625 Yonge Street - Proposed Designation By-law Under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act - Consideration of Objections

The subject property at 625 Yonge Street consists of two adjoining buildings on the southeast corner of Yonge Street and Isabella Street. Architecturally and historically interrelated, the two buildings at 625 Yonge Street constitute a representative example of Edwardian Classicist-style commercial main street buildings. Part of Yonge Street's historic commercial streetscape since the early 20th century, the property maintained a long association with the automotive industry, beginning with its original use for Thomas Crow's carriage business. City Council included the subject property on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register in 2016. It is also a contributing property within the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District (HCD), which was enacted by City Council in 2016 and is currently under appeal. Staff have reviewed the objections raised by the owner and are of the opinion that despite these objections, the property meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, under all three categories of design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual values. As the property has cultural heritage value or interest and meets the prescribed criteria pursuant to Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, this property should be designated. Designation enables Council to review proposed alterations for the property, enforce heritage property standards and maintenance, and refuse demolition.

authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in Council designating the property at 625 Yonge Street (including active entrances at 621, 627, 629, 631, 633, 635, and 637 Yonge Street, and 1, 3, and 5 Isabella Street) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.