SHIFTING GEARS 2 ON PARKING City to Review Parking Requirements

BUILDING A 4 SENSE OF HOME City Creates New Shelter Design Guidelines

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021

Vol. 25 No. 3

FUTURE OF WEST DON LANDS HERITAGE SITE HANGS IN THE BALANCE AS RESIDENTS, THE CITY TRY TO PAUSE DEMOLITION FUROR AT THE FOUNDRY

Marc Mitanis

emolition of the historic 153 to 185 — be constructed and makes no Photo of the Dominion Foundry Dominion Foundry also known as Blocks 17 mention of potential affordable Complex at 153 to 185 Eastern D Complex in the West and 26—was issued by the housing. Avenue, also known as Blocks 17 and 26 in the West Don Lands. Don Lands has begun three province in the fall of 2020 According to councillor The listed heritage buildings are months after a Minister’s Zoning without notification to the Wong-Tam, city planning staff currently undergoing demolition Order (MZO) issued for the city. The order allows for the recently learned that three following a Minister’s Zoning Or- der issued by the province for the provincially-owned site changed development of three high-rise buildings are planned for the site in October 2020. The order zoning permissions to allow for buildings, setting out the use, site, at approximately 18, 34, and will allow for the development three mixed-use and residential maximum building height, and up to 43-storeys tall. Planning of three high-rise, mixed-use high-rises. Ward 13 maximum density of future staff have also learned that 30 residential buildings of up to 43 storeys tall. A development ap- Centre councillor Kristyn Wong- development on the property. per cent of the gross floor area of plication has yet to be submitted Tam and members of the local The order does not specify the the 18-storey building would be for the property. community say the demolition number of residential units to CONTINUED PAGE 9 SOURCE: RESPECT LOCAL PLANNING of a listed heritage building, carried out with no prior public consultation or development application submitted, demonstrates the province’s disinterest in engaging with local residents. The four buildings on the site were constructed between 1917 and 1929. Listed in the City of Toronto’s Heritage Register since 2004, the buildings were once used by the Dominion Wheel and Foundries Company to produce railway equipment. The MZO for the Dominion Foundry Complex property at CITY TO UNDERTAKE REVIEW OF PARKING REQUIREMENTS UPCOMING DATES

JANUARY 20 Brampton Committee of Council, 9:30 a.m. SHIFTING GEARS Georgina Council (Public Planning), 7:00 p.m.

Halton Regional Council, 9:30 a.m. ON PARKING Hamilton Council, 9:30 a.m.

Mississauga Council, 9:30 a.m.

Richmond Hill Council Public Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Rob Jowett

21 Caledon Special Council meeting, 5:00 p.m. educing parking “Through the review, the proposed development. Hamilton General Issues requirements in new we expect the automobile There has been concern Committee (Budget), 9:30 a.m. residential developments parking regulations to shift that the minimum required 22 Brock Special Council, 9:00 a.m. R could help the City of Toronto from being largely based number of parking spaces is Hamilton General Issues Committee (Budget), 9:30 a.m. bring down housing costs and around parking minimums higher than necessary in many get units built faster while to being more focussed on areas of the city, especially 25 Ajax Council, 7:00 p.m. encouraging a modal shift away parking maximums,” Toronto downtown where public Brock Council, 5:00 p.m. from car travel. transportation planning transit is widely available, and Clarington General Government Committee, At its meeting January program manager Michael that the minimum does not 9:30 a.m. 19, the Toronto planning and Hain told NRU. “The shift will reflect changing transportation King Council/Committee of housing committee approved support the city’s objectives patterns which increasingly the Whole, 6:00 p.m. undertaking a review of the to reduce the environmental favour transit and active Mississauga Planning & city’s parking requirements. impacts of transportation and transportation over car- Development Committee, 6:00 p.m. The review will examine the encourage land [-efficient] and oriented travel.

Markham Development city’s parking requirements cost-efficient development. We High parking minimums Services Committee, 9:30 a.m. for residential development would also like to make the can significantly increase Oakville Council, 6:30 p.m. projects with the goal of parking requirements easier the costs and timelines Oshawa Council, 9:30 a.m. finding ways to reduce number to interpret and more flexible of development projects.

