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STAFF REPORT
June 18, 2001
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
Etobicoke-Lakeshore - Ward 6
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview on the findings and recommendations
contained in the South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the findings and recommendations of the South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity
Study be endorsed by the Economic Development and Parks Committee and Council;
(2) this report be forwarded to the Planning and Transportation Committee and Etobicoke
Community Council for their information and consideration when reviewing land use
options for the New Toronto Secondary Plan;
(3) the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to
monitor and report on implementation of the South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity
Action Plan; and
(4) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take necessary action to give
effect thereto.
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Background:
South Etobicoke is located in the southwest quadrant of the City and includes the area south of
the Queen Elizabeth Highway to Lake Ontario and west of the Humber River to the Etobicoke
Creek, as shown on Attachment No. 1. In 1999, South Etobicoke was identified as an
“Employment Revitalization Program Area” and private and public resources (including funds
from Human Resources Development Canada) were successfully leveraged to revitalize the area.
This initiative has facilitated a collaborative community based process designed to encourage
reinvestment in the community.
The South Etobicoke Regeneration Program (SERP) is the largest and most comprehensive of
eleven active Employment Revitalization project areas in the City. The strength and breadth of
stakeholder participation is demonstrated by the many signatories to the Human Resources
Development Canada (HRDC) agreement, which include Lakeshore Area Multi-Services
Project, Vacant Industrial Landowners, local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Lakeshore
Ratepayers Association, the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, the Assembly Hall,
Canadian National Railway, Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront
(CCFEW), Castrol Canada Inc., Humber College, the Lakeshore Planning Council, the South
Etobicoke Industrial Employers Association (SEIEA) and Lakeshore Arts.
In spring 2000 SERP completed its Blueprint For Action, a broad strategy to increase local
employment through community capacity building, partnership development, reinvestment
advocacy and area marketing and promotion. This document was approved by Council and
referred to various City departments for action. An implementation framework was
subsequently created under the direction of the SERP Steering Committee and four work groups
were formed: Business Attraction and Retention; Physical Infrastructure; Social Infrastructure;
and Marketing & Promotions. Each work group is co-chaired by a community and City staff
representative.
One of the action items identified by the Business Attraction and Retention (BAR) Work Group
was an analysis of economic cluster activities and labour force adjustments/ requirements in
South Etobicoke, building on the findings and recommendations outlined in the City of Toronto
report entitled “Toronto Competes” and the City’s recently released Economic Development
Strategy. Similarly, the work was intended to complement the efforts undertaken in the Toronto
Official Plan Directions Report, Toronto At The Crossroads: Shaping Our Future, where Urban
Development Services reference the GTA forecast of 540,000 additional jobs and articulate the
need to accommodate this job growth within the City structure.
Comments:
The South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study, provided in Attachment No. 2, was
prepared under the direction of the Business Attraction and Retention Work Group of the South
Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP). Perhaps the most significant finding of the report is
that South Etobicoke is a viable employment area and an important and growing manufacturing
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centre in the City of Toronto. The findings of the study are summarized below under the
headings of employment growth and characteristics, dominant business clusters and area
advantages.
Employment Growth Characteristics in South Etobicoke:
(a) Following the economic restructuring and recession of the early 1990s, South Etobicoke
made a successful transition, adapting well to the forces of globalization and modern
production processes. This is evident by the large number of firms that have made recent
investments in plant and machinery. As an example, the nine companies that currently
comprise the South Etobicoke Industrial Employers Association are collectively investing
at a rate of almost $17 million per year in capital improvements. This is projected to
grow provided there is a stable investment environment.
(b) Over the past five years, manufacturing employment has grown more quickly in South
Etobicoke than in the City (18 percent compared to 14 percent).
(c) Total employment in South Etobicoke has increased 5 percent in the past 4-5 years.
(d) There are 24,365 people employed in South Etobicoke, including a large number of
skilled trades and crafts people.
(e) Approximately 33 percent of the labour force live in the area.
(f) Over 40 percent of the local labour force are involved in manufacturing.
Dominant Business Clusters in South Etobicoke:
(a) Food processing and automotive manufacturing are highly concentrated, with 14 and 22
percent, respectively, of total City employment for these sectors.
(b) Over the past five years, food and beverage processing grew by 16 percent, compared to
5 percent in the City overall and automotive parts manufacturing grew by 34 percent,
compared to 7 percent in the City overall.
(c) The media cluster (photography, graphics, communications, program and film
distribution, radio and TV, advertising, printing, and reproduction of tapes, films, and
records) grew by 111 percent in South Etobicoke compared to 11 percent across the City
over the past 4-5 years.
(d) There are very strong inter-firm linkages in the area, particularly with respect to
packaging, machinery manufacturers and repair shops, transportation/logistics operations
and chemical manufacturers.
