MM16.12 - Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds for Ward 13 2023 Participatory Budgeting Projects for the Canary District, Corktown and Distillery District Neighbourhoods - by Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll
Agenda Item History 2024.MM16.12
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Recommendations
Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that:
1. City Council amend Transportation Services 2024-2033 Capital Budget and Plan to create a new capital sub-project for the development of the following projects, as outlined in Appendix A:
a. $80,000.00, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits obtained from the development at 18-32 Eastern Avenue, 1 Gilead Place and 2 Sackville Street (Source Account: XR3026-3701230) for the purpose of installing 10 Corktown-themed tree guards within the Corktown neighbourhood; and
b. $150,000.00, fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Fund) community benefits obtained from the development at 1-25 Defries Avenue (Source Account: XR3026-3701146) for the purpose of enhancing disused parking laybys on Bayview Avenue by installing permanent planters.
2. City Council direct that the use of Section 37 community benefits be prominently recognized in documents and promotional materials, including on any construction hoarding, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Summary
Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a system of direct democracy where residents imagine how their neighbourhood could be improved, suggest potential ideas and then vote on how funds are spent to improve their community through capital projects. 2023 was the first year Participatory Budgeting was implemented in Toronto Centre to determine how community benefits funding should be allocated.
Between May 25 to November 1, 2023, my office hosted online and in-person engagements with local residents and business improvement areas to crowdsource ideas. These ideas were then vetted for costing and feasibility with City staff and presented to the local community to vote on which projects they would like to see funded.
In the Canary District, Corktown and Distillery District neighbourhoods, four projects were supported by the local community that fit within the allocated budget of $750,000:
- 10 new iron tree guards;
- new planters along the Bayview Avenue cycle tracks;
- new interactive lighting above Underpass Park; and
- King-Queen Triangle Parkette improvements.
The release of funds for these projects will allow for locally supported capital projects to move forward in a timely manner. As Waterfront Toronto has a current project to improve the King-Queen Triangle Parkette, a review of additional improvements and release of additional funding may follow that project. New interactive lighting above Underpass Park is still under review by City staff.