Pickering Council, 7:00 p.m. of parking spaces included in to encourage missing-middle Underground parking

Scugog Special Council, new developments in order to housing types.” garages are often needed to 6:30 p.m. reduce housing development costs The city-wide zoning by-law accommodate the city’s parking Vaughan Committee of the and to help promote non-car- 569-2013 includes minimum minimums for a development, Whole, 1:00 p.m. oriented transportation modes. parking requirements for which means developments Vaughan Committee of the The findings of the review and development of almost 90 have to dig deeper, often Whole (Closed Session), 4:00 p.m. planning staff’s recommendations different land uses. The specific running into the water table,

Whitby Council, 7:00 p.m. on changes to the parking amount of parking required in a which creates an additional set requirements are expected to new development varies greatly of costs and challenges. These be presented to council in the depending on the zoning additional costs are then passed fourth quarter of 2021. category and the location of CONTINUED PAGE 3

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Ian A.R. Graham, Publisher Rob Jowett, Reporter Jeff Payette SALES/SUBSCRIPTIONS Novæ Res Urbis Toronto Corporate Office Billings Department [email protected] [email protected] Design/Layout is published 50 times a Ext. 222 Ext. 226 [email protected] [email protected] 1200 , Suite 1101 NRU Publishing Inc. year and is not to be Ext. 228 Toronto, ON M5R 2A5 PO Box 19595 Manulife PO, Irena Kohn, Editor Peter Pantalone Annual subscription rate is redistributed without the Tel: 416.260.1304 Toronto, ON M4W 3T9 [email protected] Planning Researcher Samantha Lum $409 +HST (ON). written consent of the Fax: 416.979.2707 Ext. 223 [email protected] Sales and Circulation Complimentary trial publisher. ISSN 1918-7548 [email protected] Marc Mitanis, Senior Reporter subscriptions are available. Ext. 224 [email protected] Ext. 225 Advertising rates available upon request. FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 2 above-grade parking spaces the way they use vehicles,” SHIFTING GEARS that can be converted to Bloor East Neighbourhood housing in the future. Association (BENA) president ON PARKING “I don’t think we need the Linda Brett told NRU. “Many rules,” says Lyall. “I think the of the younger people that are

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 market can determine and within my association—instead the proponents of a project of owning an automobile and on to the end user. The city is for landowners, who often can determine what they’re putting it down into a parking facing a housing affordability choose to develop housing on marketing and how much lot that they may use on a crisis and is looking for new sites that allow for high enough parking they want to have in weekend, once a month, or ways of reducing housing densities to offset the costs of that building and market that whatever, they use car share or prices and of getting housing providing parking spaces and and just leave it at that, run the rent a car.” built faster. who often avoid developing on experiment.” BENA also submitted a “Our current parking sites where some intensification There has been communication to the city requirements for automobiles is permitted but would require growing interest both from expressing its support for the and bicycles do not do as expensive new parking spaces. municipalities and developers review. much as they could to support “I think [a review] is in reducing or eliminating Brett says she supports the city’s policy objectives, long overdue,” Residential parking from buildings. reducing parking minimums particularly in the areas of Construction Council of Recently, the City of Brampton and says that she wants to see travel demand management Ontario (RESCON) president eliminated its minimum a small increase to the amount and affordable housing,” says Richard Lyall told NRU. “We’re parking requirements in its of guest parking available Hain. “A key element of the looking [at an increase of] $80 downtown area to spur a modal in buildings to ensure that review will be to develop a to $100 grand a unit [for] a shift and to drive down housing the parked cars of building monitoring program to assess parking spot… and then we’ve prices. In western Canada, the visitors do not spill out onto the effectiveness of the city’s had situations where you’ve City of Edmonton eliminated the surrounding streets, as well parking policies going forward. had condo developers who parking minimums in June. as requirements for residential The data gathered through have built buildings and the South of the border, the City of developments to accommodate monitoring will simplify future people don’t want the parking.” Miami also eliminated parking bike parking. She also believes reviews of parking policies RESCON submitted a minimums in its downtown in there should be temporary and other related matters. communication to the city 2010, which Lyall says has been spaces for service vehicles Throughout the review, it will expressing its support for the a major success. so they also do not interfere be critical to consider the review. In an early attempt to get with roadways when parked at interrelationships between Lyall says he supports the on board with the lowered buildings. the city’s various policies and idea of parking maximums— parking requirements trend, regulations related to parking allowing landowners to provide King Financial is proposing to ensure that any changes to as much parking space as they a 74-storey mixed-use the zoning by-law will have feel is needed up to a certain development at 372 Yonge their intended effect.” amount—as it gives developers Street which includes no The prospect of reducing the flexibility to determine parking spaces (see NRT the city’s parking requirements what is needed on a particular September 4, 2020: Building is also viewed by staff as a site. He says he believes the rise on Heritage). In the fall, King way of incenting development of autonomous vehicles and Financial CEO Dani Cohen of missing middle housing increased use of car-sharing told NRU that he believes typologies such as duplexes and services mean that most people parking at the development townhouses. The minimum will not need dedicated parking will be unnecessary given the parking requirements for these spaces in the near future. He building’s proximity to transit forms of housing often make adds that the city should also and available bicycle parking. their development impractical be looking at allowing more “People are changing

