CARRIED

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No declarations were filed.

1. FLEET STREET PUMPING STATION - SLUICE GATE REPLACEMENT

AND STRUCTURAL MODIFICATIONS:

2. RICHMOND PUMPING STATION UPGRADES, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: CONSULTANT APPOINTMENT (ETL00-2033)

FINANCE

5. 1999 AUDITED Operating Results

- Finance Commissioner’s report dated 30 May

In reply to a question from Councillor R. van den Ham, the Environment and Transportation Commissioner, M. Sheflin provided supplementary details about the department’s $1.5 million over-run in 1999. With respect to the Councillor’s questions about Payments in Lieu (PIL), the Acting Finance Commissioner, Kent Kirkpatrick, explained that the total amount budgeted for and received was accurate, but the allocation had to be changed. Councillor van den Ham requested that additional information be provided to him in writing about why more PILs should go to OC Transpo. He also put forward a Motion, calling for $400,000 to be allocated to deal with a situation in Cumberland where some water contamination has been experienced.

The Regional Chair, B. Chiarelli, asked that staff comment on the relationship between Items 5 and 6, the implications of various Motions on Item 6 and whether staff believes it appropriate to deal with these items together. Mr. Kirkpatrick agreed the items could be considered together, noting he has additional information to provide about the recent announcement by the federal government of funding for social housing initiatives. He explained that Item 5 is an annual report prepared by staff following the audited, year-end financial statement. It reports to Council on the results of operations for the fiscal year and recommends the disposition of any operating surplus or deficit. Mr. Kirkpatrick noted that a surplus of $17.4 million was identified for fiscal year 1999: in almost all cases, and in keeping with past practice, staff recommends the surpluses be contributed to the Capital Reserve Funds. With respect to Item 6, it deals with adjustments to the 2000 approved Council budget, and provides information relative to two matters. The first relates to increasing arts funding to $1.75 per capita, and the second provides a financial comment identifying a source of funding for the $1.8 million required for the Short Term Action Plan for Land Ambulance Services.

Mr. Kirkpatrick spoke about adjustments in the Local Services Realignment bill as they refer to land ambulance and social housing. In its 2000 budget, Council approved a budget of $60.2 million for social housing: the Province has indicated it will bill the Region $58.6 million, leaving a surplus of $1.6 million. Council also approved $8 million in 2000 for land ambulance and the revised forecast from the Province is $7.2 million leaving a surplus of $800,000. Mr. Kirkpatrick recommended that the social housing budget not be modified for 2000, so that the funds may be used to match the federal funds that have been recently announced by the Minister Responsible for Homelessness. He indicated he would also recommend that the $800,000 for land ambulance remain, and that the additional $1 million for the Short-Term Action Plan come from the 1999 region-wide surplus. Mr. Kirkpatrick said that, should the Committee approve additional funding for arts grants, these funds could come from the 1999 Operating surplus. The Motion put forward by Councillor van den Ham could come from the region-wide capital reserve fund through the 1999 Operating surplus. Mr. Kirkpatrick informed those present that all of these adjustments, if approved, will require Transition Board approval.

At this point, Chair Chiarelli read two Motions from Councillor M. Meilleur, one for $500,000 in additional arts funding and one for a special joint project with the School of Dance ($250,000); a Motion from Councillor van den Ham to address water contamination in Cumberland ($400,000) and one from Councillor P. Hume to cover the additional requirement of the Short Term Action Plan for land ambulance ($1 million).

Councillor G. Hunter wanted additional information about a fairly large reserve fund established in 1999 in anticipation of successful property tax assessment appeals . He pointed out that no funding has been set aside for this purpose in 2000 and he asked whether staff believe the reserve fund will cover possible refunds for 2000 as well as for the two previous years. Mr. Kirkpatrick noted this is a fairly complicated issue, however staff believes that the regional corporation is secured against any potential backlog. Councillor Hunter asked whether the amount held in reserve grows, along with the backlog of assessment appeals, every year. Mr. Kirkpatrick replied this was not the case. He pointed out there will need to be a resolution of the assessment appeals, as Council will need to make property tax policy decisions related to reassessment for 2001 and forwards. Mr. Kirkpatrick indicated there remains approximately $6 million in the reserve fund.

The Committee then considered the following:

CARRIED, as amended

- Finance Commissioner’s report dated 31 May

Tyrone Patterson, General Director, Opera Lyra, Pat Griffith, Vice-Chair, Opera Lyra Board of Directors and Ruth Foster, Associate Director of Communications, Bell Canada. The delegation spoke in support of increased funding for the arts. Mr. Patterson provided details about Opera Lyra’s base of financial support, the contributions made by the 300 volunteers who provide their services, the benefits of opera to the community and the corporate support provided by, among others, Bell Canada. The complete text of Opera Lyra’s submission is on file with the Committee Co-ordinator.

Jacqueline Pelletier, President, Board of Directors, La nouvelle scène, began by saying that, over the last twelve months, La nouvelle scène has hosted 185 cultural events, 120 of which were stage performances. Sixteen thousand persons have attended performances, and 55 groups have used the facilities. La nouvelle scène is a 14,000 square foot facility, with an operational budget of $450,000. Ms. Pelletier pointed out that every study done in the past 10 years clearly shows there is a lack of existing cultural infrastructure and an urgency in increasing the number of distribution points to support the growth of the cultural industry. She said funding levels for the arts and culture need to be reassessed to acknowledge that the sector has grown, and is growing, successfully. In addition, the Region must understand that it can’t continue to reap the benefits of all this activity without reinvesting to sustain continued development. Ms. Pelletier pointed out that the Motion calling for an additional $500,000 is not just a theoretical exercise. The Arts Committee has identified the initiatives that correspond to the stated objectives and these will receive support only if the increase is approved. La nouvelle scène is among the organizations and could receive up to $15,000 or 2% of its operating budget. Ms. Pelletier said the second season is expected to be busier than the first, and if Council doesn’t approve the increase, La nouvelle scène will be left out in the cold in its time of growth.

Councillor G. Hunter asked whether La nouvelle scène had been given to understand there would be no funding for them as part of the $500,000. Ms. Pelletier indicated the company is on a priority list, as there is no money for new clients. The Chair of the Arts Committee, Councillor A. Loney, explained that the committee met to review grant requests and allocated all the funds approved in the budget. To avoid having to undertake a duplicate process, the committee also allocated funds up to $500,000 with the understanding that any portion received would be on a pro rata basis. Chair Loney said the groups that received grants have been made aware of the amounts they could receive if additional funds are approved.

The Regional Chair, Bob Chiarelli, made reference to a letter sent by the Arts Committee to the groups, identifying an additional amount of funding they could receive. He wanted to know how the allocation was made for supplementary funding to groups on the list. Councillor Loney said that a panel of peers reviewed all the applications and made recommendations to the Arts Committee. Any group that was rejected totally knows at this stage that it will receive no additional funding. Other groups who received grants were told they could receive supplementary amounts if any were approved following the 1999 year-end review. Councillor Loney said there is no magic formula that says that if you got a certain amount of money, a percentage increase is automatically available.

