Planning and Housing Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 8 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.
PH5.1amended
Ms. Leilani Farha, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing will give a presentation on the Right to Adequate Housing.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council request the Director, Affordable Housing Office to consider the presentation from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing when updating Toronto's 2009 Housing Charter and the Toronto Housing Opportunities Toronto Action Plan 2010-2020. 2. City Council request the Director, Affordable Housing Office, as part of the current public consultation process on Toronto's housing plan, to include a "rights based approach" to housing in policy areas that fall within the City's jurisdiction, and report to the Planning and Housing Committee on November 13, 2019 when the new Toronto Housing Plan 2020-2030 is to be considered.
PH5.2amended
This report presents the results of the consultations on the draft city-wide Official Plan Amendment to Section 3.2.1 Housing of the Official Plan with respect to policies to address the loss of dwelling rooms. Based on the feedback received through consultations, as well as additional analysis and consultation with City Divisions, the draft policies have been revised. A proposed Official Plan Amendment containing the revised policies is appended to this report as Attachment 1b. The consultation process included public open houses, stakeholder roundtable sessions, an online survey, written submissions and consultations with relevant City Divisions. Revisions made to the draft policies aim to balance the City's need to address the loss of this deeply affordable housing stock with the impacts of replacement on development. Key revisions to the policies include: a lowered minimum threshold of dwelling rooms; adjustments to the affordability period; the introduction of rent thresholds; and the inclusion of references to Section 5.1.1 of the Official Plan, Height or Density Incentives (Section 37 policies) to achieve full replacement of dwelling rooms. Definitions for Dwelling Room Affordable Rent and Mid-Range Rent have also been introduced. The proposed Official Plan amendment would provide a citywide policy framework for dwelling rooms and apply to both licensed and unlicensed dwelling rooms. The proposed Official Plan Amendment reinforces the City's policy objectives for providing a full range of housing across the City including affordable housing, provides for the replacement of dwelling rooms consistent with existing Official Plan policies that require the replacement of rental housing, and is a key policy initiative to advance the yardstick and address affordable housing challenges within the City.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Endorsed the proposed Official Plan Amendment containing the revised policies to address the loss of dwelling rooms, appended as Attachment 1b to the report (April 5, 2019) from Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, as the basis for consultation at an open house scheduled for May 6, 2019. 2. Directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prepare a Final Recommendation Report with a recommended Official Plan Amendment containing revised policies to address the loss of dwelling rooms to be considered at a statutory Public Meeting held by the Planning and Housing Committee on May 28, 2019. 3. Directed the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to continue to use the Consultant's summary report on the consultations on the draft policies, appended as Attachment 2 to the report (April 5, 2019) from Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, when preparing the Final Recommendations report. 4. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to consider the public presentations and communications from the April 30, 2019 meeting in addition to the Consultant's summary report on the consultations when preparing the Revised Official Plan Policies to Address the Loss of Dwelling Rooms - Final Recommendations report. 5. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Director, Affordable Housing to consider the public presentations and communications during the development of the Housing Opportunities report. 6. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Director, Affordable Housing to review the existing Rental Housing Replacement Policy.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that the: 1. Planning and Housing Committee endorse the proposed Official Plan Amendment containing the revised policies to address the loss of dwelling rooms, appended as Attachment 1b to this report, as the basis for consultation at an open house scheduled for May 23, 2019. 2. Planning and Housing Committee direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to prepare a Final Recommendation Report with a recommended Official Plan Amendment containing revised policies to address the loss of dwelling rooms to be considered at a statutory Public Meeting held by the Planning and Housing Committee on July 3, 2019. 3. Planning and Housing Committee direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to continue to use the Consultant's summary report on the consultations on the draft policies, appended as Attachment 2 to this report, when preparing the Final Recommendations report.
