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City of Toronto Council and Committees |
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All Council and Committee documents are available from the City of Toronto Clerk's office. Please e-mail clerk@toronto.ca.
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THE CITY OF TORONTO
City Clerk's Division
Minutes of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee
Meeting No. 3
Wednesday, March 24, 1999
The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee met on Wednesday, March 24, 1999, in
the Council Chamber, City Hall, Toronto, commencing at 9:45 a.m.
Members Present:
9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. 1:45-2:35 p.m.
3:05-6:05 p.m.
Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair x x
x
Councillor Elizabeth Brown x x
x
Councillor Raymond Cho x x
x
Councillor Gordon Chong x x
x
Councillor Olivia Chow x x
x
Councillor Michael Feldman x x
x
Councillor John Filion x x
x
Regrets:
Councillor Rob Davis
Councillor Joan King
Councillor George Mammoliti
Councillor Michael Prue
Also Present:
Councillor Irene Jones x
Councillor Jack Layton x
x
Councillor Pam McConnell x
x
Councillor Kyle Rae x
x
Members were present for some or all of the time period indicated.
Confirmation of Minutes.
On motion by Councillor Chong, the Minutes of the meeting of the Community
and Neighbourhood Services Committee held on February 11, 1999, were
confirmed.
3.1 1999 Operating Budgets - Community and Neighbourhood Services.
The Committee had before it the following 1999 Operating Budgets:
- Shelter, Housing and Support;
- Toronto Housing Company;
- Homes for the Aged;
- Children s Services;
- Public Library;
- Social Development and Administration;
- Consolidated Grants;
- Social Services; and
- Public Health.
The Committee also had before it the following communications:
- (March 5, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that the Budget Committee had
completed its preliminary review of the 1999 Operating Budgets; and attaching a
communication from Councillor Tom Jakobek, Chair, Budget Committee, together with
a synopsis of the Budget Committee recommendations;
- (February 24, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that the Strategic Policies and
Priorities Committee on February 23, 1999, had before it a report (February 19,
1999) from the Chief Administrative Officer respecting Service Level
Harmonization, wherein it recommended that the report be forwarded to Community
Councils and the respective standing committees (Community and Neighbourhood
Services for the Library and Public Health components);
- (March 4, 1999) from Councillor John Filion, Chair, Board of Health, forwarding
the following reports related to the Public Health 1999 Operating Budget:
(i) (February 22, 1999) respecting the Public Health 1999 Budget;
(ii) (January 25, 1999) respecting the Meeting of Provincial Standards Across
the City for Selected Public Health Programs and Services;
(iii) (January 25, 1999) respecting the State of the City s Health: Achieving
Public Health Goals in the Millennium;
(iv) (February 22, 1999) respecting Options for the Delivery of Public Health
Dental Treatment Programs; and (February 16, 1999) respecting the Dental
Complement in Public Health;
(v) (January 15, 1999) respecting the Harmonization of Dental and Oral Health
Services;
(vi) (January 15, 1999) respecting Harmonization of Food Access Grants; and
(vii) (February 22, 1999) respecting Anticipated Revenues and Expenditures
Resulting from By-law No. 28-1999, A By-law Respecting Animals;
- (February 10, 1999) from Councillor Irene Jones forwarding a health survey
completed by a student working at the Lakeshore Area Multiservice Project, in
part, with respect to Dental Services;
- (March 8, 1999) from Ms. Zainab Amadahy respecting WIACT;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. Stephen Lee, Staff Lawyer, Kensington-Bellwoods
Community Legal Services, respecting WIACT;
- (March 22, 1999) from Ms. Christie Maquarrie, West Scarborough Community Legal
Services, respecting WIACT;
- (March 22, 1999) from Ms. Joyce Nobel respecting WIACT;
- (March 13, 1999) from Ms. Ruth Crammond respecting WIACT;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. John Cartwright, Business Manager, Construction Trades
Council, respecting WIACT;
- (March 22, 1999) from a group of students from The Canadian National Institute for
the Blind, ESL Program, respecting WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Ms. Ruby Trostin, the Assaulted Women s Helpline, respecting
WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Mr. Luis L.M. Aguiar, Trent University, respecting WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Mr. Myles Magner, Chief Steward, the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union, Local 5104, respecting WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Ms. Charlene Mueller respecting WIACT;
