Source: https://kipdf.com/c-o-r-e-s-e-r-v-i-c-e-r-e-v-i-e-w-p-u-b-l-i-c-c-o-n-s-u-l-t-a-t-i-o-n-j-u-l-y_5aae97ea1723ddfc78364fd8.html
Timestamp: 2019-06-18 04:59:55
Document Index: 662547227

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 7']

C o r e S e r v i c e R e v i e w. P u b l i c C o n s u l t a t i o n. J u l y - KIPDF.COM
Appendix B to the City Manager's Report on the Core Service Review Core Service Review Public Consultation July 2011 C ORE S ERVICE R EVIEW P UBLI...
RFP # S U B M I T T E D B Y V I C T O R V A L L E Y C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E
b o l e t í n s e r v i c i o d e o r i e n t a c i ó n d e l e c t u r a
Appendix B to the City Manager's Report on the Core Service Review
Core Service Review Public Consultation
C ORE S ERVICE R EVIEW P UBLIC C ONSULTATION R EPORT 1. I NTRODUCTION On April 13, 2011, City Council approved the City Manager's and Deputy City Manager/CFO report on the Toronto Service Review Program, the 2012 Budget Process and the Multi-Year Financial Planning Process. The Toronto Service Review Program has three components: a Core Service Review, a Review of User Fees, and a number of service and agency efficiency studies. The Core Service Review applies to services delivered by the City of Toronto and its Agencies. One component of this Review sought the views of the public regarding what they consider to be core services, their priorities, and what they would like City Council to consider when making decisions about future service delivery. This Core Service Review Consultation was led by the City Manager's Office and ran from May 11 to June 17, 2011. City staff supported the consultation as facilitators and subject matter experts at eight roundtable discussions held across the city during that time period. The consultation allowed the testing of a new online e-consultation tool, a first for the City. 12,955 people provided their input using the consultation Feedback Form. This Report on the results of the consultation was produced in the short period of time between the close of the consultation period, June 17, and July 6. The public's input is provided in this Report to support Council's Standing Committee discussions beginning July 18. Included in this Report is highlevel analysis of qualitative, quantitative and demographic information, summary reports on key service areas, themes from public discussions, email and written submissions and community and Councillor-led sessions. Feedback from the public indicates that they: • welcome the opportunity to learn about, explore and discuss these issues with others; • found the process challenging and complex; and • were committed to sharing their ideas by attending and hosting public sessions and completing a record number of Feedback Forms and submitting them to the City for consideration. This report and all of the raw data collected through the consultation, including materials submitted by City Councillors, has been posted to www.torontoservicereview.ca/results and linked to the City's Open Data initiative www.toronto.ca/open to encourage others to conduct their own analysis on the input and provide their comments to the City. The Consultation The City recognized that the topic was complex and required time to read, review, discuss and learn in preparation for providing input. The consultation included: a. Information to the public so that they could participate in the process. A website www.torontoservicereview.ca - was built with information about the City and its services, a blog for people to discuss their ideas and ask questions, a calendar and map of City-run and
Councillor-led sessions, social media links, and the consultation plan. b. Multiple options for participation and input to the City Manager. A Feedback Form was created to collect input from the public. Downloadable consultation kits were produced for use by organizations, individuals and City Councillors to support small group discussions. In addition the City held eight public roundtable discussions to give the public opportunities to learn about and discuss City services and give their feedback. c. Results of both the public sessions and the Feedback Form, in raw and analyzed formats to participants through the consultation website. All participants were encouraged to provide their input on the City's services using a Feedback Form designed for this consultation and made available online and in paper copy. The Feedback Form included both multiple choice and open-ended questions. Because of the complexity and scope of the topic the form was longer than typical City feedback forms, but arranged in sections to assist participants to work through all of the questions. Online, participants could choose to provide input on all 35 services; the paper version provided space for participants to select 3 services with an option of inserting additional sheets for additional services. The Feedback Form, descriptions of 35 City services, and the community consultation kit were translated into the 10 most spoken non-English languages in Toronto, as well as French, and also made available in Large-Print. These were available online and at all public meetings. The public consultation was advertised through a mix of print media, online advertisement, billboards, transit shelter ads, radio, posters, and outreach efforts by the community and by City staff. Ads were translated into the top 10 most spoken non-English languages in Toronto, as well as French, and published in multi-lingual newspapers. City staff who work with community groups and agencies, in front-line services, and in communications supported outreach and involvement from all parts and sectors of the city. Public Roundtable Discussions The City's eight public sessions provided information on City services and facilitated discussions among participants. Each two hour session included two 40-minute discussions, a presentation from either the City Manager or the City's Chief Financial Officer on the City's operating budget, and a snapshot report on the general themes that emerged from participants in their first discussion. City staff facilitated the table discussions, encouraged participants to ask questions and complete their own Feedback Form either at the session or afterwards. Table groups were not required to agree on service priorities or delivery or funding models. The public input received through these Roundtable Discussions has been considered for this report. For a summary of input from the public sessions see page 39. Pre-registration for the roundtable discussions helped ensure that adequate and appropriate resources were available at each location. These supports included interpretation, attendant care, seating requests to accommodate individual needs, Large-Print materials, TTC or childcare reimbursement. American Sign Language (ASL) was provided at all sessions, and all locations were accessible.
Prior to each session, registrants were sent an email with directions to the venue and a description of the format and what to expect at each session. All of the sessions were booked to capacity. Half to two-thirds of the registrants attended the sessions. Because some registered participants did not attend each session, space was always available for unregistered people to join the discussion. Overall, feedback on the City-led discussions was positive. The City collected feedback through an evaluation form at the sessions. While some participants indicated that they would have preferred a "town hall" style session, almost all participants said they liked the format that was chosen, that the discussions were well facilitated, allowing them to hear different points of view, and gave them an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers to their questions from staff "subject matter experts". They also valued the opportunity to share feedback with senior staff and Councillors.
2. M ETHODOLOGY The next sections contain high-level analysis of the input received using the consultation Feedback Form. Each Feedback Form contained both multiple choice, or closed-ended questions, and openended text boxes allowing participants to provide input in their own words. Because this process was a consultation, rather than a technical survey or poll, individuals were able to choose to provide feedback on the issues, services and topics that they were most concerned about or interested in. Results appear as graphs and charts, data sets, descriptive text and quotes from participants. Together, these provide a snapshot of the opinions of those who participated in the consultation. Analysis of the input did not begin until after the consultation ended on June 17. Given the quantity and variety of input that was received, this high-level analysis should be considered preliminary. Analysis on additional service-specific input as well as analysis of meta-themes that address broader directions or policies is possible. Information from each section should be considered alongside the other sections, e.g. feedback on service priorities should be considered along with participants' comments from the roundtable discussions about how they decide why services are important to them. In addition this analysis should not be considered as the only possible way to look at the data. Others are encouraged to review this report and the raw data, conduct their own analysis, and provide that feedback to the City. Quantitative Information - Much of the Feedback Form used closed-ended or multiple-choice questions. The quantitative input from the Feedback Form contains information on the importance participants gave to key municipal issues, service priorities, opinions on investing or reducing costs for governance and support services, comparing Toronto to other municipalities, property taxes, and input on taxation and user fees in relation to service levels. The analysis below reports general trends for all participants and trends for different demographic groups. Visit www.torontoservicereview.ca/results for the summary tables used in this analysis. Qualitative Information - The second section, the qualitative data, contains information on the 10 most frequently mentioned services and issues participants spoke to in the open-ended questions. This section provides an analysis of what people felt were the most important issues facing the city in 2011, comments on funding options and considerations for City Council when making decisions about services in the future.
Demographic information - Demographic information for participants who chose to complete this section of the Feedback Form is summarized as well. Demographic categories include gender, age, household income, highest level of education completed, whether a participant has children under 18, home ownership or rental, and business ownership. This input will assist the City staff to evaluate outreach and engagement efforts, and to measure participation in this process against the City's other consultation efforts and population demographics.
3. R ESULTS 3.1.
S ERVICE R EVIEW P UBLIC C ONSULTATION
General Policy Issue Priorities
Participants were asked about the importance of a range of policy issues. General Trend: Chart 1 shows the mean score1 given to each of these policy issues, on a scale of 1100. Results show that participants ranked all policy issues as fairly important. For example, "Transparent and accountable government" received a mean score of almost 90 out of 100, while the issue of "Fair and affordable taxes" received a mean score of about 67 out of 100. Chart 1
Policy Issue Priorities Mean score out of 100 Transparent and accountable government Infrastructure - roads, water, transportation Meeting the needs of vulnerable people Environmental Issues Jobs and a healthy economy Community participation and consultation Safety and security Culture and sport Fair and affordable taxes 0
The mean (or average) is calculated by adding all of the responses and dividing the result by the number of inputs – for example if there are 10 responses, all responses are added up and divided by 10. Page | 4
Priorities for 35 Service Areas
Participants were asked to place 35 services into one of three categories: "Necessary for the city to be liveable and prosperous", "Contributes to the city but less important", and "Not required for the city". The percentage of participants placing each service into each category is shown in Chart 2. General Trend: Results indicate that participants believed some services are necessary for the city to be liveable and prosperous (these are listed at the top of the chart). There was also some agreement that some services do not fall under the "Necessary" category, although participants disagreed about whether those services contributed to the city or were not required for the city. These services are listed at the bottom of the chart. Demographic Analysis: While there were some differences between demographic groups in the percentage of people that placed a service into any category, the general trend for each service tends to hold across demographic groups. For example, if a majority of all participants placed a service in the "Necessary" category, a majority of people in most demographic groups (home owners vs. renters, age groups, etc.) put that service in the "Necessary" category. The tables used for analysis in each section are available on the consultation website at www.torontoservicereview.ca.
