| 137112 | REPORT | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | AMENDED | N | Culture Connects: An Action Plan for Culture in Toronto (2025-2035) | 2024.EC16.1 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p><em>Culture Connects: An Action Plan for Culture in Toronto (2025-2035)</em> sets an ambitious 10-year vision for Toronto as a city for culture and creativity, where everyone, everywhere, can discover, experience, and create culture. This vision positions Toronto as an undeniable global cultural capital, celebrated for its exciting and expansive cultural and creative industry offerings as well as its accomplished talent. Culture is engrained in this city, making Toronto a better place to live, work, and visit. It drives economic growth, strengthens community bonds, and promotes social well-being, helping to create thriving, healthy communities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It has been over a decade since the City’s last culture plan, Creative Capital Gains, was introduced in 2011. Since then, there have been significant economic, cultural, and societal shifts – and a devastating global pandemic. Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto’s culture sector is at an inflection point and faces great instability. Challenges include access to space, affordability, equity, changing audience habits, and sponsor supports. As emphasized in public consultations, the Action Plan also has a significant focus on ensuring culture becomes more available to people across the city, wherever they live, close to their homes, and embedded in their communities. A new Action Plan is needed to address the current obstacles and seize the opportunities of the next 10 years. Inaction would threaten Toronto’s vibrancy, liveability, and prosperity. Now is the moment to invest in culture, chart a forward path, and reinforce and reimagine culture in Toronto.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Culture Connects: An Action Plan for Culture in Toronto (2025-2035)</em>, included as Attachment 1, has been shaped and guided by community input. The Action Plan includes 28 actions grouped into four priority areas: 1) Culture Everywhere; 2) Culture for All; 3) Culture for the Future; and 4) Culture Beyond our Borders. These priorities are based on input shared by more than 4,000 residents throughout the Action Plan’s community engagement process, comprehensive research conducted by the University of Toronto, and best practices from leading cities from around the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This report outlines the need for an action plan, detailing the engagement process and key results as well as the Action Plan’s vision, priorities, and core components. This includes the Year One focus, the framework for ongoing engagement, and accountability measures, such as regular progress reporting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Action Plan includes both urgent actions to immediately address critical challenges, and long-term actions to drive systemic change. The urgent need to invest and connect will be the focus of Year One of the Action Plan, including increased support for the Toronto Arts Council; funds to support stabilization and transformation for cultural organizations; and hosting the inaugural Mayor’s Culture Summit. Throughout its implementation, the Action Plan will focus on impacts and outcomes, continued engagement, transparency, and accountability. With Culture Connects, the City presents a bold strategy to transform current realities and seize opportunities to create a vibrant and prosperous future for culture in Toronto.</p> | 16 | 1 | CMMTTEE | EC | All | N | 1731474000000 | … | Report | ACTION | Amended | Main | Committee | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | ACTION | true | Amended | — | — | — |
| 137126 | REPORT | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | ADOPTED | N | Sidewalks to Skylines: An Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy (2025-2035) | 2024.EC16.2 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>It has been over a decade since the launch of Collaborating for Competitiveness, the City of Toronto’s last plan to advance economic development, with a focus on job creation and economic growth. Since then, new trends, challenges, and opportunities have emerged both at the global and the local level, reshaping the city's and regional industry competitiveness, supply chains, workforce dynamics and land use pressures. Given its fundamental strengths, Toronto is well positioned to face these challenges and leverage opportunities toward an economy that is competitive, inclusive, and advancing towards net zero emissions. Achieving this vision, however, will require a long-term plan with impactful actions, dedicated resources, and intentional and collaborative coordination with partners. Before aspirational targets for inclusive and sustainable economic growth can be met, the integrity of basic City services and the foundation they create for economic growth must first be addressed. This Action Plan sets out a vision to both get the basics right and set an aspirational agenda to drive Toronto's economy forward, confronting its challenges and leveraging its many strengths.