development
6 Whitney Avenue - application to demolish garage and erect carport in North Rosedale heritage district
The Toronto Preservation Board considered whether to approve a heritage permit for a masonry wall and carport at 6 Whitney Avenue in the North Rosedale Heritage Conservation District. The wall, which was partly built without a permit before the city ordered work to cease, triggered strong neighbour opposition centered on traffic safety concerns, heritage character loss, and public realm privatization.
From the floor
“There is a very significant safety risk here to pedestrians to vehicles particularly sedans and coupes which will be anywhere from 80% or more blocked from view from vehicles because of the posts and the hedges”Advantage Forensics, Inc., on behalf of the applicant for the safety assessment
“I'm shocked by the city supporting a wall within the public realm. The area that's occupied by the wall and behind in terms of the public realm that is then therefore not visually accessible is over 300 meters squared. That's larger than the average apartment in the city of Toronto”A resident
“The Whitney wall, if approved, will radically transform rather than enhance the heritage landscape of North Rosedale. An imposing masonry wall is not appropriate for this district.”Heritage architect, principal author of the 2004 North Rosedale Heritage District study
“The McGraths are in litigation with the city. They threaten to sue the city for millions of dollars. They've sued 13 North Rosedale residents who would normally make well-thought-out submissions to this committee, but they have not done so for fear of what might happen.”A resident
“In paragraph 90 of his affidavit, Mr. McGrath in a sworn affidavit says, 'We ultimately entered into a settlement agreement with the city that specifically permits the wall.' Subject to certain relatively minor modifications. Those are Mr. McGrath's words, not mine.”A resident
2 more people spoke
“I have seen a number of near misses at that intersection with vehicles almost colliding, making turns. And since that wall has been erected, I make sure me and my children are walking on the other side of the street because I have genuine concern that cars won't be able to see us crossing.”A resident
“The yes that portion is city-owned. So any agreement will be for you know the occupation of it. However, vegetation is something that would be within the city's control. It's not a part of this permit. You don't need a permit for the rose bushes.”City of Toronto Heritage Planning
Also in this item
• Wall was constructed without a heritage permit; city issued cease-and-desist order; owner then applied for retroactive permit approval
• Forensic engineer testified wall creates visibility only 27 metres (70% below standard) for departing vehicles and 10 metres (71% below standard) for approaching sight lines at a busy intersection
• Property owner in separate litigation with 13 North Rosedale residents and the city; sworn affidavit references settlement agreement but depicts application as minor modification to previously approved wall
The journey
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