EDITION

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 Vol. 18 • No. 14

Trinity-Spadina federal by-election Development Permit System THE RACE INDUSTRY IS ON POSITIVE By Sarah Ratchford By Edward LaRusic

With ’s former federal seat vacant, the race to As Toronto’s consultation process ends, the development replace her in Trinity-Spadina has begun. While there is no industry remains cautiously optimistic about the proposed word yet when the by-election will be held, both the Liberals offi cial plan amendment to allow a development permit and NDP are gearing up to win the riding where aff ordable system as an alternative to traditional zoning. housing and public transit are pressing priorities, according to If implemented, a development permit system would allow the local councillors. the city to create development permit “by-laws” that would First out of the gate is Stephen Lewis Foundation senior replace the current zoning with a process that eff ectively advisor , who has announced his intention to seek combines zoning compliance, minor variances and site plan the NDP nomination at the party’s April 10th meeting. Cressy’s approval. Consultation and studies would be done upfront, goal is to pick up where Olivia Chow left off . creating a fully built-out vision for a defi ned area. “[Chow] had a reputation, and built a legacy, as somebody BILD policy and government relations vice president Paula who stood up every single day as a tireless representative for Tenuta said they are “extremely supportive” of implementing the people of Trinity-Spadina,” Cressy tells NRU. “I’m hoping a development permit system. She said that other cities in the to carry on that legacy.” country—such as —use a similar process. Cressy says we need a more “progressive cities agenda in “Where it has worked in other areas of the country, it this country.” Because 80 per cent of Canada’s population now facilitates a process to bring stakeholders together and to lives and receives services in urban centres, he says, it’s time to accelerate applications for cities that bring together excellent focus on initiatives like a national transit strategy and fi xing planning principles and concrete visions for city building.” the country’s $171-billion infrastructure defi cit with a long- “We are looking forward to working with the City of term federal plan. He says aff ordable housing will be at the top Toronto. We’re pleased that it is thinking along these lines, but of his list too. He also criticizes the absence of childcare from we at BILD recognize that it is very early on in the process and federal discussions. Cressy says downtown CONTINUED PAGE 6 > there are issues [with implementing a CONTINUED PAGE 7 >

INSIDE OUR LEGAL TEAM. YOUR SUCCESS. s0LANNING By-law enabled Citation needed Music to our ears s$EVELOPMENT City web ups Bloor cultural Paying for parking s-UNICIPAL Jim Harbell Calvin Lantz [email protected] [email protected] relief line collaboration goes high tech s2EALPROPERTY s&INANCE s)NFRASTRUCTURE p 2 > p 3 > p 10 > s000 s,ITIGATION s%NVIRONMENTAL STIKEMAN ELLIOTT LLP | www.stikeman.com 2 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 UPCOMING Public asked to set terms DATES RELIEF WIKI APRIL 5 Toronto/TTC Relief line project assessment By Edward LaRusic and Metrolinx Yonge Relief Network Study, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Sheraton Centre, Dominion Ballroom, 123 Queen Th e public are being asked to get very city and interested stakeholders. Street West hands on with the creation of the “terms of Staff enthusiasm may be greater than APRIL 7 Government Management Committee, 9:30 reference wiki” for the proposed relief line, public enthusiasm however. Despite having a.m., committee room 1 but the challenge may be proving to be too been active since Monday, staff is still waiting APRIL 8 daunting. for the fi rst edit. As of mid-aft ernoon Th ursday, Etobicoke York Community Council, 9:30 a.m., council chamber, Etobicoke Civic On Monday, staff created a public wiki for 30 members had joined, but only the host Centre the proposed relief line project assessment “reliefl ine” account had made any changes. North York Community Council, 9:30 a.m., to inform the study process and what will “Since this is the fi rst time that the city has council chamber, North York Civic Centre become the fi nal version of the project’s tried this approach, it is, of course, a learning Scarborough Community Council, 9:30 term of reference. experience,” said Logan. “Ultimately, it’s a.m., council chamber, Scarborough Civic Centre Senior public consultation coordinator up to users to show how this tool can be Toronto and East York Community Council, Mike Logan said in an email to 9:30 a.m. committee room 1 NRU that the wiki was an attempt to APRIL 9 create dialogue and consensus, which Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, 9:30 a.m., committee room 1 sometimes can be challenging. “We know that there are many APRIL 10 Planning and Growth Management Toronto-nians who have valuable Committee, 9:30 a.m., committee room 1 expertise and feel strongly about our Toronto/TTC Relief line project assessment projects, but it’s hard for people to see and Metrolinx Yonge Relief Network Study, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Riverdale Collegiate how the long email they sent to a staff CITY OF TORONTO Institute, 1094 Gerrard Street East person was incorporated into a fi nal City and TTC looking for input on a proposed relief line Friends of Planning document. Likewise, it’s hard for staff to 18th Annual Spring Social, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Hart House Great Hall, University of eff ectively incorporate diff erent comments eff ective—so please, log in to the wiki and Toronto, 7 Hart House Circle that we receive. We felt that a wiki might help us write the terms of reference.” APRIL 12 be a great way to direct that expertise and Th e city and Toronto Transit Toronto/TTC Relief line project assessment, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Holy interest into dialogue.” Commission will be jointly consulting Name Parish, 71 Gough Avenue Logan hopes that users will spur discus- the public on the proposed relief line, in sion that will be helpful to staff in draft ing collaboration with Metrolinx, on April 5 the fi nal document. He said the wiki can be and 10. An additional meeting involving accessible for users who want to get around just the city and the TTC is scheduled CITY OF TORONTO EDITION the technical jargon and “city-hall-speak” April 12. Th e commenting period for the and create a “shared vision” between the wiki ends April 17. nru