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 3 CITY CREATES NEW SHELTER DESIGN GUIDELINES BUILDING A SENSE OF HOME

Marc Mitanis

he City of Toronto has to open 1,000 new permanent accessibility needs, and heightens the potential released new Shelter shelter beds inspired the youth who have experienced positive impact of architecture T Design Guidelines creation of the guidelines. homelessness. on the people who will be informed by industry best “For the first time in a long A number of design encountering the shelter,” practices and input from time, new permanent shelter principles guide the Hilditch told NRU. “I think a individuals with lived beds were being created,” Lewis development of new shelters. lot of the principles that are experience of homelessness. told NRU. “In working with The principles emphasize outlined in the guidelines The guidelines are intended all of our partners, we saw a respect and dignity, safety and are intended to create better to be used as a blueprint by need to provide a document security, health and wellness, outcomes for everybody who’s architects and service providers that could not only guide the sustainability, and user-centred involved in the system, even the to facilitate shelter designs work of what was required design to foster positive people living in a community that promote dignity, comfort, in municipal shelters, but outcomes for shelter users, where a shelter might be and choice and to support what also ties into other city shelter staff, and the wider located.” shelter users towards moving to initiatives and requirements, community. The guidelines include a permanent housing. such as the Accessibility for The guidelines were number of recommendations The guidelines provide Ontarians with Disabilities prepared by Hilditch Architect. concerning site design. performance-based and Act (AODA) and our net zero Principal Steve Hilditch told Best practices emphasize prescriptive criteria for a range requirements.” NRU that architects have a adequate artificial and natural of development-related areas, Lewis said the guidelines belief that what they do is lighting and are cognizant of including design approaches incorporate feedback provided important in shaping the way the impact sight lines from and principles, functional by a wide range of stakeholders, in which people contact and neighbouring properties have building components, including Indigenous people, interact with society. on users’ privacy, dignity, environmental design, and people of colour, LGBTQ2S+ “Creating a set of guidelines and security. The guidelines building materials and finishes. individuals, people with that is user-centred really CONTINUED PAGE 5 They will be used to guide the development of new shelters Photo of the YMCA Vanauley in the City of Toronto and will Street emergency shelter in the Queen West and Spadina also influence decision-making community. The entrance to the in the renovation of existing shelter is located at the top of shelters. the steps away from the main street to provide a secluded The City of Toronto’s and dignified entry point that Shelter, Support and Housing is still visible from the street. Administration (SSHA) director Having regard to privacy of infrastructure planning and and clear sight lines to the outside is one of several design development Justin Lewis said instructions included within the that the city’s George Street City of Toronto’s new Shelter Revitalization project [See Design Guidelines, a document that lays out best practices in ‘A Catalyst for Change’ NRU the design of new permanent November 20 Toronto Edition] shelter spaces in the city. and city council’s 2018 decision SOURCE: CITY OF TORONTO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 4 role in securing longer-term self-sustainable again, in a BUILDING A housing outcomes for people house environment,” Heineck experiencing homelessness. told NRU. “We would like to see SENSE OF HOME Heineck referenced the city’s some of the principles over time COVID-19 Interim Shelter strengthened around shelters’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Recovery Strategy, developed role in that pathway to housing.” last year with input from a The guidelines acknowledge suggest shelters should feel suffering from mental health task force of homeless sector flexibility as a major design and look more home-like and issues, they’re able to connect stakeholders, including the principle for shelters. “Shelters less institutional—an objective with somebody so that they TAEH. Heineck said a broad should be designed to provide accomplished through both the can move along that housing consensus emerged from the flexibility in use and flexibility physical design of the building continuum.” task force about how the shelter for future reconfiguration as and the provision of specialized Toronto Alliance to system can transition into a permanent supportive housing, support services. “While a End Homelessness (TAEH) housing system. minimizing the costs associated shelter is meant to serve as executive lead Kira Heineck “[The guidelines] think with such potential changes in temporary accommodation, said the guidelines are part about housing as a continuum use,” the guidelines read. The introducing and instilling of a transition in recognizing of support and services, that HousingTO 2020-2030 Action concepts of ‘home’ is a key part that shelters can play a key support people in becoming Plan aims to increase supportive of maintaining an individual’s housing opportunities in the self-esteem,” the guidelines city and shifts future investment read. from building shelter “I often go back to the old infrastructure towards offering saying, ‘home is where the heart permanent supportive housing is’,” Lewis told NRU. “We often solutions. forget that these shelters are To break down barriers a home for somebody. Even between the community and if it’s brief, it’s still a home. I the shelter, the guidelines think what these guidelines CONTINUED PAGE 6 do is really bring together the architectural piece with Photo of a community garden in the the practical piece from a YMCA Vanauley Street Shelter in the Queen West and Spadina community. programmatic standpoint, in The new City of Toronto Shelter things like making the site Design Guidelines lays out best more accessible for those of practices to inform the design of new permanent shelters in the city. different cultural backgrounds, The guidelines note that outdoor ages, shapes, sizes, physical and amenity spaces like community sensory and cognitive abilities, gardens offer social, physical, and gender identities or needs. therapeutic benefits to clients. They create a welcoming, more SOURCE: CITY OF TORONTO home-like setting.” Diagram showing an example of Lewis said some daily living shared-use spaces shelters give people who are provided in a family shelter. The City of Toronto’s new Shelter Design experiencing homelessness Guidelines, developed with input the opportunity to bring their from individuals with lived experi- pets inside. “That’s huge. That’s ence of trauma and homelessness, contains best practices to inform something that wasn’t being the design of new permanent done years ago,” Lewis told shelters in Toronto.

