123 Wynford Drive - Refusal of Application for Alterations to the Attributes and Demolition of a Building and Heritage Attributes on a Designated Heritage Property Under Part IV, Sections 33 and 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act

Completed in 1963, the property served as the city's community hub for the re-establishment, promotion and sharing of Japanese culture in the post-war period. Situated on a wooded ravine lot, the building responds directly to the natural and topographical features of the site. On July 29, 2022, applications for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Control were submitted to construct two residential towers of 52 and 48 storeys on the property which was listed on the City's Heritage Register at the time. On July 25, 2023, City Council stated its intention to designate the property at 123 Wynford Drive under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and on September 6, 2023 passed By-law No. 810-2023. While the property owner initially challenged this By-Law by filing an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, the appeal was withdrawn in February 2024. As such, Council's by-law to designate this heritage property is in full force and effect. On February 16, 2024 the owner submitted an application to alter attributes and demolish the building and heritage attributes on the protected heritage property under Sections 33 and 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The proposal to demolish the building and alter the property would result in the irrevocable loss of the significant cultural heritage values and attributes of this landmark property in Toronto including the building and its relationship with the landscape and natural ravine, it's value as a living memorial to the resilience of the Japanese Canadian immigrants to Canada and its associative value as having been designed by the late celebrated architect, Raymond Moriyama. This report recommends the application be refused. Staff support the sensitive redevelopment of this property that would allow for growth but would conserve the heritage values and attributes of this significant heritage resource in line with both the City's and the Provincial planning policies.

2. In the event of an appeal to the Ontario Lands Tribunal, City Council authorize the City Solicitor and the necessary City staff to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing in opposition to the appeal.