Rick Reid, Board President and Jeff Stelick, Exeutive Director, Ottawa School of Art. Mr. Reid spoke in support of the additional funding being approved. He said there are not many businesses that are run as efficiently as arts groups, and the $500,000 will have a significant impact on the entire community. Mr. Reid, addressing those Members of Council who feel the Region should concentrate on the core services, said he couldn’t agree more, but he posited that arts funding is also a core service. He stated that many of his colleagues at work and his friends indicate it has been years since they have been downtown and the downtown businesses understand too well the impact of this troublesome statement. Mr. Reid concluded by saying that, on a personal level, he lives in a world of products, deliverables and timelines and he can’t honestly say what Council will get for the additional funds. He posited that a lot of people will be unhappy if the funds are not approved.

Russell Mills, Board Chair, School of Dance, spoke in support of the recommendation for additional arts funding, and for providing $250,000 to the School of Dance to facilitate the creation of a cultural center at the Crichton Public School. Mr. Mills expressed the belief that the future of arts funding involves creative partnerships of all kinds between the public and private sector and other interested parties, and that the current proposal is one of the best he has seen. Mr. Mills said the School of Dance has trained hundreds of professional ballet dancers, provided children’s programming and, last year, staged 260 events reaching 75,000 people across the Region. He informed the Committee that an offer submitted by the School of Dance to purchase Crichton Public School has been accepted, in partnership with a local developer, Charlesford. The School of Dance’s share of the $1.6 million purchase price is $500,000: the developer will pay the balance and will build townhouses in the schoolyard and on other vacant property. Mr. Mills added that the building is larger than what the School of Dance requires at the moment, and a local community association would like to run other artistic programs there. He posited that $250,000 would be a good investment for the Region and would help the School of Dance initiate the project.

Carol Reesor, Co-Chair, Crichton Cultural Community Centre and the Friends of Crichton, spoke of being delighted to acquire a building that has been in the neighbourhood for 123 years. The cultural space will be available to artists across the Region of Ottawa-Carleton and will begin to address the critical shortage of art space noted in the report "The Arts are Alive in Ottawa". Councillor P. Hume wanted clarification about the kind of programming provided in the community space. Ms. Reesor indicated it will focus on the development of artists in various mediums and provide a space where citizens can meet. Councillor Hume felt that creating a community center with $250,000 worth of public funds represented a good investment compared to the cost of building other community facilities. Councillor R. van den Ham suggested that the partners get in touch with the provincial Ministry of Heritage and Culture to see whether funds are available to assist with renovations of the heritage structure.

Councillor D. Beamish asked whether the entire Ottawa-Carleton community could access the programs provided by the community association. Ms. Reesor responded affirmatively, noting that the artists she has contacted come from all parts of the Region. She added that, as an art historian, she travels the world, and she averred that the calibre of Ottawa-Carleton’s artists is extraordinary: it will be wonderful to be able to present their work in this space. Chair Chiarelli asked whether the partners are satisfied that all the site plan requirements, including parking for the proposed residential development, can be achieved. Both Ms Reesor and Mr. Mills indicated this would not present a difficulty.

Councillor Loney said he would have wanted to have more information about this project but he could support it. He expressed concern about the fact that similar requests for capital funding have gone unanswered in the past, and he asked whether partnerships with other groups have been explored at this stage. Ms. Reesor indicated that filling the space would not be a problem, although there may be some difficulty with getting artists to submit expressions of interest early on. Councillor Loney pointed out the importance of doing this as a priority. He said he was interested in it being a center that caters to the cultural, semi-professional and upward groups the Region has been dealing with for a number of years. The Councillor also enquired about the teaching component, noting one of the reasons for seeking additional funds was to expand teaching programs. Mr. Reesor confirmed that Professor Michael Shryer, of the University of Ottawa, has expressed interest in setting up teaching and lecture programs in a community center setting. She said she hoped this kind of project would become a model for other schools that are de-commissioned and a prototype for the Region and perhaps for the Province.

Richard Carver, Board Chair, Broken English Theatre, said the aim of the company is to develop actors, actresses and technicians who come to Canada from other countries and who want to adapt their skills to the community. Activities include an extensive program in schools across the Region with English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, an annual play and the Broken English Writing Competition, which is done in collaboration with CBC Newsday. Mr. Carver indicated that the program is growing as schools find themselves less and less able to handle their requirements. He quoted an international business newspaper that recently stated that culture will be the defining industry of the new century and that, apart from providing economic activity it also gives a city prestige. Mr. Carver spoke in support of increased funding to the arts. He pointed out that he is a taxpayer, along with the other members of the Board and the people in attendance, and he expressed the hope that Council will devote more money to encouraging something that provides additional stimulus to people’s lives.

Mela Constantinidi, Director, Ottawa Art Gallery, began by saying that, after some years of cuts at the provincial and local levels, there appears to be an era of growth. She noted that, as Ottawa transforms itself, it will become the fourth major city in Canada. Local arts will be under scrutiny and they have been so meagerly funded in the past that this is a wonderful opportunity to infuse funding into arts programs for organizations and individual artists. Ms. Constantinidi indicated that, in 1993, the Gallery’s budget was $300,000. Despite cuts at all levels, the budget is now $600,000, partly due to the federal government and also to the Gallery’s fundraising efforts. She pointed out that local support is needed because it leverages funding from other sources. It also helps the arts community psychologically to know it has the support of its elected representatives. Ms. Constantinidi averred it would be an important gesture to ensure that $500,000 goes back into the community and would represent tax money well spent.

In response to a request from Councillor M. Meilleur, Ms. Constantinidi spoke about the Firestone Art Collection, 1600 works from Canadian artists from the 18^th century to the 1970s. This is an important collection and it allows the Ottawa Art Gallery to work with schools, to put together thematic exhibitions and to lend the works to other Galleries. Currently works from the collection are on loan to the McMichael Collection in Klineburg, Ontario and to the Musée du Québec. Ms. Constantinidi said this is a way of keeping in constant touch with other museums across the country and makes the Firestone Collection an asset that the City of Ottawa must care for.

Peter Honeywell, Executive Director, Council for the Arts in Ottawa, began by thanking Councillors D. Holmes and A. Loney for bringing forward the Motion. He described a number of initiatives that have taken place during the present Council’s three year mandate, including Chair Chiarelli’s Task Force in 1998, the "Arts Are Alive" report produced in 1999 and the consultations held by the regional Arts Committee in the Spring of 1999 resulting in an Draft Arts Policy. Mr. Honeywell said these documents speak to the lack of resources at the regional level and how this issue has to be addressed.