Priorities for 35 Service Areas Necessary for the city
Contributes to the city but less important
Not required for the city
Public transit (TTC) Fire Services Water treatment and distribution Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Public health services Garbage, organics, recycling and hazardous waste collection Roads, sidewalks and traffic services Public libraries City parks Police services Recreation and community centres Shelter, support and housing for homeless and low-income Increasing affordable housing Funding and programs for vulnerable groups Child care, child care subsidies and family resources Planning and approving city growth and development services Environmental programs City forests and tree services Community-run community centres City-run long-term care homes and services for seniors Arts, culture and heritage programs Employment services and managing social assistance Building permits, inspections and zoning information services Economic development programs Licenses and inspection for businesses, property & animals Community-run ice-rinks and arenas Engineering, design and construction services Community-run heritage programs Toronto parking services 24-hour information about City services (3-1-1) Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) City-run live theatres Toronto Zoo Managing courts for provincial offenses Exhibition Place 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent of Participants
Overall Funding Strategies
Participants were asked to consider the following five funding strategies for the City: a. b. c. d. e.
No increase in user fees or taxes even if this means reducing the level of service Increase user fees to keep the same level of City services. Increase property taxes to keep the same level of City services. Increase both user fees and property taxes to keep the same level of City services. Significantly increase both user fees and property taxes to increase the level of City services.
Participants were asked to rank these funding strategies from 1 to 5, with 1 being their first choice and 5 being their last choice. The table below shows the mean rank given to each strategy for all participants in the consultation. Table 1 Mean Rank of Different Financial Strategies Increase property taxes to keep the same level of City services
Increase both user fees and property taxes to keep the same level of City services
Increase user fees to keep the same level of City services
Significantly increase both user fees and property taxes to increase the level of City services
No increase in user fees or taxes even if this means reducing the level of service
General Trend: As Table 1 indicates, the first choice funding strategy of consultation participants is to pay more property tax to maintain service levels. Using a mix of property tax and user fees to maintain service levels ranked a close second. However, "significantly increasing user fees and property taxes to increase service levels" was ranked fourth. The lowest ranked strategy was no increase in user fees or taxes. This strategy's last place ranking holds true across most demographic groups. Demographic analysis: While the first and second choice funding strategies were the same for demographic groups, their order was reversed for some. There is also some variation across postal codes: most Toronto postal codes had the same top two choices, some ranked the strategies differently.
Participants were asked how much more residential property tax they would be comfortable paying if the City has to increase rates. They could select an option from 0% to 10%. Examples of 1% ($24), 3% ($72) and 5% ($120) were given as context. Chart 3
Distribution of Choices for Property Tax % Increase
Percent of Property Tax Increase
10% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 0%
General Trend: Chart 3 shows how frequently different percentage increases were selected. A large majority of participants were willing to increase the amount of property tax that they pay. The mean property tax increase for all participants was 5.15%. Demographic Analysis: The general trend of being willing to increase property taxes holds across all demographic groups. Most demographic groups had small differences in how much increase they were comfortable with. • The mean increase for business owners was about half a percent higher than non-business owners • The mean property tax increase by age group varied from 4.40% (65-74 year olds) to 5.50% (2435 year olds) (Because so few under-15-year olds participated, their groups was not included in this comparison) • The mean property tax increase by education group varied from a low mean of 4.55% (College diploma) to a high mean of 5.26% (University degree)
The lowest income group supported the lowest mean property tax increase of 4.14%, and the second highest income group supported the highest mean of 5.45% Owners supported a lower increase (4.87%) than renters (5.55%)
Overall Provision of Services
Participants were asked to give feedback on who should deliver City services by placing the 35 service areas into one of four categories: "The City should provide this activity" "The City should contract out this activity" "I don't care as long as it costs the City less" and "I don’t care as long as the quality is good". Chart 4 shows the percentage of participants who placed each service into each category. Services are listed in order of the percentage of participants who placed the service into the "City should provide" category, with the highest percentage in the "City should provide" category appearing at the top of the chart. General Trend: There was a strong agreement that some services should be provided by the City. These services are listed at the top of the chart. There was also some agreement that the City does not need to provide some services, although participants disagreed about what other option should guide provision decisions (contract out, lowering costs, maintaining quality). These services are listed at the bottom of the chart. Participants who focused on principles for determining service provision (lowering cost or maintaining quality) tended to favour maintaining quality over lowering costs for most services. Services where lowering costs had more support than maintaining quality include: Exhibition Place, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Toronto Parking Services, and Managing Courts for Provincial Offenses. Demographic Analysis: While there were some differences between demographic groups in the percentage of people that placed a service into any provision category, the general trend for each service tends to hold across demographic groups. For example, if a majority of all participants placed a service in the "City should provide" category, a majority of people in most demographic groups (home owners vs. renters, age groups, etc.) put that service in the "City should provide" category. Demographic groups who are more likely to use a service or who placed it in the "Necessary" category at higher rates were more likely to feel that the City should provide that service. For example: • Lower income participants favoured City provision of affordable housing, child services, and employment services at higher rates than high income participants. • Renters favoured City provision of affordable housing, child care, programs for vulnerable groups, and employment and social services at higher rates than owners. • Women favoured City provision of affordable housing, child services, programs for vulnerable groups, arts, culture and heritage, employment and social services, and long-term care homes at higher rates than men.
Who Should Deliver Municipal Services? The City should provide this service. I don't care as long as it costs the City less.
The City should contract out this service. I don't care as long as the quality is good.
Fire Services Public health services Police services Public libraries Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Water treatment and distribution Public transit (TTC) Planning and approving city growth and development services City parks Funding and programs for vulnerable groups Recreation and community centres Building permits, inspections and zoning information services Shelter, support and housing for homeless and low-income Roads, sidewalks and traffic services Increasing affordable housing Environmental programs Child care, child care subsidies and family resources Employment services and managing social assistance Licenses and inspection for businesses, property & animals Community-run community centres Garbage, organics, recycling and hazardous waste collection Arts, culture and heritage programs City-run long-term care homes and services for seniors City forests and tree services Economic development programs Community-run ice-rinks and arenas Community-run heritage programs Engineering, design and construction services 24-hour information about City services (3-1-1) Managing courts for provincial offenses Toronto parking services City-run live theatres Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) Toronto Zoo Exhibition Place 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent of Participants
Participants were asked whether the City should compare its service levels to other cities or not. They were asked the following question: Do you think the City should deliver services that are: • Better than all other cities. • Better than most other cities. • In line with other cities. • Toronto should not compare itself with other cities when making decisions about services. General trend: Chart 5 shows the percent of participants choosing each option. The greatest number of participants felt that Toronto should strive to deliver services at a level that is better than most other cities. Among the other options, participants were almost evenly split between Toronto delivering services at levels that are better than all other cities, and not comparing itself to other cities. Delivering services that are in line with other cities got the lowest support. Chart 5
Demographic analysis: This general distribution of opinion is consistent across Cities? most demographic How Should Toronto's Services Compare to Other groups. The following groups favoured "Toronto should not compare itself" more than being "better than40% most other cities": •35% Those who were 65+ •30% Those with high school education or less • Those with household incomes lower than $20,000 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Better than all other cities Better than most other cities
In line with other cities
Toronto should not compare itself with other cities when making decisions about services
Overall findings – Support Services
Participants were asked to give feedback on City support services (such as human resources, information & technology services, etc.). First, participants were asked whether the City should "invest and improve" or "try to reduce costs" for a variety of support services. General Trend: Chart 6 shows that participants prioritized investment in some services (listed at the top of the chart), and favoured cost reduction in others (listed at the bottom of the chart). Chart 6
Should the City Invest or Reduce Costs for Support Services? Invest and improve service
Try to reduce costs for service
Policy and Research – providing information and analysis Financial services – budgeting and planning for the future Communications – informing and engaging the public Maintenance and cleaning of city facilities Information and Technology services Technical services - e.g. mapping and engineering Training and development of City staff Treasury services – revenue, purchasing, payroll Human Resources – hiring and employee training Legal services – reviewing contracts, representing the City Real estate services – managing City property Maintenance and repair of city vehicles Security at city facilities
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100% Percent of Participants
Participants were also asked to give feedback on who should deliver support services, by placing them into one of four categories: "The City should provide this activity" "The City should contract out this activity" "I don't care as long as it costs the City less" and "I don’t care as long as the quality is good". General Trend: Chart 7 shows general agreement among participants that some internal support services should be provided by the City itself (those listed at the top of the chart). A majority of participants agreed that some support services did not need to be provided by the City (shown at the bottom of the chart), but disagreed about what the alternative should be or how to decide on service provision (contract out, lowering costs, maintaining quality). Chart 7
Who Should Provide City Support Services? The City should do this itself I don't care as long as it costs the City less
The City should contract out this service I don't care as long as the quality is good
Financial services – budgeting and planning for the future Treasury services – revenue, purchasing, payroll Policy and Research – providing information and analysis Communications – informing and engaging the public Human Resources – hiring and employee training Legal services – reviewing contracts, representing the City Training and development of City staff Technical services e.g. mapping and engineering Real estate services – managing City property Information and Technology services Maintenance and cleaning of city facilities Security at city facilities Maintenance and repair of city vehicles 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent of Participants
Overall findings – Demographic Information
Participants in the Consultation The total number of participants giving feedback on the consultation questions was 12,955, including 115 community organizations. The demographics of the consultation participants showed: • Much of the consultation was conducted online. • Those who are more likely to be online (higher income, higher education, younger age groups) did participate in greater numbers compared to the general population. • Some groups who traditionally do not participate in consultations, such as parents and lowerincome residents, did participate in greater numbers than in some past City-wide consultations. Among those who reported their gender, 4364 were male, 4686 were female and 63 were transgendered. Approximately 1600 participants reported that they spoke a language other than English at home. Other responses to the demographic questions in the Feedback Form are summarized in the following tables. The numbers in each table reflect the number of participants who chose to answer that question. Map 1 describes the number of participants by Toronto postal code with the City's ward boundaries overlaid onto the map.
