Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 77 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
Items 76 to 77 of 77Show 2550100all
MM8.55adopted
Crow's Theatre has been a leading force in the Canadian theatre landscape since it was founded in 1983. Since its inception, the theatre has created, produced and presented local, national, and international talent in the performing arts within the City of Toronto. It is a registered charity and operates with public subsidies from all levels of government including an annual operating grant from the Toronto Arts Council. In 2016, Crow's Theatre moved their location to 345 and 347 Carlaw Avenue and underwent a period of construction prior to opening its doors to the public in 2017. Section 3 of the Assessment Act provides for a property tax exemption for small theatres for which Crow's Theatre is eligible, however, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has advised that they are not eligible for this exemption during the period of construction as it was not being used as a theatre during this time. There are two assessment roll numbers for Crow's Theatre. The assessment roll number for 347 Carlaw Avenue is currently exempt, and the assessment roll for 345 Carlaw Avenue is comprised of an exempt and taxable portion of assessment. The taxable assessment at 345 Carlaw Avenue is for the restaurant at this location. Both of these assessment rolls have outstanding taxes pertaining to the 2016 taxation year, during the construction period at this property. Crow's Theatre was under the assumption that the exemption for the theatre would also apply during the time that these properties were under construction. Currently, there is a combined total of $70,363.71 of outstanding taxes; $24,542.70 for 347 Carlaw Avenue and $45,821.01 for 345 Carlaw Avenue. A portion of the outstanding taxes on 345 Carlaw Avenue may apply to the restaurant at this location. Crow's Theatre is in a difficult position for the 2016 taxation year, as they had assumed that they were exempt from taxation for all space at both of these properties, other than the restaurant. These arrears are causing hardship for the theatre, and this situation may jeopardize their financial viability.
City Council on June 18 and 19, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Controller to report to the September 4, 2019 meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee on the facts regarding Crow's Theatre's outstanding taxes and identify options to address the outstanding taxes that accumulated during the construction phase on an otherwise exempt entity under the Assessment Act.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Paul Ainslie, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Controller to report to the September 4, 2019 meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee on the facts regarding Crow's Theatre's outstanding taxes and identify options to address the outstanding taxes that accumulated during the construction phase on an otherwise exempt entity under the Assessment Act.
MM8.56adopted
This Motion will give the City Solicitor authority to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to support the Committee of Adjustment's decision refusing the minor variance application respecting 34 Ellerbeck Street (Application A1035/18TEY). On May 7, 2019, the Toronto and East York District Panel of the Committee of Adjustment refused the Application regarding the property municipally known as 34 Ellerbeck Street to permit the owner to construct a parking pad in the front yard of an existing detached two-storey dwelling. On May 21, 2019, the owner of 34 Ellerbeck Street appealed the Decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. The Appeal, which will be considered by the Toronto Local Appeal Body, requires variances to the City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 and former City of Toronto Zoning By-law 438-86 including: permission to encroach stairs into a required building setback, reducing the amount of front yard soft landscaping and locating a parking space in the front yard.
City Council on June 18 and 19, 2019, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, along with appropriate City Staff, and outside consultants, as necessary, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to support the Committee of Adjustment Decision respecting 34 Ellerbeck Street. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution regarding the Appeal, and that the City Solicitor be authorized to resolve the matter on behalf of the City in the City Solicitor's discretion after consulting with the Ward Councillor and with the Director of Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the City Solicitor, along with appropriate City Staff, and outside consultants, as necessary, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to support the Committee of Adjustment Decision respecting 34 Ellerbeck Street. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution regarding the Appeal, and that the City Solicitor be authorized to resolve the matter on behalf of the City in the City Solicitor's discretion after consulting with the Ward Councillor and with the Director of Community Planning, Toronto and East York District.