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Area Advantages:
(a) The area possesses excellent road and rail infrastructure and is in close proximity to the
airport and downtown.
(b) There are excellent opportunities for meeting the City’s population targets within the
South Etobicoke area without jeopardizing the current supply of employment lands.
There is a substantial amount of land currently designated and zoned for residential uses,
but currently not built out (approx. 4,500 units) and significant “Avenues” intensification
along Lakeshore Boulevard, both consistent with the policy framework established in the
Toronto Official Plan Directions Report, Toronto At The Crossroads: Shaping Our
Future.
(c) There is an increasing supply of new housing units in the area, particularly to the east,
that provides accommodation for a range of household types and incomes to meet the
City’s housing objectives.
(d) South Etobicoke has a robust and scalable telecommunication network that provides a
full complement of services to business customers in all employment areas.
(e) South Etobicoke is served by a well developed fibre optic network.
(f) Deregulation of the telecommunications industry has provided an extremely competitive
marketplace decidedly in the customer’s favour in South Etobicoke compared to other
jurisdictions in North America.
(g) There is an active and innovative business community willing to work in partnership with the
City, Province and Federal governments.
The report identifies an Action Strategy designed to build on the strengths of the area to contain
employment sprawl, ensure employment and assessment growth and retention and provide for
the efficient use of existing infrastructure. The main themes of the Action Plan are described
below.
Create a Positive Investment Climate for South Etobicoke:
The report indicates that the most important issue related to the continuing vitality of the
employment area is the need for employers and investors to have a greater degree of land use
certainty. Decisions need to be made as quickly as possible on the New Toronto Secondary Plan
to ensure the integrity of this manufacturing centre.
Food/ Automotive/ Media Cluster Initiatives:
Several initiatives are identified in the Action Plan to build capacity in the dominant and
emerging cluster groups, specifically, food, automotive and media. These initiatives involve the
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participation of numerous stakeholders, including community groups, educational institutions,
employment agencies, as well as the municipal and provincial government.
Skills Development:
The Action Plan also addresses skill development and readiness. The employers in South
Etobicoke recognize that modern work environments have increased demand for more computer
literate and technically sophisticated employees to operate machinery and equipment. SERP’s
current project application to HRDC includes partnership initiatives with local industry,
employment agencies, and the federal government to increase labour market skill development
and labour force participation.
Marketing:
A number of marketing actions are proposed in the report. These actions primarily relate to a
marketing campaign emphasizing local attributes, including proximity to the airport and
downtown, excellent transportation and telecom infrastructure, an industrial profile and real
estate information highlighting reasonable rental rates and land costs vis a vis other parts of the
City. The South Etobicoke Regeneration Project’s Marketing Workgroup is currently developing
a marketing toolkit for use in promoting the area to prospective investors.
Infrastructure and Amenities:
South Etobicoke has good infrastructure in reasonable repair and the City is undertaking road,
sewer and watermain upgrades as part of its five-year capital maintenance program. Action
items primarily relate to these initiatives to enhance the image/attractiveness of the area.
Conclusions:
Employment uses in South Etobicoke are significantly more competitive than a decade ago, with
many viable companies in production 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. In fact, South Etobicoke
represents a vital and important manufacturing center in the City of Toronto. In addition to
providing employment for local residents, employment properties in South Etobicoke represent
approximately 15 percent of the total CVA in Ward 6 but contribute about 52 percent of the total
property tax revenue.
Since inception of the South Etobicoke Regeneration Project in 1999, remarkable local energy
and resources have been applied to a number of initiatives directed at community revitalization/
reinvestment. The level of community interest and involvement among numerous stakeholder
groups, supported by strong federal and municipal political advocacy, sustain the success of this
community based partnership.
The Action Plan identified in the Employer Cluster Capacity Study represents an extension of the
community work undertaken over the past few months, with a platform that supports
employment intensification. A co-ordinated and focused approach will be required to
successfully realize the opportunities identified in the Plan, particularly as they relate to ensuring
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the integrity of this employment area as an important manufacturing centre through the New
Toronto Secondary Plan, building capacity in the food, automotive and media cluster groups,
developing labour market skills, enhancing the image/attractiveness of the area through capital
improvements and marketing and promoting the area to prospective investors.
Contact:
Brenda Librecz
Managing Director, Economic Development Division
Tel: 416 397-4700
Fax: 416 395-0388
E-mail: blibrecz@city.toronto.on.ca
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
List of Attachments:
Attachment No. 1 South Etobicoke Key Map
Attachment No. 2 South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
Telecommunications Audit
J607
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUDIT
Final Report
June 2001
Prepared by: Enterprise Development Services
for
GHK International Inc.
