Toronto Preservation Board
The full agenda, as filed
All 3 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.
PB42.1adopted
171 East Liberty Street - Inclusion on the Heritage Register
This report recommends that City Council include 171 East Liberty Street (including structure addresses at 165 - 167 East Liberty Street, 171 East Liberty Street and 37 Hanna Avenue) on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register for its cultural heritage value and interest according to the Listing Statement (Reasons for Inclusion) found in Attachment 1. The subject property at 171 East Liberty Street is located at the southeast corner of East Liberty Street and Hanna Avenue in the Fort York - Liberty Village neighbourhood. The property is a former factory complex containing three brick buildings constructed in 1942 as the John Inglis Company Bren Gun Assembly and Test Buildings. The site comprises buildings at 171 East Liberty Street (the north structure), 37 Hanna Avenue (the south structure) and 165-167 East Liberty Street (the northeast structure with associated smokestack). The property contributes to an important collection of surviving industrial buildings in Liberty Village. A location map and current photograph of the heritage property are found in Attachment 1. The property recommended for inclusion on the City's Heritage Register has been researched and evaluated by staff using the criteria prescribed in Ontario Regulation 9/06 and meets one or more of the provincial criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest and is believed to be of cultural heritage value or interest. On January 1, 2023, amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act (the Act) through the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) came into effect. Under the Act, as amended, a municipal heritage register may include properties that have not been designated but Council believes to be of "cultural heritage value or interest", and that meet one or more of the provincial criteria for determining whether they are of cultural heritage value or interest. The Act now also limits listing to a period of two years. As of January 1, 2023, should a property be subject to an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and/or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application, properties must be listed on the heritage register prior to Part IV designation and before the occurrence of a prescribed event. A prescribed event is a point of time when the application for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and/or Draft Plan of Subdivision Application has been deemed complete and the City Clerk provides notice of that complete application to the public in accordance with the Planning Act. The listing of non-designated properties on the municipal heritage register under the Act also extends interim protection from demolition and provides an opportunity for City Council to determine whether the property warrants conservation through designation under the Act should a development or demolition application be submitted. Properties on the Heritage Register will be conserved and maintained in accordance with the Official Plan Heritage Policies. Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) are required for development applications that affect listed properties.
The Toronto Preservation Board recommends that: 1. City Council include 171 East Liberty Street (including structure addresses at 165 - 167 East Liberty Street, 171 East Liberty Street and 37 Hanna Avenue) on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register in accordance with the Listing Statement (Reasons for Inclusion) attached as Attachment 1 to the report (March 13, 2026) from the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning, recommends that: 1. City Council include 171 East Liberty Street (including structure addresses at 165 - 167 East Liberty Street, 171 East Liberty Street and 37 Hanna Avenue) on the City of Toronto's Heritage Register in accordance with the Listing Statement (Reasons for Inclusion) attached as Attachment 1 to the report (March 13, 2026) from the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning.
PB42.2adopted
This report recommends that City Council approve the alterations proposed for the property at 8 Prince Arthur Avenue under Part V, Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act in connection with the construction of a rear addition on the fourth through six storeys of an existing three storey addition to provide expanded office accommodation. The subject property is located on the north side of Prince Arthur Avenue between Bedford Road and Avenue Road and contains a three-storey building with stucco cladding constructed circa 1886 with a non-original three-storey brick clad rear addition. The subject lands are part of the East Annex Heritage Conservation District (EAHCD). The development proposal includes adding three additional floors at the rear half of the existing three-storey building for a total of six storeys. The new addition would be three storeys higher than the ridge of the existing heritage building and would therefore not comply with the guidelines for additions in the EAHCD Plan which state that additions should be lower than the height of the existing ridge. Notwithstanding this, the EAHCD Plan recognises that substantial development in the rear yards is possible on some portions of Prince Arthur Avenue and that rear additions here should not "over-power the existing buildings and preferably should have low visibility from the street." Staff are supportive of the proposed rear addition which is set behind the roof ridge of the existing building and setback over 20 metres from the street and would therefore not "over-power" the existing heritage building. The visual prominence of the heritage building within the public realm would remain. Similar rear additions have been approved on other properties along Prince Arthur Avenue, although they were only four or five storeys in height. The conservation strategy will fully retain in situ the existing building with minor alterations proposed to the exterior and the existing roof. Alterations include new landscaping to the front yard, a new porch roof and general repairs including a new slate roof, if required. The existing mature tree in the front yard is to be retained. On March 11, 2026, a minor variance application for this proposal was considered by the Committee of Adjustment.