PH5.3adopted
In October 2017 City Council approved Open Door incentives for the affordable rental housing to be constructed on the lands known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W, 4W and 7W in the West Don Lands and 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets as part of the Provincial Affordable Housing Lands Program. These sites include up to eight acres of land in the West Don Lands (Blocks 8/20 and 3W, 4W and 7W) and about one acre of land at 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets. Thirty percent of the residential Gross Floor Area (GFA) in these sites will be allocated to affordable rental housing which was originally estimated to create up to 600 affordable rental homes. This report provides an update on the Provincial Affordable Housing Lands Program and recommends City Council approval of Open Door incentives for up to an additional 80 affordable rental homes to be created on the sites, including exemptions from payment of development charges, building, planning and parkland dedication fees and charges, and taxation for municipal and school purposes. It is anticipated that between 600 and 680 affordable homes will be created in total. Through the development review process and community consultation, an appropriate built form will be reached, which will ultimately determine the final number of affordable units. In addition to the above, this report recommends that City Council approve an extension of residential property tax exemptions for the affordable homes in the West Don Lands from 49 to 99 years. The increased exemption of property taxes will ensure that the rental homes remain affordable for 99 years, providing a range of housing opportunities for lower and moderate income residents in the city.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council authorize up to 80 additional affordable rental units to be constructed on the lands known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W, 4W and 7W in the West Don Lands and 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets be exempt from the payment of development charges, building, planning and parkland dedication fees and charges. 2. City Council authorize an exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes for the additional 80 affordable rental units to be constructed on the lands known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W, 4W and 7W in the West Don Lands and 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets. 3. City Council authorize an extension of the exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes for all of the affordable rental units to be constructed on the land known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W, 4W and 7W in the West Don Lands from 49 to 99 years as described in the chart in the Financial Impact section of the report (April 12, 2019) from the Director, Affordable Housing Office. 4. City Council authorize City staff to cancel or refund any taxes paid after the effective date of the municipal capital facility agreement. 5. City Council authorize the Director, Affordable Housing Office to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of the City, a municipal housing facility agreement (the "Contribution Agreement"), with WDL 8 GP Inc., WDL 3/4/7 GP Inc., Choice Grosvenor/Grenville Inc., and Greenwin Grosvenor/Grenville Inc., the proponents chosen for the development of the affordable housing to be constructed on the lands known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W/4W and 7W in the West Don Lands and 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets, respectively, setting out the terms of the operation of the new affordable rental housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Director, Affordable Housing Office, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, Chief Financial Officer and General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 6. City Council authorize the Director, Affordable Housing Office to execute, on behalf of the City, the municipal housing facility agreement, any security or financing documents or any other documents required to facilitate the funding process, including any documents required by the applicants, or their related corporations to complete construction and conventional financing, where required. 7. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to execute, postpone, confirm the status of, and discharge any City security documents registered as required by normal business practices.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Affordable Housing Office recommends that: 1. City Council authorize up to 80 additional affordable rental units to be constructed on the lands known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W, 4W and 7W in the West Don Lands and 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets be exempt from the payment of development charges, building, planning and parkland dedication fees and charges. 2. City Council authorize an exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes for the additional 80 affordable rental units to be constructed on the lands known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W, 4W and 7W in the West Don Lands and 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets. 3. City Council authorize an extension of the exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes for all of the affordable rental units to be constructed on the land known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W, 4W and 7W in the West Don Lands from 49 to 99 years as described in the chart in the Financial Impact section of this Report. 4. City Council authorize City staff to cancel or refund any taxes paid after the effective date of the municipal capital facility agreement. 5. City Council authorize the Director, Affordable Housing Office to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of the City, a municipal housing facility agreement (the "Contribution Agreement"), with WDL 8 GP Inc., WDL 3/4/7 GP Inc., Choice Grosvenor/Grenville Inc., and Greenwin Grosvenor/Grenville Inc., the proponents chosen for the development of the affordable housing to be constructed on the lands known as Blocks 8/20 and Blocks 3W/4W and 7W in the West Don Lands and 27 Grosvenor/26 Grenville Streets, respectively, setting out the terms of the operation of the new affordable rental housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Director, Affordable Housing Office, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, Chief Financial Officer and General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and in a form approved by the City Solicitor. 6. City Council authorize the Director, Affordable Housing Office to execute, on behalf of the City, the municipal housing facility agreement, any security or financing documents or any other documents required to facilitate the funding process, including any documents required by the applicants, or their related corporations to complete construction and conventional financing, where required. 7. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to execute, postpone, confirm the status of, and discharge any City security documents registered as required by normal business practices.