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Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 9
2.0 Introduction and Background................................................................................................... 10
3.0 Project Purpose......................................................................................................................... 11
4.0 Project Objectives .................................................................................................................... 12
5.0 Telecommunications Infrastructure Review ............................................................................ 13
6.0 Comparative Analysis – Neighbouring Communities ............................................................. 27
7.0 SWOT Analysis........................................................................................................................ 28
8.0 Action Plan Summary ……………………………… …………………………….24
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1.0 Executive Summary
The study team has conducted a thorough analysis of the telecommunications infrastructure in the South
Etobicoke study area through an extensive information and data search from key telecommunications
providers in the local marketplace.
The study team has determined the following key findings and conclusions regarding the
telecommunications infrastructure in the South Etobicoke study area.
• The following companies were identified as being the major providers of telecommunications
services to business customers in the South Etobicoke study area:
• AT&T Canada
• Bell Canada
• Toronto Hydro Telecom
• Telus Integrated Communications
• Group Telecom
• 360 Networks Inc.
• Sprint Canada
• The South Etobicoke study area has a robust and scalable network that provides the full complement
of telecommunications services to business customers in all business and employment zones.
• The South Etobicoke study area is served by a well-developed fibre optics network in all key business
and employment zones by a variety of telecommunications providers.
• The telecommunications infrastructure in the South Etobicoke study area is directly comparable to
neighboring communities.
• The South Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP) implement a Telecommunications Action Plan as
identified for the South Etobicoke study area.
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2.0 Introduction and Background
The purpose of this study is to provide an analysis of the existing telecommunications infrastructure in the
South Etobicoke study area and to make recommendations for the future to enhance the community’s
overall telecommunications capabilities.
The project was divided into two phases – an examination of the current infrastructure through a series of
interviews with a pre-determined number of telecommunications providers and an analysis of the data
gathering process. The report of Phase One contains the outcomes of the infrastructure audit. Phase two is
comprised of the preparation of a telecommunications SWOT analysis based on the information gathered
in Phase One.
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3.0 Project Purpose
Based on the request for proposals by GHK International for the South Etobicoke Regeneration Project
(SERP), the purpose of this project was as follows:
"The City's recently released Economic Development Strategy recognizes the importance of
information and communications technologies that link people and organizations. The Strategy
highlights the need for citywide access to a high quality, high capacity telecommunications
network to stimulate productivity and innovation, fostering demand for goods and services. The
purpose of this initiative is to build on this recommendation by:
1. Conducting an analysis on the current telecommunications infrastructure in South Etobicoke
to provide a context, scope and direction for future improvements, ensuring continued
economic growth and development;
2. Providing business intelligence to guide private sector investment decisions aimed at
retaining and attracting employment investment / reinvestment in South Etobicoke"
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4.0 Project Objectives
Based on the RFP issued by GHK International for SERP, the project objectives are as follows:
• To "understand the type, scale and distribution of the telecommunications infrastructure in
South Etobicoke."
• To " ensure the community is well connected to other parts of the city, the country, and the
world."
• To "concentrate efforts on augmenting and increasing the telecommunications infrastructure
capacity to promote a more innovative and competitive economy."
• To "build on our fiber optic, broadband and wireless networks, the competitive position of
South Etobicoke."
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5.0 Telecommunications Infrastructure Review
5.1 Methodology of Study Approach
The study team with input from the South Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP) identified the major
telecommunications providers in the South Etobicoke study area. The South Etobicoke study area
includes the area south of the Queen Elizabeth Way to Lake Ontario, west of the Humber River, and east
of the Etobicoke Creek, consistent with the geographic area defined for the South Etobicoke Employer
Cluster Capacity Study.
Deregulation in the telecommunications industry has occurred on two major fronts over the past five
years – the deregulation of the long distance market and deregulation of local telephone service. The
result has been the drastic price reduction in long distance services (six to ten cents per minute) and new
entrants to the marketplace. Customers can now chose from a variety of suppliers for their long distance,
cellular, internet and local access requirements.
Although the competition has been fierce in the long distance market, competition in the local telephone
service market has been at a slower rate and restricted to the larger markets. Local telephone service
provisioning is extremely high cost due to the amount of capital intensive equipment and infrastructure
required which leads to lower rates of return over longer periods of time for telephone companies.
Consequently, new entrants to the South Etobicoke study area marketplace have only just recently begun
to offer local telephone services to business customers or have plans to enter the market. The focus of this
portion of the study was to examine those companies that provide telecommunications services to
business customers in the South Etobicoke study area.
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5.1.1 Information Gathering
The following companies were identified as being the major providers of telecommunications services to
business customers in the South Etobicoke study area:
• AT&T Canada
• Bell Canada
• Toronto Hydro
• Telus Integrated Communications
• Group Telecom
• Sprint Canada
• 360 Networks Inc.
The study team contacted representatives from each of the companies seeking information on the range of
services provided in the South Etobicoke study area.
Two information gathering documents were used in the course of the data collection process with the
telecommunications companies.