Number of Participants by Annual Household Income 1600
1432 1314
Number of Participants With Children Under 18 6563
2000 1000 0 Have Children Under 18
Do Not Have Children Under 18
Number of Participants by Age Group 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0
1852 1301
107 75 Plus
Number of Participants by Education 7000
Number of Participants by Home Ownership 7000 6000
3000 2000 1000 0 Own
Number of Participants by Business Ownership 10000
3.9. Overall findings – Qualitative Input The Consultation Feedback Form included 4 open-ended questions that participants could use to provide input. When analyzing public input to these questions, the responses to tended to fall into 4 major categories – the importance of particular services, the role of the City in providing services, how services should be paid for and comments on service levels and quality. Most important The first question in the Feedback Form, "What do you think are the most important issues facing our city in 2011?" allowed participants to provide up to 3 responses. Many participants spoke to broad issues, not necessarily linked to any one service area, and many listed more than 3 issues. The second open-ended question asked "Are there any other important city-wide issues you think the City of Toronto should consider?" This question came after asking participants to indicate how important a number of policy issues were to them (see section 3.1 General Policy Issue Priorities). When provided the opportunity to state what they felt was the most important issue or issues facing the City in 2011 people overwhelmingly commented on transit, roads and traffic, shelter and housing, and policing. When participants provided details about why an issue was important to them their reasons generally reflected several major themes including: • Economic – impact on jobs, revenue, employment etc. • Environmental – impact on air, land, climate, water, sustainability etc. • Social – including equity, access, community etc. • Impact on quality of life - in some cases a combination of the above or related to future generations, health, work/life balance etc. • The number of people affected by the issue • Functional – issues the City should consider alongside other issues – e.g. long-term planning, efficient or effective service delivery and decision-making. How to pay for City services The third open-ended question in the Feedback Form asked "Do you have any other comments on how the City should fund services"? Responses to this section fell into several major themes: • Uploading to other levels of government • Re-instating previous revenue sources e.g. vehicle registration tax, or annual increases to property taxes • Increasing taxes or user fees • Other possible revenue considerations e.g. road tolls, congestions charges, casinos and bonds
Consideration for Council when making service decisions The final open-ended question on the Feedback Form asked "Is there anything else you would like City Council to consider when making decisions about services in the future"? Many participants provided responses regarding service quality and levels. Participants often indicated a concern about a City service but did not suggest how it could be improved, or they suggested service improvements without indicating their concern with the current service. In some cases, participants provided very specific recommendations to the City for particular services (fixing a sign, or recommendations for one bus route). This information was noted and will be provided to the City's divisions. Role of the City in providing these services Although not a specific question, many of the open-ended responses provided recommendations on who should provide particular City services. In general, participants felt that entire services should either be delivered by the City or should be contracted out, or should be uploaded to the Provincial or Federal Governments. There were fewer mixed delivery suggestions, and fewer recommendations for splitting up a service and running parts of it differently. For example, participants fell on the side of either having transit run completely by the City, by a company or by a provincial organization. Some suggested that the City should make transit decisions with other regional authorities (but still maintain control), and a few suggested that a part of the transit delivery system – fare sales and collection – should be automated or contracted out. However this trend is slightly different for some of the service areas examined in detail. For example responses related to parks and recreation services indicate a greater interest in mixed or shared delivery models.
3.10. Service Specific – Qualitative Input The following section includes feedback on 10 of the most frequently mentioned services and issues participants spoke to in the open-ended questions. These open-ended questions were not asked in relation to specific City services. In this consultation, participants chose issues, services and topics that they are most concerned about or interested in. Much of the feedback commented on changes that can be made and how the City is addressing these interests or concerns.
Important and Why • Reasons given for the importance of public transit • Investment in public transit infrastructure was were environmental, economic and social seen as a win-win, attracting more people to separately, but also in combination. This typically transit, and with them, more revenue for future included other quality of life impacts including investment. equity, health and shorter commute times. • Investments in public transit, along with decisions • The terms "access" and "affordability" were most which result in more sustainable, clean transit, often mentioned together and second only in will reduce congestion and emissions. frequency to "transit" as a single term. • Public transit was often mentioned alongside • Many felt that a comprehensive transit plan was other transportation modes – predominately lacking, that there were no easy fixes, but a longcycling. Many felt the City needed to coordinate term strategy would help the City make steady transit and cycling planning. gains. Who Should Provide Service • Many felt that the City had a role in running public transit. • Equally, participants suggested that transit needed to be uploaded to the Provincial government to run. • Many suggested regional planning and coordination of transit was important to the system's sustainability, access and integration with surrounding regional transit systems.
• The public transit system was discussed as a complete package – the only element that some felt could be run differently was the automation of fare sales and collections – that was one area for staff reductions and possible contracting out. • Some felt that there needed to be greater accountability regarding TTC decision-making including route changes and expenditures.
How to Pay for Service • Affordability of the TTC was mentioned as a significant barrier for many, some suggested lowering the fare. There was an interest in ensuring that vulnerable communities not face additional fare hikes. • Many suggested that the Provincial and Federal governments should be covering the cost of transit; fewer suggested they would pay a tax increase to cover the shortfall, even fewer suggested a fare increase. • An increase or allocation of Federal gas taxes were indicated as possible revenue sources to support transit.
• Alternative funding strategies included many recommendations for tolls and congestion charges for vehicles, increases in parking charges with revenues directed to transit, and suggestions for zoned fares which were seen as fairer and linked more closely with actual use. • Public private partnerships including funding from developers, and commercial leasing, as well as advertisement were named as additional sources of funding. • Optimizing routes was one way to save money, but many mentioned that it should not be at the expense of low income or distant communities who relied on the system.
Service Level/Quality or Other • Many were concerned about service levels and well as the location for infrastructure investment access to transit in all neighbourhoods across the – downtown vs. inner suburbs and which city. investments should be a priority all received • Many felt that the City's public transit system was supporters and detractors. out-of-date, broken, needed to be fixed, crowded, • Many wanted improvements to the system and needed to be able to compete with vehicle including greater accessibility, better scheduling travel times in order to attract ridership. and greater reliability both in terms of being on • There was not a consensus about the type of time and maintenance of vehicles. infrastructure that the City should invest in – • There was a general feeling that transit provision arguments for Light Rail Transit, surface routes, was not keeping up with demand, particularly in subways or dedicated streetcar lines as the downtown core. Participant Quotes • Work cooperatively with the provincial and federal governments to ensure increased funding for public transit. • I think it is imperative for the City of Toronto to negotiate taxation with both the federal and provincial governments. It is my understanding that the City is still paying for services that should be provided by the Province; this should stop. I also think it is important for City - and all Canadian cities - to try to get the federal government to contribute to the provision of services such as mass transit, as happens almost everywhere else in the world • When we want people to increase their use of services (i.e. more TTC riders is good for everyone), increased user fees are a crazy idea. • Develop a transit system that does not prioritize car drivers over members of the community who use alternative means of transportation, which are generally more environmentally and economically sustainable than current patterns of car use. Commit to developing more accessible public transit routes, bike lanes and bike paths, and walking paths throughout the city. • TTC services are those criticized the most for long wait times, not being on schedule, too crowded, lack of information when accidents happened and poor customer services – rudeness. Participants also felt strongly that the fares are too high, especially for short distances – Community group submission
Roads, sidewalks and traffic services
Important and Why • The majority of participants who commented that • These services sustain the ability of the City to roads, sidewalks and traffic services were improve air quality and reduce emissions while important did not indicate why. For those who improving traffic congestion. did, they saw the service as connected to the • Providing clean streets and sidewalks and an quality of life in the city, the economy and the easily accessible city make it pleasant for tourists to experience the City and can increase business environment. revenue. • Improvement in this service area is seen as contributing to the general health and well-being • Well maintained roads and sidewalks help make of all residents, fostering a better quality of life Toronto safe for all – whether driver, cyclist or for Torontonians. pedestrian. Who Should Provide Service • Participant comments suggest these services are important to the City but said little about who should provide them.
