Restoration and Revitalization of the Ossington Avenue Clock Tower - by Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton

Originally known as Fire Hall No. 9, the City of Toronto commissioned new fire halls in tandem with the expansion of the City, numbering the facilities in order of their appearance. Fire Hall No. 9 was decommissioned in the late 1960s, and it is the oldest intact fire hall in the former City of Toronto. The building is now leased to the University Health Network, and provides critical support for community members, and the City as a whole. Archival photographs of the building depict a clock on top of the hose-drying tower, but it is not known what year the clock was removed. At the same time, the Toronto Parking Authority operates a small Green P parking lot directly adjacent at 18 Ossington Avenue. With significant constraints on available space in this area of the City, and a growing residential and business community along Ossington, finding creative ways to expand and revitalize public space has become an increasing priority for stakeholders across the community. An important neighbourhood landmark, local neighbours, the local Business Improvement Association, and other stakeholders have come together with the goal of restoring the original clock tower at 16 Ossington Avenue, and working together to expand the public realm in the immediate area. Unfortunately, community efforts to locate the original clock have not yet been successful. Working together to ensure we explore all possible avenues to locate the clock, as we continue to move forward to revitalize the space, is critical. This Motion is urgent in order to continue to advance plans for the area revitalization over the summer months.

City Planning and the General Manager, Transportation Services to explore opportunities to revitalize the land at 18 Ossington Avenue as public space, in collaboration with plans to revitalize the space at 16 Ossington Avenue, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.