Cuts to public space, art suggested by KPMG

An independent accounting firm is recommending more cuts to city services, including the maintenance of public space and art, as part of a series of reviews released over the last two weeks.

KPMG has identified $12 million in potential cuts to Toronto's planning and growth division and defined 77 per cent of its operations as essential.

The city maintains hundreds of works of art in public spaces including squares and parks at a cost of around $2 million.

Consultants with KPMG say that isn't an essential service and could be cut, though it notes potential savings are minimal.

Peter Milcyzn, chair of the city's planning and growth committee, said it may be possible to pare down costs without losing the whole program.

"If there's ways of cutting it down so we can continue the art part without some of the administration and overhead, I'm all for that," the councillor said.

Cuts to heritage grants, public realm improvements

The report also suggests reducing the level of consultation and coordination in the review of planning applications, which would shorten lengthy turnaround times and save money.

The city could also limit the amount of zoning information it provides to citizens and contractors or charge a fee for the service.

The review recommends reducing or eliminatingpublic realm improvements, money used for benches and seating areas along city streets and neighbourhoods, which it saidcould lead toa high potential for savings.

The KPMG report also suggests cuts to the city's heritage grants and tax rebates, which provide money to designate and protect historical buildings, as well as reducing the proactive inspection of illegal billboards.

However, with a budget of just over $83 million, reductions in the planning and growth division are unlikely to significantly help Toronto deal with its massive $774-million shortfall.

In the spring, the city kicked off a comprehensive review of all city services, how they are provided, and the fees people pay for them.

The planning and growth committee will discuss the report at a public meeting next week.