Finch-Kennedy Smart Track Station - City-Initiated Zoning By-law Amendments - Final Report

The station will generally be situated on the north side of Finch Avenue East, about halfway between Kennedy Road and Midland Avenue. Vehicular access to Finch-Kennedy Station will be provided via a new access road connecting to Finch Avenue East, opposite Baylawn Drive, about 230 metres east of the rail corridor. Pedestrian pickup/drop-off will be provided along the south side of this access road. TTC buses will connect with the station at stops in lay-bys on the north and south sides of Finch Avenue East. The zoning by-law amendment affects four parcels on both sides of Finch Avenue East, east and west of the rail corridor, which comprise the station site. The station facilities on these lands and the rail corridor include: two side platforms with mini-platforms, north and south stairs elevators from the side platforms to station building station access buildings (both north and south sides of Finch Avenue East) a road-rail grade separation complete with four through lanes, sidewalks and bicycle tracks allowing the rail corridor to cross over Finch Avenue East bus lay-bys to accommodate 3 articulated TTC buses in each direction on Finch Avenue East under the grade separation; para-transit drop-off and curbside passenger pick up/drop-off east of the main station building; an underground storm-water storage tank; a storm-water pumping station including mechanical, communication and electrical service rooms; and 96 secure and covered bicycle parking spaces. The intent of the proposed zoning by-law amendment is to provide flexibility to account for minor design changes as the station design is refined; amend zoning requirements to reduce the amount of property Metrolinx will need to acquire where a partial property is needed; and provide new provisions that will provide flexibility on setbacks, lot coverage, gross floor area (GFA) and floor space index (FSI) that only apply to a transportation use for properties zoned in By-law 569- 2013. Exemptions would not apply to non-transit portions of a development, and would not change the requirements for non-transit uses. The amendments have been reviewed against the policies of the PPS (2020), the Growth Plan (2020), and the Official Plan. Staff are of the opinion that the recommended Zoning By law Amendments are consistent with the PPS (2020), and conform to and do not conflict with the Growth Plan (2020). Furthermore, the zoning amendments are in keeping with the intent of the Official Plan, particularly as it relates to supporting the increased use of existing rail corridors within the City for enhanced local and inter-regional passenger service. City Planning recommends that Council adopt the proposed zoning by-law amendments.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendments as may be required.