- (March 16, 1999) from Ms. Lisa Trudel, Clerical Workers Centre, George Brown
College respecting WIACT;
- (March 16, 1999) from Ms. Anne Dubas, President, Canadian Union of Public
Employees, Local 79, respecting WIACT;
- (March 4, 1999) from Ms. Linda Torney, President, Labour Council of Metropolitan
Toronto and York Region, respecting WIACT;
- (March 12, 1999) from Altamont Mitchell respecting WIACT;
- (March 22, 1999) from Ms. Maureen Hynes, Co-ordinator, School of Labour,
respecting WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Mr. Michael Block, Chair, Board of Directors, Industrial
Accident Victims Group of Ontario, respecting WIACT;
- (March 15, 1999) from Mr. Paul Clifford, President-Administrator, Hotel Employees,
Restaurant Employees Union, Local 75, respecting WIACT;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. Dennis Robideau and Mr. Jim Iliffe, York Community
Services, respecting WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Mr. David Carrington, Chair, Alliance for Employment Equity,
respecting WIACT;
- (March 18, 1999) from Mr. Myer Siemiatycki, Department of Politics and School of
Public Administration, Ryerson Polytechnic University, respecting WIACT;
- (March 15, 1999) from Mr. Lance Williams, Counsellor, Metro Youth Job Corps, West
Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre, respecting WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Ms. Ana Guimaraes, CAW Local 40, respecting WIACT;
- (March 23, 1999) from Ms. Susan Pigott, Executive Director, St. Christopher House,
respecting WIACT;
- (March 16, 1999) from Ms. Anne Dubas, President, Canadian Union of Public
Employees, Local 79, respecting the Homes for the Aged, Toronto Housing Company
and Public Health budgets;
- (March 24, 1999) from Ms. Pam Prinold, Rexdale Partners, respecting various
aspects of the 1999 Operating Budget and the need to level-up services;
- (March 24, 1999) from Ms. Janet Rowe, Women s Outreach Network of Toronto;
respecting the Public Health budget; and
- (March 23, 1999) from Ms. Anita James respecting WIACT.
The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee received overhead presentations from
the following during an informal session of the Committee held prior to its regular
meeting on March 24, 1999:
- the 1999 Budget Status Overview for the Community and Neighbourhood
Services Department by Ms. Shirley Hoy, Commissioner of Community and
Neighbourhood Services;
- Shelter, Housing and Support Division by Ms. Joanne Campbell, the General
Manager, Shelter, Housing and Support, and Mr. John Jagt, Director of
Hostel Services;
- Toronto Housing Company by Mr. Derek Ballentyne, Chief Operating Officer;
- Homes for the Aged by Ms. Sandra Pitters, General Manager, Homes for the
Aged;
- Children s Services Division by Ms. Brenda Patterson, Director of Contract
and Quality Control Compliance;
- Public Library by Ms. Josephine Bryant, City Librarian; and
- Public Health by Dr. Sheela Basrur, Medical Officer of Health;
and also had before it printed copies of the following overhead presentations:
- Social Development and Administration Division; and
- Social Services Division.
The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, during its regular meeting, also
received an overhead presentation on the Preliminary Operating Budget by
Mr. Michael Garrett, Chief Administrative Officer.
The following persons appeared before the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee
in connection with the various 1999 Operating Budgets under its purview:
- Ms. Trish Stovel, Co-Chair, Community Advisory Committee to the Workers
Information and Action Centre of Toronto (WIACT);
- Ms. Maria de Wit, Chair, Child Care Advisory Committee (Children s Services);
- Mr. Lee Zaslofsky, Citizens for Public Health, and showed photographs of a child
with dental problems (Public Health);
- Ms. Cheryl MacDonald, Metro Toronto Coalition for Better Child Care; and submitted
a brief in regard thereto (Children s Services);
- Ms. Evie Jesin, President, College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario; and submitted
a brief in regard thereto (Public Health);
- Ms. Antonella Schiraldi (WIACT);
- Ms. Amy Casipullai (WIACT);
- Ms. Ann Fitzpatrick, Children s Aid Society of Toronto;
- Mr. Jim Tsatsos, Home Child Care Association of Toronto, and submitted a brief in
regard thereto (Children s Services);
- Mr. Vance Latchford (Housing);
- Mr. Cliff Martin, The Public Housing Fightback Campaign (Housing);
- Ms. Maureen Orton, Sexual Health Network (WIACT);
- Ms. Erminia Ko, CNIB, English as a Second Language Program, and students
Ms. Vera Wang and Mr. Etienne Tengera (WIACT);
- Mr. Howard Tessler, Executive Director, Federation of Metro Tenants Association
(Housing);
- Councillor Irene Jones, Vice-Chair, Board of Health (Public Health); and
- Mr. Peter Clutterbuck, Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, on behalf of
Community Voices of Support.