NRU. “And if an individual is SOURCE: CITY OF TORONTO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 5 Recently renovated shelters BUILDING A at 3306 , 731 Runnymede Road, and SENSE OF HOME 2671 Islington Avenue have incorporated elements of the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 guidelines. The locations are now pet-friendly and offer suggest providing public access tenants get to learn more about smaller shared sleeping spaces. to facilities to help better their areas of focus, and maybe As a living document, the integrate the site into existing even get involved. So, then it guidelines will be regularly neighbourhoods. Lewis said becomes a nice interaction reviewed and updated as the that not every community between shelter users and other best practices in the design space and every location will groups that could provide some of shelters evolve. Lewis look the same. “SSHA will volunteer opportunities and a said the city is planning to work with the operator and all positive environment for clients review the document within of the partners involved in a in the shelter.” six months and to review it site to look at the constraints The guidelines also make again before the end of the of the property and determine reference to COVID-19 year. “We are looking to do a the suitable space within the response measures that regular review to ensure that shelter,” Lewis told NRU. “That’s have been implemented at we can incorporate the lived when we would start to work existing shelters, such as active experience that’s happening as with each operator specific to screening of staff, clients, and we build shelters throughout a location to determine the visitors, mandatory mask the city,” Lewis told NRU. community needs and what wearing in common areas, may be best for that space.” physical distancing measures Heineck said the provision at inside and outside living of community-accessible spaces spaces, and enhanced cleaning inside shelters is a great idea and infection prevention and that could foster interaction control. between shelter users and Hilditch said that he’s members of the broader already received positive community. comments from other “We want shelters as municipalities who can use much as possible to not the guidelines as a template be mysteriously hidden for the development of new away and isolated from shelter spaces. “The fact that communities, either physically the city has posted this on or conceptually in the mind the internet—it’s going to get of a community,” Heineck attention well beyond Toronto,” told NRU. “There could be Hilditch told NRU. “Other space made available to other cities have had some guidelines community groups that that they’ve posted online, but could come in and have their nothing as extensive as or as meetings or do their activities comprehensive as this, and and events. They come in I think nothing that’s really and get to know more about addressed the kinds of concerns housing, homelessness in that the city has addressed in their community. But then the this set of guidelines.”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 6 PROPOSAL FOR 240 ADELAIDE STREET WEST WOULD FEATURE CONVERTIBLE UNITS INTENSIFYING THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

