Public Commons

Question: How much does Toronto Parks and Recreation spend on consultants? What does that money buy?

Answers we got through Freedom of Information:

Access Request #04-1580 (Request submitted June 18 2004, incomplete answer came Sept.13; request for balance of information submitted Nov.16 Access Request #04-2948):

NAK Design Group: $22,518.71 for the provision of architectural consulting services for waterplay amenities at Ashbridge's Bay Park and John Innes Park. 3/21/01

Totten Sims Hubicki Associates: $18,231 to provide professional services for the consulting services for the refrigeration plant and rink replacement at Giovanni Caboto Artificial Ice Rink. 4/23/01 Note: the rebuilt rink has serious design problems

WGA Wong Gregersen Architects Inc.: $392,448.54 for the consulting services for preparation of state of good repair audits for recreational and cultural facilities. 7/26/01 Note: this project was recently followed by another state of good repair consulting contract for $803,000

MacClennan Jaunkains Miller: $641,599.16 for provision of architectural consulting services for the design and construction of the St.Jamestown Community Centre. 2/4/02

Taylor Olsen Worland Architects: $55,140.21 for the provision of services to undertake a Feasibility Study for the Wabash Community Centre. 3/17/03

Claire Tucker-Reid and Associates: $34,762.50 to provide advisory services to the Commissioner and Acting General Manager in relation to the organizational review of the Parks and Recreation Division. 2/18/04 Note: Ms.Tucker Reid, then 51 years old, had retired as Parks and Recreation general manager 7 weeks before this contract began.

Access Request #04-1318 (Request submitted May 20 2004; response came Sept.7)

2002/ 2003/ 2004 Environics Polls: $8,988/ $16,157/ $17,976. telephoned 450 randomly picked people at home two evenings in April and asked them what they like/don't like about Toronto Parks and Rec

FGH International: $75,023.05. Food Services Report for Parks and Rec food operations, 1999.

Leisure Plan International: $27,783.62. Outdoor Ice Facilities Harmonization Study, 2002

Randolph Group: $60,990. Recreation Program Harmonization Project, 1999.

Monteith Associates: $46,250. Recreation Facilities Provision Study, 2000.

Question: We submitted ten out of the fourteen approved 2004 Parks and Recreation capital projects listed in the 2004 budget and asked:
(a) on each item, what were consultant/design fees?
(b) on each item, what percentage did Policy and Development get for project administration?

Answers:

Access Request #04-2567 (Request submitted Oct.12 2004, answer came Nov.5; clarifying questions submitted as Access Request #04-2946, Nov.16,2004)

Ivan Forrest Gardens/ Stairs: project budget $100,000. Consultant/design fee: $6,900. Policy and Development administration fee: $10,000. Note: 16.9%

David Crombie Park retaining wall: project budget $100,000. Consultant/design fee: $2,200. Policy and Development administration fee: $10,000

Masaryk Cowan Sky Light, to replace leaky sky light: project budget $100,000. Consultant/design fee: $12,500. Policy and Development administration fee: $10,000. Note: 22.5%

Allan Gardens Conservatory 2004 stage: project budget $630,000 [note only $300,00 was approved in 2004 budget]. Consultant/design fee: $52,800. Policy and Development administration fee: $40,000.

Trinity Square Grass Labyrinth: project budget $200,000. Consultant/design fee: $7,400. Policy and Development administration fee: $5000.

Park Improvements in Ward 29: project budget $200,000. Consultant/design fee: $25,800. Policy and Development administration fee: $25,000.

Park Improvements in Ward 31(including new playground and splash pad): project budget $250,000. Consultant/design fee: $37,500. Policy and Development administration fee: $25,000. Note: 25%

East York Arena Facility upgrades and Heating System: project budget $350,000. Consultant/design fee: $25,000. Policy and Development administration fee: $30,000. Note: 15.5%

Franklin The Turtle storybook playground Phase 4: project budget $300,000. Consultant/design fee: $8,700. Policy and Development administration fee: $15,000.

Kay Gardner Beltline, pathway drainage phase 1: project budget $365,000. Consultant/ design fee: $24,000. Policy and Development Administration fee: $20,000.

Wychwood barns Phase 2: project budget $310,000 [note only $110,000 was approved in 2004 budget]. Consultant/design fee $45,000. Policy and development administration fee: $20,000. Note: 21%