Social Services:
Councillor Chow moved that the proposed cut to the WIACT (Worker s
Information and Action Committee of Toronto) Program be deferred, pending
an examination of this Program s role in relation to the City; that, as
part of this review, the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner of
Community and Neighbourhood Services be requested to approach the Federal
and Provincial Governments to request funding for the work of the WIACT
Program; and further that the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner
of Community and Neighbourhood Services be requested to report back to the
Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee on this matter by the end of
the summer. (Carried)
Public Health:
Councillor Filion moved that:
(1) the service levels recommended by the Board of Health with respect
to the Food Safety Program, the Tuberculosis Control Program, the
Needle Exchange Program, and the Dental and Oral Health Program be
supported in principle; (Carried)
(2) the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services and the
Medical Officer of Health be requested to report to the Budget
Committee on the impact of the provincial announcements on the
Public Health budget. (Carried)
Toronto Housing Company:
Councillor Chow moved that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood
Services be requested to report to the Budget Committee for its meeting on
April 6, 1999, on the feasibility of operational savings made by the
Toronto Housing Company being reinvested in service enhancements. (Carried)
Consolidated Grants:
Councillor Chow moved that the 1999 Consolidated Grants Budget be approved
at the 1998 level of $45,133,000.00 (gross) and $43,209,000.00 (net), as
originally recommended by the Municipal Grants Review Committee, the Chief
Administrative Officer, and the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood
Services. (Carried)
1999 Operating Budgets:
Councillor Filion moved that the Committee recommend to the Budget
Committee the adoption of the 1999 Operating Budgets under the purview of
the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, subject to the
foregoing amendments. (Carried)
(Budget Committee; Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services;
Medical Officer of Health; City Librarian; All Interested Parties - March
24, 1999)
(Clause No. 9(a), Report No. 4)
3.2 Still Hungry for Change: Fifteen Years of Daily Bread .
The Committee had before it a communication (February 26, 1999) from
Ms. Devi Arasanayagam, Public Education Co-ordinator, Daily Bread Food Bank, submitting a
copy of the report, entitled Still Hungry for Change: Fifteen Years of Daily Bread .
Ms. Devi Arasanayagam, Public Education Co-ordinator, Daily Bread Food Bank, appeared
before the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee in connection with the foregoing
matter.
On motion by Councillor Chow, the Committee referred the aforementioned
communication to the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services
for review and report thereon to the Community and Neighbourhood Services
Committee, and to the Children and Youth Action Committee.
(Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services; Ms. Devi
Arasanayagam, Daily Bread Food Bank; Children and Youth Action Committee -
March 24, 1999)
(Clause No. 9(b), Report No. 4)
3.3 Transfer of Provincial Responsibilities to
Social Services and Children s Services Divisions.
The Committee had before it a report (March 5, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services respecting the transfer of Provincial responsibilities to
Social Services and Children s Services Divisions; and recommending that:
(1) the Social Services Division proceed with the transfer of the Provincial caseload
starting April 1999 for a fall 1999 completion as discussed in this report, and
that all necessary steps be taken to ensure the transfer is completed within the
scheduled time frames;
(2) authority be granted for Children's Services to assume the system management
responsibilities for the child care programs being transferred from the Ministry
of Community and Social Services (including wage subsidy, special needs
resourcing, family resource centres and approved corporations providing child care
services) effective July 1, 1999, and to enter into service contracts with these
transferred child care programs by signing an agreement in a form acceptable to
the City Solicitor and the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services;
and
(3) the appropriate City officials take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
On motion by Councillor Chow, the Committee recommended to Council the
adoption of the aforementioned report.