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Guided by this bold vision, Sidewalks to Skylines - an Action Plan for Toronto's Economy (2025-2035) provides a roadmap for the City to strategically maximize its levers and collaborate with its partners to enhance Toronto's economy with a focus on livability, inclusivity, and prosperity in the next ten years. The Action Plan is the result of robust research and analysis of best practices in other jurisdictions, as well as extensive engagement and consultation with over 1,000 stakeholders, including business leaders, academics, small businesses, business associations, major employers, institutions, community coalitions, labour unions, and residents. It identifies three priorities: Strong Main Streets, Quality Jobs, and Global Competitiveness. These priorities are anchored by a foundational priority, Getting the Basics Right, which focuses on key City levers to improve quality of life and enable a business environment that optimizes conditions to achieve broader economic ambitions and facilitate economic prosperity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The success of the Action Plan will be dependent on effective partnerships; it will also depend on the access to resources and revenues commensurate with the City's responsibilities as a municipal government to support Toronto's role as Canada's leading global centre for commerce, creativity, and capital. To guide these efforts, in addition to a five-year work plan, the Action Plan highlights 29 leading actions, including 10 to strengthen the foundation and 19 to advance the priorities to drive meaningful change. To monitor the progress of the Action Plan, each of the 29 leading actions is accompanied by one or more success indicators. Progress will be reported to City Council on an annual basis.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In 2030, informed by the success of and lessons learned from the first five years, a new five-year work plan responsive to the economic context of the time will be presented for consideration by City Council. Through the implementation of the Action Plan, the City will help advance liveability, inclusion, and shared prosperity beyond the traditional measure of economic growth in partnership with other organizations and for all communities across Toronto.</p> |
| 137088 | REPORT | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | ADOPTED | N | Update on Actions to Address Dangerous Dogs | 2024.EC16.3 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>The City is committed to continuous improvement of the dangerous dogs program to support prevention of dangerous acts and effective enforcement of Dangerous Dog Orders. Following an increase in dangerous dog service requests since 2022, as part of <a href="https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.EC10.2">Item 2024.EC10.2</a>, the City reviewed its procedures and processes and has recently taken a number of education and enforcement actions to address dangerous dogs in Toronto, and support public safety.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So far in 2024, the number of Dangerous Dog Orders and written warnings served by Toronto Animals Services (TAS) is trending down compared to previous years. Toronto Animals Services has also issued fewer charges for dog owner non-compliance with a Dangerous Dog Order so far in 2024, indicating increased bylaw compliance even with an increase in proactive enforcement visits.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This update report includes the following sections:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Recent actions to address dangerous dogs</p>
<ul>
<li>Details on key proactive actions the City has initiated since spring 2024, including a standard dangerous dog warning sign, development of the Dangerous Dog Orders map, and steps to address off-leash dogs on school properties.</li>
</ul>
<p>2. 2024 and 2025 public education campaigns</p>
<ul>
<li>Results from a summer 2024 campaign, and plans for an enhanced campaign starting in 2025.</li>
</ul>
<p>3. Responses to City Council directives</p>
<ul>
<li>Staff address outstanding directives resulting from <a href="https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.EC10.2">Item 2024.EC10.2</a> and <a href="https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.EC13.1">Item 2024.EC13.1</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>4. Service standards for dangerous act investigations</p>
<ul>
<li>Clarification of Toronto Animals Services’ service standards related to dangerous dogs.</li>
</ul>
<p>This report was developed in consultation with Legal Services and Strategic Public and Employee Communications.</p> |
| 137071 | REPORT | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | AMENDED | N | Update on Outstanding Directives Related to the Noise By-law | 2024.EC16.4 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>The purpose of this report is to provide an update on outstanding directives related to the Noise By-law, including options to reduce noise from waste collection, a recommendation to provide a noise exemption permit application fee waiver for grassroots cultural organizations, and an assessment of amplified sound levels that exceed ambient levels. This report also provides an update on the status of implementation of amendments made to the Noise By-law in June and September 2024, including ongoing efforts to respond to motor vehicle noise.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Per direction from Council to explore options to reduce noise from waste collection, staff recommend keeping the waste collection noise exemption in place, given limited data available on waste collection noise sources, locations and timing, and the benefits of mitigating waste buildup, odour, safety issues, and congestion by allowing collection during non-peak hours. To address noise disturbances from waste collection, staff recommend implementing programmatic changes to aid in identifying and reducing specific sources of waste collection noise on a case-by-case basis, by working with industry to address noise reports and developing noise mitigation guidelines. MLS will monitor how private collectors respond to waste collection noise reports, and escalate cases where issues are not resolved to community mediation. This process will be monitored until the end of 2025, at which time further recommendations can be considered if the process is not effective at reducing noise reports.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Council also directed staff to explore the feasibility of waiving the noise exemption permit application fee for grassroots cultural organizations, which staff are recommending as part of this report.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This report was prepared in consultation with Economic Development and Culture and Solid Waste Management Services.</p> | 16 |