• A minority of comments suggested that private firms should be picking up the bill for road safety at construction sites rather than using public money to pay police officers.
How to Pay for Service • Road tolls emerged as a key issue regarding how • A number of comments were made regarding to pay for these services. Road tolls were charging user fees to commuters, those from the mentioned for the Gardiner, the Don Valley 905 area code and people who come into the city Parkway and the 401. to use City services but do not pay taxes. • Other user fee suggestions included a London, UK • A small number of participants suggested that the style downtown congestion charge. service should be cost shared with provincial governments specifically through a portion of the gas tax. Service Level/Quality or Other • The majority of participants who mentioned their • Most participants who commented on improving concern about service levels focused on the quality of the service were supportive of bike widespread traffic congestion in the city. lanes and would like a commitment from the City • Participants are also concerned about a lack of to provide more bike lanes and improve what coordination between City maintenance of roads already exists. and other agencies (Enbridge, Hydro, Gas) and the • Police officers guarding road construction sites were mentioned as a service expense concern. decline of quality of roads. Participant Quotes • We should ABSOLUTELY consider tolls on our roads and car/congestion taxes. • The ongoing debate between cyclists and the city needs to be resolved... There needs to be better communication between all parties. There need to be laws, rules and guidelines instated so all parties can coexist peacefully and we can have a safer city. • Core municipal services such as road repairs, sewage treatment, garbage collection, police and fire services have been neglected in order to pay for services that are not necessary.
Shelter, Support and Housing for Homeless and Low-Income People
Important and Why • A significant number of people simply noted that • Investment in adequate social services and homelessness, shelters and public housing were housing may offset longer-term costs associated an issue of importance for them. with improving the lives of vulnerable people, and • Linkages were made between reliance on have a positive economic impact on the city. affordable or free public services and the quality • Investments in shelter, supports and housing for of life of people who are economically homeless and low-income people positively marginalized. impacts on the quality of life and livability of the • City Council should take the needs of all city. Torontonians, regardless of their income, into account when making decisions. Some participants specifically requested that changes that would impact the quality of life of vulnerable populations be carefully considered. Who Should Provide Service • Some participants thought that the City pays too o once sold, it would be difficult to reacquire much for services for homeless and low-income housing units. people and requested additional accountability • Some of the reasons given by participants who associated with expenditures, while others noted felt it was necessary to privatize social housing, simply that housing was a priority and needed to shelters and related service included: be provided as an essential service. o the money raised by selling housing units could be applied to the deficit; and • There was some debate over the topic of selling Toronto Community Housing assets. For those o private industry could be more effective at participants that felt that properties and service maintaining housing. • Others stated that they would like to see an should not be sold or privatized, some of the increase in mixed delivery models, including reasons given included: public/private partnerships and not-for-profit o the City should retain services that require accountability to the public; service delivery, which perhaps would increase o the impression that the private sector values service delivery efficiency. profits over quality of service, which could jeopardize the integrity of the program; and How to Pay for Service • Some participants noted that social program costs • In relation to user fees, most participants noted should be cut, and in some cases referred to the that they were not in favour of increasing user need for cuts as a means to establish a more fees if they negatively impacted low-income sustainable budget. residents. • Other participants requested more investment in • Some participants expressed their desire to see an social services, housing, and shelters. increase in user fees for certain related programs • A significant portion of participants encouraged if they assisted with alleviating budget pressures. Council to approach other governments to upload • Some focused on the need to find efficiencies these services. generally in all divisions and reallocate City funds.
• A majority of participants that spoke specifically to property taxes used to fund these services indicated that they would consider paying some additional taxes to ensure that all Torontonians could benefit from programs that serve their needs. Service Level/Quality or Other • Many participants indicated concern over service • A significant majority of participants indicated levels related to shelter, support and housing that they would like existing programs maintained homeless and low-income people. In particular, and improved where possible. Others suggested participants were concerned with a perceived lack that more funding was need to increase service of adequate, affordable and safe housing options levels or improve existing programming. for low-income residents. In some cases, responses focused on the need to repair the City's existing low-income housing stock to meet current needs. Participant Quotes • Efforts must be continued to get the provincial government to upload services like social assistance, and to get both senior levels of government to contribute more toward public transit and social housing. • The City should be working closely with the Federal and Provincial government to establish new program funding for many of the downloaded services (welfare, community housing, etc). • In general, I support property tax increases over user fees, as user fees are regressive and hit low-income people hardest. If user fees are to be increased, they should be offset with credits for low-income people. • City housing should be sold when it is located in particularly expensive areas and relocated to less expensive areas. The City would be able to provide more temporary housing this way. City housing should not be viewed as a permanent solution. • The City should download some of their services like shelters and housing to the non-profit sector as this will provide maximum services for fewer dollars invested. • I would see it proper for Toronto to eliminate public housing within the city as well as entitlement programs and services catering to disadvantaged groups, in particular youth, as a means of establishing a sustainable budget for the long term. • I do not support a reduction in services. I am a social worker working for Children's Aid. Every day I come into contact with marginalized children, youth and families who rely on city services (housing, social services, employment services, 311 etc).
3.10.d.
Important and Why • Many mentioned that affordable housing • Affordable housing contributes to the quality of life, should not be considered as a stand-alone not just of those who live there, but the city as a issue; rather it should be delivered alongside whole. • The cost of housing generally in the City is becoming other community and health supports. a problem for many, not just those receiving social • Participants indicated that the provision of assistance – renters, new homeowners, and older quality affordable housing should matter more than profit or revenue generation when making homeowners on fixed incomes. decisions about delivery. • City should not look at affordable housing in • Affordable housing is not just for those in need; isolation from urban planning issues including rather it contributes to the economy of the City. neighbourhoods with mixed housing options. Who Should Provide Service • Most who suggested the City should not be providing affordable housing felt that it should be the responsibility of the Federal and Provincial governments. • Some suggested that the private sector should provide affordable housing in new developments, and that developments should be affordable. • Some suggested encouraging private sector development though incentives, penalties or requirements for investing in the community. • If other governments or private sector will not provide affordable housing, then the City must in order to support vulnerable members of the public.
• Some mentioned ensuring high taxes don't make housing unaffordable for some. • Several recommended that the City should not be a housing provider; rather the City's role should be in support services and ensuring inspection and standards of housing including enforcement of bylaws. • Some mention of public private partnerships as possible way to increase and run affordable housing stock • City should not be a housing provider, but could support affordability through rent subsidies or vouchers.
How to Pay for Service • Affordable housing needs to be a National • On the issue of selling of TCHC housing, many strategy, paid for by the Federal Government. suggested the City should keep the assets, but those • If the Province mandates delivery of affordable who did suggest selling the stock recommended housing, they should deliver and pay for it. selling off just the individual housing, and funds be • It would be fairer and more sustainable to pay re-invested into additional housing or repairs of for affordable housing through income taxes at other housing. other governments. • Make sure that tax decisions don't compromise the • Some mentioned contracting out the provision affordability of people's current housing. of public housing entirely.
Service Level/Quality or Other • Many people were concerned about the length • Affordable housing must also be safe and accessible. of wait lists, capacity of the system and • Need a long-term strategy to move people from availability and that demand far exceeds supply. waitlists, to supportive housing, to rent-geared-to• Many commented about the quality of income to market value. maintenance, standards, cleanliness and state of good repair of public and affordable housing stock. Participant Quotes • Quality, affordable housing is absolutely necessary for a thriving, global city. I want to live in a city that is truly diverse, both culturally and economically, and is attractive to our country's thought leaders and workers. We have the potential to be a creative city but this is dependent on diversity. No one will want to live here if we don't offer quality housing at a variety of price points. • For many services such as affordable housing, childcare, services for the homeless, all of these services can be governed and funded by a national affordable housing program and a national subsidized daycare program. That is where the negotiation should be happening. We need to look at large-scale investment in cities, not small-scale cutting. That will not provide a long-term sustainable solution.
3.10.e.
Important and Why • Many mentioned community safety as an important "core" issue for government. • Many looked at community safety as a complex and long-term issue that could not be addressed by policing alone.
• Many advocated more effort spent on prevention of crime by providing services and spaces for youth, addressing poverty and unemployment as well as more community-based policing.
Who Should Provide Service • Some mentioned police services as a core responsibility of municipal government; others felt that this service could be provided wholly or in partnership with other governments.
• Few people mentioned privatization of police services; some who did were firmly against privatization of emergency services, while others suggested privatization might be something to consider to reduce costs.