(Clause No. 4, Report No. 4)
3.4 Support for Child Care Programs During the School Strike.
The Committee had before it a report (March 3, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services outlining the service and financial impacts that the labour
disruption currently being experienced by the Toronto District School Board is having on
child care centres serving subsidized families within the City; and recommending that:
(1) City staff review the expenditures of child care programs serving subsidized
children during the period of school labour disruption, identify those additional
costs eligible for payment and recommend a one time adjustment in payment in
accordance with existing guidelines to the program once the strike has been
settled;
(2) subject to provincial cost-sharing the payment of the City's portion of the one
time adjustments to which subsidized child care programs are entitled be funded
from the money dedicated to increased school occupancy costs within the 1999
Children's Services budget request; and
(3) the appropriate City officials take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
On motion by Councillor Chow, the Committee:
(1) recommended to the Budget Committee the adoption of the
aforementioned report; and
(2) directed that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood
Services be requested to report to the Budget Committee for its
meeting on March 29, 1999, on:
(i) the implications of the imminent announcement from the
Toronto District School Board on the closing of ten schools,
and the impact on child care centres; and
(ii) the rental agreement with the School Boards.
(Budget Committee; Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services; c.
General Manager, Children s Services Division - March 24, 1999)
(Clause No. 9(c), Report No. 4)
3.5 Children and Youth Action Committee - Workplan.
The Committee had before it a communication (February 26, 1999) from
Councillor Olivia Chow, Child and Youth Advocate, providing a status report and workplan
for the Children and Youth Action Committee for the coming year; noting that the Committee
is requesting a budget of $150,000.00 to implement the workplan, and that this request has
been included in the Task Forces Budget under the Finance Department s Other Corporate
Expenditures Account; and recommending that:
(1) Council approve the 1999 workplan for the Children and Youth Action Committee as
outlined in Appendix A; and
(2) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary
action to give effect thereto.
On motion by Councillor Chow, the Committee recommended to Council the
adoption of the aforementioned communication, subject to amending the 1999
Workplan of the Children and Youth Action Committee to provide that
discussion take place on taxation that would support families.
(Clause No. 7, Report No. 4)
3.6 Youth Outreach Toronto Program.
The Committee had before it a report (March 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services providing updated information on the Youth Outreach Toronto
Program (formerly the Metro Youth Employment Outreach Program); and recommending that,
subject to Federal and Municipal budget approval:
(1) authority be granted to the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services
to enter into an agreement with Human Resources Development Canada to renew
operations of the Youth Outreach Toronto Program up to March 31, 2000;
(2) the total cost of the program not to exceed $331,300.00 and City of Toronto s
contribution to the program for 1999 not to exceed $72,996.00 net;
(3) the program s name be changed to Youth Outreach Toronto to be more reflective of
the City of Toronto s recent amalgamation; and
(4) the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions to give
effect thereto.
On motion by Councillor Chong, the Committee recommended to Council the
adoption of the aforementioned report.
(Clause No. 5, Report No. 4)
3.7 Toronto Youth Job Corps.
The Committee had before it a report (March 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services providing updated information on the Toronto Youth Job Corps
program (formerly the Metro Youth Job Corps); and recommending that, subject to Human
Resource Development Canada (HRDC) funding:
(1) the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services be authorized to enter
into a funding agreement with H.R.D.C. for the operation of Toronto Youth Job
Corps for the period April 1, 1999 to March 31, 2000, and to renew agreements with
St. Christopher House and West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre to
deliver the program;
(2) the total cost of the agreement not exceed $1,094,100.00 gross and the City of
Toronto s contribution to the program not to exceed $156,370.00 net for 1999;
(3) the program s name be changed to Toronto Youth Job Corps to be more reflective of
the City of Toronto s recent amalgamation; and
(4) the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give
effect thereto.
On motion by Councillor Chong, the Committee recommended to Council the
adoption of the aforementioned report.