Rob Jowett

f approved, a proposed Freed told NRU in a statement. metres of office space. There FitzRandolph says Freed mixed-use development “We look forward to working are numerous proposals for and KingSett are looking to I for the Entertainment closely together with the local buildings greater than 50 make major streetscape and District would add significant community, councillor, and city storeys in the area that have public realm improvements height and density to an area planning staff to help bring this recently been submitted or through the development. She of downtown already under project to fruition.” approved. says the city is examining the immense intensification The project would add “The height that we’re possibility of pedestrianizing pressure. However, some area even more height and density looking at is not going to Duncan Street and that the residents are concerned the to the rapidly growing and really be perceptible against development proponents are project may not add much to intensifying entertainment the existing skyline,” Freed looking to support that, if the vitality of the community. district. Two blocks away at Developments development possible, through this project. Freed Developments 260 is the Mirvish associate manager Kendra As part of the development and KingSett Capital are + Gehry condominium project FitzRandolph told NRU. “We proposal, the sidewalks adjacent proposing a mixed-use that currently has approval also want to ensure that we to the site would be rebuilt and development at 240 Adelaide for two 92-storey towers. At are working in the context of potentially widened. Street West. The proposal 145 Wellington Street West, the building, we’re providing “Our goal here is to consists of a 68-storey building Primaris Management is something iconic in an iconic offer an engaging at-grade on a six-storey podium. The proposing a mixed-use building neighborhood. And being commercial presence,” says development would contain including a 65-storey tower fully aware that we do have the FitzRandolph. “Whether it’s 637 condominium units, containing 476 condominium context around us, [for] which offering streetscape patios 2,224.9-square metres of office units with a 13-storey podium we need to pay attention to its along the sidewalk, enhancing space, and 112-square metres of containing 14,639.8-square heritage and importance.” that sidewalk… we want to retail space. Knock-out panels enhance the pedestrianization would be built between 70 of of [Duncan] Street, so offering a the residential units to allow safe and active thoroughfare for for future conversion to larger pedestrians to walk through, in, units. Freed and KingSett are and out of our building.” seeking rezoning approval to While the local community allow the project. CONTINUED PAGE 8 “Freed, and our partners KingSett Capital, are very Map showing the location of Freed excited to be involved in what Developments’ and KingSett Capital’s we think will be a world-class, proposed mixed-use development at landmark development in the 240 Adelaide Street West for which they are seeking rezoning approval. Entertainment District,” Freed SOURCE: CITY OF TORONTO Developments CEO Peter PREPARED BY: BOUSFIELDS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 7 got nothing at stake in the it’s an opportunity to put a drain INTENSIFYING THE community. Could it be one more on local resources, or it’s an investment property condo?” says opportunity to build some new ENTERTAINMENT Lobb. “If it has nothing at stake in vitality,” says Lobb. “Does this contributing to the future vitality removal of Croc Rock vitality of the community, might it also mean something? Well, for sure DISTRICT be an unwelcome development it does. We don’t like to lose for us because it could just lead to any business that’s a part of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 investment development? … I’m the fabric of the entertainment not saying ‘investment properties’ community, and Croc Rock has no specific concerns without contributing to in any sort of pejorative way… definitely represents that.” about the project given the the area, and that he would just saying that they then end up FirzRandolph says the amount of development in want to see how the project empty, and that doesn’t do much development proponents will the area, residents feel it likely could support existing for the vitality of the community.” make a determination about has little offer them either, residents’ needs. He adds The site is occupied by retail tenants and whether to Toronto Entertainment that given the amount one-and-a-half to three-storey bring back bars and restaurant District Residents Association of development already commercial buildings which are uses after the pandemic when (TEDRA) executive director occurring in the area, the occupied by the Yuzu No Hana there is a clearer idea of what Robin Lobb told NRU. increased population and and Copacabana restaurants uses will be desired there. He believes this could be traffic are not likely to make and a Burrito Boyz franchise. FitzRandolph says Freed another case of a condo a significant impact. It is also the site of the former and KingSett do not have a building being dropped “We’re all nervous [about] night club Crocodile Rock— timeline for the project yet. into the neighbourhood what it will do, because it’s also known as Croc Rock— Bousfields is the lead which closed permanently planner for the project. AS+GG in the spring after weeks of Canada Partnership is the lead temporary closure as a result of architect. the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobb says that while Entertainment District community members Renderings of the proposed develop- do not necessarily want to see ment (centre detail), which includes these businesses preserved, a 68-storey building on a six-storey podium. The development would there is a desire for them to be contain 637 condominium units, replaced by new businesses that 2,224.9-square metres of office can contribute to the vitality of space, and 112-square metres of retail space. the area. SOURCE: CITY OF TORONTO “When a building goes in, ARCHITECT: AS+GG CANADA PARTNERSHIP

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 8 by the province. Heritage The province maintains FUROR AT protection on non-provincially- that the Dominion Foundry owned land is governed by Complex does not meet THE FOUNDRY municipalities under the its criteria as a ‘provincial Ontario Heritage Act, while heritage property of provincial

