877 and 885 Lawrence Avenue East - Proposed Designation By-law Under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act - Consideration of Objection

The subject properties are purpose-built bank branches constructed to serve the post-war Don Mills community, and both have continuously operated for nearly seventy years. The design and development of the properties were coordinated together. The property at 877 Lawrence Avenue East, known as the Bank of Montreal Don Mills Branch, contains a one-storey International-Style pavilion bank building constructed for the Bank of Montreal in 1956 and expanded in 1967. The property at 885 Lawrence Avenue East, known as the Bank of Nova Scotia Don Mills Branch, also contains a one-storey International-Style pavilion bank building constructed for the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) in 1956 and expanded between 1966 and 1967. City Council has until July 29, 2025, 90 days from the date of the end of the objection period, or 120 days from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate, to make a decision on this objection as per the timeline under the Ontario Heritage Act. Staff have reviewed the objections raised by the owner and are of the opinion that despite these objections, each property meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the criteria prescribed for municipal designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, under 5 of 9 criteria for design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual values. As the properties have cultural heritage value or interest and meet the prescribed criteria pursuant to Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, these properties should be designated. Designation enables Council to review proposed alterations for the properties, enforce heritage property standards and maintenance, and refuse demolition.

3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bills in Council designating each property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.