(Clause No. 6, Report No. 4)
3.8 Status Report on Capacity of the Emergency Shelter System.
The Committee had before it a report (March 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services providing an update on the capacity of the emergency shelter
system, to identify areas where there are projected shortfalls, and to suggest short and
long-term strategies for addressing the shortfalls; and recommending that:
(1) the Committee support the objective of maintaining the monthly occupancy level of
the emergency shelter system for adults and youth at no more than 90 percent;
(2) the City extend the use of its property at 60 Richmond Street East for public
service use as an 85-bed emergency shelter and drop-in for men and women operated
by Dixon Hall and Central Neighbourhood House;
(3) while continuing to pursue the relocation of the Bail Reporting Centre to a new
facility, the staff of Facilities Management work with staff of Hostel Services to
review the space requirements of the two programs at 60 Richmond Street East with
the intention of providing increased floor space to the shelter program and
resolving shared space issues which may exist;
(4) the City extend the use of its property at 11 Ordnance Street for public service
use as a 50-bed shelter, transitional housing and training development program for
youth to be operated by Eva s Place youth shelter;
(5) the City extend the use of its property at 5248 Yonge Street for public service
use as a 37-bed emergency shelter for youth operated by Eva s Place Youth Shelter;
(6) the City extend the use of its property at 126 Pape for public service use as an
18-bed residential program for homeless adult women operated by St. Vincent de
Paul, and that staff be directed to approach the Province regarding the provision
of supportive housing funding on this site;
(7) the City extend the use of the privately owned property at 312 Broadview Avenue
for public service use as a 60-bed emergency shelter for men operated by the
Salvation Army;
(8) staff be directed to pursue the immediate opening of a temporary single men s
program in mid-April should the occupancy of the single men s system exceed
90 percent;
(9) the Mayor and Chair of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee meet
with the Ministers of Health and Housing to seek appropriate funding for
transitional/supportive housing programs which are currently being funded under
the hostel per diem;
(10) staff be directed to report back to the Community and Neighbourhood Services
Committee in April with further information on strategies to address the situation
in the family shelters; and
(11) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary
action to give effect thereto.
The Committee also had before it communications and briefs from the following with respect
to the various emergency shelters referred to in the report of the Commissioner of
Community and Neighbourhood Services:
- (February 26, 1999) from Mr. John Clarke, Provincial Organizer, Ontario Coalition
Against Poverty;
- (March 4, 1999) from Ms. Julia Rogers;
- (March 8, 1999) from Ms. Margaret Blair, on behalf of the Lakeside Area
Neighbourhoods Association;
- (March 8, 1999) from Ms. Brenda Cohen;
- (March 8, 1999) from Tom and Marlene Altosaar;
- (March 7, 1999) from Mr. Greg Harrison and Mr. Ken McKenzie;
- (March 5, 1999) from the Board of Directors of the Boston Association of Residents
for a Clean Quiet Street;
- (Undated) from Mr. Svend Petersen;
- (March 7, 1999) from Mr. Rod Grigor, Ms. Tina Chan and Ms. Jeanette Tanguey;
- (March 6, 1999) from Ms. Ellen Eaton;
- (undated) from Mr. Fred Avery;
- (March 4, 1999) from Mr. Daniel Morin;
- (March 4, 1999) from Ms. Francine Tanguay;
- (March 3, 1999) from Ms. Mary Ann Grainger;
- (undated) from Ms. Anneke van Soeren;
- (March 8, 1999) from D. Reingold;
- (Undated) from Ms. James Mccallister;
- (March 22, 1999) from a number of residents of Simpson Avenue;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. David Morin;
- (Undated) from Mr. Raymond Lam;
- (March 19, 1999) from Ms. Toba Bryant;
- (March 19, 1999) from Mr. Dennis Raphael;
- (Undated) from Mr. Bob Beerman;
- (March 16, 1999) from Mr. Rod Grigor;
- (March 20, 1999) from Mr. Jonathon Bakan;
- (March 19, 1999) from Ms. Seraphina Park;