How to Pay for Service • A majority advocated cutting the cost of police tolls, increasing user fees, or increasing fines for services. They mentioned a variety of means: traffic and City by-law violations. reducing the size of the police force, reducing • Some advocated for working with other levels of government to fund policing related to provincial overtime, reducing or contracting out policing for or national issues and events and/or to upload construction sites and traffic management; contracting out policing services altogether. police services to the province. • Some felt that as a core service, police should be • Some focused on reducing policing costs by funded by increasing property taxes. A few focusing on services to prevent crime, as mentioned other revenue sources such as road discussed above. Service Level/Quality or Other • Some mentioned that they would be comfortable accountability, fair treatment, and protection of with reducing police service levels such as number civil liberties. Many of these comments related to of cars sent per event, number of officers per car, the G-20 meeting. or assignment to traffic and construction projects. • Some mentioned crime, particularly gangs, guns, • Many mentioned lack of trust in police services drug crimes and violence against women as issues and raised concerns about police oversight, that police services need to do more to address. Participant Quotes • Putting money into policing over social programs means you're preparing to deal with the outcome of not helping your city raise accountable and responsible citizens. • Some cuts cost money in the long run. Cutting access to community recreation, for example, drives up public health, policing, EMS and social assistance costs. Cutting public health programs to deal with pests and infectious diseases make the city worse and are more expensive to deal with in the long run. Prevention saves money, even in the short term. In addition, when people have access to community recreation programs for their kids, safe and affordable housing, clean and efficient public transportation and affordable child care, they can move forward with finding and maintaining employment. Cutting services and creating a precarious situation for many will affect everyone. Page | 27
3.10.f.
Important and Why • Investing in these services brings a high return – they create thousands of local jobs and supports small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as international investment (e.g. film industry) – these jobs translate to more money spent in the local community and increased tax revenue. • Arts, culture, and heritage help make Toronto a world class city and a major draw for tourism – a vital industry for the city. Supporting major festivals like Pride, Caribana, and Nuit Blanche play a key role in this.
• These services support revitalization and community-building, make Toronto a more attractive place to live, work, visit, and invest in and are a major contributor to a high quality of life in Toronto. • We should ensure arts programming is accessible to all groups, including youth and new Canadians. These services support and reflect the rich diversity of Toronto. • Arts, culture, and heritage enhance the value of our city and generate economic development.
Who Should Provide Service • There was less detailed commentary on who • Participants commented on the City's role in should deliver arts, culture, and heritage services, delivering large-scale events like Pride and though most participants did note that the City Caribana, with some suggesting they that the City should continue to invest in and support these should continue to play a part in delivering these services. events. • A small number of participants suggested the City consider only providing funding to groups who can find matching funding from another sources (private or non-profit supporter). How to Pay for Service • There was concern among many participants that • Other identified sources of revenue to support funding for arts, culture, and heritage programs arts, culture and heritage included the tax on will be cut, in particular if people don't fully billboards to directly fund arts programs. respect or realize the economic and social value • Many participants talked about the Toronto Public these services provide. Library in conjunction with arts, culture, and • The need for funding in general was one of the heritage services, seeing a connection between key issues in this area. Some suggested raising the services and benefits they provide. A few the per capita investment level to match levels of participants suggested that a small annual fee other major cities like Montreal. could be charged for all library patrons who can • While most participants want the City to act as a afford it to help support this service. leader in supporting these services, many • A few people said that arts, culture, and heritage suggested that the support of the private sector programs, such as City-run theatres, are not through investments and sponsorships is a key to essential and only benefit special interest groups maintaining the vitality of this sector. Others and that the City should cease funding these stated that they would be happy to support these services. services through increased property taxes because of their larger social value.
Service Level/Quality or Other • While some participants are pleased with recent action on the issue of graffiti, others felt the City should focus less on removing graffiti and instead put more resources into supporting arts, culture, and heritage programs and communitybased initiatives, and that graffiti can be an important component of public art. Participant Quotes • Arts and culture funding not only enhances the value of our city in an economic way, provides substantial jobs for numerous citizens, it also contributes to the brand of the city, and how the city values itself. Arts and culture support goes beyond funding a bunch of festivals, it is an overall support of a creative and dynamic city. It's how we see ourselves, and how others see us. It's how we as citizens enjoy, interact and live in and with out city. • Please keep in mind that the small, seemingly insignificant programs and services make this City fabulous - it's the free festivals and arts events; it's our wonderful necklace of parks and waterfront; it's our bike paths and markets and recreational spaces and classes. Let's not nickel and dime everyone to death with user fees!!! A $6.00 increase in this year's property tax would have kept every service we had in 2010 - now we are losing libraries, transit routes, whole transit lines, charging the vulnerable to hang out at rec. centre... think about the City you grew up in, live in and want your children and grandchildren to live in. A concrete box with bare grey walls or a vibrant, colourful and kind place with respect for all citizens. • Increase in fees and taxes should only be in line with inflation. Shortfalls mean you trim from the nonessentials like culture and heritage to invest in infrastructure.
3.10.g.
Important and Why • Most participants named garbage, composting or • Many people felt that recycling and waste recycling as important to them, but did not diversion is important for environmental reasons. specify why. Among those that did give a reason, • Some people noted that garbage and recycling many characterized these services as basic, core were services that served "most people" or "the or essential. general public." Who Should Provide Service • Almost two-thirds of participants were in favour of keeping these services City run and just over one-third supported outsourcing/privatizing them. • People with either view most frequently cited containing costs as the reason for their view.
• Many proponents of City-run collection suggested that short term costs of outsourcing may be lower, but long term costs and liability will be higher. • Other participants stated that it was important for the City to provide these services to ensure environmentally responsible operations.
How to Pay for Service • Among participants that commented on how to pay for these services, two-thirds felt user fees were an appropriate way to pay for them. • The remaining one-third that felt property taxes were an appropriate method to pay for these
services. • Many people suggested increased user fees to increase diversion efforts, which would save the City money.
Service Level/Quality or Other • Some participants made comments about service "garbage strike" was important to them. levels and/or quality. Among these people, about • Almost half wanted to see services improved, one-third expressed concern about service and particularly related to composting and recycling in many of these mentioned that avoiding a apartment buildings and in general. Participant Quotes • I was thrilled when I heard about efforts to privatize garbage collection. If the city hires a private firm and they provide bad service, the city can fire them. I think that dramatically improves the likelihood we are going to get good service for our tax dollars. • When contracting out services, the process results in a captive market of users who have no other options as for providers of a service, so this creates a monopoly situation. This is contrary to some of the best features of capitalism, and often results in high costs and increased user fees with little to no service improvements. • I do not believe that contracting out city services will make them cheaper. The city pays its employees fairly and to privatize something like garbage would just mean that workers will be making less money for the service they provide, while a private company makes a profit from their labour. • Privatizing can help but many times the private sector won't re-invest in long term infrastructure instead putting money to profit. And then when the buildings are all run down and the equipment breaking, they try to hit us up for the bill or leave us with a massive repair bill because they never maintained anything. We might save money in the short term by privatizing, but we must have guarantees that costs will be managed in the long term while maintaining accountability. Page | 30
3.10.h.
Important and Why • Many participants felt that a healthy and clean • Ensuring environmental sustainability is environment contributes to the overall quality of something that affects all residents of Toronto life in Toronto. and beyond. • Comments on continuing Toronto's leadership • Many participants stated that environmental status on green initiatives was often accompanied issues were important to them, using terms like with comments that planning for the environment air quality, sustainability and climate change to express their position. is an urgent cause. • Linkages were commonly made between other City services and their impact on the environment. Who Should Provide Service • Participants believed that the City has an • Participants suggested that Council should important role to play in ensuring that consider the potential environmental impact environmental issues were considered in tandem when making service decisions. with other City activities and services. • For those that chose to comment on who should • Specific requests of City Council were to: provide environmental programming, most believe that the government should manage o have a long-term vision of future environmental sustainability for the City; initiatives, with a renewed emphasis on working o encourage renewable energy use; collaboratively with private and not-for-profit o encourage businesses to take a more active enterprises familiar with the issues. role in environmental issues; and o to remain an international leader on environmental initiatives. How to Pay for Service • A significant majority of people that chose to highlight the environment in their responses stated that they would prefer to maintain and expand current environmental programs and initiatives. • Increasing property taxes and implementing user fees for individuals and businesses that participate in pollution causing activities were referenced as potential means of providing ongoing funding. • To a lesser degree, participants noted that other governments could fund environmental programs.
• Specific examples of potential revenue generation tools related to environmental initiatives included enforcing the anti-idling by-law, instituting higher fees for peak hour water use, and user fees for car use in the City, including re-introducing the Vehicle Registration Tax, establishing road tolls and maintaining the plastic bag fee. • Those that felt that environmental programs were not a priority stated that other budgetary pressures were more important to fund at this time.
Service Level/Quality or Other • Participants recognized the City's environmental leadership and indicated that they would like to see environmental programs maintained or expanded where possible. • Participants are concerned about the current commitment to environmental sustainability and perceived shift away from previously established goals. Many commented on the need to protect
and improve our environment. • Some residents expressed concern over larger issues like Toronto's carbon footprint and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. • The general view from comments received favoured a continued emphasis on environmental programs and indicated that current programs should be maintained and enhanced.