PH5.4adopted
Providing Property Tax Relief for New Affordable Rental Homes at 203 College Street
As a result of a Section 37 Agreement between the City and Parallax (203 College) Development Inc., four barrier-free one-bedroom units within the new condominium development at 203 College Street will be conveyed at nominal cost to the neighbouring Cawthra Mansions Cooperative Inc. ("Cawthra Co-operative"). The units will be used by Cawthra Co-operative to provide affordable rental homes at or below 80% of average market rents. Consistent with City policy, this report recommends that City Council exempt the four new affordable rental homes at 203 College Street, Ward 11-University-Rosedale from property taxes for 30 years beginning at occupancy which is expected to be in the summer of 2020. The property tax exemption represents a net present value of $61,809 over the 30-year term and will assist Cawthra Co-operative in providing rents at deeper levels of affordability to lower-income households.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council exempt the four new affordable rental homes to be developed at 203 College Street (being units 503, 601, 603 and 701) from taxation for municipal and school purposes for the term of 30 years. 2. City Council authorize the Director, Affordable Housing Office to negotiate, enter into, and execute on behalf of the City, a municipal housing facility agreement (the City's "Contribution Agreement"), with Cawthra Mansions Co-operative Inc., to secure the financial assistance being provided and to set out the terms of the development and operation of the new affordable rental housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Director, Affordable Housing Office and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council authorize severally each of the Director, Affordable Housing Office and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to execute, on behalf of the City, any City security documents including any postponement, confirmation of status, discharge or consent documents where and when required during the term of the municipal housing facility agreement, as required by normal business practices, and provided that such documents do not give rise to financial obligations on the part of the City that have not been previously approved by Council. 4. City Council authorize City staff to cancel or refund any taxes paid from the by-law exempting the property from taxation.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director, Affordable Housing Office recommends that: 1. City Council exempt the four new affordable rental homes to be developed at 203 College Street (being units 503, 601, 603 and 701) from taxation for municipal and school purposes for the term of 30 years. 2. City Council authorize the Director, Affordable Housing Office to negotiate, enter into, and execute on behalf of the City, a municipal housing facility agreement (the City's "Contribution Agreement"), with Cawthra Mansions Co-operative Inc., to secure the financial assistance being provided and to set out the terms of the development and operation of the new affordable rental housing, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Director, Affordable Housing Office and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council authorize severally each of the Director, Affordable Housing Office and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to execute, on behalf of the City, any City security documents including any postponement, confirmation of status, discharge or consent documents where and when required during the term of the municipal housing facility agreement, as required by normal business practices, and provided that such documents do not give rise to financial obligations on the part of the City that have not been previously approved by Council. 4. City Council authorize City staff to cancel or refund any taxes paid from the by-law exempting the property from taxation.
PH5.5deferred
A New Approvals Framework for Toronto Community Housing Corporation Revitalization Projects
Toronto Community Housing Corporation undertakes revitalization projects in communities across Toronto. Revitalization projects aim to address issues relating to long-term maintenance costs associated with aging housing stock, generate funding to renovate and replace social housing stock, and provide opportunities for community development and investment through improved design, additional facilities and services, and community economic development initiatives. As Toronto Community Housing Corporation's sole Shareholder, Service Manager, and as a municipality holding approval authority for planning applications, the City has a number of mechanisms to approve and consent revitalization in Toronto Community Housing Corporation communities. The City also makes contributions to the costs of revitalization. After nearly twenty years of revitalization activities, there is an opportunity to develop a clear and transparent framework for approvals and consents to better align revitalization projects with the objectives of the upcoming Toronto Housing Strategy 2020 - 2030, the City-wide Real Estate Strategy, and the work of Tenants First to review the mandate and funding for Toronto Community Housing Corporation. A new approvals framework is critical for ensuring that the City is able to take opportunities to strategically and cost-effectively achieve city-building objectives through revitalization projects. This report outlines a new approvals framework for revitalization, including a new Initial Development Proposal report to be submitted for Council approval before procurement for a development partner begins. This framework provides Council with critical information regarding the nature and scale of proposed revitalization projects, earlier in the process to enhance Council's oversight and support informed decision-making, as well as creating an opportunity to take a more integrated approach to city-building on Toronto Community Housing Corporation and City lands. The framework adopts a staged approvals process that is currently under development for all major capital projects (for example, see EX4.1 Toronto's Transit Expansion Program - Update and Next Steps). The "stage gate process" identifies the stages of work throughout a capital project's lifecycle and ensures key decisions are made at defined stages of a project. Key features of the stage gate process include aligning City Council's funding decisions with the appropriate level of project design and providing an appropriate level of project oversight to project stakeholders.