| 137085 | REPORT | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | ADOPTED | N | Changes to Fairbank Village Business Improvement Area Board of Management | 2024.EC16.5 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>The purpose of this report is to make changes to the Fairbank Village Business Improvement Area Board of Management, in accordance with the requirements of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 19, Business Improvement Areas. Fairbank Village Business Improvement Areas falls within two Community Council boundaries.</p> | 16 | 5 | CMMTTEE | EC | 8 - Eglinton - Lawrence, 9 - Davenport | N | 1731474000000 | … | Report | ACTION | Adopted | Main | Committee | … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 137234 | REPORT | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | AMENDED | N | Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation's Service Model | 2024.EC16.6 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>At its meeting on Thursday October 17, 2024 the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation Board adopted the following recommendation:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Chief Executive Officer recommends that the Board approves the report from the Chief Executive Officer dated October 8, 2024, and directs that the report package be transmitted to Toronto City Council through the Economic and Community Development Committee on behalf of the board.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The materials from the adopted recommendations are attached to this transmittal letter.</p> | 16 | 6 | CMMTTEE | EC | All | N | — | … | Report | ACTION | Amended | Main | Committee | … | … | … | … | … |
| 136698 | LETTER | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | POSTPONE | N | Ombudsman Toronto Housing Unit Status Report 2024 | 2024.EC16.7 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>City Council on July 24 and 25, 2024, referred Item CC20.3 to the Economic and Community Development Committee for consideration. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Summary from the report (July 17, 2024) from the Ombudsman on Ombudsman Toronto Housing Unit Status Report 2024.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Pursuant to section 170(2) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (COTA), the purpose of this report is to provide City Council with a status report describing the activities of Ombudsman Toronto’s Housing Unit since its creation in July 2023. In less than a year, the Housing Unit has been fully staffed, developed its infrastructure, launched two investigations, provided consultations to City staff, and met with more than 170 people through their engagement work. Notably, the Housing Unit has also developed a framework that uses the concept of housing as a human right to guide their investigations, the first of its kind for an Ombudsman organization in Canada.</p> | 16 | 7 | CMMTTEE | EC | All | N | — | … | Letter | ACTION | Deferred | Main | Committee |
| 137018 | LETTER | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | POSTPONE | N | Overview of Ombudsman Toronto’s Housing Unit Status Update and Housing Rights Framework | 2024.EC16.7a | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>At its meeting on September 23, 2024 the Housing Rights Advisory Committee considered Item <a href="https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.HS3.3">HS3.3</a> and made a recommendation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Summary from the presentation (September 13, 2024) from the Acting Deputy Ombudsman (Housing):</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Luke Brown, Acting Deputy Ombudsman (Housing) will present Housing Unit’s Status Update, which overviews the Unit’s activities since its inception in July 2023. This will be followed by a presentation on the Unit’s Housing Rights Framework.</p> | 16 | 7 | CMMTTEE | EC | All | N | — | … | Letter | ACTION | Deferred | Main | Committee | … | … | … | … |
| 136981 | LETTER | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | ADOPTED | N | Soundcheck Project | 2024.EC16.8 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>At its meeting on September 24, 2024 the Toronto Music Advisory Committee considered item <a href="https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.MA4.2">MA4.2</a> and made recommendations to the Economic and Community Development Committee.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Summary from the presentation (September 24, 2024) from the Manager, the Senior Planner, and the Assistant Planner, Community Planning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Staff from City Planning will present ideas for a study exploring potential policies to support preserving existing music spaces and encouraging new models for performance and presentation.</p> | 16 | 8 | CMMTTEE | EC | All | N | — | … | Letter | ACTION | Adopted | Main | Committee | … | … | … | … | … |
