ROM avoids city fee
ROM avoids city fee
Mar 28, 2007 04:30 AM
Donovan Vincent
City Hall Bureau
The Royal Ontario Museum won't be paying a yearly $2,400 "encroachment fee'' for a new wing that overhangs public space but will instead put aside spots in its March Break camp for kids from a high-needs area.
But that deal, worked out between Councillor Adam Vaughan and the museum yesterday and later approved by the Toronto and East York community council, didn't sit well with Councillor Joe Pantalone, who voted against the move.
He vowed to continue his challenge when the matter goes before city council for final approval next month. He plans to ask staff to provide more details about the city's 21,000 encroachment agreements.
The ROM's new Crystal wing overhangs public space on Bloor St. A city rule says property owners with such structures must sign an agreement and pay yearly fees.
The ROM had asked that the fee be waived as a gesture of support.
"I think the ROM should be embarrassed, frankly, for bringing forward a proposal (to get) the city to forgo $2,400," Pantalone said. "For an organization that's able to raise $150 million, which aspires to be world class ... to simply go and beg for pennies, which can be used for other city programs."
He said groups more needy than the ROM don't get excused from the fee.
But Councillor Kyle Rae said the ROM's development didn't see a penny from the city, so "I'm prepared to be generous."
Vaughan, whose ward takes in the ROM, said excusing the museum would set a bad precedent. So the ROM has agreed to allow Ryerson Public School to put five low-income children in its March Break camp every year.
WTF? Only 5 kids? I would have at least demanded double the number of spots.
Louroz