130 Bloor Street West - Application to Alter and Remove Heritage Attributes Noted in the Heritage Easement Agreement - by Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Mayor John Tory

The subject apartment was constructed in 1960 and is a rare example of Modern architecture associated with the internationally-recognized architect Philip Johnson and, as noted in the Heritage Impact Assessment by ERA Architects Inc., it is "a landmark of Toronto residential architecture." Philip Johnson is best known for his work within the periods of Modern and Post-modern architecture and the Torno apartment is a rare example of his design aesthetic in Canada. The apartment is also a unique example of residential design reflecting a Modern aesthetic as expressed through interior heritage attributes. The applicant proposes to alter the subject apartment and remove a number of the interior attributes identified in the Heritage Easement Agreement. The Heritage Easement Agreement requires that the City make a decision in respect to the proposed changes within 90 days of receiving all the information. City Council authority is also required under s.33 of the Ontario Heritage Act and City staff do not have delegated authority to approve or deny these alterations under the Municipal Code Chapter 103 - Heritage. The Toronto Preservation Board considered this matter at its meeting of January 29, 2021, and supported the staff recommendation that the City Council approval of the proposal be limited to certain works. In order to ensure that the owner has received notice of the Council's decision within the required 90 day period, it is necessary for a Council decision to be made at its meeting on February 2 and 3, 2021.