Province of Ontario Announcement Respecting

the City's Main Street Ontario Application

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following recommendations of the Millennium Task Force:

(1)that the Province of Ontario be notified immediately of the City's intention to submit its application to the Main Street Ontario Program in September, 1999;

(2)that staff be directed to prepare an application inclusive of departmental initiatives which are thematically linked to the Main Street Program and meet with the Program's eligibility criteria; and

(3)that the Millennium Task Force approve the application prior to its submission to Economic Development Committee and Council in the Fall of 1999.

The Economic Development Committee submits the following report (April 2, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendation:

The Millennium Task Force on April 1, 1999:

(1)adopted the report (March 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and directed that it be forwarded to Economic Development Committee and Council for consideration: and

(2)received the report (January 8, 1999) from the Acting Project Manager, Millennium Project.

Background:

The Millennium Task Force had before it the following reports:

(I)(January 8, 1999) from the Acting Project Manager, Millennium Project, providing details of the Province of Ontario's millennium program, Ontario 2000, and requesting direction respecting the City's application to the Main Street Ontario Program, which was deferred from the January 29, 1999 meeting; and

(ii)(March 22, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, wherein it is recommended:

(1)the Province of Ontario be notified immediately of the City's intention to submit its application to the Main Street Ontario Program in September, 1999;

(2)staff be directed to prepare an application inclusive of departmental initiatives which are thematically linked to the Main Street Program and meet with the Program's eligibility criteria; and

(3)the Task Force approve the application prior to its submission to Economic Development Committee and Council in the Fall of 1999.

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(Report dated March 22, 1999, addressed to the Millennium Task Force,

from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.)

Purpose:

To request the Task Force's approval of the following recommendations respecting the City's Main Street Ontario application.

Recommendations:

(1)the Province of Ontario be notified immediately of the City's intention to submit its application to the Main Street Ontario Program in September, 1999;

(2)staff be directed to prepare an application inclusive of departmental initiatives which are thematically linked to the Main Street Program and meet with the Program's eligibility criteria; and

(3)the Task Force approve the application prior to its submission to Economic Development Committee and Council in the Fall of 1999.

Discussion:

The Workgroup at its meeting in February, 1999, discussed various options regarding the City's application to this funding program. While the group voted to support an application for a two-phased City Millennium Grants Program (to which the City has already committed $500,000.00 for Phase1), subsequent discussions with Ontario 2000 staff have determined that such an application would not be eligible.

The Workgroup has indicated that its second preferred option is an application for a group of corporate initiatives, which are thematically linked to the Main Street Program.

However, workgroup members expressed concern about the lack of confirmed information for most of the initiatives due to budget uncertainties, and that the selection process should be equitable. At its next meeting on April 6, 1999, the workgroup will discuss further the selection criteria. Given that departmental budgets will not be confirmed until later in the year and many initiatives are in very early planning stages, it is recommended that the City not submit its application until September. This would assume Council approval of the application and receipt of MP letter(s) of support in late July or early September.

Conclusion:

The Main Street Ontario application has generated much discussion from staff and community groups keen to expand on planned Millennium initiatives. As funding for the City has already been earmarked by the Province, the timing of the City's application is less urgent. It is, therefore, recommended that the workgroup be permitted to develop an equitable and manageable selection process and apply it to the range of Corporate Millennium initiatives.

Contact:

Irene Bauer, Acting Project Manager

Tel: 392-4218

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(Report dated January 8, 1999 addressed to the Millennium Task Force,

from the Acting Project Manager, Millennium Project.)

Purpose:

To provide the Millennium Task Force with information on the Province of Ontario's millennium program, Ontario 2000 and discuss the City's approach to the Main Street Ontario funding program.

Discussion:

The Province of Ontario has recently announced details of its millennium program (fact sheet attached). The program includes a matching funding program available to municipalities, First Nations and local service boards for one-time, community-oriented projects in the year 2000. Funding will range from $1,000.00 to $350,000.00 for projects which beautify a community, promote tourism or celebrate cultural diversity, history, or achievements in science and technology.

There are a variety of options available to the City regarding a funding application to this program. Each municipality may submit one application, focussing on one project or covering multiple community projects and/or initiatives. The private, public and not-for-profit sectors of the community are encouraged to join together in partnership and funding participation for Main Street Ontario projects. The municipality's matching funds must be committed by the date the application is submitted. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; the closing deadline is March31, 2000.

Given the range of options which exist with respect to the City's application to the Main Street Ontario program, the Task Force's guidance and feedback are requested.

Contact:

Irene Bauer, Acting Project Manager, Millennium Project - Tel: 392-4218.

(A copy of the fact sheet referred to in the foregoing report and the news release was forwarded to all Members of Council with the April 23, 1999 Agenda of the Economic Development Committee, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)