HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 41-09
CAW REPORT TO
COUNCIL
I KERI Report Number: CS 41-09
J L 8 Date: October 19, 2009
From: Gillis A. Paterson
Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer
Subject: Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines Promotion
- File: L-2220-001-09
Recommendation:
1. That Report CS 41-09 of the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer be
received;
2. That the proposed Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines Promotion be implemented
for December 10 and 11, 2009; and
3. That the appropriate staff of the City of Pickering be given the authority to give
effect thereto.
Executive Summary: The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines program accepts toys
or groceries in lieu of payment for parking tickets for a limited period in the month of
December. Toy or food donations must be dropped off to City Hall, and a receipt must
be presented to confirm the value of the donation equals or exceeds the fine. Tickets
for parking in a Disabled Parking Space are not eligible for the program
The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines program is a worthy cause which will be well-
received by the public and create positive customer relations with parking ticket
recipients.
The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines promotion benefits needy families, demonstrates
community involvement and enhances the image of the City's Municipal Law
Enforcement Services section.
Financial Implications: The program cost in lost fines would be relatively low. It is
estimated that lost fine revenue would range between $500.00 - $2500.00, depending
on the turnout for the promotion and tickets issued during the eligible range.
Sustainability Implications: This program supports the social aspect of
sustainability by providing assistance to families in need.
Report CS 41-09 October 19, 2009
Subject: Toys for Tickets / Food For Fines Promotion Page 2
29
Background: The Toys for Tickets program originated in Boston in 1999. It was
adopted by the City of Kingston in 2005, the City of Oshawa in 2007, and now operates
in Niagara Falls, London, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Red Deer and Fort St. John, B.C.
It was suggested that food donations be included in the City of Pickering's program, as
food donations can be distributed to a wider range of families in need.
The program sets a range of eligible dates for tickets issued, then sets two days only
where payment for the tickets issued during the eligible dates may be made with
donations. The date range proposed for eligible tickets would be from December 1 - 9,
2009, with the Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines dates as December 10 & 11, 2009.
Tickets may be paid with the donation of toys or food equal to or exceeding the value of
the fine on the ticket. A receipt for the donation must be presented to verify the amount.
War toys and toys requiring batteries are discouraged. Food must be non-perishable.
Toys and Food collected will be donated to the Durham Regional -Police Food and Toy
Drive. As the City of Pickering already participates with the Durham Regional Police
Food & Toy Drive, the Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines program would be a
continuation of this partnership.
The program could be promoted with flyers distributed with the tickets issued during the
eligible date range, as well as newspaper and website promotions.
The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines promotion has been very successful in the
municipalities offering the program. It transforms the negative perceptions of the
parking ticket into a positive community involvement initiative.
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Kimbe ly Thompson, CMM I, Debi A. Wilcox, CMM III, CMO
Manager, By-Law Enforcement Services City Clerk
Gillis A. Paterson,
Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer
KT: kt
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
CORP0227-07/01 revised
Report CS 41-09 October 19, 2009
Subject: Toys for Tickets/ Food For Fines Promotion Page 3
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City C fnci a~
10
Th a
J Quinn, R R, e III
Chief Administrative Officer
I
CORP0227-07/01 revised