Participant Quotes • The City should fund services that give back to the community and create safe, active, environmentally friendly and educating environments for young people today so that we can have a better future, even if it costs us some taxes. • Keep in mind that short term cuts may not necessarily be in the long terms interests of the city. Maintaining and enhancing the city's quality of life (heritage, culture, parks, environment) is what will make us an attractive to investment and business. And that will lead to prosperity. • The city needs to use its purchasing power to continue to support the technologies of the future - be they renewable energy, IT, sustainable buildings. This is where many of the future jobs will come from, and the city can continue to lead by example - through solar programs, green building programs, green roof investment etc. • Review the possibility of reducing non-operational department costs (e.g. Toronto Office of the Environment) • All departments of the City of Toronto, together with the entire GTA region, must be better coordinated in their planning and budgets, especially with regards to transportation, health care, bylaw standardization/enforcement, and any environmental issues/concerns. • City staff should support, prioritize, fund and engage with organizations who can fund social and environmental programming well. • The City should implement incentives to encourage wise use of resources and to support environmental goals and efficiencies, like road tolls, and higher rates for water use during peak hours, and energy use during peak hours.
3.10.i.
City Parks/Recreation and Community Centres
Parks and Recreation were listed as separate services but discussed together by most participants
Important and Why • The City of Toronto's parks, recreation services, • Many participants noted that the needs of the and community centres were identified as an most vulnerable should be a priority in these integral part of the city. The issues of greatest services areas – for example, youth, seniors, and concern were maintaining these publicly-run low income families. services and ensuring the services and spaces • This last point was reiterated by a number of are kept affordable, accessible, and responsive participants who suggested that providing youth to the needs of the community. with opportunities to get involved in recreation and • Connected to this are the significant impacts on community centre programs reduces the chances quality of life and social well-being that these of crime and its associated social and economic services provide. This includes making the city a costs. great place to live, keeping our population healthy (and therefore reducing the impact on health care), making the city beautiful, keeping the city cleaner and greener, and bringing people together. Who Should Provide Service • Comments on parks, recreation and community centres focused on the importance of maintaining the services themselves – there were fewer comments on exactly who should deliver those services. • For many people, it is important that parks, recreation, and community centre services continue to be delivered by the City of Toronto for reasons including maintaining quality and accessibility.
• A comparable number of participants felt that at least some activities could be contracted out or managed by volunteer community groups – this included parks maintenance and garbage collection. • One smaller theme that emerged was the need to consider community access to Toronto District School Board pools, and how those partnerships are managed and paid for. In general, maintaining or increasing access to these pools was the most common thread amongst these participants.
How to Pay for Service • User fees were discussed in light of these 37 funds; only a few participants suggested services – a number of participants were against sponsorship agreements with private companies or any user fees for parks or recreation programs leasing space in parks to private businesses. and facilities in order to keep support • Numerous participants were comfortable paying accessibility and equality; others felt that user increased property taxes to support these services fees could be introduced or raised in some areas because they felt it would help promote the if they are affordable to the user. liveability of the city. A small number of • Other less common suggestions to financially participants were against this idea. support these service areas included an increase in community centre rentals to private groups and leveraging more development fees/Section
Service Level/Quality or Other • Of all the comments received on service levels • Included in this category were comments on the for parks, recreation, and community centres, Welcome Policy, which the strong majority of the issue of highest importance was the upkeep participants felt needed to be maintained, with any and maintenance of these spaces: litter, reviews of this policy going toward increasing the disrepair, and the need for upkeep of green outreach, accessibility, and efficacy of this spaces were very common themes amongst initiative. comments on service levels for these areas. • Though not a key item for most participants, some • Another area of note was the need to maintain did express concern over dog parks and whether and/or increase facilities including green space, the City is directing a disproportionate amount of parks, pools, community gardens, and the resources towards this activity. A smaller number associated programming. used their feedback form to share their support for these spaces. Participant Quotes • If we want to compete with New York, London and Paris, then we need to invest in transit, the waterfront and our parks. People don't visit Paris because it's balanced its budget, people visit to see the great museums and parks. • It is very difficult to provide excellent services without increasing revenue - the important part is that the money be used sensibly and not squandered. • Our cities parks are a vital resource, as are all our public/outdoor spaces. Waterfront development has been slow, but the last few years it has been really tremendous - keep it up! The Toronto Island needs continual investment, same for community recreation. Our ski hills, golf courses, ravines, urban forest they all need to be led by city. I think we're doing a good job - I'd like to see us do a great job! • The Parks and Recreation programme fees are far too low. They surely cannot be recouping costs. I understand and support keeping programme fees lower for seniors, but others should be able to pay their way, this is despite the fact that I have 2 young children in city programs. • Please have "optional services" provided by the city covered by user fees. This includes pools, recreation centres and fitness classes.
3.10.j.
Meta Theme: Paying for Services
One of the central concerns of the Core Service Review was the budget and finances: How much do City services cost? Where do we get the revenue to pay for them? Which services are provincially mandated, and at what level must we provide that service? How can we generate more revenue, or cut spending for all but "non-essential" items? The City collected a large volume of comments on these themes, some which emphasized the value of services in the short and long term, and some which called for the City to make tough choices that prioritize financial health. Upload or share the costs with other governments • Across all of the comments on funding City a need for federal government investment in services, the role of other governments and the Toronto as the economic engine of Canada, and relationship between governments was among for the City and province to discuss any potential the most mentioned. duplication of services. • Many participants suggested that the federal and • Others suggested the City requesting a share of provincial governments need to contribute more the HST, a portion of the Gas Tax, or the ability to in terms of finance and service delivery. In many levy an income tax on Toronto residents. cases, there were specific calls to reverse • Fewer participants suggested that the City of "downloaded" services such as affordable Toronto make better use of the financial tools it housing. Many said that more funding for transit has available and find efficiencies in its services should be a priority of the provincial and federal before or instead of asking other levels of government. Other general comments suggested government for more support. Comments regarding budgets, expenditures, cuts and investments. • Comments that suggested investing or increasing • On the issue of whether or not to cut or decrease spending typically related to a specific service, budgets, responses focused in particular services e.g. transit, or service area, e.g. "increase services or activities supported by some City services. A that support the most vulnerable." However, a smaller number called for non-specific cuts or number of participants also commented on the decreases – not necessarily to any service or to principles behind investment, the reasons why any particular level, but with an eye to services should be funded, and how to make "duplications" or "trimming the fat." decisions around these investments. • There were some suggestions to "cut the waste, • A number of participants also suggested that not the service" by finding efficiencies or finding other sources of revenue like user fees, publicinvesting in making our city a great place to live will help to attract businesses, tourists, and private partnerships, or raising taxes. • Many participants urged the City not just to cut outside investments. Otherwise, Toronto could fall "behind the times." for the sake of low taxes or saving money – • Participants believed the City needs to have a instead, they asked the City to look at what the vision, consider the long term implications of its services are and what they offer, suggesting that decisions, and not always be guided by short term once a service is cut it is hard to bring it back. needs. It was suggested that investments can Within this group, there were concerns that if the actually save us money in the long term, for City continues to cut services then Toronto will be example by fixing/upgrading infrastructure before a less liveable city. its condition decreases and costs increase, or through services which deflect the social costs of crime and poverty.
Property or business tax • There were more comments regarding property more to operate in Toronto's desirable market, tax than business taxes. Many participants offsetting the cost of valuable services. commented that they were happy to pay the • Others suggested that the system of calculating current level or a higher level of property taxes to and collecting property taxes needs to be support transit, infrastructure, and to "keep the reformed to better reflect the annual inflation rate, market value of property, or household city liveable." Among this group, some added the income. caveat that they support higher property taxes as long as they know the City is "doing its job." • Some noted that property taxes will not need to Others noted that Toronto's property tax rate is be raised if the City takes other measures such as the lowest in the GTA and that local residents get raising user fees, finding efficiencies, or selling more services for their dollar than friends and assets. family members in surrounding municipalities. • Comments regarding business taxes suggested • On the other hand, a number of participants felt that the business tax rate is too high, and that that property taxes are already too high and that Toronto needs to lower its rate to attract and these taxes support some services which not retain businesses and jobs, especially with everyone uses (e.g. Toronto Zoo). competition from other GTA municipalities. • Some suggested that the business tax rate should go up and that corporations and banks should pay User fees • The topic of user fees generated more discussion • While many people discussed user fees in relation than any other when participants commented on to specific services (e.g. Solid Waste how the City can pay for its services. Many stated Management), there were also more general that user fees are already too high, create comments on "commuter fees", "congestion accessibility issues for youth, seniors, and lowcharges", or tolls on major roads like the Gardiner income families, or that the City should simply Expressway or Don Valley Parkway. Many "think outside the box" before implementing participants stated support for a toll that could more or higher user fees. raise money for the City, help fund infrastructure • Some participants suggested it was okay for the such as public transit, and help reduce gridlock City to add user fees for services which are not and associated side effects such as pollution. used by all residents of Toronto, such as Various examples were given of tolls to enter the City core as in London, UK, or tolls on commuters swimming pools, 311, or the Library. Others suggested if user fees had to be added they from outside Toronto to help offset the cost of should be applied according to income so that City services that support people who pay taxes in everyone has equal access to services. another municipality. • The cost of parking was generally considered a fee • Some participants were concerned about avoiding that could be raised to bring in more revenue for a trade-off between property taxes and user fees the City while encouraging alternate forms of – that a decrease in property taxes or user fees transit. would only lead to an increase in the other. • Some participants indicated a concern about the cost of TTC fare, some suggested increasing this fee to help fund expansion of the system, or reducing the fare to increase ridership.