Per capita funding figures found in the Arts Policy document indicate what other municipalities contribute to their communities. World-class cities such as Hong Kong contribute $154,000 million to culture, and Lyon, France, contributes 20% of its municipal budget. Mr. Honeywell said the Region’s program is the only local, municipal program that gives direct support to individual artists. The creators and applicants in all categories must demonstrate that their work meets specific, regional criteria. He posited that every sector needed to prepare for the opportunities created by the coming political and demographic shifts in the new City of Ottawa. He urged the Committee to support increased arts funding, noting this provide added benefits to the community and enhances the quality of life in the region.

Councillor van den Ham asked whether Mr. Honeywell shared the view there was room for improvement in the Region’s grants criteria. Mr. Honeywell responded affirmatively. He added that representatives from the arts community hope to work with the Ottawa Transition Board to look at its requirements and provide ideas on how the community can be more effective.

Dr. Jennifer Dickson, a Member of the Order of Canada, began by saying that, when she accepted the Order of Canada from Governor General Romeo Leblanc, she accepted it not for herself but on behalf of all the artists in the community. She noted she wears it as stigmata rather than as an honour, because, over the 25 years she has lived in Ottawa, the arts have suffered from a kind of bleeding which, if it continues, will weaken the very body on which the life of the new City will depend. Dr. Dickson said that, since 1975, she has come before local, provincial, regional and even federal committees to justify that there should be arts in Canada. Over the past twenty five years, she has seen the cultural organizations, as well as artists themselves, cut to the marrow, to the point where anyone with any common sense would have questioned whether the city needs a cultural life. The organizations and the artists have become more effective and revenue generating in order to continue contributing in a vibrant way to the City. Dr. Dickson posited that to not enhance funding would be an act of fiscal irresponsibility, because the community has been building, and despite every attempt to kill it, it hasn’t gone away, it has fought and got better. She invited those present to visit the current exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography: it illustrates that the result of strangling and denying growth to Art is sociological instability. Dr. Dickson appealed to Committee members’ pride as citizens, and as the representatives of the artists as citizens, to participate in planning a positive future for a great City by agreeing to transfer, for the mutual benefit of all, an extremely small and grossly inadequate sum of money as a beginning.

Jim Mackie, Partner, Distinct Features. The speaker noted that, as a business person and owner of Ottawa’s only feature film production company, he does not directly benefit from arts funding in Ottawa but he does benefit from the artists and performers in the films he produces. Mr. Mackie indicated he left Newbridge Company a year ago, convinced there were enormous opportunities in the content business and that people who understood "the plumbing" as he did would have major advantages towards what the new "digital water" needs to look like for the "new pipes". He said he was fascinated with the convergence between the art and technology communities. He spoke in support of increased funding for the arts since it will provide an amalgam of art and technology in a business sense. Mr. Mackie expressed the view Ottawa has a special place in the world. Artists residing in the city, exposed to new technologies, will have unique opportunities to create new businesses in the new community. He invited Councillors to not just think of the envelope with $500,000 but to think what that envelope should be like so that the city has a vision of something beyond the printing press, something that takes technology and telecommunications and turns them into a book

Rachna Gilmore, Board Member, Gloucester Arts Council, said she is the author of several works of fiction for children and adults. She indicated she is fortunate to be able to work at something she loves, but she also needs to support herself in order to create. She pointed out that the income of most artists falls below the poverty line and the process of creating involves a long, slow apprenticeship. Ms. Gilmore posited one of her books, which last year won the Governor General’s Award for children’s literature, might never had been written if, during the early, lean years, she hadn’t received support in the form of arts grants from various organizations, including the RMOC. She indicated the funds were invaluable to her, not only as a means of financial support, but also as validation and encouragement of her work. Ms. Gilmore spoke about the ripple effect of creative endeavours on the economy. The 1996 Census data shows that over 100 organizations in the region are involved in the arts; more than 4,500 people earn their living as artists and approximately 19,000 people work in other cultural occupations. Ms. Gilmore said there are less quantifiable benefits: supporting the arts means saying that books, visual arts, music, theatre, dance matter and that life would be impoverished without these. Increasing funding for the arts is a way of acknowledging how the arts impact and reverberate through every aspect of society. It is a way of nurturing the creative spirit that is essential to the health and vibrancy of a society. Ms. Gilmore concluded by saying this creative spirit helps people live joyfully, with originality and to reach for unique solutions to all aspects of living.

Francesca Gnarowski, Arts Court, pointed out that, at a time of unprecedented growth in the region, the arts constituency has to fight for a small increase in its funding, whose provenance is from a budget surplus. The transfer of these funds to the arts constitutes but a small step towards making Ottawa a world-class capital city, one that attracts newcomers not only for its high tech savvy but also for its quality of life. Ms. Gnarowski pointed out that great civilizations and great cities, both ancient and modern, are known by the quality of their creative and cultural output. In light of this fact, she wondered why the Nation’s Capital invests a mere $1.12 per capita for the arts. She asked why the region is outclassed by most major Canadian cities, and some not so major, and this in a climate of glowing economic reports and forecasts. She suggested this is a national shame which can be rectified starting now. The additional $500,000 will bring the per capita to $1.75 and will demonstrate Council’s willingness to see the region thrive through investment in its established cultural infrastructure. Ms. Gnarowski said the community has worked hard to make its voice heard, and it is a voice that grows in its solidarity and volume. She urged the Committee to listen to that voice because it is unified in its purpose, and it will be heard in the coming election.

Judith Froome, Vice President, Gloucester Arts Council, began by saying that decisions made by the current Council will have greater consequences than at any other time in the Region’s history. She thanked those members of Council who, over the years, have steadfastly supported and realized the necessity and the place of the arts in Ottawa-Carleton. Ms. Froome said that, as a fourth generation Ottawan, she feels the region provides the conveniences of a large municipality and the humanity of a much smaller community. She posited that, as the new city grows, it will be more difficult to retain its humane element. Ms. Froome spoke of having approached several people, both arts related and not, and asking them to advance a figure they thought should be the funding base. All were shocked to learn it is currently lower than the price of a loaf of bread and that the community is fighting to bring it close to the price of a liter of milk. She cited a former head of the New York Stock Exchange who said that the best place to establish a business was in a city with a good cultural base. Ms. Froome noted that quality time and quality of life for many continue to diminish and become more precious. Many devote more time to themselves and their families to maintain a balance. The impact of this at the community level is that there is a strong volunteer base, but the need for programs and activities has never been greater. Ms. Froome posited that, if the base of arts funding is not increased, politicians will not be able to deliver on their promise to bring new businesses to the area. She said it was an embarrassment to the voters of the region that artists must continually beg to have the arts per capita increased.