• A one page questionnaire entitled “Telecommunications Providers Survey” (attached as Appendix
“C”) was used to gather base information of the infrastructure deployed in the South Etobicoke study
area.
• A one page spreadsheet entitled “South Etobicoke Service Capabilities” (included in this section as
Tables 1 - 4) listing the various telephone exchanges and the standard business telecommunication
service offerings in the South Etobicoke study area. The area referred to as the “Seventh Street
Exchange” in the spreadsheet is the geographic telephone exchange area which predominately covers
the South Etobicoke study area.
Each telecommunications provider listed previously was requested to complete the information for use by
the study team for compiling this report.
This section reflects the information gathered from the telecommunications providers for business
services in the South Etobicoke study area.
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Table 1: Service Capability Definitions
South Etobicoke Study Area
CTX Centrex is a fully featured Digital Central Office based service. Voice and Data designed for business customers to grow from 2 lines
upward without changing systems other than peripheral equipment (Sets). No common/switching equipment is on customer premises,
all user software features are in the DMS-100 Switch.
CMS Call Management Services is a set of services which includes Call Display (Name and Number), Call Trace and call Screen.
TMS Telephone Message Service provides shared telephone answering and voice mail service to the residential or single line business
customer as an alternative to an answering machine.
IVMS Integrated Voice Messaging System is a Centrex Central Office based voice messaging system which provides a shared telephone
answering and voice mail service for business customers.
CCF Custom Calling Features include Speed Calling, Call Forwarding, 3-way Calling (Conferencing), Call Waiting, Visual Call Waiting,
Ident-A-Call, and Call Return.
RCF Remote Call Forwarding is an interexchange service that allows a subscriber to rent a 7-digit telephone number in another exchange.
All calls to the RCF number are automatically redirected over the PSTN to the principle number at the home location.
911 This service provides access to an Emergency Service Bureau by dialing "911". Address Information System (AIMS) provides the
(ERR) Emergency Reporting Bureau with an (ANI) Automatic Number and Line identification of the incoming caller.
CTX CTX Data is a switched digital data service that allows the transmission of data at 56 Kbps.
Data
ADSL High Speed Access (RHSA) for teleworkers and ISP providers/users. Service is dedicated to the home and allows the customer to talk
on their phones and send/receive data on their PC simultaneously. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) converts existing
telephone lines into high speed access paths 2.2 Mbps downstream with up to 640 Kbps upstream.
Micro MicroLink is a service offering using ISDN Basic Rate Access (BRA) Standards. Provides 2x64 Kbps (2B) digital information
Link channels and 1x16 Kbps (D) signaling and packet information channel over a single 2-wire loop (2B+D).
Mega MegaLink is a service offering using ISDN - Primary Rate Access (PRA) standards. Provides 23-64 Kbps digital information channels
Link (23) B and 1x16 Kbps signaling and packet information channel (D), (23B+D).
Hyper Hyperstream is a packet type data service capable of speeds of 56 Kbps to 1.536 Mbps. This service is for scalable applications or
Stream bandwidth on demand.
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South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
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5.2 AT&T Canada/Rogers AT&T Service Overview
Switching Capabilities
AT&T currently offers voice and data services to business customers in the South Etobicoke study area
through the deployment of state-of-the-art Digital Multiplex System (DMS) switching technology.
Transport and Toll Capabilities
The South Etobicoke study area business long distance customers are connected to the AT&T national
network by a core hub switch located in Toronto.
Local Fibre Optics Network Deployment
Locally, the South Etobicoke study area has a robust fibre optic network connecting the majority of the
key business and employment zones. AT&T has an extensive local fibre network which stretches
throughout the South Etobicoke study area.
Local access fibres service the key business and employment zones of the South Etobicoke study area.
Recent New Technology Deployment
AT&T has invested heavily in the deployment of fibre optic networks in the South Etobicoke study area
over the past five years to serve business customers.
Local Internet Access Services
AT&T Internet (formally Netcom) is available to business and residential customers in the South
Etobicoke study area.
Local Cellular and Wireless Services
Rogers AT&T Wireless offers a full slate of mobile wireless services in the South Etobicoke study area.
This includes analog and digital (PCS) cellular services and paging services. Rogers AT&T Wireless
through its partnership with an area company, Research in Motion (RIM) offers wireless internet and
paging services through the new Blackberry device.