Other sources of City revenue respects the City of Toronto. Others suggested • Participants provided several other suggestions selling City assets such as Toronto Hydro or for revenue generation. EnWave, while others suggested that they should • There were several suggestions regarding the be kept. Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT). Most who commented • Other suggestions included leveraging more on the VRT felt that the City should not have money from developers though "Section 37" removed this source of revenue, particularly at a funds, issuing City bonds, creating a Hotel Tax, time when services are at risk. redirecting the current fee for plastic bags to the • A number of participants– including some who City, money from provincial lotteries, or building a supported the VRT – also expressed concern that casino. the MLTT might be repealed. A few participants suggested the MLTT should be removed because of its cost to homebuyers and the nature of the tax. There were a few suggestions that the MLTT could be raised for properties over a certain value. • Participants also suggested selling naming rights or having sponsorships of public spaces or TTC stations – if this could be done in a way that Participant Quotes • The City needs to recognize that it is going to continue to grow and we must invest in that growth or the benefits will accrue only to the few. One of the aspects that makes Toronto great is our mixed neighbourhoods, and our deep levels of community participation. If we fail to invest in services these are at risk. People will leave the city and those who remain will lose the joys of urban living. That is not how to make a city a great place to be. • Completing this survey enraged me because it made me realize just how many useless services the city has and how much it costs me…. I use very few city services (roads, water, waste collection, police, fire and ambulance) yet I pay an incredible amount for them. • We need to get out more positive messages about the effect of taxes in creating a healthy society and in contributing to the "common good", rather than a message that seems always to be about keeping everything good for "me" but not "my neighbor".
Councillor-led consultations A number of City Councillors hosted their own meetings with local residents to discuss the Service Review. The outreach and communication for these meetings was conducted primarily by the Councillor's offices, though details were also posted on the City's Service Review Events Calendar at www.torontoservicereview.ca. In most cases, a summary of each Councillor consultation was provided to the City Manager.
Councillors Janet Davis (Ward 31), Mary Fragedakis (Ward 29) and Paula Fletcher (Ward 30) June 8, 2011. East York Civic Centre • This meeting brought together approximately 120 quality of life, social needs, and access to services local residents who were "passionate about Toronto and information. and the services they feel make it a vibrant and • Some thematic priorities that emerged included liveable city with opportunities for everyone." considering long term benefits as opposed to just • Participants at this meeting felt that "all City short term costs, keeping services delivered by the services were very important" and that these public sector, a need for the City to engage in more services were developed to meet community needs. "lateral thinking", a need for improved and • In general, most participants did not like the idea of equitable revenue sources, and maintaining an "ranking" City services; nevertheless, a number ongoing open and democratic process. emerged as particular priorities including the • A full summary of this meeting including more expansion of transit and many others that support details on service priorities was provided to City Manager, Joe Pennachetti, by the host Councillors. Councillors Paula Fletcher (Ward 30), Pam McConnell (Ward 28), Adam Vaughan (Ward 20) and Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27) June 11, 2011. City Hall • Approximately 100 residents from four Wards Recreation division that is related to, but running attending this meeting. Upon entry, participants separately from the Core Service Review.) were given a "sticky note" and asked to write down • Many of the participants at this meeting expressed their answer to "What are your hopes and dreams frustration or concern over the Core Service Review Feedback Form, including the scope and nature of for Toronto?" These answers served as a basis for a its questions. subsequent town hall style discussion on four topics: • A full summary of this meeting including key issues • Defining the issues facing Toronto from each discussion question and an appendix detailing all the participant feedback to each • The role of the City in delivering services • Spending priorities in delivering services question was provided to City Manager, Joe • The Recreation Service Plan – the role of recreation Pennachetti, by the host Councillors. and how to meet Toronto's needs. (This Plan is a separate initiative of the Parks, Forestry, and Councillor Shelley Carroll (Ward 33) in partnership with the Fairview Interagency Network June 13, 2011 Fairview Community Library • This meeting, held in partnership with the Fairview important Interagency Network, followed a similar format to • considered not required for the City. the City-led roundtable discussions, using the same • Participants also shared general service comments service cards and general discussion questions. and a number of other things Ward 33 residents • Participants shared a long list of criteria and want City Council to know when making decisions principles for why services should be: about services in the future. • considered necessary to the City (the category • A summary of this meeting including key issues from most important to these participants); each discussion question was provided to the City • considered a contribution to the City but less Manager
Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19) June 13, 2011 St. Christopher House • Approximately 40 residents attended this 5. Do we contract out or sell off to help manage the community meeting hosted by Councillor Layton. current debt? • Councillor Layton put forward a number of 6. Can you think of possible other ways to generate questions regarding the City of Toronto and the income or save money? Core Service Review and recorded feedback from 7. What is the impact of these options (contracting participants. Questions at this meeting were: out or selling off)? 1. What are some of the issues facing Toronto 8. What are the barriers to achieving equitable today? recreation opportunities and how can they be 2. What does Toronto need to do to make sure that overcome? everyone has healthy cities and vibrant 9. What are your hopes and dreams for Toronto? communities? • A summary of this meeting including overall 3. Do we do without some services? responses for each question was provided to City 4. Do we pay more in property taxes for our Manager, Joe Pennachetti, by Councillor Layton. services? Councillors Josh Colle (Ward 15), Joe Mihevc (Ward 21), and Josh Matlow (Ward 22) June 16, 2011 Holy Rosary Church • Over 60 people from all three Wards participated in • One emerging theme from this consultation was this meeting. This meeting did not follow the same "the broad range of opinion that existed in this pool process as the City-led Roundtable Discussions. of residents as well as their desire to have more say Instead, this meeting asked participants to do a over the process that will determine the type and SWOT analysis (Strength, Weaknesses, level of services that will be provided to them as Opportunities, Threats) of multiple City services, residents." Some participants also expressed their followed by a question and answer discussion. The frustration general tone of the City-run consultation event started by each participants writing down process, feeling it put more emphasis on making their own answer to the question "My Toronto is…" cuts over other options. Participants were also provided with background • A full summary of this meeting including copies of information on the City budget and a list of City all the responses from each table was provided to services. City Manager, Joe Pennachetti, by the host Councillors. Councillors Gord Perks (Ward 14), Sarah Doucette (Ward 13) and Ana Bailão (Ward 18) June 8, 2011. Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School. • Approximately 100 people from all three Wards • Comments from participants noted concerns participated in this meeting. This meeting was run regarding adequate funding from other levels of using the same model as the City-led Roundtable government, the service review and consultation. Discussions. • A summary of this meeting including comments • Overwhelming response was that public services from participants was provided to the City Manager should remain public. • With few exceptions participants indicated that the 35 service areas were considered "necessary".