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 provincial heritage protection is significance’ underOntario governed by the Standards and Regulation 10/06 of the devoted to affordable housing. NRU. “You’ve got to think Guidelines for Conservation of Standards and Guidelines for In a statement emailed about schools, parks, transit, Provincial Heritage Properties Conservation of Provincial to NRU by Ministry of traffic, parking, social services. (2010). Heritage Properties (2010). But Municipal Affairs and None of these conversations Nasmith said the in a letter dated January 16 Housing spokesperson have happened.” listing or designation of a written to the Ontario Ministry Conrad Spezowka, the City of Toronto staff provincially-owned property of Municipal Affairs and province says the Dominion have indicated that since the by a municipality reflects a Housing, Toronto chief planner Foundry Complex is one site is provincially owned, a wish to the province by the Gregg Lintern asserted that of three surplus provincial demolition permit to knock municipality that the property the site has been determined properties in the West Don down the heritage buildings should be conserved. “In the by the province to be a Lands that will be leveraged is not required. In a written event that the province should ‘provincial heritage property,’ to create nearly one thousand statement posted online, dispose of the property, then meeting a different regulation affordable housing units in the councillor Wong-Tam said the protection is already in of those same standards and area. “The provincially-owned the province’s intention is to place. That’s why municipalities guidelines—Ontario Regulation Foundry property has been create a “clean slate” for a future list and designate provincial 9/06—a determination in a state of bad repair and developer to redevelop the site property,” Nasmith told NRU. requiring that demolition only largely abandoned for over 40 “without being burdened by “It’s not because they can be considered as a last resort, years,” the statement reads. necessary city approvals related enforce what the province does, and only after the completion “The [provincial] government to the heritage buildings.” it’s to indicate to the province of heritage studies and public has determined that the site Architect and heritage that the municipality values the consultation. would be best used to provide activist Catherine Nasmith property, sees heritage value, In the letter, Lintern affordable housing and new said there are two regimes and wants to make sure that says that as a provincial community space.” for heritage preservation in if the province stops looking heritage property, a Strategic An online petition started the province: one is what the after it under its own provincial Conservation Plan is required by local planning advocacy province requires of itself on guidelines, the next owner to provide guidance on group Friends of the Foundry its own properties, and another will be required to protect the conserving, maintaining, using, asking to stop the demolition regulates properties not owned prop e r t y.” CONTINUED PAGE 10 and respect the community had amassed over 17,000 signatures Photo dated January by press time Thursday. Friends 18 showing demolition of the Foundry member Asif activity at the Dominion Foundry Complex at 153 to Hossain said residents of the 185 Eastern Avenue. The community have been writing listed heritage buildings to the province since the MZO are currently undergoing demolition after a Minis- for the site was issued in order ter’s Zoning Order issued to secure public engagement. by the province in October “You can’t just throw up 2020 allows for the devel- three massive towers within a opment of three high-rise, mixed-use residential 150-metre vicinity of residents buildings up to 43 storeys without any thought to public tall on the site. consultation,” Hossain told SOURCE: RESPECT LOCAL PLANNING

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 9 future of the site. “The province has begun this FUROR AT “We want to encourage the demolition without providing province to collaborate with us a clear plan to the city or THE FOUNDRY and provide us with everything the neighbourhood on the that they’ve had to come to the manner in which it intends to

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 decision they’ve come to,” chief build affordable housing on planner Gregg Lintern said at its property,” the statement and disposing of the property. which makes it bloody easy to the committee meeting. “We’re reads. “This site is subject to If demolition is considered, take out the slab, and remove only asking the province to a Minister’s Zoning Order a heritage impact assessment the contamination without participate in a full discussion which gives the city limited must also be completed prior destroying the buildings,” with us so we can understand options to intervene and stop to building removal. The Nasmith told NRU. “But they’re why they’ve chosen to do what the demolition underway. I provincial standards and saying that it’s a contamination they’re doing.” acknowledge the existence guidelines also say best efforts issue. No one has seen those The committee also voted of these legislative powers should be used to mitigate the reports. It sure would be useful to direct city staff to explore but I think it’s unwise and loss of cultural heritage value. to share this with the public actions the city could take unnecessary to use them In the statement and the city so that people have to stop or delay demolition, without local consultation.” provided to NRU, Ministry some idea of what’s going on.” including revoking the right- Councillor Wong-Tam of Municipal Affairs and Friends of the Foundry of-way permit that was issued said the city is a respondent Housing spokesperson Conrad member Hossain said the city by the city’s transportation and supporter of an injunction Spezowka noted that a heritage hasn’t yet seen the results of the services division. application filed by theSt. impact assessment has already heritage impact assessment. In a letter to the committee, Lawrence Neighbourhood been completed and that “Nobody can scrutinize that. councillor Wong-Tam said Association in order to stop contamination on the property There’s nothing that’s publicly the demolition is part of a the demolition. The Ontario precludes alternatives to available from the [provincial] broader pattern of provincial Superior Court of Justice demolition. “A heritage impact government,” Hossain told disengagement with residents. began reviewing the injunction assessment was conducted NRU. “The only thing we can “The action the province is application late Thursday on the site which determined do is take their word on it and I taking is more than just the afternoon. that it is not of provincial don’t think that’s good enough. potential loss of four buildings significance,” the statement Government should be more in the West Don Lands,” says reads. “The assessment transparent.” Wong-Tam. “The MZOs that considered possible alternatives On January 19, the planning were sprung on the City last to demolition and concluded and housing committee year—part of more than an that these were not feasible due recommended that city council unprecedented three dozen in part to the contamination request the province to halt MZOs that were issued by the of the property, requiring full demolition work at the site province in 2020—are part of remediation. The province has for a minimum of 30 days a pattern. That pattern shows received all necessary permits and provide the city with a a disinterest by the province in and conducted all required heritage impact assessment, engaging with local planning, studies to conduct this work.” cultural heritage evaluation, local decision-makers, and Nasmith disputes the archaeological assessment, critically, local residents.” notion that contamination strategic conservation plan, and A statement released by on the property warrants the environmental site assessment Mayor John Tory says he has demolition of the buildings. for the property. The reached out to Municipal “Some of the buildings are slab recommendation to council Affairs and Housing Minister on grade, and generally, slab also includes a request for Steve Clark’s office and urged on grade means the building immediate public engagement him to respond to concerns has no basement underneath it, with the community about the raised by the community.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 10 TORONTO DESIGN REVIEW PANEL AGENDA

