This report seeks authority for the City, as landlord, to enter into a nominal lease agreement (the “Land Lease”) with Community Music Schools of Toronto (the “Tenant”) in respect of a portion of the property at 1785 Finch Avenue West (the “Leased Premises”), to design, build, finance, and operate a new not-for-profit music school. The Leased Premises is a portion of the current parking surface, along with an unused loading dock area, of the site of Toronto Public Library's (“TPL”) York Woods Branch (“York Woods Library”). With City Council endorsement and direction to explore the feasibility of building a music school next to York Woods Library, City staff now recommend advancing this site for the proposed new music school which will serve the Jane Finch community. The TPL Board supports the proposed Land Lease to the Tenant. Social Development, Finance, and Administration and Economic Development and Culture have advised on the community consultation process, by engaging with a third-party consultant and the Tenant. Additionally, the proposed development of the music school in the Jane Finch community aligns with Action 1.13 of the Jane Finch Community Development Plan ( EC10.1 ) — a short-term action aimed at ensuring artists and organizations have access to local spaces to practice, create, exhibit, and operate their organizations. The Tenant is a charitable organization founded in 1999 with a mission to help Toronto youth access high-quality music education. The Tenant's music programs are geared towards students ages three to 18 and are heavily subsidized to provide families who would not usually have access to music education due to their financial situation. Students participating in the Tenant's music programs can access instruments, music education, mentorship, and performance opportunities in a safe, supportive, and creative environment.
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