Ian A.R. Graham, Publisher Megan Kevill SALES/SUBSCRIPTIONS NRU City of Toronto Edition NRU Publishing Inc. Billings Department [email protected] Planning Researcher [email protected] is not to be redistributed Editorial Offi ce 34B McMurrich Street [email protected] without the written consent 26 Soho Street, Suite 330 Toronto, ON M5R 2A2 Lynn Morrow, Editor Annual subscription rate is of the publisher. Toronto, ON M5T 1Z7 Tel: 416.440.0073 [email protected] Jeff Payette, Design/Layout $369 +HST (ON). Tel: 416.260.1304 Fax: 416.440.0074 [email protected] NRU City of Toronto Edition Fax: 416.979.2707 ISSN 1918-7548 Sarah Ratchford Complimentary trial is published 50 times a Irena Kohn Municipal Affairs Reporter subscriptions are available. year by email by NRU Sales and Circulation [email protected] Publishing Inc. [email protected] Advertising rates available Edward LaRusic upon request. Planning Reporter Twitter @nrupublishing [email protected] CITY OF TORONTO GREA TER TORONTO VANCOUVER 3 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

Creating a culture corridor ICONIC BLOOR STREET By Megan Kevill

What do you do when twelve major cultural destinations are Japanese communities] are all quite diff erent from each other located closely together but don’t have a distinctive label? Brand and together we off er something unique and special in the them as a culture ‘corridor’. Th at’s just what Heather Kelly did city.” as the originator and director of the recently launched Bloor City councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam refl ected on Bloor’s Street Culture Corridor, which is a collaboration of cultural uniqueness at the launch saying, “I can’t think of a neighbour- groups located along Bloor Street between Bathurst and Bay hood more iconic or that has more cultural treasures than this streets that include museums, community centres, art galleries, one.” music halls and theatres. Kelly hopes the project will make people aware that so As the marketing director for the Royal Conservatory many cultural activities exist within such a walkable distance. of Music, Kelly quickly realized that there was something “[It] will help Torontonians, as well as tourists visiting missing in terms of the connectivity of Bloor Street’s cultural Toronto, to be aware of and take advantage of the extraordinary destinations and knew something had to be done to raise wealth of cultural experiences that are so easily accessible awareness. on Bloor Street. We can easily take the TTC to get here, and “Th ere’s oft en an ‘ah-hah’ moment for people when we walk from a museum to an art talk or exhibition, do a bit of realize that there are 12 major arts and culture organizations shopping, have lunch or dinner, and enjoy an inspiring concert so close together on Bloor Street. People haven’t really thought or fi lm, all within just a few blocks.” of it [as a corridor] until now,” she told NRU. Describing the corridor in terms of a regional brand, Kelly At Wednesday’s launch at L’Espresso Bar Mercurio, members believes it will “benefi t the public and neighbourhood, by making of city council also showed their support for the collaboration. it easier to navigate and fi nd the arts and culture in the area, “Th is stretch of Bloor is special and so strong because of the and help people connect with what’s happening [in the city].” people behind it,” Ward councillor Adam told the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre marketing crowd attending the launch. director Bruce Hutchinson told NRU that distinctive street But how does such a large collaboration of diverse groups signage would be a good idea because even he didn’t know work together? It helps to have the same ultimate goals, Kelly that all of the cultural destinations were so close together. says. “We hope in the future to have signs. We’d love to have “We have all come together willingly and enthusiastically street banners, but for now, we’re just trying to get the word to achieve a shared vision. Yes, [it] is a partnership between 12 out and do tours.” destinations [but] by working collaboratively, we believe that For now, Kelly said they will be relying on social media we will attract Torontonians, tourists and media to the Bloor and websites for promotion. Also Tourism Toronto will be Street Culture Corridor and establish it as a vital and accessible distributing brochures for international exposure. arts and culture destination. Each of our organizations One of the collaborators, Japan Foundation program contributes to and will benefi t from [it].” offi cer Toshi Aoyagi, also stressed the importance of raising Kelly says there are certain elements that need to be in place awareness and the benefi ts of the project. to make it work, such as uniqueness, diversity and location, so “Downtown Toronto has a lot to off er. Th e shopping mall it might be challenging for other areas or streets in the city to is not the only place to go. Th e collaboration is not just about create their own distinct corridor to attain these benefi ts. promotion, it’s about improving the quality of life in the city,” “On Bloor Street, we have a very special mix of arts genres he told NRU. and cultural diversity being off ered by a dozen organizations To determine if this strategy is working, Kelly told NRU all located within an easily walkable stretch. [Th e groups they will have quantitative indicators to measure the project’s including Aboriginal, Francophone, Jewish, Italian and success. CONTINUED PAGE 5 > 4 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