The panel will consider the Development Corporation’s for a mixed-use development following matters at its meeting proposed official plan at 700 University Avenue. Thursday, January 28 at 1:20 amendment and rezoning Presentations will be made p.m. in a virtual meeting hosted application for a residential by City of Toronto planner on Webex. development at 253 Markham Mladen Kukic and senior Road. Presentations will be urban designer Nasim Adab, 1:20 P.M. made by City of Toronto as well as KPMB Architects Rendering of 700 U LP’s proposed planner Jeffrey Sinclair and partner Marianne McKenna mixed-use development at 700 253 Markham Road—Panel will urban designer Shan Li, as and principal David Constable, University Avenue. undertake its second review well as RAW Design director and representatives from Janet SOURCE: CITY OF TORONTO ARCHITECT: KPMB ARCHITECTS / JANET of Highlands Co-operative Roland Rom Colthoff. Rosenberg & Studio. ROSENBERG & STUDIO

2:45 P.M. Rendering of Highlands Co-oper- ative Development Corporation’s proposed residential development 700 University Avenue—Panel at 253 Markham Road. will undertake its first review of SOURCE: CITY OF TORONTO ARCHITECT: RAW DESIGN 700 U LP’s rezoning application

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 11 COMMITTEE AGENDAS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Community Benefits Framework— to restore it to its original to construct a three-storey Report recommends staff be condition. apartment building on the site. Executive Committee will directed to report back to consider the following at its the Economic & Community 130 West— 324 Old —Report meeting Wednesday, January 27 Development Committee Report recommends council recommends that council at 9:30 a.m. via video conference. in the third quarter of 2022 approve some, and refuse include the property on the with a progress update on other, proposed alterations city’s heritage register. The SmartTrack Stations Program— the design and pilot testing to the designated heritage property contains a two-storey Report with confidential of Community Benefits property and consent to the brick mansion and detached attachment recommends Framework implementation amendment of an existing garage constructed between endorsement of terms models, as well as on a heritage easement agreement. 1930-7 in the Georgian Revival negotiated with the Province proposed approach to The property contains the style. An application to sever of Ontario to allow the prioritize community benefits Torno Penthouse, an example the existing property has been SmartTrack Stations Program projects and initiatives to be of modern architecture submitted by the owner to the to proceed to construction. supported by the Framework, associated with architect Philip Committee of Adjustment and Johnson. The owner proposes is currently under review by Environmental, Social and TORONTO PRESERVATION to renovate the penthouse staff. Governance annual performance BOARD and to modify several of its report—Report updates existing heritage attributes. the committee on progress Toronto Preservation Board Staff partially support the in advancing the city’s will consider the following at its proposal at this time and commitment and performance meeting Friday, January 29 at have recommended a limited in environmental, social and 9:30 a.m. via video conference. approval. governance efforts. 314 —Report 22 Rose Park Drive—Report Development charges policy recommends council approve recommends that council update—Report recommends alterations to the designated include the property on the timeline updates and heritage property and consent city’s heritage register. The modifications to council’s to an amendment to the property contains a two-storey interim development charges existing heritage easement stucco-clad house constructed (DC) policy, which will bridge agreement. The property in 1909 in the Dutch Colonial the city’s DC policies until a contains the Dr. Charles Revival style. comprehensive review of the Sheard house, constructed DC by-law is undertaken in in 1865 for Sheard, the city’s 103 Heath Street—Report 2022. first Medical Officer of Health. recommends that council An approved development include the property on the 2021 property tax proposal for the site will city’s heritage register. The policies—Report provides conserve and integrate the property contains a two-and- recommendations for property Sheard house into the base of a-half-storey late Victorian-era tax policies for the 2021 a new 34-storey mixed-use red brick house constructed taxation year for commercial, building. Recent fires have in 1892-3 described by staff industrial and multi-residential significantly damaged the as the James Hobbs House. property classes. building, such that significant A site plan application has reconstruction is required been submitted by the owner