Bob Bowes, representing the Blackburn Chorus, provided background information on the establishment and growth of the chorus, the performances it has given and the work it undertakes with young aspiring musicians. Mr. Bowes said whether an arts group’s address is in the east, the west, or downtown, it makes a significant contribution to the cultural life of Ottawa-Carleton and deserves support. He requested that the Committee approve the additional funding being sought. The complete text of Mr. Bowes’ presentation is on file with the Committee Co-ordinator.

Mr. Bowes confirmed, in response to a question from Councillor W. Stewart, that the Blackburn Chorus was unsuccessful in securing regional funding in the past few years. The Councillor spoke of having been a member of the Arts Committee three years ago, when she said it was decided to concentrate the majority of the arts funding in the downtown core. She noted she had expressed her opposition but was out-voted. She posited that, if Ottawa is going to be a single city, there would need to be policy adjustments to ensure equity in all areas. Councillor Stewart added that lower tier funding would no longer be available to help groups such as the Blackburn Chorus who had been receiving public monies. Mr. Bowes indicated that he has worked in cultural development in other communities and his belief was that local links with businesses, schools and institutions are extremely important. He added that a lot of the vitality and energy of cultural organizations comes from these sources and they provide a base from which to draw for joint projects and performances.

Councillor Cantin, speaking as a member of the Arts Committee, said he did not see a bias towards the center core vitality. He pointed out that the Region’s role is different from that of the lower tier. The Committee has been trying to ensure that the Transition Board is aware there are two levels of support, one at the professional or semi-professional level, and one at the community or amateur level.

Speaking as Chair of the Arts Committee, Councillor Loney indicated it has never been the policy to concentrate funding in the downtown area since the Committee was first formed in 1978. He posited this misconception might come from the fact that professional companies are mostly located in the downtown area, and this is also true of most artists. Councillor Loney spoke about the consultation undertaken last year, noting one of the points raised was the need for additional funding to meet more of the demand than has been met for a number of years. Councillor Loney averred that geography is not part of the criteria: it is focused on professionalism and on peer evaluation. He suggested an examination of the grants awarded would show that, other than those given to groups with an address in the downtown area, grants are given to individual artists across the Region.

Julian Armour, Artistic and Executive Director, Ottawa Chamber Music Society. Mr. Armour began by saying that, because of his involvement in both the performing aspect of the arts and the administration of a major Canadian arts organization, he is regularly asked to advise all levels of government on arts policy. As a member of art juries at all levels, he is acutely aware of how these funding bodies demand a strong municipal contribution as a seal of approval. If a municipality does not show strong support for a project, it is hard to convince a group of jurors from elsewhere that it is worthy. In addition, the private sector, which also currently under-funds the arts, would be stimulated by increased municipal spending. For these reasons, Mr. Armour encouraged the Committee to vote unanimously to approve the proposed $500,000 increase.

Mr. Armour advanced the view that amalgamation represents a wonderful opportunity for greatness. Ottawa is the capital city of one of the major industrialized nations in the world. It is growing phenomenally, both in population and in business profile. In a short period of time, it could become one of the world’s great cities, an area where the standard of living is second to none. While the population has been growing and the high tech industry has been booming, Ottawa has perpetuated the image of a city that undervalues culture. Mr. Armour noted every single study he has seen puts Ottawa at the bottom for per capita spending for the arts. Mr. Armour posited Ottawa can be a great city, one that people will want to come and visit, where people and businesses will want to relocate, where young people will grow up in a culturally vibrant and creative environment, with the known and proven impacts that culture has on higher educational achievement and business acumen.

Speaking as a member of the Arts Committee, Mr. Armour said he has seen vastly greater numbers of worthy applications than the Region is able to fund. Major flagship arts organizations are chronically under-funded. Fantastic initiatives from new applicants are turned down and who knows what has been lost. Individual artists are barely acknowledged; many don’t even bother applying, and often end up leaving the city. Mr. Armour concluded his presentation by saying that, at no time in the history of civilization has art paid for itself and nor should it be confused with purely commercial entertainment. The current Council has an opportunity to send the new City Council and the Transition Board a strong message about its optimistic vision for the future.

Alexander (Sandy) Crawley, a citizen, a lifelong professional artist and a member of the Great Canadian Theatre Company Board of Directors, pointed out he was not hearing many arguments against increased funding. Mr. Crawley said the new political structure must recognize the importance of the arts and that the presence of a strong cultural life is a preventative measure against social problems worsening. Mr. Crawley said he was glad to hear that the emphasis has been placed on the professional artist, because there is really no division between community and professional art: the professional artists inspire the community arts and vice-versa. Mr. Crawley also expressed delight at the fact that an additional $250,000 was being recommended.

Jennifer Cayley, representing the Multidisciplinary Artists for Schools and Communities (MASC) echoed earlier statements about the importance of art to the human spirit. Ms. Cayley said MASC works with young people in the arts, and sees approximately 70,000 kids each year. The Region provides approximately eight cents per child for the program. The participants are more and more in need of the inspiration and skills that artists provide to help them meet the next century as creative, functioning human beings. Ms. Cayley quoted John Polliani, winner of a Nobel Prize in Chemistry who said: "Any individual who is required to think, and in a democracy one must pray that this includes the majority, will think more effectively if he or she has at some time experienced the creative process through the Arts." She posited this was the kind of thing Council could encourage by approving extra money into arts funding at this time.

Scott Galley, Independent Film Makers’ Cooperative. Mr. Galley said he noticed, on the way to the meeting, that there are very few potholes in the city, and he wondered whether people came to Ottawa because of the infrastructure. He posited this was not the case, people come because they want a better quality of life, including the things the community is fighting for, the theatre, the opera, films and videos. He asked that the Committee vote with its conscience and support the arts.

Mark Robillard began by saying that everybody needs to be in love with themselves and with their lives. Without this feeling, nothing is possible. He indicated that all his life’s work and study have gone towards helping people fall in love with themselves all over again, regardless of their age. Mr. Robillard said he was very lucky to be alive and healthy, other than being severely malnourished. He called himself a very quiet artist, who prays and meditates a lot, writes, makes music and musical instruments and is a poet. He said his work, including his nutritional requirements, require a lot of effort, but he is helping a lot of people through the wisdom he has acquired. Mr. Robillard said he was here to ask if the Committee could please support the arts. He pointed out that, working as a chalk art and poetry artist in the Byward Market, he used to make $90 to $100 a day, but now only makes $20 a day and benefits he receives through the Ontario Disability Supplement Program do not cover his rent and living expenses.

Joe McFadden, The Water Man, described the situation of the Film Office, which was once funded by the City of Ottawa, but subsequently lost the funding. She posited that many opportunities to bring revenues to the city have been missed because of the absence of the Film Office. Ms. McFadden asked that, in its deliberations, the Committee consider reinstating funding to this sector, as it is potentially economically beneficial to the community. She noted that $750 million in film production is happening in Montreal, an even larger amount in Toronto and virtually none in Ottawa. Ms. MacFadden asked that the Committee consider the difference between development and production. She posited that her film on Colonel By could bring enormous revenues to the city, bring notoriety around the world and world attention to the magnificent story of Ottawa’s founding and its current surroundings.

Councillor C. Doucet explained he had not left the Arts Committee because of disagreements with fellow members, but because he needed all his time to work for his constituents. He spoke about being inundated with projects from the arts community, and of having no staff to help with any of these projects. He noted that the Arts Administrator has now been laid off, and the upcoming amalgamation has been used to reduce, and not expand, services in this area. Councillor Doucet said the arts report clearly states that local municipal leadership has been lacking in Ottawa for 35 years. The City of Edmonton put more money into the arts: there were project officers, directors, operating and capital budgets and the entire scene reflected this commitment. The city converted heritage and other unused buildings to the arts sector. Councillor Doucet said the Region does not do any of this, and opportunities are lost every time they come forward. He recalled the story of the Canadian Repertory Theatre Company, the precursor of the Stratford Festival, which had its beginnings in Ottawa. It left Ottawa because it couldn’t secure $50,000 from the local administration of the time. Councillor Doucet posited that the story of Ottawa and the arts is a story of lost opportunities and lack of vision. He expressed confidence that Council will move the agenda forward, and approve the amount requested, which represents only 5% of the 1999 surplus. The Councillor said this would send the signal to the citizenry that Ottawa will be number one in the arts in Canada.

Responding to a question from Councillor R. Cantin, the Acting Chief Administrative Officer, M. J. Woollam, clarified that Arts Administrator was not laid off. The contract expired, and as part of the current amalgamation process, the Region joined with the City of Ottawa to develop a new arts policy and programs.

Chair Chiarelli apologized to those present for missing some of the presentations, as he had to attend another meeting, and he indicated he valued all the presentations that were made today. He felt it was important to clarify that any funds being allocated come from the 1999 Operating surplus, not from the Region Wide Capital Reserves.

The following Motion was then considered:

Moved by R. van den Ham

Chair Chiarelli expressed strong support for the two Motions requesting additional arts funding. He pointed out that while this is a significant economic development issue, it also deals with the important issue of quality of life. Chair Chiarelli posited that municipal councils and governments often feel arts funding is discretionary and because of this, never enough funds are allocated. He said he felt it was important to frame both Motions within the context of the Region’s fiscal and budgetary performance over the past few years. The Region has been extremely conservative and responsible in its financial management: in the 2000 budget, taxes were cut, reserve funds were increased and the debt was reduced. In addition, a $1.7 million surplus was realized from the 1999 operations. Chair Chiarelli felt that, for these reasons, it was timely for the Region to enhance the quality of life and the economy through the arts. Chair Chiarelli spoke about the recent study on Economic Generators that states that arts and culture are connected with tourism, and are significant to the community. Under the leadership of Councillor Clive Doucet, the community was canvassed and produced a report with significant recommendations that should now be implemented. Chair Chiarelli pointed to the commitment made by the federal government to the National Gallery, the Museum of Civilization, noting that, while these were controversial expenditures, the facilities have become tremendous economic generators for the community and for the country. He pointed to the success attained by La nouvelle scène in a short period of time, saying this kind of investment must be made when the fiscal strength to do so is there. Chair Chiarelli averred that providing 10% of the surplus generated in 1999 is a very small percentage, and he encouraged Committee members to support the Motions before them.

Councillor Cantin stated that being a member of the Arts Committee opens one’s eyes to the fact that the Region lags behind other cities in arts funding. He pointed out that, 30 years ago, the city of Toronto was a cultural wasteland whereas now the arts and culture thrive. There are a lot more facilities in Toronto and the way to build such facilities is to support the groups that will use them. Councillor Cantin posited this is not something the Region has done well enough. He expressed the hope the additional funding represents a start, and that the Transition Board will approve making the new funds part of the base for subsequent years.

Councillor B. Hill began by saying that all the presentations were impressive, however the Region also has pressures and priorities. One of these is the urgent need for more affordable housing to address the problem of homelessness, and to help people living in poverty. Councillor Hill pointed out that the one speaker who needs the most help has said he will not benefit from the additional funding. She said it would be very nice to give everybody what he or she wants, but this cannot be done. The Region has already allocated $800,000 to the arts, and now there is the possibility of another half million dollars being allocated. Councillor Hill said she was prepared to support funding for the Crichton School project as long as the funds come from the additional $500,000, but she could not support providing an additional $750,000 for the arts.

Councillor J. Legendre said the Crichton School proposal represents an innovative and unique package that needs both a purchasing and an operating partnership to reach its objectives. Representatives have come before the Committee for funding to make the operating partnership work well. The School of Dance is the common anchor, and Council’s assurance that the package will work. Councillor Legendre expressed his strong support for arts and culture, echoing earlier statements about their being the content of people’s lives. He urged the Committee to support the Crichton Cultural Community Centre.

Councillor Meilleur asked for her colleagues’ support for the Motions she has brought forward. Commenting on statements made about the community’s other needs, she agreed these exist, but Council’s role is to balance the budget and to divide it among the community. She pointed out that artists are not the rich constituents in the community and many of them can barely make ends meet. Councillor Meilleur spoke about Opera Lyra, which accumulated deficits year after year but is now in a surplus position through its partnership with, and the support of, this Region. The representative from La nouvelle scène has indicated their debt is almost paid through the support of the community. She noted there are success stories but others in the community are not as successful. This is not because they are not good artists but because the population needs to be educated about, and exposed to, the arts. Councillor Meilleur thought the funding requested for Crichton School was excellent, but she could not support it being taken out of the $500,000 for the arts in general. She posited that the additional funds represent money well invested. The City of Ottawa will not continue to flourish business-wise without a good arts community and performances to offer people who come to visit or to relocate in this area.

Councillor Loney suggested that, with respect to the Crichton Cultural Community Centre, the Arts Committee be involved in the process related to the second part of the recommendation. The Committee was not aware of this project and may be of some assistance in seeing it through. Chair Chiarelli suggested this be a friendly amendment, a suggestion to which Councillor Meilleur agreed, as the mover of the Motion.

Speaking to the arts in general, Councillor Loney said he has been engaged in the funding debate many times, as have many of his colleagues. The debate has often centered on the need to look after social issues first, to have clean water, and there is no disputing these contentions. He expressed the view Council acted responsibly at budget time by deciding to wait for the results of the 1999 year-end operations before considering increased funding for the arts in 2000. Having a healthy surplus doesn’t mean it has to be thrown away, but the case has been well made that the Region has under-funded the arts. By not increasing funding over the years, the Region has effectively reduced the per capita spending, which at one point was $1.27 to the current $1.12, a very low amount. Councillor Loney agreed that many of the numbers collected across the country are wrong, and illustrate the fact that several factors enter the equation. These numbers provide guidance in terms of what is happening to similar programs in other localities. He stated that there has never been a really right time to bring forward increased funding for the arts, since 1972 when he began his involvement with municipal councils in this area. Councillor Loney felt that additional funds could be defended at this time, since the Region is in a surplus position. If the Transition Board approves it, the base funding will go forward, to be merged with the grant programs of other area municipalities, and some of this work is already underway. Councillor Loney said he was hopeful the Board could be convinced this represents a good investment in the community. The impact of the high tech community stating the importance of arts to its employees is louder and clearer than ever, and is a rationale behind the economic development scenario. Councillor Loney encouraged everyone to support the Motions.

Councillor van den Ham asked whether the additional funding is one-time only or whether it represents added base funding. Mr. Kirkpatrick confirmed the expenditure is one-time and would need to be reconsidered in the development of the 2001 budget. The Councillor indicated that, as most of his colleagues, he is seeking to be fiscally responsible in this matter. He pointed out that, with the Crichton School project, the requested amount is $750,000 and this is almost double the existing funding. Councillor van den Ham said he would support the $500,000 increase, with the proviso that the $250,000 for Crichton School, a project that will be self-supporting, come from this amount. Speaking to the matter of per capita funding, and the recommendation to increase it to $1.75 per person, the Councillor said he was prepared to support it going to its highest level of $1.32. Councillor van den Ham agreed that funds are required to help develop artistic skills. He expressed concern about the perception that groups or individual artists need not apply for a grant unless they are from downtown Ottawa and he suggested that the policy about the how the funds are distributed needs to be reviewed. The Councillor also felt there should be some kind of limit on how many times the same group or the same individual can apply for funding, as was done for the Economical Development Grants. Councillor van den Ham indicated he would be supporting the Motions, based on Chair Chiarelli’s comments about the time being appropriate to do so. He added that, as much as he would like to be totally fiscally responsible, he recognizes that the Region has a crucial role to play in this area.

Councillor G. Hunter began by congratulating the arts community for its efforts to advance its cause. He indicated that, even though the Motions will be approved, he would not vote in their favour. Councillor Hunter said he has never supported funds being allocated to the arts as he feels his role is to provide basic services to the taxpayers, and that money taken from property should be used for to support basic services such as water, roads, health and security, police and fire. Councillor Hunter posited that going beyond these into discretionary spending is to presume to know exactly what taxpayers want done with their money. He said culture is not culture unless supported by a particular community. He called the arts grants process a grant without return or accountability: while reports are provided to the Arts Committee, there is no reporting to the general public about what the funding produces. The Councillor wondered why, if artists are producing works based on grants from regional taxpayers, regional taxpayers aren’t getting a share of the revenue generated and why artists do not return to the grant fund a portion of their revenues to be used as a revolving fund or to increase the funding. Councillor Hunter said some organizations request large amounts of funding year after year, whereas others do quite well without public funds, through fundraising or through the box office. He spoke about certain age groups being willing to pay full price for their musical tastes, while relatively wealthy and older groups expect large subsidies for the type of performances they enjoy, and he said this was not fair.

Speaking to the Crichton School project, Councillor Hunter posited people would not be pleased to know their elected representatives are willing to allocate $250,000 with little or no documentation, and on the strength of a single line in a report. The Councillor felt the Motion should have been ruled out of order, or the Committee should have been asked to waive the rules of procedure to consider the item. Councillor Hunter said he was shocked at the "stampede of irresponsibility" over one quarter of a million dollars, and he could not support this course of action. He pointed out the reason the Region has not given capital grants to the arts is because it was felt that responsibility rested with the local municipality. He said no mention was made about the fact that the lower tier municipalities have pushed per capita spending in Ottawa-Carleton closer to $5.00. Councillor Hunter put forward the view the Region has nothing to apologize for in this regard, and it should not be expected to spend another $250,000 on a moment’s notice.

Councillor D. Holmes indicated that all the groups that receive arts funding provide annual statements to the Region. She expressed solid support for the additional $750,000. The Councillor pointed out that the Region still does not have a capital cultural reserve fund, and it is the absence of such a fund that makes it necessary for special grants, like the one provided to La nouvelle scène and to Crichton School, to come from other sources. Councillor Holmes posited it would be timely to bring to Council the Draft Arts Policy, since part of it is a discussion on capital funding and on a process where groups can bring forward ideas for staff response and recommendation. Councillor Holmes averred that Ottawa has reached total cultural stagnation. There is no funding for new groups, no matter how creative or dynamic they might be because funding them would mean taking money from others and jeopardizing any provincial or federal funding they may have secured. She called this an unacceptable situation. Councillor Holmes pointed out that, with amalgamation, recreational dollars will come from the area municipalities, along with funding for local community cultural activities. It is important to ensure that public funds are provided for all residents; some of those residents are interested in arts and culture and work in the industry. Councillor Holmes concluded by saying that, if the new city’s aim is to try to compete against Montréal and Toronto, and if it wants to attract people to live and work here, if it wants tourism and economic development, then support for the arts is essential.

Councillor Cantin proposed a Motion calling for the $500,000 increased investment in arts and culture for the 2000 budget to be submitted to the Transition Board for consideration as an increase in the base budget of the new City of Ottawa. In response to concerns expressed by Chair Chiarelli, Councillor Cantin agreed to withdraw his Motion at this time.

Chair Chiarelli, responding to comments made by Councillor Hunter, said that, while it sounds principled to say that property taxes should go to services that support property, this statement is more appropriate to the 1920s and the 1930s. Chair Chiarelli asked how recreation and parks, public health and economic development support property, positing these services support people. He noted that the $17 million surplus was achieved through efficient, hard work by Council and by senior management and represents an amount larger than the budget of three or four municipalities. Chair Chiarelli said 90% of that surplus is being turned over as a dowry to the new City and represents a bonus for the Transition Board. He emphasized the importance of putting these matters in perspective from both a human and budgetary point of view.

Councillor Loney wanted to clarify that the capital grant is one-time funding, whereas the intent of the arts community is that the additional $500,000 be to increase the base budget from $841,000 to $1.3 million. He reiterated that the Transition Board will need to approve both these items.

Moved by M. Meilleur

CARRIED

NAYS: B. Hill, G. Hunter 2

Moved by B. Hill

That the $250,000 grant to the School of Dance in the Crichton Cultural Community Centre be part of the $500,000 grant to the arts.

YEAS: B. Hill, G. Hunter 2

With respect to the Motion calling for additional funding for ambulance services, Chair Chiarelli explained that $1.8 million has been approved in the 2000 budget. At the time, it was indicated that a funding source would need to be identified. The Acting Finance Commissioner has already identified $800,000 from savings in billings from the Province, leaving one million to come from the 1999 surplus. Chair Chiarelli stressed this is a matter of critical importance for the community. Ottawa-Carleton has deplorable response times, and has been struggling with the Province to gain control of dispatch to improve those times. The budget resolution is to create resources without dispatch to move from a C system to a B system. The Region is working with the Transition Board to move it from a B system to an A system by getting dispatch for the community. Chair Chiarelli pointed out that the Region has the worst cardiac arrest survival rate in the Province. People in the community are dying because the Region and the Province can’t reach an agreement on dispatch. He spoke about the importance of approving this item and identifying the source of funding as the 1999 surplus.

Councillor Meilleur expressed the hope that Council and the Transition Board will approve the additional funding to improve ambulance services. She pointed out that, in her ward, the population almost doubles during the day and in the evenings: on special occasions, it increases to several hundred thousand people, and there is not one ambulance vehicle located in the ward. She hoped that approving the additional funding would reassure the community that the poor response rates are being addressed.

Moved by P. Hume

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS

Councillor A. Loney requested additional information with respect to how this proposal relates to the Secondary Plan process, currently underway with the City of Nepean and the Region. Nick Tunnacliffe, Commissioner, Planning and Development Approvals explained that the Regional Official Plan and the Nepean Official Plan encourage development around the transitway and this encourages more transit use. One of the relevant policies is that car parking requirements be reduced in the zoning by-law. The Secondary Plan Nepean has undertaken is looking at development in the Baseline/Woodroffe area including Shoppers’ City West, Nepean City Hall and the vacant parcels in the Centrepointe area. He noted the City’s draft report suggests the zoning by-law be changed so that existing zoning requirements of a minimum of 2.5 spaces per 1000 square feet of building area be reduced to 2.2 spaces as a maximum, indicating would reduce the amount of parking available, if and when it is approved by Nepean.

Mr. Tunnacliffe stated this was why the report was before the Committee for recommendation. He explained that if the staff recommendation is not approved, Arnon (the adjacent property owner to whom the property is being sold) would go ahead with an office building for lease to Nortel. In order to meet the parking requirements of the existing by-law, Arnon proposes to build a parking structure. If that happens, there would be a large amount of parking in a structure, unlikely to be demolished, that is in close proximity to the transit station.

Commissioner Tunnacliffe explained the alternative is the deal staff have negotiated, that is to sell part of the region’s land, is in effect backland, without access, to Arnon, who will use the land for surface parking for the Nortel Development. He advised that staff have negotiated with Arnon, a penalty of $1.3 million that they would have to pay to the new City if an office building is not built on the previously regionally owned land (they will be able to do this without adding parking spaces).

Councillor Loney asked the Commissioner to expand on the floor space index (F.S.I.) aspect. Mr. Tunnacliffe advised the Regional Official Plan requires development at an F.S.I. of 1.5 within 300 metres of a rapid transit station and a minimum of FSI 0.75 beyond 300 metres. As part of the work undertaken in the Secondary Plan, it has been determined that the level of development, even with the optimistic transit modal split, will result in gridlock for cars in the surrounding streets. This is why the secondary plan is recommending that the FSI be reduced to 1 within 300 metres, 0.7 on the east side of Woodroffe and 0.4 for the balance of the site. This measure, coupled with a transit modal share that staff believe is attainable and the balance to car trips, will not overload the streets in the vicinity.

Councillor Loney asked, in terms of the new roadway that is required, if there would be any regional obligation (other than at the Transitway Station) with respect to payment.. Mr. Tunnacliffe stated the road referred to is the extension of Navaho Drive; it currently runs east of Woodroffe and would be extended across Woodroffe, be grade-separated at the Transitway and extend through the site to Constellation Drive in Centrepointe. He said staff anticipate the new City would be responsible for the grade separation structure but the road on each side of the Transitway would be paid for by the development.

Councillor Loney said he understood from the City of Nepean Planning Director that Arnon had, in a previous plan, dedicated the land required through their property from Constellation Drive. Mr. Tunnacliffe replied his understanding was that Arnon agreed to dedicate the land at no charge when the facility is constructed. He surmised this would be when the Southwest Transitway goes in as a grade-separated facility, which could be in 8 to 10 years.

Councillor Loney asked Mr. Tunnacliffe, if, as a professional planner and as head of the Planning and Development Approvals Department, he considered this proposal to be a reasonable compromise. Mr. Tunnacliffe replied in the affirmative. He noted it was a difficult process to try to accommodate all the competing interests of all the parties involved.

Councillor R. Cantin said he had understood that the extension of Navaho Drive would not be required if the deal was reached because there would be access to Baseline Road. Mr. Tunnacliffe stated that access to Baseline Road is being proposed but as the entire area develops, there will also be a need for the Navaho Drive extension. Councillor Cantin felt this would be a very expensive proposition. Councillor Loney said it was his understanding that the City of Nepean has already collected money for the extension of Navaho Drive in their Development Charges. The Councillor noted the big expense would be the grade separation of the transitway station and he indicated he was not convinced that the station was necessary.

The Committee then approved the staff recommendations:

11. SALE OF surplus LAND - Lane abutting 214 Hinchey Ave, OTTAWA

13. SALE OF Land - 635 Hunt Club place, OTTAWA

SOCIAL SERVICES

The Social Services Commissioner, Dick Stewart, Mr. Glen Ford, Director, Supply Management Services Division and Phil Andrews, Policy and Purchasing Officer, Supply Management, were present to answer questions of Committee. Commissioner Stewart advised that the Social Services Department has been purchasing cultural interpretation services since 1991 for clients trying to access Social Services in languages other than French or English. Previously, the Department did not call for proposals but staff felt it was appropriate at this time to test the price, quality and sustainability of the service. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued last fall and Commissioner Stewart, in conjunction with Supply Management, led the review process. It had four primary components:

The Commissioner explained that although approximately 12 firms obtained a copy of the proposal only two responded, and the results of the review are outlined in the report.

Councillor G. Hunter asked if a Standing Committee discussed the distribution of points prior the RFP being issued. Mr. Stewart advised that staff handled this component. Councillor Hunter asked about the weighting criteria. Phil Andrews advised that the evaluation criteria were typical for proposal and dealt with the experience and qualifications of the firm, the approach and methodology to deliver the service, the understanding of the objectives and the financial component. Councillor Hunter noted it was usual practice, when there is a difference in the financial component of a contract, to bring this to the attention of the Committee. He noted this was not done in this instance, and that the financial component represents only 25% of the overall points. He wanted to know what price the Region is paying for the experience and qualifications of the firm and whether the recommended firm is the lowest bidder. Councillor Hunter also questioned whether only those managing the firm were assessed or if the people who actually deliver the service were also evaluated. Mr. Andrews advised that the point spread was broken down into approximately 20 components: under the category experience and qualifications of the firm, staff evaluated the agency profile, its overall experience, its staff, the available network of service providers and its project management capability.