COMMENTARY

Toronto Governance CITY: TOO BIG, TOO SMALL By Enid Slack and Zachary Spicer

As Toronto’s municipal election campaign begins to take offi cers, a lobbyist registry and a Code of Conduct. shape, the city’s 15-year old amalgamation still looms large. While amalgamation was hugely unpopular in Toronto, little A new report by the Institute on Municipal Finance and has been done to reverse or amend the restructuring process. In Governance looks at the legacy of amalgamation in Toronto and Montréal, local resentment led to de-amalgamation referenda Montréal. In both cases, the Province pursued restructuring that reversed the reforms in some former municipalities, as a means of reducing the number of local governments and and forced the creation of an upper-tier ‘agglomeration’ politicians and fi nding effi ciencies and cost savings. government to coordinate the messy governance arrangement We evaluated the legacies of both amalgamations based on on the island. four criteria: effi ciencies and cost savings, service levels and tax Still, perhaps the most important legacy of the amalgamations burden, accountability and local responsiveness, and regional in both cities was the failure to address regional issues. In coordination. Th ere is little evidence of effi ciencies and cost Toronto, amalgamation failed to tackle the need for planning savings in either city. In Toronto, we found that expenditures and coordination across the broader metropolitan region, with on many of the lower-tier services that were merged, such as the ‘Megacity’ representing only about half of the population fi re and garbage, actually increased aft er amalgamation. Th ere of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, with growth was limited scope for savings in the fi rst place, as many of the and service responsibility spilling over into the surrounding city’s largest expenditures—welfare, transit and policing— large, fast-growing suburban municipalities. In Montréal, the were already the responsibility of the upper-tier government situation was similar. Th e provincial government attempted to (Metro Toronto). bridge this gap by creating the Communauté Metropolitaine de However, we did fi nd that there was greater equity in Montréal, a regional body that serves 82 municipalities in and the distribution of services and tax burden across Toronto, around the city and has broad jurisdiction for coordinating a although this has not been the case in Montréal. Prior to range of economic, social, environmental and transportation amalgamation, the municipalities of York and East York were services. experiencing declining tax bases and lower service levels than Today, Toronto remains too small to tackle big regional Metro Toronto’s other lower-tier municipalities. Amalgamation issues. Th e GTHA is highly fragmented, with 26 municipalities likely increased the level of services for residents in these two of varying shapes and sizes, each with unique economic and areas, resulting in increased equity. demographic characteristics, challenges and political dynamics. Finally, local accountability has probably improved in No GTHA-wide governance body exists to enable planning and Toronto while responsiveness has likely diminished. Th e decision-making among these municipalities, and with the other number of political representatives in Toronto has signifi cantly orders of government. Metrolinx, a special-purpose agency decreased, falling from 106 elected offi cials under Metro created to plan the regional transportation network and operate Toronto to 58 in the new City of Toronto and subsequently the GO commuter network, has been hamstrung by a lack of to the 45 we have now. As each elected representative has far fi nancial tools and the absence of a regionally representative, more constituents, we can assume that citizens have less access accountable mechanism for GTHA decision-making. to decision-makers. Additionally, community councils—a Th e upcoming municipal election campaign will focus structure put in place to ensure local responsiveness in the heavily on issues like transportation, infrastructure, growth wake of consolidation—have been reduced and each is now the planning and economic development—all of which need to be size of a large city. While responsiveness to citizens has likely coordinated across the broader region. But ultimately, the city diminished, there has been a strengthening of institutional and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area municipalities accountability mechanisms, with the creation of accountability will continue to struggle in planning, CONTINUED PAGE 5 > 5 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 TORONTO BRIEFS

On successful regional acknowledged that our teaming up to bring former Transport for London transportation systems population is growing Transport for London board is responsible for the vast Complaints about transit much faster than our transit member and designer David majority of transportation can draw just about any system, so Th e Neptis Quarmby to the Toronto to planning and operations in two Torontonians together Foundation and the Toronto talk about his successes in Greater London and in mutual ire. It’s widely Region Board of Trade are London. CONTINUED PAGE 11 > ICONIC BLOOR STREET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