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 12 TLAB NEWS

WEST LANSING CONSENT in the area that are equal in size to APPEAL AGAINST fulfilling a requirement of the AND VARIANCES APPROVED those proposed, and, furthermore, CABBAGETOWN VARIANCES applicable Heritage Conservation that a large proportion of lots DISMISSED District, and that any impacts to In a January 14 decision, TLAB in the area have lesser frontages the neighbouring properties will member Ana Bassios allowed than what is required under the In a January 15 decision, TLAB be modest in comparison to as- appeals by Ridgestone Homes applicable zoning by-law. member John Tassiopoulos of-right conditions. Ltd. against the City of Toronto In light of the mixed context dismissed an appeal by Mills indicated that his Committee of Adjustment’s of lot sizes in the West Lansing Raymond Prince against the primary concern was the (COA) refusal of its consent and neighbourhood, and a lack of City of Toronto Committee of variance pertaining to building minor variance applications for demonstrable adverse impacts, Adjustment’s (COA) approval of depth—being 2.61 metres 71 Poyntz Avenue. Ridgestone Romano opined that the applications a minor variance application by deeper than the zoning by-law proposes to sever the property satisfy the applicable planning Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington for permits. He opined that the into two equal 7.62-wide criteria and he recommended 384 Wellesley Street West. building depth is excessive, that lots and to build new single- that they be approved. Shaw-Rimmington sought it does not respect and reinforce detached dwellings on each lot. Neighbour Diane Blair variances to permit a rear two- the existing physical character City planning staff had attended the hearing in storey addition to her existing row of the neighbourhood, and that recommended refusal of the opposition to the proposal, house. Neighbour Prince appealed it will have adverse massing and applications to the COA, although voicing her concern that the the COA’s decision to approve the shadow impacts on his client’s the city did not participate in the existing lot is too small to be application to the TLAB. adjacent property. TLAB hearing. While planning severed, and that the proposal At the hearing, Shaw- The TLAB agreed with had objected to the proposal due would give the appearance of a Rimmington was represented by Maya-Giambattista’s evidence, to its stated non-conformity with single, imposing residence. planner Ute Maya-Giambattista finding that the variances satisfy the city’s Official Plan policies for The TLAB agreed with (Fotenn Planning + Design), the four Planning Act tests and Neighbourhoods, as amended by Romano’s evidence and found that and Prince by planner Terry that they will allow for a modest 2 Official Plan Amendment 320, the the proposal meets the Planning Mills (Arris Strategy Studio). 330 ft addition to the house. It TLAB was advised by counsel for Act requirements for consent Maya-Giambattista testified dismissed Prince’s appeal. the appellant that the applications and minor variances. It allowed that rear extensions are Solicitors involved in this pre-dated the approval of OPA 320. the appeal and authorized the common in the Cabbagetown decision were Marc Kemerer On behalf of Ridgestone, applications, subject to standard neighbourhood, which consists (Devry Smith Frank) representing expert planning evidence was approval conditions. of tightly-knit and modestly- Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington and provided by Franco Romano Solicitor Amber Stewart sized heritage dwellings. She William Roberts (William H. (Action Planning Consultants). (Amber Stewart Law) represented noted that the addition will Roberts Barrister & Solicitor) He stated that there are many lots Ridgestone Homes Ltd. not be visible from the street, representing Raymond Prince. PEOPLE

Nick Mantas has won the removed from the seat in York Centre MPP Roman letter to Premier Doug Jane McFarlane has Ward 22 Scarborough- November 2019 due to Baber has been removed Ford January 15 criticizing been appointed Weston Agincourt by-election to campaign finance violations from the Progressive Ontario’s lockdown Consulting vice-president. become councillor for the during the 2018 municipal Conservative caucus and procedures, stating that Previously, she was an ward. Mantas is the former election. The by-election was barred from running for the “the lockdown is deadlier associate with the company. chief of staff for councillor held Friday, January 22 and party in the next election. than COVID.” Jim Karygiannis, who was results were certified Monday. Baber released an open

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 NOVÆ RES URBIS TORONTO 13