CITY CLERK

Clause embodied in Report No. 7 of the Economic Development and Parks Committee, as adopted by the Council of the City of at its Special Meeting held on July 30, 31 and August 1, 2002.

13

Canadian Professional Soccer League (CPSL) Awarding the Hosting of the Rogers Cup Championship "The CPSL Playoffs" to the Astros Soccer Club at on October 18, 19 and 20, 2002 (Ward 10 York Centre)

(City Council at its Special Meeting held on July 30, 31 and August 1, 2002, adopted this Clause, without amendment.)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 4, 2002) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

To report to the Economic Development and Parks Committee on the recommendation made by North York Community Council, at its meeting held on May 8, 2002, with respect to the cost involved in waiving the fees, following negotiations with the Soccer Club.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the waiving of permit fees that would be charged to the North York Astros Soccer Club not be supported; and

(2) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

At its meeting on May 8, 2002, North York Community Council received a presentation regarding the Rogers Cup Championship “CPSL Playoffs” being hosted by the North York Astros Soccer Club at Esther Shiner Stadium on October 18, 19 and 20, 2002. Toronto City Council2 Economic Development and Parks Committee July 30, 31 and August 1, 2002 Report No. 7, Clause No. 13

North York Community Council endorsed, in principle, the waiving of fees that would be charged to the North York Astros Club when hosting the Rogers Cup Championship “CPSL Playoffs” at Esther Shiner Stadium on October 18, 19 and 20, 2002 and requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back to the North York Community Council with respect to the cost involved in waiving the fees, following negotiations with the North York Astros Soccer Club.

Comments:

The North York Astros Soccer Club has permitted Esther Shiner Stadium to host this event and was also granted a Special Occasion Beer Garden Permit. The cost involved in waiving the fees for this event is approximately $2,982.00 which represents the permit fees for three days. The beer garden will be situated on the City leased lands on the north side of the Stadium in a designated fenced in area in compliance with regulations outlined in all City policies pertaining to alcohol consumption as well as those of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of . Beer gardens are not permitted on Board of Education property inside Esther Shiner Stadium.

It is recommended that fees not be waived due to the precedent setting implications this would have on the City as well as on other community and cultural organizations. The City of Toronto issues a large number of permits every year to various community and cultural organizations to host festivals and events. Waiving the fees for one particular group would create a negative effect and set a precedent for other groups to have their fees waived. The loss of revenue to the City would be substantial if this precedent was set.

Conclusions:

Parks and Recreation, North District, staff will endeavour to assist the North York Astros Soccer Club in making their event as successful as possible by jointly exploring other reasonable avenues that may be of assistance to the Club.

Contact Name:

Ms. Claire Tucker-Reid, General Manager, Parks and Recreation, Telephone: 416-392-8182, Fax: 416-392-8565, Email: [email protected].