| 143363 | REPORT | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | AMENDED | N | Strategic Expansion of the Association of Community Centres in New Development Projects to Strengthen Toronto Communities | 2025.EC24.2 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>The Executive Director, Social Development recommends that:</p>
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<p>1. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief People Officer, People and Equity, the Executive Director, Financial Planning Division, and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO, in consultation with the City Manager’s Office, the City Solicitor and other relevant divisions and agencies to develop a multi-year Association of Community Centres Facilities and Operations Plan to guide facility planning, asset management and required operational costs to advance existing and any newly created Association of Community Centres, with consideration of the City’s broader Capital Budget and Plan, and report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the first quarter of 2028.</p>
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<p>2. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the Executive Director, Social Development and Corporate Real Estate Management, to explore funding opportunities to support the future growth and expansion of the Association of Community Centres, considering City priorities and available resources.</p> | <p>The City currently supports ten community centres governed, operated, and maintained by volunteer Boards of Management, collectively known as the Association of Community Centres (AOCCs). These multi-purpose facilities provide public space, programs and services that advance the social objectives of local communities on behalf of the City. To ensure the strategic growth and long-term sustainability of the AOCC model, this report provides City Council with an update on the development of an Implementation Plan and Resourcing Strategy, along with recommendations to advance the AOCC Expansion Framework adopted by City Council on July 24-25, 2024.</p>
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<p>Under the existing Council-approved <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/city-administration/city-managers-office/agencies-corporations/agencies/association-of-community-centres/">Relationship Framework</a>, Corporate Real Estate Management is responsible for budgeting and overseeing most capital work in City-owned AOCC facilities, unless otherwise directed by Council. The City also funds core administrative operations such as salaries, benefits and rent, while AOCCs support program delivery through membership fees, programming fees, space rentals, fundraising, and grants. A critical next step in supporting AOCC expansion is the development of a comprehensive Facilities and Operations Plan.</p>
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<p>To support the strategic growth of AOCCs, Social Development, in collaboration with Corporate Real Estate Management, must lead the development of a scalable multi-year AOCC Facilities and Operations Plan as part of the broader Implementation Plan. This would include hiring a qualified vendor to deliver professional and technical services that will guide long-term facility planning, asset management, and capital investment decisions supporting both the renewal of existing AOCCs and equitable expansion across Toronto.</p>
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<p>Longer-term funding needs, including capital and operating projections for each AOCC model, are outlined in Attachment 3 and will require further review with interdivisional partners to ensure alignment with City-wide priorities, affordability, and feasibility.</p>
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<p>The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer have reviewed this report and agree with the information as presented in the Financial Impact section.</p> | <p>Toronto’s growth and persistent inequities highlight the urgent need for community development infrastructure that fosters inclusion, resilience, and local leadership. Community facilities are linked to improved mental health, stronger social ties, and a greater sense of belonging. In 2024, more than 80% of community organizations reported rising service demand amid escalating financial and real estate pressures. To help address this need, the City can expand its network of community development infrastructure through the proven Association of Community Centres (AOCCs) model.</p>
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<p>Currently, there are ten AOCCs, operated by volunteer Boards of Management, delivering local programs and services on behalf of the City. AOCCs play a critical role in advancing City policies to support equity-deserving communities and strengthen local neighbourhoods. Each Centre functions as a local Board under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, with a <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/city-administration/city-managers-office/agencies-corporations/agencies/association-of-community-centres/">Relationship Framework</a> that outlines Council’s expectations and delegated authority. The City provides access to City-owned or leased facilities and core administrative funding, while the AOCC Board generates and oversees program funds through fundraising, space rentals, membership and programming fees.</p>
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<p>This report outlines an Implementation Strategy to advance the AOCC Expansion Framework, as directed by Council (<a href="https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.EC14.7">2024.EC14.7</a>). It introduces AOCCs as a viable community development option within Toronto's broader network of social infrastructure. The Strategy includes place-based assessment guidelines, scalable facility models, and a multi-year Facilities and Operations Plan to align capital investment and operational planning. These measures will modernize existing AOCCs and integrate new ones into development projects, co-located with municipal services to promote equity, sustainability, and complete communities.</p> | 24 | 2 | CMMTTEE | EC | All | N | 1762923600000 | … | Report | ACTION | Amended | Main | Committee | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | Decision information not found | false | Amended |