Source AT&T Canada, April 2001
www.attcanada.ca
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Table 2: AT&T Canada/Rogers AT&T Service Capabilities
South Etobicoke Study Area
Exchange CTX CMS TMS IVMS CCF RCF 911 CTX ADSL MicroLin MegaLink Hyperstrea
Data k m
Distance Sensitive Service
Seventh Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Islington Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Rexdale N N N N N N N N N N N N
Bellevue Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Eagle Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Burnamthorpe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Derry Road Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Dundas Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Port Credit N N N N N N N N N N N N
Acton N N N N N N N N N N N N
Riddelle N N N N N N N N N N N N
Rogers N N N N N N N N N N N N
Runnymede N N N N N N N N N N N N
Source: AT&T Canada – April 2001
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South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
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5.3 Bell Canada/Bell Mobility Service Overview
Switching Capabilities
A state-of-the-art digital switch located on Seventh Street serves the South Etobicoke study area. This
switch is capable of providing the full range of services available at Bell Canada such as Centrex,
Hyperstream and Bell SmartTouch features (Table #3). It provides a high degree of redundancy with a
minimum interruption level in the event of a failure. This switch is connected to the CCS7 (call control)
network ensuring the most rapid call connections and accessibility to enhanced services.
Transport and Toll Capabilities
The South Etobicoke study area is connected to the Bell Canada ATM (asynchronous transfer mode)
Network by a core hub switch at the Seventh Street switching centre. The ATM switch is connected to the
national network via a series of switching centres around the Toronto area. A Nortel ATM Edge Switch,
Alcatel Call Server and a Cisco Router also support the local network.
The South Etobicoke study area long distance toll capabilities are provided on diverse Fiber Optic SONET
Ring Technology between Toronto and Windsor. The South Etobicoke study area is linked to dual toll
centers to provide a high degree of connectivity and survivability.
Local Fibre Optics Network Deployment
The South Etobicoke study area has a robust fiber optic network connecting the majority of its serving
centers in the City of Toronto. Local access fibers have been established to serve all of the key business
and employment zones of the South Etobicoke study area.
Recent New Technology Deployment
The South Etobicoke study area has ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) based services, providing high-
speed connectivity (up to 155 Mbit/s) linked to several node switches throughout the City of Toronto. This
provides the SERP study area the full feature set of Bell Nexxia (National) IP Services such as IP
Connect, IP VPN, IP Learning and IP Hosting.
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South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
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Local Internet Access Services
The South Etobicoke study area is designated a MicroLink (ISDN), MegaLink and ADSL serving area
ensuring high speed access to broadband services not only to the large business clientele, but to small
businesses as well as to residential customers through the provisioning of Sympatico High Speed Edition.
These services are loop distance sensitive to a maximum of 4 kilometers of the local switching centre.
Local Cellular and Wireless Services
The full slate of wireless services offered by Bell Mobility can be obtained in the South Etobicoke study
area. This includes analog and digital (PCS) cellular services and paging services
Source: Bell Canada – April 2001
www.bell.ca
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South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
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Table 3: Bell Canada/Bell Mobility Service Capabilities
South Etobicoke Study Area
Exchange CTX CMS TMS IVMS CCF RCF 911 CTX ADSL MicroLin MegaLink Hyperstrea
Data k m
Distance Sensitive Service
Seventh Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Islington Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Rexdale Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Bellevue Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Eagle Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Burnamthorpe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Derry Road Y Y Y Y Y Y Y NA N Y Y Y
Dundas Y Y Y Y Y Y Y NA N Y Y Y
Port Credit Y Y Y Y Y Y Y NA N Y N Y
Acton Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Riddelle Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Rogers Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y
Runnymede Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Source Bell Canada
April 2001
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South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
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5.4 Toronto Hydro Telecom Service Overview
Switching Capabilities
Toronto Hydro Telecom can provide clients with a variety of products for voice, data and
message communications including next generation ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
switching.
Transport and Toll Capabilities
Toronto Hydro Telecom does not offer toll services. All data transfer outside of the immediate network is
accomplished via direct connection to other networks.
Local Fibre Optics Network Deployment
Toronto Hydro Telecom presently does not have any existing fibre optics deployment in the South
Etobicoke study area. Toronto Hydro Telecom can provide the local loop component of data and voice
requirements. A single connection to the network allows multiple services to be accessed at speeds
ranging from 1mbps to Optical Carrier.
Recent New Technology Deployment
Toronto Hydro Telecom can provide a variety of services including Voice over IP, Virtual Private
Networks (VPN’s), LAN Extensions, Wide Area Networks (WAN’s) and Off-site Data Storage.
Local Internet Access Services
Toronto Hydro Telecom does not provide internet access as a service option to customers.
Local Cellular and Wireless Services
Toronto Hydro Telecom does not offer cellular or paging services.
Source: Toronto Hydro Telecom – April 2001
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South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
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5.5 Telus Integrated Communications/Telus Mobility Service Overview
Switching Capabilities
TELUS utilizes Bell Canada facilities for access and long distance services (Table #4)
Transport and Toll Capabilities
Toll Services are currently carried on Bell Canada’s network regionally. TELUS is building a national
network to allow the deployment of more advanced services.
Local Fibre Optics Network Deployment
TELUS utilizes Bell Canada facilities for local access currently and is seeking partners with which to
supply advanced local access options.