- (March 4, 1999) from Mr. Jacques Farand;
- (March 18, 1999) from Mr. Ben Carniol, Professor, Ryerson Polytechnic University;
- (March 19, 1999) from Mr. Kurban Versi;
- (Undated) from Ms. Julia Greenbaum;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. Larence Chan;
- (March 21, 1999) from Ms. Phyllia Waugh;
- (Undated) from Mr. Les Mondich;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. Gilbert Ching, Manager, Bank of Nova Scotia;
- (Undated) from Ms. Linda Klan and Mr. Peter Coney;
- (February 16, 1999) from Ms. Francine Tanguay;
- (February 15, 1999) from Tom and Marlene Altosaar;
- (February 15, 1999) from Mr. Fred Avery;
- (January 26, 1999) from Ms. Brenda Cohen;
- (January 24, 1999) from Ms. Andrea Sorensen;
- (March 3, 1999) from Ms. Mary Ann Grainger;
- (January 24, 1999) from Mr. Svend Peterson;
- (March 8, 1999) from Mr. James Macallister;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. Curtis Fahey;
- (March 23, 1999) from Ms. Sandi Akins;
- (March 22, 1999) from Mr. Paul Young;
- (March 23, 1999) from Costa Ktami;
- (March 23, 1999) from Ms. Brenda Cohen;
- (Undated) from Councillor Pam McConnell, Don River;
- (March 24, 1999) from Mr. Kevan Staples and Ms. Marilyn Kiewiet;
- (March 19, 1999) from Mr. Martin Sherman;
- (March 21, 1999) from Ms. Susie Reading and Mr. Jeff Powis;
- (March 24, 1999) from Mr. John S. Rait;
- (March 24, 1999) from Mr. Jason Wong, Chinese Chamber of Commerce (East Toronto)
Inc.;
- (March 17, 1999) from Katherine and Gregory McHarg; and
- (March 24, 1999) from Ms. Kadi Kaljuste.
The following persons appeared before the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee
in connection with the foregoing matter:
- Mr. Tom Altosaar, South Riverdale Community, and submitted a Petition signed by
approximately 175 persons in opposition to the use of 126 Pape Avenue as a
homeless shelter due to the excessive density of government assisted housing in
South Riverdale, when compared to other neighbourhoods in the City of Toronto;
- Ms. Brenda Cohen; and
- Mr. James Cywink, Mr. Brian Boyd and Mr. John Clarke, Provincial Organizer,
Ontario Coalition Against Poverty.
The Committee decided to recess at 2:35 p.m. due to a disturbance in the Council Chamber
by members of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty.
The Committee reconvened at 3:05 p.m. and continued hearing deputations on the Emergency
Shelter System.
- Ms. Mary Ann Grainger;
- Mr. Fred Avery;
- Mr. Svend Peterson;
- Mr. Matt Fahey, Friends of the Shelter, and submitted a brief signed by a number
of residents in regard thereto;
- Ms. Margaret Eder (by video tape);
- Mr. Dwayne Willoughby;
- Ms. Sarah Pierson, and submitted a brief in regard thereto;
- Ms. Barbara Amsden, Boston Association of Residents for a Clean Quiet Street;
- Mr. Graham Prentice;
- Ms. Ellen Eaton, and submitted a brief in regard thereto;
- Ms. Cathy Crowe, Queen West Community Health Centre;
- Ms. Kira Heineck, Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, and submitted a brief in
regard thereto; and a Petition signed by approximately 221 persons requesting that
the Armouries be opened for the homeless;
- Ms. Kathy Hardill, Street Nurses Network;
- Ms. Louise Coutu, St. Vincent de Paul;
- Ms. Sherry Hayes, Director, Amelie House, and submitted a brief in regard thereto;
- Mr. Keith Denny, South Riverdale Community Health Centre;
- Ms. Sharon Purdy, and submitted a brief in regard thereto;
- Mr. Beric Germane, on behalf of Street Health;
- Ms. Rachel Singer, and submitted a brief in regard thereto;
- Ms. Linda Lalonde, and submitted briefs by Dina Dawkins, Rocchina Giurdanella,
Renee Langford, Colleen F. and Miguela C., including a list of reasons why the
shelter at 126 Pape Avenue should remain open, prepared by the residents;
- Mr. Isaac Morkel;
- Ms. Louise Singer, and submitted a brief in regard thereto;
- Ms. Judy H.;
- Ms. Michelle A., on behalf of Tina D.;
- Ms. Jordan M.;
- Mr. David Erland;
- Ms. Tara Cleveland, and submitted a brief in regard thereto;
- Mr. Bob Barnett;
- Mr. Gerald Whyte;
- Ms. Linda Briggs;
- Ms. Marie Klaassen;
- Mr. Chuck Edwards;
- Mr. Cliff Martin, The Public Housing Fightback Campaign;
- Mr. Fred Avery, and read a brief on behalf of Mr. Terry Vasyliw;
- Councillor Pam McConnell, Don River; and
- Councillor Jack Layton, Don River.