Themed input from public roundtable discussions At each of the City's eight roundtable sessions, participants discussed why they felt various City services were necessary to the city, contributed to the city but not necessary or were not necessary. The tables were not required to reach consensus. The goal of the sessions was to encourage discussion and learning about each other's perspectives as preparation for providing individual feedback. Staff themed all of the responses at each of the sessions – below is a summary of themes from all of the sessions. Individual session reports are available online at www.torontoservicereview.ca
Is necessary for our city to be liveable and prosperous Serves large percentage of citizens • Affects majority of people • Serve broadest number of stakeholders • Services are necessary because they are used by the total population of the City • Serves multiple users • Services that are well-used or provide variety of services Necessary for city to be prosperous • If service generates revenue for the City • Important for economic development • Makes the city financially successful, attracts people to the City • Attracts business, encourages economic diversity • Creates employment • Basic necessities lead to prosperity • Basic infrastructure contributes to local economy Services that are basic, core, necessary • Basic City services that any modern city requires; the "bones of the City" • All are necessary to be liveable and prosperous • Contribute to a healthy city, quality of life and well being of citizens • Meet Maslow’s hierarchy of need • “successful cities thrive on good, effective City services” • Creates/supports infrastructure • Core services for a living city cannot be cut
Builds a foundation for the city – these are the building block of all society All services are important and should be funded by a property tax increase Services that “make Toronto what it is”; unique
Services which enhance accountability • Accountable services “publically provided services are different and more trustworthy” • Transparency • Any City inspections should be public not private • If it’s legally required to be provided by City • If the service is legislated • Provide oversight, regulatory framework • If other levels of government or organization don’t provide • Vital to democracy, equity, human rights and a “fair” city • Other levels of government require us to provide • Ensure access to information • “these services are important because then we can have control over how it is delivered” • Customer service Create a sense of community and neighbourhoods • Community building – bridging have/have nots ‘you’re only as strong as the weakest link
If they either prevent isolation or provide cross–city opportunities Opportunities to engage with others Maintains community sustainability “the responsibility we have as a community is essential to respect” Reinforce responsibility we have as a community to one another Makes this a city where “I want to be” Essential services that provide for a positive community Reduce social, economic isolation of neighbourhoods Help build communities Programs that keep communities safe, occupied, socialized Connecting the City – neighbourhoods and communities and individuals – engagement and a sense of identity and community Services to get people involved in the community
Ensure equitable access to services for all • address needs of different types of people at different stages in their lives • “city where no one is left behind” where all citizens are provided for • Allow diverse populations to live together • Addresses needs of vulnerable groups • If the service reacts most effectively to local needs • Compassion, social awareness, “a hand up” • Importance of protecting vulnerable population and helping Toronto’s underprivileged • Address poverty • Prioritize equity “lift up struggling people” – city has to have compassion • Provide services to help people that are vulnerable (young, old, marginalized, immigrants) • Need to have a civil and respectful society; “Show we care” • Ensures access to everyone, all groups, inclusive
Provide opportunities to newcomers, diversity of experiences Needed to support people who are vulnerable Promotes cultural diversity
Helps us plan for the long term, prosper and compete globally • We spend our lives here – make the City great • Provides happier, healthier life • Necessary to provide for current and future generations • Services that invest for the future • Provide direction for future generations • Provide social health, safety and a future for our children, quality of life • Sustainable futures – building a city for our kids • Makes City attractive • Improves Toronto image on a global stage • Services that give the City a good name and people will want to move here • The only issue is who should deliver the services to maintain Toronto as one of the Best Cities in the World • Essential to make us a “world class City” • Makes Toronto a desirable place to live • Have long-term impact “have to have visionary thinking” • Absence would hurt liveability and tourism • What it takes to make Toronto a top class city in the world to invest in and to attract people When they contribute to security, health and safety • Provide basic services such as food and shelter “doing what governments do” • Things needed to live and breathe • Services we can’t imagine being taken away • Services make the city liveable, healthy, peaceful, and resident’s protected, safe, comfortable • Services that focus on prevention
Those that impact the determinants of health If the matter is a question of life or death Meets life and death needs Create a liveable and prosperous City Services that provide public safety, protects people and property Essential to keep order Preserve natural and cultural heritage Provide environmental benefits
Infrastructure • Foundation for sustainable growth of the city • Contributes to efficient and smart growth • Improve infrastructure – will save money in the long term • Communities don’t expand well without funding – avoid City ghettos
Contributes to the city, but is less important Others could provide • Can be done voluntarily by individuals • If the service should be part of a national strategy – City should lessen its role • Other levels of government should deliver • Some services should be provided by others if we trust them • Services the private sector can deliver • Where partnerships could help • Consider if someone else could do it, but balance that with if we benefit • Could be paid for by another agency • Should be shared by other levels of government or private sector Not essential to quality of life • If City would survive but it wouldn’t be a world class city, survive but not well • Not necessary for life and health but contributes to liveable and prosperous City • Programs are luxury or nice to have • Key areas that are not essential to making the city run • Nice but not necessary if related to basic security • Contributes but not something that makes a world class city • Not what cities do…not core • Is essential to long term prosperity but not a life and death issue • Services that won’t affect many people’s lives
Doesn’t necessarily improve quality of life for Toronto Basics should be provided, but maybe not services that don’t affect individuals You won’t die without it
Could be rationalized or reduced • Could be rolled into existing program • Mid-to low value budget item – costs less to deliver • If the services are determined to be overfunded • Certain services are not needed in all parts of the City • Helpful but not wholly essential (could be pared back) • Needed in the long-term but not urgent parked but no eliminated • Services not necessarily used by all Torontonians • Not well used services may not be cost effective • Do services benefit residents or do they benefit businesses needs to be a consideration • Services may not need to be provided 24/7 • Services contribute if some people can pay, but vulnerable people need the City’s help • If need for service is declining over time • If the service is a band-aid • Consider providing part of the service instead of all of it • Ok – if we can provide efficiently
If we could provide fewer services – that would be enough Where there are duplications of services Services that could be consolidated Consider limiting service or increasing regulations Doesn't meet the needs of people it's designed to
Other considerations • If it’s revenue producing you can’t cut it • Consider should the City do it….even if it raises funds
If they can be done for a profit Balancing role between non-profit and City Services that are self-sustaining If the service misuses/oversteps its authority/power If not necessary but contributes to spin-off effects like prosperity Services directed at groups/business but not individuals If a service is determined not to be critical Other things have a larger call on public money
Is not required for the city City doesn't need to deliver, or others could deliver better • Services that can readily be privatized • Federal and provincial responsibilities should fund and provided by other levels of government • Someone else can deliver it better • If other jurisdictions can do it instead • Can be provided by private sector • Services that are better with business approach or are business oriented • May be required, but maybe the City doesn’t need to be the one to do it • Should be done by others – individuals, associations, groups, province • Shouldn’t be required if is a commercial/business type operation • Services we do poorly that could be done better by others • If it’s cheaper for private sector to do • If you can get the same service elsewhere with the same quality • Services downloaded from province – province should pay • If the Provincial or Federal governments can provide it or should fund the service • If residents can do it themselves • If others could run better i.e. non-profits
City doesn’t need to be the expert if there are already other providers Not enforced or done poorly, not effective if provided by the City Privatized funding by corporations or sponsors – better delivery of services If City is wasting money – better to provide subsidy to private sector
City won't be affected if service isn't delivered • If quality of life will not suffer • Anything that is not health, safety, movement around the city and can be provided by the private sector • If the Service had nothing to do with how we go about our daily lives • does not contribute to prosperity or liveability of the city • Services that don’t impact people’s day-today life • Services that have no personal impact on residents • If it’s a luxury – something we could live without – doesn’t address the necessities of life or survival • If the City can get along without it • Not needed for survival
Serves only a few or limited purpose • If services are exclusive to a small group or only a few people • Services that have a limited impact or only impact a few • Isn’t required by a majority of people • Benefits only some members of the City • Low use • If it supports corporations only and not residents Needs to be cut, rationalized or consolidated • Duplication of City service • Not cost effective • If it duplicates services of other providers, or another service • If alternatives exist • If the space being used can be put to another use – even revenue generating • We shouldn’t overlap • Services which are minimally used afterhours • Is service is obsolete or can be delivered online • Services that take away from, or duplicate other services • Services that fluctuate • Doesn’t need to be 24/7 • If it can cost less but quality stays the same
You cannot run a home without money – same with City – some have to be cut If it costs the City more to deliver – other options should be considered Services level is good but delivery may be poorly thought out Can partial services be paid for by 3rd party to reduce debt?
Other considerations • “value vs. needed” (what we put in versus what we get out) • If it’s out of date • Excessively expensive • Services that are dangerous or dangerous to the environment • Services that are prohibitively expensive • If the service does harm • If the market could determine the real cost • Too expensive for City • Only if it makes the City a better place • City delivers too many services – get back to basics • Encourage partnerships and community groups to run as long as affordable and accessible • Not City’s responsibility • Not profitable • Over-regulated • Non-necessary expense
Other – general comments and consideration for Service Review Service levels/quality • If City can take care of vulnerable people – makes our city a better place for all; we need to judge the City by the vulnerable members we have • Try to avoid chaos • Consider: will services be provided if the City doesn’t? • Ensure consistency of services across city • Difficult to prioritize when so many services are vital
• Services should be universal Revenue/expenditures • User fees are too high • Senior levels of government need to step up to the plate re transit and other services • Revenue producing functions should be returned • Consider if there is financial gain to providing the service
• Regardless of the service, it should be provided efficiently • City provides an unfair proportion of provincial social services • Need to be funded by other levels of government as previously done • Slight increase in property tax would prevent need for user fees Planning, visioning, strategy • Want to live in a City I am proud of – this is the City for all of us • Think longer term – not only short term solutions • Connecting all services connected like a puzzle • A City service does not come to be City services accidentally, it is because they are needed • City has to have a heart and allow people to have an enriching life • Compare Toronto with others – we need to be amazing • Make our city a vibrant place to live, work and play • Coordinated services are important – services need to work well together • Consider: What kind of City do we want? Other consideration for the Service Review • More important to look at largest services rather than smaller ones – and must look at what makes up each services
• Smaller services with less than 1% of the budget are not worth examining • Local needs, need local oversight • It is more efficient to outsource whole departments then make small cuts across the board • Government should decide who can do the best job at providing the services • Even essential services should be assessed for cost effectiveness • More financial disclosure would help me decide what services are more important and to give feedback • Make sure every City service has a place • People rely on services for well-being and the well-being of the City • It isn’t a matter of how important a service is, but if it is managed effectively and efficiently • All services should be measured and costed • Municipal government is most responsive to people’s needs • Consider who will be most accountable • Nothing fits in the not required section – that would mean the service doesn’t contribute • Need to prevent abuse and accountability if we contract out • Revenue does not correlate to happiness • Services must be provided in a cost effective manner – accountable to residents
Report "C o r e S e r v i c e R e v i e w. P u b l i c C o n s u l t a t i o n. J u l y"