Recent New Technology Deployment
No deployment currently underway by TELUS.
Local Internet Access Services
TELUS supplies Internet services for the small and medium business customer as well as internet service
providers (ISP’s) on the access services supplied by Bell Canada.
Local Cellular and Wireless Services
TELUS Mobility provides analog and digital cellular service through its subsidiary company Telus
Mobility.
Source: Telus Integrated Communications – April 2001
www.telus.ca
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South Etobicoke Employer Cluster Capacity Study
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Table 4: Telus Integrated Communications/Telus Mobility Service Capabilities
South Etobicoke Study Area
Exchange CTX CMS TMS IVMS CCF RCF 911 CTX ADSL MicroLin MegaLink Hyperstrea
Data k m
Distance Sensitive Service
Seventh Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Islington Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Rexdale Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Bellevue Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Eagle Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Burnamthorpe Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Derry Road Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Y* Y* Y*
Dundas Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Y* Y* Y*
Port Credit Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Y* N Y*
Acton Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Riddelle Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Rogers Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N Y*
Runnymede Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*
Source: Telus Integrated Communications
April 2001
* Bell Canada Carrier Services Agreement
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5.6 Group Telecom Service Overview
Switching Capabilities
Group Telecom can provide business customers a variety of high speed switching options depending on
the customer’s requirements.
Transport and Toll Capabilities
Toll services such as long distance and 1-800 services are currently carried on their regional and local
networks. Group Telecom is building a national network to allow the deployment of more advanced
services.
Local Fibre Optics Network Deployment
Group Telecom does not have local access fibre deployed in the South Etobicoke study area.
Recent New Technology Deployment
No deployment currently underway by Group Telecom.
Local Internet Access Services
Group Telecom supplies Internet services for the small and medium business customer as well as internet
service providers (ISP’s) on a scalable basis depending on a customer’s requirements.
Local Cellular and Wireless Services
Group Telecom does not provide wireless services.
Source: Group Telecom – April 2001
www.gt.ca
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5.7 360 Networks Inc. Service Overview
Switching Capabilities
360 Networks provides fibre optic networks to a variety of customers. The company does not offer
traditional telecommunications services such as voice, local access or data services but is in the business
of leasing fibre optic capacity on it’s network.
Transport and Toll Capabilities
360 Networks has a well established national network allowing the deployment of more advanced
services to telecommunications companies, internet service providers, application service providers and
data-centric enterprises.
Local Fibre Optics Network Deployment
360 Networks has an extensive deployment of local access fibre routes in the South Etobicoke study area
which they have for lease for traditional telecommunications providers.
Recent New Technology Deployment
360 Networks will continue to expand local fibre access routes to meet customer demand.
Local Internet Access Services
360 Networks does not offer internet services.
Local Cellular and Wireless Services
360 Networks does not offer cellular or wireless services.
Source: 360 Networks – April 2001
www.360.net
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5.8 Sprint Canada Service Overview
Switching Capabilities
Sprint Canada can provide business customers a variety of high speed switching options depending on the
customer’s requirements. Sprint Canada operates a switching centre on Horner Avenue in the South
Etobicoke study area.
Transport and Toll Capabilities
Toll services such as long distance and 1-800 services are currently carried on their regional and local
networks and are available in a variety of options depending on the customer’s requirements.
Local Fibre Optics Network Deployment
Sprint Canada utilizes AT&T facilities for local access in the South Etobicoke study area.
Recent New Technology Deployment
No deployment currently underway by Sprint Canada.
Local Internet Access Services
Sprint Canada supplies Internet services for the small and medium business customer as well as internet
service providers (ISP’s) in the South Etobicoke study area. High-speed access and digital subscriber line
(DSL) services are available to business customers.
Local Cellular and Wireless Services
Sprint Canada does not provide wireless and cellular services.
Source Sprint Canada – April 2001
www.sprintcanada.ca
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6.0 Comparative Analysis – Neighbouring Communities
The study team collected telecommunications infrastructure data for the neighboring communities as part
of the study process.
During interviews with the telecommunications providers, the study team investigated the nature of the
telecommunications infrastructure in the neighboring communities and conducted a comparative analysis
of the data with that of the South Etobicoke study area.
Information collected has been summarized by telecommunications provider and listed by individual
telephone exchanges for the City of Mississauga and City of Brampton serving areas. This information is
presented in Tables 2, 3 & 4 of Section 5.0.
The telecommunications infrastructure in neighboring communities is directly comparable with that of the
South Etobicoke study area.
Features including switching technology, transport and toll capabilities, local fibre optics network
deployment, internet access services, cellular and wireless services and recent new technology
deployment as described in Section 5 of this study are virtually identical to that of the South Etobicoke
study area.