On motion by Councillor Chong, on behalf of Councillors Layton and
McConnell, the Committee:
(I) recommended to Council:
(a) the adoption of the report dated March 4, 1999, from the
Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services,
subject to:
(i) amending Recommendation No. (7) to read as follows:
(7) the City extend the use of the privately
owned property at 312 Broadview Avenue for
public service use as a temporary 60-bed
emergency shelter for men operated by the
Salvation Army; and that the Commissioner of
Community and Neighbourhood Services be
requested to provide the Community and
Neighbourhood Services Committee with a
review of its operations in two months
time; ; and
(ii) amending Recommendation No. (8) to read as follows:
(8) staff be directed to pursue the immediate
opening of a temporary single men s program
in mid-April should the occupancy of the
single men s system exceed 90 percent, and
identify any sites that may need to be
considered before the 90 percent threshold is
achieved so that there may be appropriate
notification and consultation of all
interested parties; ;
(b) that there be consultation with the community and Ward
Councillors during the implementation of the transition
process from the emergency shelter at 126 Pape Avenue to the
new 18-bed residential program for homeless adult women, and
that this matter be given immediate attention;
(c) that, in the future, development of any new hostel
facilities must adhere to a protocol for meaningful
community consultation prior to Council approval of the
establishment of such facilities; and
(d) that Council endorse a fair share policy for the siting of
emergency shelter housing across the new City, and instruct
the Committee responsible for the review of the City s
Official Plan to incorporate such policy in the Official
Plan.
(II) directed that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood
Services be requested to report to the Community and Neighbourhood
Services Committee:
(1) at the earliest opportunity, on strategies and initiatives
that can be immediately pursued to ensure a wider
distribution of affordable and social housing across the new
City;
(2) on the feasibility of issuing a Request for Proposals to
encourage submission of proposals from any property owners
who have available properties for potential shelter use; and
(3) in six months time, and on a regular basis thereafter, on
emergency shelter operations in Toronto, such report to
include:
(i) the City s progress in implementing Recommendation
No. 6 of the Homelessness Action Task Force, which
reads: Resources should be directed from providing
hostel spaces to helping people find and
maintain permanent housing, on condition that
a sufficient new supply of supportive and
low-cost housing is created. This shift
should be phased in by reducing the number of
hostel spaces by 10 percent each year until
the total is reduced by half the base
number. ; and
(ii) any significant issues related to the operation of
specific shelters, efforts made to resolve problems
through community consultation and mediation, and
the prospect for resolution of the identified
problems,
which was carried unanimously on the following recorded vote:
FOR: Brown, Cho, Chong, Chow, Feldman, Filion, Korwin-Kuczynski
AGAINST: None.
(Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services; All Interested
Parties; Councillor Pam McConnell, Don River; Councillor Jack Layton, Don
River - March 24, 1999)
(Clause No. 1, Report No. 4)
3.9 Proposed Changes at the Schoolhouse.
The Committee had before it a report (March 9, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services recommending that:
(1) the Schoolhouse Program, located in a City-owned building at 349 George Street, be
modified to include services to assist homeless men to leave hostels;
(2) staff negotiate with Dixon Hall to finalize:
(a) a legal agreement to operate the new program in the City-owned building at
349 George Street; and
(b) a purchase of service agreement with Hostel Services;
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give
effect to the recommendations.
On motion by Councillor Chow, the Committee recommended to Council the
adoption of the aforementioned report.
(Clause No. 2, Report No. 4)
3.10 City of Toronto Provincial Homeless
Initiatives Fund Allocations.
