Authorization to Release Section 37 funds from the Development at 70 The Esplanade to fund the Production and Installation of a Heritage Plaque to Commemorate the History of 55 Lombard Street - Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy

The St. James garage was one of Toronto's first purpose-built parking garages and it was notable for having retail units at street level. In 1927, the first Toronto LCBO store following the end of prohibition occupied one of the units facing Church Street. The building was restored and converted to residential use in 1982. A fundraising effort, led by a resident in the building, has over the last year generated $6,200 towards the goal of the cost of a Heritage Toronto plaque. The request is for the remaining $1,300 to bring the campaign to target. The proposed location of the plaque is on Lombard Street close to the main entrance to the building. The City has secured funds under Section 37 of the Planning Act with the owner of the development at 6-18 Church Street and 51-63 Front Street East (70 The Esplanade), authorized by site-specific Zoning By-law 58-2011(OMB). The Zoning By-law and Section 37 Agreement with the landowner provide that the funds shall be used for community benefits, including heritage conservation initiatives in this neighbourhood. Sufficient funds remain available in the Planning Act Reserve Account to produce and install the heritage plaque at this location. The use of these funds for this purpose complies with the By-law and agreement. As Heritage Toronto is a directly funded City agency and not an "outside party", no undertaking is required to be signed by Heritage Toronto to govern the use of the funds and financial reporting.