through activities such as Corporate sponsorship.

Conclusions:

Staff have met with both the Scarborough Peace Games and representatives from the City of Indianapolis to address these concerns. Staff feel confident that the adoption of these recommendations will ensure that the Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games continue into the next millennium. The Games bring a significant economic benefit to both communities and foster a spirit of friendly competition.

Contact Name:

Paul McNabney

Supervisor of Special Events, East District

Telephone :396-7810

Facsimile :396-5399

Mr. Bob Milne, Vice Chair, Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games Committee, appeared before the Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter.