316 Bloor Street West - Request for City Solicitor to Attend at the Toronto Local Appeal Body

On December 13, 2023, the Toronto East York Panel of the Committee of Adjustment approved the requested variances, with conditions including a cash contribution allocated towards community facilities, recreation, cultural space, and/or streetscape improvements within Ward 11 (the "Decision"). (Decision in Attachment 1). In its report dated December 4, 2023, City Planning Staff commented that they had no objections to the proposed variances. Staff recommended that the Owner make a cash contribution to the City of Toronto, should the Committee of Adjustment approve the variances. (Staff Report in Attachment 2). This letter will authorize and direct the City Solicitor to appeal and to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body, along with appropriate City staff, in order to oppose the Committee of Adjustment's decision, on the ground that the variances were not minor. This Motion will also authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants and to resolve the matter on behalf of the City in her discretion. This matter is time sensitive and urgent as the City Solicitor has already appealed the Decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to preserve the City's statutory right and requires instructions to appeal and attend the hearing for this matter.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution regarding Application Number A0597/23TEY respecting 316 Bloor Street West and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to resolve the matter on behalf of the City, at the City Solicitor's discretion, after consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Director, Community Planning, Toronto East York District.