The Toronto Preservation Board recommends that: 1. City Council approve the construction of a three-storey rear addition on top of the existing building for the heritage property at 8 Prince Arthur Avenue, in accordance with Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, with such alterations substantially in accordance with plans and drawings prepared by Bloom Architects, dated January 30, 2026, and Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) prepared by GBCA Architects Inc. dated March 2, 2026, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, subject to the following additional conditions: a. the Owner shall: 1. provide a detailed Conservation Plan prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that is substantially in accordance with the conservation strategy set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment for 8 Prince Arthur Avenue dated March 2, 2026 prepared by GBCA Architects Inc. to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 2. provide a detailed Landscape Plan for the property at 8 Prince Arthur Avenue, satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such a Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and b. that prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the property at 8 Prince Arthur Avenue, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the property as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner shall: 1. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the approved Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 1.a.1 above, including a description of materials and finishes, to be prepared by the project architect and a qualified heritage consultant to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 2. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications that are keyed to the approved Landscape Plan required in Recommendation 1.a.2 above, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 3. provide a Letter of Credit, including provision for upwards indexing, in a form and amount and from a bank satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, to secure all work included in the approved Conservation Plan; and c. that prior to the release of the Letter of Credit required in Recommendation 1.b.3 above, the owner shall: 1. provide a letter of substantial completion prepared and signed by a qualified heritage consultant confirming that the required conservation work has been completed in accordance with the approved Conservation Plan and that an appropriate standard of conservation has been maintained, all to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council approve the construction of a three-storey rear addition on top of the existing building for the heritage property at 8 Prince Arthur Avenue, in accordance with Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, with such alterations substantially in accordance with plans and drawings prepared by Bloom Architects, dated January 30, 2026, and Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) prepared by GBCA Architects Inc. dated March 2, 2026, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, subject to the following additional conditions: a. the Owner shall: 1. provide a detailed Conservation Plan prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that is substantially in accordance with the conservation strategy set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment for 8 Prince Arthur Avenue dated March 2, 2026 prepared by GBCA Architects Inc. to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 2. provide a detailed Landscape Plan for the property at 8 Prince Arthur Avenue, satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such a Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and b. that prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the property at 8 Prince Arthur Avenue, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the property as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner shall: 1. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the approved Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 1.a.1 above, including a description of materials and finishes, to be prepared by the project architect and a qualified heritage consultant to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 2. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications that are keyed to the approved Landscape Plan required in Recommendation 1.a.2 above, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 3. provide a Letter of Credit, including provision for upwards indexing, in a form and amount and from a bank satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, to secure all work included in the approved Conservation Plan; and c. that prior to the release of the Letter of Credit required in Recommendation 1.b.3 above, the owner shall: 1. provide a letter of substantial completion prepared and signed by a qualified heritage consultant confirming that the required conservation work has been completed in accordance with the approved Conservation Plan and that an appropriate standard of conservation has been maintained, all to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning.
PB42.3adopted
This report recommends that City Council approve the alterations proposed for the designated heritage property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, in connection with the proposed development of the subject property. The application for Site Plan Control is subject to a Heritage Permit application under the Ontario Heritage Act because a previously approved application related to an approved Zoning By-law Amendment has been revised. The development site, known as the Liquor Control Board of Ontario complex, comprises a buff brick Office Building and Warehouse Building. The buildings are purpose-built rare examples of a provincial headquarters and a commercial and industrial complex from the development of Toronto's Central Waterfront in the 20th-century. On May 11 and 12, 2022, City Council approved recommendations to alter the heritage property to allow for the construction of three towers above the Office Building and the Warehouse Building. Since the previous scheme was approved, the applicant has revised the conservation strategy accompanying the related Site Plan Control application and a new Heritage Impact Assessment was prepared by Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc., dated March 9, 2026, that considers the impact of the revised proposal. The proposed development application for the subject property proposes to place the tower above the Warehouse Building only. As a result of the proposed changes to the previous scheme, an amended Heritage Easement Agreement will be required. Heritage Planning staff are satisfied that the proposed alterations continue to conserve the onsite and adjacent heritage properties and are consistent with the existing policy framework. The heritage impacts of the development proposal are appropriately mitigated through the overall conservation strategy.