| 137103 | LETTER | N | N | MAIN | ACTION | AMENDED | N | Reporting Noise Exemptions and Noise Complaints Transparently | 2024.EC16.9 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>I am writing to propose the creation of a dedicated page on the City of Toronto's Licensing website that provides transparency regarding noise exemption permits and noise by-law complaints. This page would serve as a valuable resource for businesses and residents alike, offering a clear and accessible overview of noise-related activities and potential impacts within the city.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The proposed page would include the following information:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Noise Exemption Permit Locations: A map or list indicating the locations where noise exemptions have been granted, along with relevant details such as the date, duration, and reason for the exemption.</p>
<p><br />Noise Bylaw Complaint Data: A summary or visualization of noise by-law complaints received, including the areas affected, the nature of the complaints, and any resulting actions taken.</p>
<p><br />By making this information readily available, the City would be promoting transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. Businesses could use this data to assess the potential noise impact of their operations and to make informed decisions regarding their licensing applications. Residents could also use the page to stay informed about noise-related activities in their neighborhoods and to report any concerns.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I believe that the creation of this transparency page would be a significant step towards improving the quality of life for both businesses and residents in Toronto. I urge the Economic and Community Development Committee to consider this proposal and to take the necessary steps to implement it.</p>
<p>Thank you for your attention to this matter.</p> | 16 | 9 | CMMTTEE | EC |
| 137248 | LETTER | N | N | NEW | ACTION | AMENDED | N | Updating the City’s Coyote Strategy | 2024.EC16.10 | Y | Y | Y | Y | <p>On or about the July 1, 2024 Canada Day Long Weekend, a number of residents and media reports brought attention to three or four physical attacks by a group of coyotes on dogs which were being walked by local dog owners. Videos were published documenting some of the attacks, and there were reports of injuries to the dogs, and injuries sustained by one dog owner connected with the attack. These incidents were linked to Princess Margaret Park, a city park in Etobicoke Centre with a wooded area, open space and a playground. For many weeks following, residents reported and documented encounters with multiple coyotes in the surrounding neighbourhood and public spaces. These included incidents of coyotes approaching dogs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Toronto Animal Services promptly investigated the attacks and canvassed the local neighbourhood. It was discovered that a family of coyotes had suddenly relocated to Princess Margaret Park from another larger ravine valley park nearby. Several theories exist why the family relocated, however it became clear that there was a family with a mother, father, a juvenile, and three to four yearling coyotes. In addition, there were a litter of pups in a den within the park bringing the total number to approximately twelve at the time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A well attended public meeting was held on August 1, 2024 with community members, Toronto Animal Services, Coyote Watch Canada, and the local Councillor. At the meeting there were presentations, questions and answers, public comments and information exchange. Several residents expressed concerns about public safety and asked that the City euthanize the coyotes immediately. A petition exists requesting similar action. In addition, some circulating inaccurate information was identified about trapping, capturing or attempting to relocate animals which has caused confusion or distorted the situation and expectations of the public.<br /> </p>
<p>As demonstrated by the discourse of the meeting, ambiguity exists about the role of the municipality in addressing wildlife such as coyotes, the legal and regulatory context, the threshold of what constitutes a threat to public safety, and about how to report information about coyote encounters to the Toronto Animal Services. Expectations of the City and opinions on the Coyotes varied, due in part to the difficulty of easily accessing factual information and a clear policy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The City of Toronto has a Coyote Strategy first approved in 2003. It was considered again in 2004 to provide certain exemptions for the use of firearms in managing coyotes. The strategy was reviewed again in 2013. The decision is located here: <a href="https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2013.LS23.3">https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2013.LS23.3</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Several municipalities have recently updated their coyote strategies and public facing communications to assist residents with contextual information about urban wildlife encounters, and clarity about the role of the municipality in escalating classifications of incidents to ensure that there is an appropriate response and data collection. Some examples include Vaughan, Oakville, and Collingwood.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The purpose of the recommended motion is twofold; to request a review and update to the City’s coyote strategy based on the newest best practices, and to seek opportunities to improve the capture of reports and information about coyotes from the public to better respond and monitor coyotes in the city.</p> |