221 Sterling Road - Notice of Intention to Designate a Property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act

It reflects the history of industrial development along Sterling Road within the lower Junction Triangle and Brockton Village areas, and contributes to a concentration of former industrial buildings, many of which now have cultural functions. The property is a rare and unique example of an evolved manufacturing complex that has been adaptively reused to support the arts. The complex has gained prominence since the 1980s as a hub of cultural activities, housing a number of creative organizations, studios, rehearsal and performance spaces for visual artists, artisans, dancers, circus performers, and other creators. It is one of the last such facilities remaining in Toronto. Heritage Planning staff have determined that the property at 221 Sterling Road meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, for its physical, historical/associative, and contextual values. Zoning Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision, and Rental Housing Demolition applications have been made for the property, which propose to replace the existing building complex at 221 Sterling Road with a new development. The City Clerk issued a complete application notice on July 9, 2021. In June 2019, the More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019 (Bill 108) received Royal Assent. Schedule 11 of this Act included amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). The Bill 108 Amendments to the OHA came into force on July 1, 2021, which included a shift in Part IV designations related to certain Planning Act applications. Section 29(1.2) of the OHA now restricts City Council's ability to give notice of its intention to designate a property under the OHA to within 90 days after the City Clerk gives notice of a complete application. The property owner provided a waiver to extend the 90-day timeline established under Bill 108 through December 31, 2021. A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is required for all development applications that affect listed and designated properties and will be considered when determining how a heritage property is to be conserved. Designation enables City Council to review proposed alterations or demolitions to the property and enforce heritage property standards and maintenance.

2. If there are no objections to the designation, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.