HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 34-21
Report to Council
Report Number: CS 34-21 Date: October 25, 2021
From: Sarah Douglas-Murray
Director, Community Services
Subject: Canada Community Revitalization Fund – The Improvement of Pickering’s Esplanade Park -Grant Application Endorsement
-File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That Pickering Council supports the application of The Improvement of Pickering’s
Esplanade Park for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FEDASO), Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for a total project cost of $340,500;
2. That staff be directed, through the Chief Administrative Officer, to submit an application
under the FEDASO, CCRF to request $255,375 to fund the project outlined in this report;
3. That if grant funding be approved, that the Treasurer be authorized to fund the City contribution of $85,125 as follows:
a) the sum of $55,125 by a transfer from the Public Art Reserve;
b) the sum of $30,000 from property taxes; and,
4. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary action to
give effect hereto.
Executive Summary: The CCRF aims to help communities, towns and cities across Canada to build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, assist with community vitality, support social and economic cohesion and help reanimate communities.
Regional development agencies across Canada are delivering $500 million over two years (2021-
2022 to 2022-2023) for community infrastructure projects, with the FEDASO delivering $144.7 million in Southern Ontario.
Staff have reviewed the grant eligibility, criteria and outcomes and are recommending that an
application be submitted for a community infrastructure improvement project at Esplanade Park.
The proposed project cost is $340,500. The grant application would request $255,375. Assuming 75% project funding is approved, the city contribution would be $85,125 at 25%.
CS 34-21 October 25, 2021
Subject: Canada Community Revitalization Fund – Page 2
The Improvement of Pickering’s Esplanade Park
Financial Implications:
Estimated Project Cost Summary
Description City Contribution Grant Contribution
Total ProjectCost
Facility Construction/Renovation
Equipment Installation Project Management Public Art * Staffing/Labour Park Design & Site
Preparation
Total
2022 2023 Current Current Budget Budget Total City
$30,000 $25,125 $55,125 5,000 5,000 10,000
20,000 0 20,000
$55,000 $30,125 $85,125
$140,000
40,375 75,000
$ 255,375
$140,000
40,375 75,000 55,125 10,000
20,000
$340,500
‘* To be funded from the Public Art Reserve
Discussion: The CCRF aims to help communities, towns and cities across Canada to
build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, assist with community vitality, support social and economic cohesion and help reanimate communities.
Regional development agencies across Canada are delivering $500 million over two years (2021-2022 to 2022-2023) for community infrastructure projects, with the FEDASO delivering $144.7
million in southern Ontario.
The Fund supports not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities to:
• build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets;
• bring people back to public spaces safely as health measures ease; and,
• create jobs and stimulate local economies.
The City of Pickering application included the following outputs:
• Reinvent the outdoor space of Esplanade Park by developing a COVID-19 memorial permanent public art piece, and playable public art in the form of permanent outdoor musical instruments to create a mindfulness, meditation and music space in response to the impact of COVID-19 in our community.
CS 34-21 October 25, 2021
Subject: Canada Community Revitalization Fund – Page 3
The Improvement of Pickering’s Esplanade Park
• The City will create green infrastructure with enhanced landscaping, plantings and expansion of the pollinator gardens in Esplanade Park that were created in Phase 1 of the Main Street project.
• The City will increase accessibility of Esplanade Park with lighting, seating, electrical
upgrades, public art and enhanced traffic controls into the park.
The grant application process closed on July 23, 2021. City staff submitted an application for the Esplanade Park Improvement Project at that time. In September, City staff were contacted by the funder, and were informed that this application was still being considered. On September 20,
2021, the Development Officer from the Government of Canada requested that the City of Pickering provide a report from Council endorsing the City’s 25% financial commitment of $85,125.
Attachment:
1. Updated Grant Application
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
Sarah Douglas-Murray Director, Community Services Stan Karwowski, MBA, CPA, CMA Director, Finance & Treasurer
SDM:lg
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer