HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-2023-521 - Assisted Services Program - Grant
Infrastructure Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: December 4, 2023
SUBMITTED BY: Jeffery Silcox-Childs, Director of Parks & Cemeteries, 519-741-2200 ext.
4518
PREPARED BY: Amy Salmon, Project Manager Infrastructure Services, 226-748-8514
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: November 13, 2021
REPORT NO.: INS-2023-521
SUBJECT: Assisted Services Program - Grant
RECOMMENDATION:
That subject to annual budget approval, Council provide a grant of up to $96k per year to
The Working Centre to support the assisted services program (winter sidewalk clearing);
and
That such a grant be adjusted based on the number of residential properties serviced
year over year and be reflective of the operational costs incurred by The Working Centre
to deliver services; and further,
That the grant is not eligible to be used for sub-contracting third party commercial
contractors to perform the services outlined in this report, and further,
That General Manager of Infrastructure Services be authorized to renew the grant
agreement to provide the services outlined in this report and also in INS-20-010, subject
to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor;
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to approve the grant amount of $96,000 per year in support of
the Assisted Services Program implementation
The financial implications are $96,000 per year
/ committee meeting
This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
In September, 2020, Council provided direction to staff to implement an Assisted Services
program on an ongoing basis to support residents who may be unable to clear residential
sidewalks in front of their properties due to age or disability (INS-20-010).
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REPORT:
As per the approved Assisted Services Program, 171 residents participated in 2021, 247 in 2022,
and 277 in 2023.
The Working Center (TWC) has been the successful recipient of this grant opportunity since the
The partnership between City and TWC provides multiple benefits to the community; it provides
an effective way of clearing snow from properties in the assisted services program as
al value. Through
this program, TWC is able to provide meaningful employment to low-income and street-involved
individuals.
Sustained growth of the program will be pending annual budgetary approvals by Council and
community demand. At this time, the program provides service to 325 participants with no wait
list; indicating community demand is currently being met.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the city's strategic vision
through the delivery of core services and the support of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion goals.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Funding to support the grant is referred to annual budgetary processes but is estimated at
$96,000/year.
The remaining services are provided via a tendered contractor. Funding is budgeted to support
the program through contract services, Q23-118, but is estimated at $135,377/year.
The recommendation has no impact on the Capital or Operating Budget as the funding is
currently budgeted.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
council / committee meeting.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
INS-20-013
INS-20-010, supported by INS-20-09
This matter has also been raised in INS-18-023, and INS-19-009 in which Council
directed staff to work on an Assisted Services pilot program working with the Working
Center.
APPROVED BY: Denise McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services