“We will be tracking attendance at each of the cultural Orchestra and Chamber Choir, Toronto Consort, Miles destinations, as well as visits to the websites and social media Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Native Canadian Centre of activity. When we run special promotions, we will track both Toronto, Alliance Française de Toronto, Instituto Italiano di interest and attendance directly generated by the promotion. Cultura, Royal Conservatory of Music, Royal Ontario Museum, We are also hoping to work with the local BIAs to track increases Gardiner Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, and Japan Foundation. in economic activity along this stretch of Bloor Street.” Th ey are working together with community partners including Th e Bloor Street Culture Corridor organizations from east the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, Bloor-Annex BIA, Tourism Toronto, to west are Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, Tafelmusik Baroque Ontario Arts Council and City of Toronto. nru CITY: TOO BIG, TOO SMALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 coordinating and fi nancing regional services without a rethink arrangements have been formed by municipalities to enable of its governance arrangements. coordination. Metrolinx’s governance structure could be So, as the 2014 municipal election campaigns take shape, enhanced to include provincial and local representation so a key question for mayoral and council candidates across the there is some accountability for transportation planning GTHA is: how do you propose to tackle this regional governance decisions and other special-purpose agencies could be created gap? More specifi cally, what governance and coordination to coordinate regional economic and growth planning. mechanisms do you think are necessary to improve planning Of course, another important question is how to engage among GTHA municipalities, to enable better service the Province in regional governance reform? Th is is clearly an coordination and to allow for joint decision-making? issue that’s time has come. Prospective local leaders should be Th ere are plenty of options to look at. An elected upper-tier eager to start this conversation and when better than during regional government could be created like the Greater London an election campaign. Authority, with a mayor and assembly and responsibility for coordinating metro functions such as transport, police and Th e report, Too Big, Yet Still Too Small: Th e Mixed Legacy of economic development across 33 lower-tier governments. In the Montréal and Toronto Amalgamations, can be found on the many city-regions around the world, voluntary cooperation Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance website. nru 6 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 THE RACE IS ON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Toronto needs federal leadership to help tackle these issues. Cressy is not yet facing any contenders from within his Trinity-Spadina by the Total number of occupied party, but COPE lawyer and occasional columnist numbers dwellings: 75,845 Glenn Wheeler confi rms to NRU that he is planning to run Population: 140,375 • Owned: 35,640 • Rented: 40,210 for the Liberal nomination. Number of immigrants: 51,040 “I’m just in the process of getting together my nomination Percentage of tenant papers,” he says. Visible minority population: 52,250 households in subsidized housing: 10.4 per cent “I think generally, in the Trinity-Spadina riding and in Total population (over 15) with postsecondary certifi cate, degree Toronto [as a whole], the federal government has been sort of or diploma: 92,100 Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 absent, even though there are vital federal issues in this riding.” National Household Survey. Average income: 54,422 Wheeler says the country needs both a national housing Note: Municipal ward boundaries strategy and a national transit strategy and once those are Public transit users: 28,465 and federal riding boundaries are not aligned. developed they’ll benefi t all of Canada, not just Toronto. He Individuals speaking non-offi cial said addressing the transit funding gap is critical. languages at home: 65,385 “Cities are the fi nancial engines of the country, but the federal government is doing nothing to nurture the infrastructure we need to sustain these economies.” I think generally, in the Trinity-Spadina riding and in Toronto Th e dates for Conservative, Green and Liberal parties’ [as a whole], the federal government has been sort of absent, nomination meetings have yet be set and there is no word even though there are vital federal issues in this riding. about potential candidates to represent the Conservative and • Glenn Wheeler Green parties in the upcoming by-election. But it is early days with Chow only having resigned March 12. Th e Prime Minister has six months from that date to call the by-election. At the time Chow stepped down, there was speculation that Among federal Liberals there has been some jockeying for Councillor would put his name forward, but the nomination. As widely reported in mainstream media Layton’s support is behind Cressy. last week federal Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau sparked “I support him wholeheartedly. He’s a great candidate, and some controversy when he reportedly blocked Christine he’s a star in Trinity-Spadina—and across the country, really,” Innes from running. Innes is chief of staff for provincial Layton tells NRU. “He’s been involved in [social] issues since tourism, culture and sport minister Michael Chan and spouse he could lift up a sign, and he’s made it his life’s work to fi ght of former MP Tony Ianno, who Chow defeated in2006 to for the causes he believes in.” represent Trinity-Spadina. Layton says he hasn’t heard of any confi rmed challengers to Initially, Cressy was planning to work on Chow’s campaign Cressy’s nomination within the party. before he announced his intention to run for the NDP Th e Trinity-Spadina riding comprises both Layton’s Ward nomination. 19 and Councillor ’s Ward 20. NRU asked Cressy aligns himself closely with the philosophies of Chow both councillors about the priorities for Trinity-Spadina that and the late . NRU asked him what he will do to require federal involvement. Vaughan stresses the need for the diff erentiate himself from Layton and Chow, and Cressy said federal government to commit to a national housing strategy his track record should stand for itself. and Layton agrees. He says the city needs Ottawa’s support for “I’m active in the local community on issues like local aff ordable housing, but transit is “the most critical need for the transit and poverty—issues that matter,” he tells NRU. He also city right now.” points to his work on social justice issues in Canada and in Layton says Cressy is the sort of strong voice needed to Africa as setting him apart. represent these concerns in Ottawa. nru 7 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 INDUSTRY POSITIVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

