Updating the policy framework for voluntary donations for community benefits
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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 itemsintended 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, 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 and policy apply only to the statutory process for community benefits charges under the Ontario Planning Act.
The Community, Fundraising and Special Events Policy 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, 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, 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.
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 itemsintended 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, 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 and policy apply only to the statutory process for community benefits charges under the Ontario Planning Act.
The Community, Fundraising and Special Events Policy 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, 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, 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.
Please take the survey below to provide your opinion and any additional comments. The survey will be open until April 30, 2024. Should you require the survey or supporting documentation provided in an accessible format, please email Kiel.Anderson@ottawa.ca. We will be in touch to discuss ways to accommodate your request and ensure your participation in this initiative.
In accordance with Council’s direction, staff will also consult separately with development industry stakeholders and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in April 2024.
Please note that this policy review does not include topics such as:
Broader community benefits agreements between a community and developer or in relation to supply/procurement, etc.
Provisions of the existing Donations to the City for Community Benefit Policy that apply to City staff
The Community Benefits Charge strategy, by-law and policy
The Community, Fundraising and Special Events Policy
Please note that this survey does not require an account. Only a username and email address is needed. Please choose an email address and username you are comfortable using.
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