The Committee had before it the following reports from the Commissioner of Community and
Neighbourhood Services:
- (February 10, 1999) providing an update on the selection of projects and funding
allocations from the City s Provincial Homelessness Initiatives Fund; advising
that of the $1.02 million allocated by the Province, 25 projects have been
selected for $805,279.00 in funding, as outlined in the report; noting that the
balance of the fund will be used for the Youth Helping Youth project at 11
Ordnance Street, and to fund emerging priorities identified later in the year; and
recommending that the report be received for information; and
- (March 4, 1999) responding to the request of the Committee to report on how the
City s Provincial Homelessness Initiatives Fund will be evaluated; and
recommending that the report be received for information.
The Committee received the aforementioned reports.
(Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services - March 24, 1999)
(Clause No. 9(d), Report No. 4)
3.11 Appointment to the Advisory Committee
on Homes for the Aged.
The Committee had before it a communication (February 26, 1999) from the City Clerk
advising that the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged on February 26, 1999,
recommended the adoption of a report (February 10, 1999) from the General Manager, Homes
for the Aged, wherein it recommended that Mr. Douglas Drew be appointed to membership on
the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged, effective February 1999, as the
representative of the Toronto Inter-Home Volunteers, for the period of his term as
Chairperson of Toronto Inter-Home Volunteers.
On motion by Councillor Chong, the Committee recommended to Council the
adoption of the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Homes for the
Aged embodied in the aforementioned communication from the City Clerk.
(Clause No. 8, Report No. 4)
3.12 1998 Outstanding Items - Community and
Neighbourhood Services Committee.
The Committee had before it a communication (March 5, 1999) from the City Clerk
submitting, for information, the list of outstanding items for the Community and
Neighbourhood Services Committee as of December 31, 1998.
The Committee received the aforementioned communication.
(Clause No. 9(e), Report No. 4)
3.13 Co-operative Housing Day Proclamation.
The Committee had before it a communication (March 10, 1999) from Councillor Jack Layton,
Don River, recommending that Council proclaim April 27, 1999, as Co-operative Housing Day
in the City of Toronto.
On motion by Councillor Chow, the Committee referred the aforementioned
communication to Mayor Lastman for consideration.
(Mayor Mel Lastman; Councillor Jack Layton - March 24, 1999)
(Clause No. 9(f), Report No. 4)
3.14 Special Funding under the Federal Residential
Rehabilitation Assistance Program.
The Committee had before it a report (March 10, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community
and Neighbourhood Services respecting special funding under the Federal Residential
Rehabilitation Assistance Program; and recommending that:
(1) the Mayor be requested to write to the Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation (CMHC), commending the federal allocation of $50 million
additional funding for rental and rooming house properties under the Residential
Rehabilitation Assistance Program, and requesting that the enhanced funding be
provided annually;
(2) staff be authorized to deliver the special RRAP allocation and, for that purpose,
the City enter into agreements with CMHC, to the satisfaction of the City
Solicitor;
(3) CMHC be requested to increase the flexibility in use of RRAP funds, to clearly
cover cases such as non-residential conversion, addition of units, emergency
shelters, properties with CMHC mortgages, block commitments for experienced non-
profit agencies, and other housing needs for homeless and at-risk people;
(4) Council approve the City s acceptance of RRAP loans for City properties at
11 Ordnance Street, 349 George Street, and 156-158 Munro Street, and City
provision to CMHC of loan security in lieu of mortgages, and request the Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer and the City Solicitor to report directly to
Council on an appropriate financial instrument or arrangement; and
(5) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary
action to give effect to these recommendations.
On motion by Councillor Brown, the Committee recommended to Council the
adoption of the aforementioned report, subject to amending Recommendation
No. (4) to read as follows:
(4)(a) the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in
consultation with the City Solicitor, be requested
to report directly to Council on a financing
mechanism by which the acceptance of RRAP loans for
11 Ordnance Street, 349 George Street and 156-158
Munro Street could be achieved; and
(b) subject to the approval of a satisfactory financing
mechanism, Council approve the City s acceptance of
the RRAP loans; and .
(Clause No. 3, Report No. 4)
The Committee adjourned its meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Chair.
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