DPS] specifi c to the City of Toronto. We will work with them [buyers] don’t want parking, we have the ability to go back to ensure the system works for everyone involved.” to the committee of adjustment and reduce [the number Toronto developer TAS project manager Brandon of parking spaces that need to be provided]. Under the Donnelly told NRU that he sees value in implementing a development permit by-law you wouldn’t be able to do that development permit system. and that’s one of our concerns.” “It’s going to improve effi ciency in terms of the approvals Symmetry Developments vice president Sayf Hassan process,” he said. “It takes years to see [developments] approved. told NRU that he feels “quite positive” about the potential of And those costs don’t disappear, they just get transferred to the a development permit system, saying the current process is cost of the housing.” too cumbersome for developers who want to create mid-rise Donnelly said that, done well, development permit by- buildings. laws can help increase the supply of housing, and can improve “Th e current system is mired in consultations with transparency for neighbourhoods, but he is concerned with community associations who will fi ght any application that how infl exible development permit by-laws could be when it deviates from the existing zoning by-law. It’s good to have that comes to making adjustments once they are implemented. front-end consultation that can be vigorous.” “You lay out this master vision upfront, and you don’t see Hassan said that his only concern is one shared by some how things evolve in an incremental way.” community associations. DiamondCorp executive vice president Bob Blazevski “Th e developer can challenge the [development permit by- told NRU that “anything to streamline the process” would law] and they cannot. Th at’s the only concern. We should be be a good thing, but said he has concerns over whether a able to level the playing fi eld by saying that at the front-end development permit by-law might inhibit creativity. consultation, there can’t be a challenge to [the development “Are all the buildings going to be this one datum line? permit by-law]. Th at’s an inequality.” Are we going to get too generic? Are the limitations put on Goldman Group development vice president Guy development going to take away from the quality of materials D’Onofrio said that the development industry was “trying to and level of design excellence?” be positive” about the development permit system. Despite concerns, Blazevski remains positive. “If the city can make it workable, [similar to] as-of-right “I think there will be a dialogue, there will be due process, zoning to build within certain parameters, then it could and some level of negotiation on what [implementing the possibly work in this city.” development permit system] means.” D’Onofrio is concerned that developers might be boxed Plazacorp solicitor Leslie Yager said that the current in if meeting the criteria that a development permit by-law system is “way too adversarial,” and therefore is excited about requires proves diffi cult. the development permit system. “What happens if the property that you own can’t meet “I certainly think everyone applauds planning for taking that criteria, and you can’t acquire any other properties? the initiative here, because [development] does take a long Th en you’re faced with making an application to amend the time. Our current system oft en produces a winner and loser, [development permit] by-law as a whole. So it could still be as that’s never good,” she said. “We really fi nd that it is helpful cumbersome as doing a rezoning application in the fi rst place.” and good to work with the neighbourhood. And with the While he doesn’t believe that the system can eliminate development permit system, that’s what you’re going to be tensions between developers and the community, D’Onofrio doing.” is trying to remain positive. She shares Donnelly’s concern about the potential “I hope it goes well; we’re all trying in the development infl exibility of development permit by-laws, for things such as industry to look at it from a positive point of view. We’ll the number of parking spaces the city may require. see how the dialogue develops as the city puts forth its draft

“In today’s world, if we go to the market and fi nd out [offi cial plan] to enable this legislation.” CONTINUED PAGE 8 > 8 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 CITY COUNCIL ROUNDUP

Porter expansion still up in the air Leaf Sports has its eye on making the fi eld home to the CFL’s At council on Tuesday, the question of whether to expand Toronto Argonauts too. the Billy Bishop airport was discussed at great length— Councillors and Mike Del Grande, alongside again. Tuesday night, the discussion drew to a close with a Mayor Rob Ford, voted against the expansion. unanimous vote on the motion as amended, but no resolution as to whether jets should be allowed. Council directed staff to Clearing up Community Benefi ts continue negotiations and stipulated that Waterfront Toronto Council adopted, with amendments, improvements to the be involved in the negotiations, the impact of expansion section 37 implementation process. Th e changes are meant to on bird populations in the Inner Harbour Area and Tommy bring a bit more clarity and consistency to the city’s existing Th ompson Park be studied, and infrastructure costs of tripartite implementation guidelines. negotiations not fall on the city, or use funds otherwise available to the city, including the Build Canada Fund. Potholepalooza Th e winter has been long and hard, and has created more than a few unnatural speed bumps. Council approved a motion by Councillor to provide a million dollars to each of the city’s four districts for road repairs.

Council approves funding to expand BMO Field Potheadpalooza In a 39-3 vote, council decided to expand the city-owned BMO Th e winter has been long and hard, and… wait I lost my train Field at its meeting Th ursday. Th e city will invest $10-million of thought. Zoning by-law amendments to allow medical into the facility, and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment will marihuana production facilities in employment areas— chip in $90-million. Currently home to Toronto FC, Maple subject to conditions—were adopted by council. nru INDUSTRY POSITIVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Some city councillors, such as Peter Milczyn and Adam Vaughan, have been pushing for development permit by-laws as an option to manage growth in Etobicoke and downtown Toronto. (See NRU Toronto, March 7, 2014.) However the approach has drawn mixed reviews from residents, some of whom see value in envisioning a fully built-out neighbourhood, while others are concerned about the loss of their rights to appeal. (See NRU Toronto, March 14, 2014.) With the end of the public consultation on the proposed offi cial plan amendment to allow the city to implement development permit by-laws, staff will be reporting back to the planning and growth committee at its April 10 meeting. nru 9 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 STANDING COMMITTEE AGENDAS

GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Road and the creation of an easement for nine feet of land at 3011-3019 Bathurst Street to construct and operate a 24-space Th e Government Management Committee will consider the surface parking facility. following at its meeting on Monday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m. in committee room 1, City Hall. Procurement of emergency services in response to 2013 ice storm— Solid waste management services general manager Jim SCHEDULED REPORTS Harnum recommends the committee receive for information the report on the emergency non-competitive procurement of 9:45 a.m. various services related to the emergency clean-up of the 2013 Apportionment of property taxes—Report recommends council ice storm. approve the redistribution of outstanding property taxes from PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE one parcel of land to many newly created properties. COMMITTEE

Cancellation, reduction or refund of property taxes—Report Th e Public Works and Infrastructure Committee will consider recommends council approve individual tax appeal the following at its meeting on Wednesday, April 9 at 9:30 a.m. applications which resulted in tax reductions for properties in committee room 1, City Hall. that underwent changes such as fi re or demolition.

REPORTS REPORTS

Guidelines and policies for property transfers to Build Toronto— Street guidelines—Report recommends council direct Chief corporate offi cer Josie Scioli recommends the committee transportation services general manager Stephen Buckley receive for information the report on the guidelines and and chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat to develop guidelines policies related to the transfer of properties to Build Toronto. for “complete streets,” which are streets designed and operated to enable safe access and functionality for all users. Financial planning analysis and reporting system update— Deputy city manager and chief fi nancial offi cer Roberto Waste collection—Solid waste management services general Rossini recommends the committee receive for information manager Harnum recommends the committee receive for the report on the implementation of the fi nancial planning information the report on the fi nancial and operational corridor analysis reporting system. impacts for waste collection for charities, institutions and religious organizations. Largest property tax debtors—City treasurer Giuliana Carbone recommends the committee receive for information the Strategy to reduce litter—Solid waste management services report on property tax accounts with outstanding receivables general manager Harnum recommends the committee receive of $500,000 or more as of December 2013. for information the report on strategies to reduce litter city- wide. 2013 annual report on sole source purchasing activity—City treasurer Carbone recommends the committee receive for Gardiner expressway and Don Valley Parkway closure—Report information the report on the sole source purchasing activity recommends council approve the closure of the Gardiner greater than $3,000 in 2013. Expressway from the Humber River to the Don Valley Parkway and also the closure of the Don Valley Parkway from the 186 Caribou Road and 3011-3019 Bathurst Street—Report Gardiner to York Mills Road for the “Ride for Heart” events in recommends council authorize the acquisition of 186 Caribou 2014, 2015 and 2016. CONTINUED PAGE 10 > 10 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 STANDING COMMITTEE AGENDAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

External research collaborations for transportation services— PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT Report recommends council authorize transportation services COMMITTEE general manager Buckley to execute agreements regarding the city’s participation and funding for research and projects on Th e Planning and Growth Management Committee will road and sidewalk improvements. consider the following at its meeting on Th ursday, April 10 at 9:30 a.m. in committee room 1, City Hall. Eglinton environmental assessment—Report recommends SCHEDULED REPORTS council authorize transportation services general manager Buckley to fi le a report for an Eglinton Avenue class 10:00 a.m. environmental assessment study and advise Metrolinx to recommend plans for any reconstruction on Eglinton Avenue Zoning by-law amendments for group homes—Report for the crosstown LRT project. recommends council amend zoning by-laws to remove the policies regarding separation distance between group homes Levels of service for winter maintenance of bikeways—Report and the minimum number of occupants. recommends council confi rm the proposed levels of service for 2015/2016 winter season cycling routes and signage. REPORTS

Update on implementation of wastewater systems—Toronto Electronic and illuminated sign study—Report recommends water general manager Lou Di Gironimo recommends council amend the sign by-law to permit the display of council receive for information the report on the initiatives electronic and illuminated signs. taken to implement the new federal wastewaster systems effl uent regulations which impact the city’s wastewater Draft transportation policies reviews—Report recommends the treatment plants and sewers. committee use the draft offi cial plan transportation policies for public consultations as part of the review process of the By-laws for paying for parking by mobile device—Report “Feeling Congested?” initiative. recommends council amend various by-laws to enable the implementation of payments by cell phone or other devices Eglinton connects planning study—Final directions report for on-street parking machines and off -street parking lots. recommends council approve the study recommendations of the Eglinton Connects Plan that respond to the future Environmental assessment of Bayview Avenue extension Eglinton LRT. reconfi guration—Report recommends council direct transportation services general manager Buckley to 840 and 860 Dupont Street—Preliminary report recommends undertake an environmental assessment to identify potential staff be directed to review the application for 840 and 860 improvements to the Bayview Avenue extension that address Dupont Street with respect to the Dupont Street regeneration traffi c concerns. area study.