In conclusion, the study team has determined that the telecommunications infrastructure in the
neighboring communities is directly comparable to the provisioning and network infrastructure of the
South Etobicoke study area.
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7.0 SWOT Analysis
7.1 Strengths
Upon review of the data gathered in the telecommunications audit analysis, the following strengths have
been identified in the South Etobicoke study area:
• The South Etobicoke study area is well served by several national telecommunications providers
allowing business customers a wide range of choice of suppliers with a variety of telecommunications
service options.
• Deregulation of the telecommunications industry has provided an extremely competitive marketplace
decidedly in the customer’s favour in the South Etobicoke study area compared to other jurisdictions
in North America.
• Coverage of local access fibre throughout the entire South Etobicoke study area provides current and
potential commercial and industrial customers fibre optics access in all areas.
• Scalable, high speed broadband services to support business customers are available throughout the
South Etobicoke study area.
7.2 Weaknesses
Upon review of the data gathered in the telecommunications audit analysis, the following weaknesses
have been identified in the South Etobicoke study area:
• The telecommunications access policies of the City of Toronto and in the South Etobicoke study area
in particular require a significant “front end” time commitment by telecommunications providers
before improvements or new services can be initiated.
• The South Etobicoke study area must compete with all areas of the City of Toronto for the
deployment of new capital investment by telecommunications providers.
• The South Etobicoke study area has some low signal zones which have created “grey areas” for
cellular customers.
• The South Etobicoke study area key business and employment zone make-up is of large single tenant
entities which require modest telecommunications services. Large multi-tenant prestige commercial
tenants are significant users of telecommunications services and are consequently coveted by
telecommunications providers.
7.3 Opportunities
Upon review of the data gathered in the telecommunications audit analysis, the following opportunities
have been identified in the South Etobicoke study area:
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• Opportunities exist for new infrastructure development and service provisioning from Toronto Hydro
Telecom, Telus Integrated Communications, Group Telecom, 360 Networks and Sprint Canada for
business customers in the South Etobicoke study area.
• Opportunities exist for the South Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP) to enter into strategic
alliance initiatives with the telecommunications providers in the South Etobicoke study area.
• The South Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP) has the opportunity to develop a “one stop shop”
on telecommunications infrastructure information for the South Etobicoke study area for the business
community and telecommunications providers
7.4 Threats
Upon review of the data gathered in the telecommunications audit analysis, the following threats have
been identified in the South Etobicoke study area:
• As a result of an abundance of large single tenant industrial and commercial properties in the South
Etobicoke study area, attraction of investment for new telecommunications services by
telecommunications providers may be difficult. It is advantageous for telecommunications companies
to construct infrastructure to service many customers at one location rather than single customers at
multiple locations.
7.5 Conclusions
After careful consideration and analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the
present and future telecommunications infrastructure in the South Etobicoke study area by the study team,
the following indicators are prevalent:
• Overall, the study team has confirmed that the telecommunications infrastructure in the South
Etobicoke study area is well developed and offers a significant range of services and choice to the
business customer.
• As a result of an abundance of large single tenant industrial and commercial properties in the South
Etobicoke study area, attraction of investment for new telecommunications services by
telecommunications providers may be difficult. It is advantageous for telecommunications companies
to construct infrastructure to service many customers at one location rather than single customers at
multiple locations
• Deregulation of the telecommunications industry has provided an extremely competitive marketplace
decidedly in the customer’s favour in the South Etobicoke study area compared to other jurisdictions
in North America.
• Opportunities exist for the South Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP) to enter into strategic
alliance initiatives with the telecommunications providers in the South Etobicoke study area.
• The South Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP) has the opportunity to develop a “one stop shop”
on telecommunications infrastructure information for the South Etobicoke study area for the business
community and telecommunications providers
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• Opportunities exist for the South Etobicoke Regeneration Project (SERP) to work with wireless
telecom providers to provide additional services to the South Etobicoke study area.
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8.0 Action Plan Summary
Resource
Actions Responsibility Timeline
Requirements
1. Position telecommunications infrastructure, products and services as enablers of job
creation and economic development in the South Etobicoke study area.
• Develop an economic
development
telecommunications SERP/City of Toronto High 6 months
strategy and
marketing plan
• Create and implement
telecommunications SERP/City of Toronto Medium 1 year
marketing initiatives
• Develop in-house
expertise on
telecommunications
SERP/City of Toronto High 3 months
issues in support of
economic
development
• Collect and maintain
“community
intelligence” on
SERP/City of Toronto High 4 months
telecommunications
issues and business
barriers
2. Provide proactive leadership on telecommunications issues in the South Etobicoke study
area.
• Build strategic
alliances with key
SERP/ City of Toronto Medium 2 months
telecommunications
providers.
• Deliver briefings to
key municipal,
business and
community leaders on SERP/ City of Toronto Medium 4 months
South Etobicoke
telecommunications
issues.
