Updating the policy framework for voluntary donations for community benefits
The City is seeking input regarding the role of Members of City Council in soliciting, facilitating and accepting voluntary donations for community benefits.
Over the years, some Members of Council have facilitated and/or negotiated voluntary donations/contributions for community benefits. Examples of such donations include affordable housing and traffic calming commitments from developers, as well as park improvements and other items intended to provide a public good.
Current policy framework
The City does not currently have a policy that applies to Members of Council who solicit and/or facilitate voluntary donations for community benefits. The City does have a Council-approved Donations to the City for Community Benefit Policy(External link), but this policy does not apply to Members of Council. Other contribution-related policies apply only to specific situations:
- The Community Benefits Charge strategy, by-law(External link) and policy apply only to the statutory process for community benefits charges under the Ontario Planning Act.
- The Community, Fundraising and Special Events Policy(External link) provides guidance to Members of Council on soliciting and accepting donations and sponsorships for Member-organized community events and supporting benevolent events.
Council direction
On January 24, 2024(External link), Council approved a motion (Motion No. 2024 – 29-05) that directed staff to undertake the following:
- That an updated policy framework for voluntary donations for community benefits be developed in order to ensure consistency of approach and application, to improve transparency, with a prescribed delegated of authority for the allocation of resources and that the policy include a toolkit and scripts to help bring uniformity and clarity to these discussions for all parties; and
- That public consultation including the development industry and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing be included.
On February 7, 2024(External link), Council approved another motion (Motion No. 2024 – 30-05) that requires the updated policy framework to be brought forward for consideration by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and City Council no later than July 2024.