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Councillor Chris Moise, chair of the Board of Health, touts Toronto Public Health's line of "six limited-edition soccer-inspired condom designs that celebrate the energy of the World Cup while promoting sexual health." Free while supplies last. ("They're going quick, by the way!" he notes)

Councillor James Pasternak, introducing some North York items, highlights his opposition to a development at 75 Billy Bishop Way. He says the "five tall buildings" proposed will "be tearing up vital retail", like a Beer Store, Jolibee, Starbucks and A&W.

Councillor Mike Colle, as is his custom, declares a conflict of interest on all TTC-related items as his son works there. No other conflicts declared for this meeting.

On an item about zoning changes to make it easier to install net-zero infrastructure, Councillor Saxe passes a quick amendment to allow removing parking spaces to install support pillars for solar parking canopies. Item CARRIES via show of hands. secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...

Council votes 23-1 to APPROVE the installation of some new windows on a house in the South Rosedale Heritage Conservation District. Okay then. secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...

The debate schedule takes shape: - Toronto Hydro annual report set for tomorrow morning, after Gardiner upload item - Queen's Park North set for tomorrow afternoon - Ombudsman report on token refunds will follow that

"It's really nice that I see all members of council paying attention to what I'm saying," says Nunziata. I think she's being sarcastic. "I see everybody just walking around, and nobody's really paying attention." Yes, definitely sarcastic.

Whether councillors are paying attention or not, staff have a presentation on the deal with the province and feds to reduce development charge rates in exchange for a big bag of money. Here's a handy table of the reduced DC rates.

In exchange for a ~40 month reduction in DC rates, the City will get $1.5 billion to fund this big list of projects over next ten years. These are not new projects, but previously they were funded with dev charges — now they'll be funded by provincial and federal funds.

The City estimates the development charge reductions will spur the construction of about 18,750 more units over 3 years. CFO also points out the program creates "funding certainty" as city was worried, with bad RE market, it wouldn't make much from development charges over next three years anyway.

The deal seems like a lopsided win for the city: 10 years of capital funding for ~3.5 years of DC reductions. But also doesn't really solve the dev charge problem in a sustainable way. We could be right back to square one in 2030s, with city overly reliant on development charges for infrastructure.

Councillor Shelley Carroll asks what happens after the three-year term. CFO says there's a "comprehensive review" of development charges underway, which will set the stage for the next ten years.

Perks asks if it's true that the city had to rely on DCs because prov and feds reduced their infrastructure funding. "Municipalities are responsible for 60% of public infrastructure in this province, and generally collect about 9% of all taxes and fees," says CFO Stephen Conforti.

The development charge deal is also giving the city the financial certainty to launch phase two of their Purpose-Built Rental Incentive Program. They call it their "PBR" program, but it's not a beer thing. Incentives to build 10,000 more rental units, with 20% affordable.

Councillor Stephen Holyday's Zoom background features models of the CN Tower and, perhaps surprisingly, an old CLRV streetcar.

Councillor Brad Bradford moves to defer a development proposal for Woodbine Ave by another month. He says conversations are continuing with the developer and the community. Motion to defer to July CARRIES via show of hands. secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...

Council breaks so they can attend Constable Pinizzotto's funeral. Back at 3:30 p.m. to continue the DC debate. See you then.

Council is back. Sort of. Councillor Paula Fletcher, the deputy speaker, is in the chair. Several councillors appear to still be on a bus heading back from the funeral. Bravo and Perks are sharing a phone, which is nice.

Fletcher decides to just recess the meeting until the mayor and councillors get back, rather than try to hold a meeting where nearly all of council is riding a bus.

When they get off the bus, Council will return to their debate about the development charge reduction, including, presumably, how to cash this cheque. It's never going to fit in an ATM. Maybe photo deposit will work.

Councillors appear to be off the bus, finally. They’re filing back into the chamber, which is full of people wearing high-viz vests.

Dealing with some quick items now. Council votes 19-1 to APPROVE a 12-storey project in Councillor Amber Morley's ward. secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...

Now back to the Development Charges reduction item. "The federal and provincial governments have, very deliberately, over the last two generations, got away with what I call 'the great download.'", says Perks, on why Toronto DC rates went up.