3. Create an increased understanding and support of telecommunications issues through
the development and implementation of a community education initiative in South
Etobicoke.
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Resource
Actions Responsibility Timeline
Requirements
• Engage key personnel
in introductory
SERP/City of Toronto High 2 months
telecommunications
training.
• Develop and deliver
introductory
telecommunications SERP/City of Toronto/Chamber
Medium 6 months
training workshops of Commerce
for key business and
community leaders
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Appendix A
Interview List
Telecommunications Providers
&
Telecommunications Service Relationships
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Telecommunications Infrastructure Audit
Interview List – Telecom Providers
Bell Canada Telus Inc. ATT Canada
483 Bay Street, 7N 148 Fullarton Street 438 University Ave, F4
Toronto, Ontario Suite 1102 Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2E1 London, Ontario M5G 2K8
N6A 5P3
Toronto Hydro Telecom 360 Networks Group Telecom
777 Bay Street 5500 Explorer Drive 20 Bay Street
Suite 423 Mississauga, Ontario 7th Floor
Toronto, Ontario L4W 6G7 Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2C8 M5J 2N8
Sprint Canada
2235 Sheppard Ave. E.
Suite 600
North York, Ontario
M2J 5B8
Telecommunications Providers – Service Relationships
Business Business Business Business
Voice & Data Internet Cellular Fibre
Bell Canada Sympatico Bell Mobility Bell Canada/Bell Nexxia
Telus Telus/PSI Telus MobilityTelus
(formerly Clearnet)
None None None Toronto Hydro Telcom
Group Telecom Group Telecom None Group Telecom
AT&T CanadaAT&T CanadaRogers AT&T AT&T Canada
None None None 360 Networks (Ledcor)
Sprint Canada Sprint Canada None Sprint Canada
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Appendix B
Telecommunications Providers Survey
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Telecommunications Infrastructure Study
Telecom Providers Survey
1. Provide a description of the switching types, features, capabilities and location in the South
Etobicoke study area.
2. Provide a description of the transport and toll capabilities and features in the South Etobicoke
study area and their relationship provincially and nationally.
3. Provide a description of the extent of the deployment of fibre optics infrastructure and special
features in the South Etobicoke study area.
4. Provide a description of any new technology deployment in the South Etobicoke study area
(ie. wireless urbanization of exchanges etc.)
5. Provide a description of the internet local access services provided in the South Etobicoke
study area.
6. Provide a description of local wireless services provided in the South Etobicoke study area
(ie. cellular, paging etc.)
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Appendix C
South Etobicoke Study Area
Telecommunications Infrastructure Map
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Appendix D
Company Information
Enterprise Development Services
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Company Background
Enterprise Development Services, based in Ingersoll, Ontario, provides a complete range of
professional services with particular emphasis on economic development.
G.J. (Greg) Borduas, Principal, Enterprise Development Services, has over 15 years of
experience in the private and public sectors having held senior administrative positions in
municipal and provincial governments as well as the private sector.
Enterprise Development Services specializes in providing professional expertise in the areas of
business planning, project management, economic development strategic planning, new market
development, event management, tourism marketing and telecommunications infrastructure
review.
Greg Borduas has been involved extensively in the volunteer and non for profit sector as a
member and director of several boards and agencies including serving as Past President of the
Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) and Ontario appointee on the board of
directors of the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC).
Enterprise Development Services has assembled a team of highly qualified professionals who act
as “specialists” on clients projects depending on the discipline required by the client. This team
approach provides clients the “one stop shop” for custom professional services in all practices
and disciplines in the field of economic development.
Principal Experience
G.J. (Greg) Borduas, Principal, Enterprise Development Services received his education at the
University of Western Ontario and the University of Waterloo in commerce and economic
development.
Greg has held a series of senior administrative positions in the private and public sectors. Greg’s
background includes experience in economic development, telecommunications, human resource
development and public relations.
The primary focus for Greg’s achievements has been his involvement in leading edge economic
development initiatives. Greg has built solid credentials in providing leadership to projects such
as:
• Creation of the first community economic development program in a Canadian based
private sector utility company
• Completed a telecommunications infrastructure study for a Southwestern Ontario
city.
• Creation and implementation of the Bell Canada Economic Development Fund – the
first private sector funding program for community economic development
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• Designing and delivering training programs for economic development professionals
in cooperation with the University of Waterloo CIDA project in Ivano-Frankivsk,
Ukraine
• Planning and establishment of a mining training facility in a Northern Ontario
community
• Project manager for a $1 million dollar downtown redevelopment project in a
Southwestern Ontario community
• Preparation of a five year economic development strategic plan and implementation
strategy for a Northern Ontario community
• Creation and delivery of a training program for economic development professionals
on the inter-relationship of telecommunications and economic development
Greg’s experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and contacts in economic
development across North America.
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