Regional Chair Bob Chiarelli asked if both respondents complied with the basic requirements of the RFP. Mr. Andrews confirmed this was the case, adding that the firm recommended by staff scored the highest in all the categories.

Responding to questions posed by Councillor B. Hill, Commissioner Stewart indicated that the Department must estimate annually the number of hours it will need to establish a budget for this service. He said the amount of money proposed is based on the anticipated number of hours to be consumed in the year and will not all be spent if the hours service are not required. Councillor Hill asked who did the testing to ensure language competency. Mr. Stewart advised there is a testing procedure done within an established framework by the organizations that provide the service. Mr. Andrews added there is also an accredited certification program offered through Algonquin College.

The Committee heard from Mr. Bryan Depape, Board Member, who introduced his colleagues; Don Lyon, retired Deputy Police Chief, City of Ottawa; Martin Masse, Board Member; Jane Mills, Past Chairman of the Board; Shirley Roy, Board Member and Bryna Monson, Executive Director, Languages of Life. Mr. Depape requested the Committee consider asking the Social Services Department to enter into a contract with Languages of Life to meet some of its translation and interpretation needs. He said this firm has been serving the Ottawa-Carleton Region for over 20 years. It provides translation and interpretation services in over 100 languages and has a track record of providing quality services. Ms. Bryna Monson, the Executive Director, has received numerous awards for outstanding service to the community. Mr. Depape noted that the Social Services Department has not had the opportunity to consider the services of Languages of Life since the contract has been sole-sourced up to now.

Martin Masse said the agency’s main concern with the process concerns the decision that this be a "winner take all" proposal. He averred the RFP could have been formulated so that a roster of agencies could provide service on an as-needed basis. Speaking to this approach, Mr. Masse said the Region would thus "share the pie" between two worthy organizations. A share of the funds would provide much needed assistance to Languages of Life, a non-profit organization, and the Region would benefit by having access to more quality service and more translators for the same amount of money. Mr. Masse requested that the Committee not approve the staff recommendation and direct staff to conduct a new process where more than one service provider is accepted. In response to questions from Councillor M. Meilleur, Mr. Masse confirmed Languages of Life submitted a bid in response to the RFP, however this meeting is the only opportunity the agency has had to provide formal input into the process.

Councillor A. Loney, referencing the suggestion of a roster of agencies, asked if Languages of Life’s hourly rate would be the same as that of its competitor, which is lower. Mr. Masse replied that the Board may be willing to consider this. Councillor Loney inquired whether the successful bidder would have set the hourly rate on the total estimated volume of work. Mr. Andrews replied this was likely the case. Councillor Loney surmised that if the work were split between two firms, it would be reasonable to expect that the rates would be higher. Mr. Andrews said he believed this to be a good possibility.

Claude Leost, Vice President, Board of Directors, Cultural Interpretation Services of Ottawa-Carleton (CISOC) and Fiona Faucher, Executive Director, CISOC. Mr. Léost noted that CISOC has been in existence since 1993 and has provided cultural interpretation services to a variety of organizations in the community, including the Social Services Department. He emphasized that CISOC provides cultural interpretation and not simply translation: this means that not only are the words exchanged between officials of the Department and the individuals translated but there is also a certain amount of quality control respecting cultural interpretation. Mr. Leost went on to say that CISOC is an organization that pays a great deal of attention to quality. He noted it has an internal procedure to train and certify its staff. CISOC presently offers services in over 60 languages and has 160 trained interpreters it can call upon through an efficient system of paging,

Ms. Faucher spoke about the issue of quality in terms of cultural interpretation. She noted that CISOC, in partnership with Algonquin College, provides basic core training for cultural interpreters. Before these persons are allowed into the training program, they must pass several pre-tests in both English and their mother language. CISOC has also developed a tool called Cultural Interpreters’ Language and Skills Assessment Tool (CILASAT). It was developed in concert with the Linguistics Department at Ottawa University. Ms. Faucher advised that CISOC administers this testing tool for all cultural interpreter sites throughout Ontario and awards certificates to interpreters who pass the testing. She pointed out there is only one other such tool in Canada and it is located in Vancouver. Ms. Faucher noted the testing tool is currently available in 25 languages and another 16 languages will be added this year.

Responding to questions from Councillor R. Cantin, Mr. Stewart explained the proposed contract is specifically for the purchase of cultural language interpretation by the Social Services Department. He advised there are a great number of Social Service clients whose mother tongue is neither English nor French. In order to ensure they understand their rights and obligations under the Ontario Works Act and the Day Nurseries Act, it is imperative that staff are able to communicate with them in their mother tongue.

Chair Chiarelli asked that staff comment as to the circumstances under which Committee or Council could legally veer from a recommended proposal. The Acting Regional Solicitor, Eric Johnston, advised that, in accordance with the corporation’s tendering and Request for Proposals policies, and in the absence of compelling reasons to reopen the process (e.g. dissatisfaction with the price quoted, the value involved or the scope of the services proposed), the Committee should maintain the integrity of the process and approve the staff recommendation. Responding to a question from Councillor Cantin, Mr. Johnston indicated that, if it was the Committee’s desire to reject the staff recommendation, the process must be reopened.

Councillor R. van den Ham expressed the view that the Committee has any alternative but to support the staff recommendation and that in two years, staff could consider breaking the contract into smaller components.

Chair Chiarelli said he found it difficult to see two non-profit organizations having to compete in a commercial sense for this contract. He asked if staff had considered the possibility of a roster system and questioned why staff chose the full competitive process. Mr. Stewart said the decision was made at the outset to award the contract to one organization for two main reasons:

Chair Chiarelli stated that, based on the legal advice received, it will be difficult not to proceed with the contract. He expressed the hope that staff will take as a direction to explore the possibility of a roster system when the contract is negotiated, particularly since the competing firms are two non-profit corporations.

Councillor Hill said she did not accept staff’s rationale for not awarding the contract based on a roster system. She pointed out that, for years, she has been concerned about substantial contracts being awarded to only one provider, since she feels that regional dollars should be going to all businesses trying to make a go of it.

Councillor M. Meilleur pointed out that, if Council is going to adopt a rotational system, it should do it for all contracts. She advised that, should this happen, Council be prepared to pay higher prices because the companies will "call the shots".

Councillor Hunter expressed concern about the fact that the decision to issue an RFP for this contract was made by staff, not approved by a Standing Committee. He felt this prevented possible contenders from airing their concerns with the process. The fact that only two of the twelve companies responded illustrates that there is a big gap between the market and the Department’s requirements. Councillor Hunter posited that, had the contract been split, a number of the other firms could have done some of the work whereas doing 100% of the work was not possible. The Councillor opined that the Committee could either choose to approve the staff recommendation or to reopen the entire process.

The Committee then considered the staff recommendation:

CARRIED

YEAS: R. Cantin,. B. Chiarelli, G. Hunter, A. Loney, M. Meilleur…..5

NAYS: B. Hill….1

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