Improving safety for cyclists—Councillor Mike Layton 8 Oak Street—Preliminary report recommends staff schedule recommends the committee request transportation general a community consultation meeting with the ward councillor. manager Buckley to report on the progress of developing policies that protect cyclists in construction areas. 2150 Lake Shore Boulevard West and 23 Park Lawn Road— Preliminary report recommends staff schedule a community consultation meeting with the ward councillor. CONTINUED PAGE 11 > 11 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 STANDING COMMITTEE AGENDAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

6 Lloyd Avenue—Preliminary report recommends staff schedule Letter from councillors Layton and recommends a community consultation meeting with the ward councillor. the committee request the chief building offi cial and executive director Ann Borooah report on the amendments to the 2013 Toronto Employment Survey—Chief planner and executive Municipal Code to eliminate the Gardiner Gateway special director Keesmaat recommends the committee receive for sign district. information the report on the 2013 Toronto Employment Survey. West Toronto/Georgetown rail corridor— Letter from Councillor Layton recommends the committee request chief planner Implementing a development permit system—Report recom- and executive director Keesmaat, in consultation with mends a public consultation meeting be held June 9 concerning the transportation services, parks, forestry and recreation, proposed offi cial plan amendment to allow the implementation economic development and culture, the TTC, and Metrolinx/ of a development permit system. GO Transit, coordinate planning initiatives to optimize the potential along the West Toronto/Georgetown rail corridor to Request to eliminate the Gardiner Gateway special sign district— improve transit, active transportation and green space. nru

TORONTO BRIEFS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Quarmby led the design of its Reimagining the city’s laneways Register online. a discussion with Project for governance and organization From Th ursday through Public Spaces vice-president 15 years ago. Since it came Sunday this week, Spur 2014 Lessons in creative place-making Cynthia Nikitin. She speaks into existence, there has been is taking place in the city. Th e Artscape is holding a webinar about how her organization a major shift in the ways festival bills itself as one of series called “Innovators in approaches placemaking. Th e people use public transit in “politics, art and ideas,” and Creative Placemaking.” Th e webinar is now available online. Greater London. Th ere has this year one of the highlights second in the series features nru been a 70 per cent increase in will be a panel examining bus use, 40 per cent increase the architectural and in commuter rail travel, community possibilities of Economic Drivers Versus and 35 per cent increase in Toronto’s laneways. Th e panel The Cities We Want underground travel. At the includes Fortune editor Leigh same time there has been a 10 Gallagher, who wrote Th e The 18th Annual Friends of Planning Spring Social per cent decline in car use. End of the Suburbs, University Join hundreds of professionals in support of the April 9 Quarmby will of Toronto John H. Daniels University of Toronto’s Masters Program in Planning and discuss how he brought Faculty of Architecture Urban Design Studies. PamelaPamela Blais those changes to fruition at professor Brigitte Shim, and Author, Hart House Great Hall April 10, 2014 6 - 9 pm and Principal, 7 Hart House Circle Tickets: a Toronto Region Board of urbanist Shawn Micallef. Metropole University of Toronto $45 prior to April 1 Trade breakfast from 7:30 to Panelists will imagine what Consultants Ltd. St. George Campus $50 thereafter

9 a.m. Register online. the city will look like in seven Presented by the alumni.utoronto.ca/spring-sociala University of Toronto’s years, with a pop-up gallery Planning Alumni Committee [email protected] 416 978 3375 by illustrator Michael Cho. 12 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 TORONTO OMB NEWS