The Toronto Preservation Board recommends that: 1. City Council approve the alterations to the heritage property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, to allow for the construction of three new buildings above the Warehouse Building on the lands known municipally as 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, with such alterations substantially in accordance with plans and drawings dated February 14, 2026, prepared by architectsAlliance and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), prepared by Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc., dated March 9, 2026, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning. 2. City Council direct that its consent to the application to alter the designated heritage property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, in accordance with Part IV, Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, are also subject to the following conditions: a. prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the properties at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing heritage building as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner shall: 1. amend the existing Heritage Easement Agreement with the City for the property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated February 14, 2026, prepared by architectsAlliance and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc., dated March 9, 2026, and in accordance with the Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 below, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, including execution of such agreement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; 2. provide a Conservation Plan, prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that is substantially in accordance with the conservation strategy set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment for 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East prepared by Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc., dated March 9, 2026, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 3. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 above, including a description of materials and finishes, to be prepared by the project architect and a qualified heritage consultant to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 4. provide a Heritage Lighting Plan that describes how the exterior of the heritage property will be sensitively illuminated to enhance its heritage character to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 5. provide a detailed Landscape Plan for the subject property, satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 6. provide an Interpretation Plan for the subject property, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 7. submit a Signage Plan for the subject property to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and b. that prior to the release of an existing Letter of Credit the owner shall: 1. provide a letter of substantial completion prepared and signed by a qualified heritage consultant confirming that the required conservation work and the required interpretive work have been completed in accordance with the approved Conservation and Interpretation Plans and that an appropriate standard of conservation has been maintained, all to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 2. provide replacement Heritage Easement Agreement photographs to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bill in Council to amend the Heritage Easement Agreement for the property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and City staff to take all necessary actions to implement City Council's decision.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning recommends that: 1. City Council approve the alterations to the heritage property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, to allow for the construction of three new buildings above the Warehouse Building on the lands known municipally as 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, with such alterations substantially in accordance with plans and drawings dated February 14, 2026, prepared by architectsAlliance and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), prepared by Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc., dated March 9, 2026, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning. 2. City Council direct that its consent to the application to alter the designated heritage property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, in accordance with Part IV, Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, are also subject to the following conditions: a. prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the properties at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing heritage building as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner shall: 1. amend the existing Heritage Easement Agreement with the City for the property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated February 14, 2026, prepared by architectsAlliance and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc., dated March 9, 2026, and in accordance with the Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 below, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, including execution of such agreement to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; 2. provide a Conservation Plan, prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that is substantially in accordance with the conservation strategy set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment for 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East prepared by Giaimo + Associates Architects Inc., dated March 9, 2026, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 3. provide building permit drawings, including notes and specifications for the conservation and protective measures keyed to the Conservation Plan required in Recommendation 2.a.2 above, including a description of materials and finishes, to be prepared by the project architect and a qualified heritage consultant to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 4. provide a Heritage Lighting Plan that describes how the exterior of the heritage property will be sensitively illuminated to enhance its heritage character to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 5. provide a detailed Landscape Plan for the subject property, satisfactory to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; 6. provide an Interpretation Plan for the subject property, to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and thereafter shall implement such Plan to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 7. submit a Signage Plan for the subject property to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and b. that prior to the release of an existing Letter of Credit the owner shall: 1. provide a letter of substantial completion prepared and signed by a qualified heritage consultant confirming that the required conservation work and the required interpretive work have been completed in accordance with the approved Conservation and Interpretation Plans and that an appropriate standard of conservation has been maintained, all to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and 2. provide replacement Heritage Easement Agreement photographs to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the necessary Bill in Council to amend the Heritage Easement Agreement for the property at 55 Lake Shore Boulevard East. 4. City Council authorize the City Solicitor and City staff to take all necessary actions to implement City Council's decision.