Increased height for Highland Creek village dwelling with a garage. Th e variances include a decrease in In a decision issued March 24, board member Richard lot frontage and side yard setbacks and increases in building Makuch allowed an appeal by 1051023 Ontario Limited of length, lot coverage, building height, number of storeys, fi rst the City of Toronto’s approval of an offi cial plan amendment fl oor height and porch projection and permission for a below- and zoning by-law which implemented recommendations for grade garage. Th e property is located at 7 Forest Wood in the the Highland Creek Village Area study. 1051023 appealed the Lytton Park neighbourhood. amendments because it wanted increased height and density Neighbour Anatoli Plotkine opposed the proposed house. He for properties located at 1610, 1614, 1620, 1622 and 1650 thought it was too close to the property line and had concerns Military Trail. Th e lands are located between Old Kingston with the potential loss of trees and privacy and damage to the Road, Highway 2A and Military Trail. foundation of his house. Planner Martin Rendl (Martin Rendl Associates) provided Planner Franco Romano (Franco Romano and Associates) evidence on behalf of 1051023 and planner Franco Romano provided uncontested expert planning evidence in support of (Franco Romano and Associates) provided evidence on the variances. He told the board that below-grade garages were behalf of the city. Both planners agreed that the issue was to common in the area and the proposed development represents determine whether fi ve-storey buildings should be allowed the changes taking place in the neighbourhood. He added that on the properties at 1614, 1620 and 1622 Military Trail as the building’s size was higher because the proposed terraces the properties at 1610 and 1650 were agreed to be properly were a signifi cant portion of the calculation. designated and zoned. Th e city stated that three storeys were Th e board accepted Romano’s evidence. It allowed the appropriate while 1051023 sought permission for fi ve storeys. appeal and authorized the variances with conditions including Rendl told the board the proposed height was consistent obtaining a ravine permit to protect the trees on the property. with provincial plans and that it would be a better use of the Solicitor involved in the case was Adam Brown (Sherman, properties. He told the board that council had no rationale for Brown) representing Allan and Susan Seidenfeld. (See OMB the reduced height decision. Case No. PL131000.) Romano told the board that the area should remain at three storeys to provide a better transition between the main street Variances allowed for new house and south village as described in the Highland Creek urban In a decision issued March 25, board member John Atcheson design guidelines and also to maintain the character of the allowed an appeal by Lesley and Frederick Th ouret of the City of neighbourhood. His opinion went against the city planning Toronto committee of adjustment’s failure to authorize a minor department’s recommendation but was consistent with variance application. Th ouret sought permission to demolish an council’s decision. existing dwelling and construct a two-storey detached dwelling Th e board allowed the appeal but withheld its fi nal order with a garage. Th e requested variances include increases to the until it receives amended documents. gross fl oor area, side yard setbacks and building height. Th e Solicitors involved in the case were John Alati and Meaghan property is located at 175 Stibbard Avenue just south of the McDermid (Davies Howe) representing 1051023 Ontario Lawrence Park neighbourhood. Limited and city solicitor Gary McKay representing the City Th e board was informed that Th ouret had requested of Toronto. (See OMB Case No. PL130037.) amendments to the variance application to address concerns raised by neighbours. Th e changes include reductions to all of Variances for Lytton Park house the proposed variances. In a decision issued March 24, board member Mary Anne Planner Janice Robinson (Goldberg Group) provided Sills allowed an appeal by Allan and Susan Seidenfeld of the evidence in support of the revised variances. She told the board City of Toronto committee of adjustment’s failure to approve that many other houses in the area have been reconstructed a minor variance application. Seidenfeld sought permission and vary in size and character. She added that the proposed to demolish an existing home and construct a three-storey house was part of the “reinvestment CONTINUED PAGE 13 > 13 CITY OF TORONTO EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 TORONTO OMB NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

[that] characterized the nature of new development occurring character of the neighbourhood. along this street within the neighbourhood.” City planner Kevin Friedrich provided evidence on behalf Neighbours Leonard Kubas and John Bonner opposed the of the city and planner Paul Johnston (Litavski Planning variances. Kubas had concerns with the proposal impacting Consultants) provided evidence on behalf of neighbours trees located near the property and both said that the proposed Abdalla and Helena Ruken who opposed the variances. Th e house was too large for the neighbourhood and would impact city had previously refused an application for a second-fl oor views from their decks. addition to the same property because of diffi culties maintaining Th e board was satisfi ed that the variances were minor and the intent of the zoning by-law. Th e neighbours had concerns allowed the appeal. It authorized the variances with conditions with the building’s size and how it would create shadows. including satisfying tree protection by-laws and constructing Th e board agreed with Tang but found the variances were the house in accordance with site plans prepared by Richard not minor because of the size of the second fl oor. It dismissed Wengle Architects Inc. dated February 27. the appeal and did not authorize the variances. Solicitors involved in the case were John Alati (Davies Solicitors involved in the case were city solicitor Ellen Howe) representing Lesley and Frederick Th ouret and city Penner representing the City of Toronto and Patrick solicitor Mark Crawford representing the City of Toronto. Harrington (Aird and Berlis LLP) representing Abdalla and (See OMB Case No. Pl131063.) Helena Ruken. (See OMB Case No. PL131108.) nru

Second storey denied In a decision issued March 25, board member Reid Rossi dismissed an appeal by Nicholas Whistler of the City of Toronto committee of adjustment’s failure to approve minor variances. Whistler sought permission to construct a second- storey addition on top of an existing single-storey house. Th e variances include an increase to fl oor space index and a decrease to yard setbacks. Th e property is located at 59 Barton Avenue near the intersection of Bloor Street West and Bathurst Street. Planner Christina Tang (Christou Group) provided evidence on behalf of Whistler. She told the board that the variances maintain the general intent and purpose of the offi cial plan and zoning by-law and reinforces the existing

TORONTO PEOPLE

Mark Sterling is the new Inc. That fi rm is now called Trinity-Spadina by-election. council as the councillor promotions within the principal of the recently Sweeny &Co Architects Inc. in Ward 39. Karygiannis fi rm: Mary Castel and established fi rm Acronym Liberal MP Jim has represented the Leigh McGrath are now Urban Design and Joseph Cressy has Karygiannis has Scarborough-Agincourt senior associates and Planning. Prior to January confi rmed he will stand announced his resignation federal riding since 1988. Yang Huang, Christine 31st, Mark was a partner for nomination to be the as a federal member Fang-Denissov and Daniel with Sweeny Sterling of parliament and his Urban Strategies has Comerford are associates. Finlayson &Co Architects candidate in the upcoming intent to run for city announced fi ve new