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 1. Deferred consideration of the item until the July 3, 2019 meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee, in recognition of the current Auditor General's report on Toronto Community Housing Corporation revitalizations, with the request that: a. The City Manager review the proposed stage-gating process in Attachment 1 and the proposed consent approval in Attachment 2 to the report (April 12, 2019) from the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, in the context of the evolving mandates of CreateTO and the new Housing Secretariat. b. The City Manager, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Community Housing Corporation and CreateTO report on the three revitalization sites in Recommendation 3 of the report (April 12, 2019) from the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, and provide the full project details, including a plan for net new affordable rental housing.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Shareholder Direction to require Toronto Community Housing to work with City divisions and agencies in planning and implementing revitalization projects, to ensure that revitalization projects contribute appropriately to city-building objectives. 2. City Council, acting as Shareholder, direct the Board of Directors of Toronto Community Housing to adopt a stage-gating approach to seeking Council consents and approvals as outlined in Attachment 1, and to provide the required information to City divisions and agencies as outlined in Attachment 2. 3. City Council direct that the following revitalization projects enter the stage-gating approach at the following steps: a. Don Summerville: Seek approval to pass Stage Gate 1 b. Firgrove: Seek approval to pass Stage Gate 1 c. Lawrence Heights Phase 2: Seek approval to pass Stage Gate 2
PH5.6amended
Vital Service Disruptions in Apartment Buildings
This report provides an update on measures being undertaken by the City of Toronto to respond to Council directives on apartment building safety issues identified in the St. Jamestown catchment area. In January 2019, a flood in an apartment building located at 260 Wellesley Street East resulted in an electrical shutdown that impacted approximately 546 apartment units, leaving many without hydro, heat, fire and life safety systems, and water for five days. This incident came shortly after a similar incident in August 2018 at a nearby building at 650 Parliament Street. These incidents raised concern about the state of good repair of aging infrastructure in apartment buildings - particularly infrastructure that provides vital services such as electricity, heat, fire and life safety systems, and water, which have a direct impact on the health, safety and livability of tenants. The incidents also raised concerns regarding the ability of building owners/operators to effectively communicate and provide necessary support to tenants. A number of collaborative efforts have since been undertaken to respond to these incidents, and to better understand the scope of potential safety issues in apartment buildings across the City. This includes a series of proactive safety inspections of high-risk buildings led by Toronto Fire Services with the Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) and the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), as well as upcoming work on emergency management and crisis communications led by the Office of Emergency Management. In order to promote the health and safety of tenants, specifically in situations when a vital service for an apartment building is disrupted and the disruption is expected to last for an extended period of time, it is recommended that the City of Toronto put in place the following measures under the Apartment Buildings by-law to require building owners/operators to: - Maintain a voluntary contact list of tenants who may require additional assistance during periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services, and who choose to voluntarily self-identify to building owners/operators and City officials as needing assistance; - Provide proof of an electrical maintenance plan approved by the ESA; and, - Retain logs of any service and maintenance conducted on building electrical systems as part of the program's record keeping obligations. This report provides an outline of the response efforts to date, as well as various regulatory tools available to the City to respond to such incidents and recommendations to enhance these tools and strengthen the City's response to similar events in the future. Finally, this report will also outline some areas for further exploration. Staff have consulted with Legal Services, the Office of Emergency Management, Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Building in the preparation of this report.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to maintain a voluntary contact list of tenants who may require additional assistance during periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services, and who choose to voluntarily self-identify to the building owner/operator and City officials as needing assistance. 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to develop an electrical maintenance plan with a Licenced Electrical Contractor certified by the Electrical Safety Authority, and maintain any information and records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the electrical safety maintenance plan, when requested. 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators to retain logs of service and maintenance conducted on electrical systems including the date and nature of service and name of certified tradesperson, if applicable, and maintain the logs in a secure and accessible manner. 4. City Council request that the Province of Ontario amend the Electrical Safety Code to mandate regular inspections of electrical systems in all buildings. 5. City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the Fire Chief and General Manager, Fire Services, to review the following items to be brought forward to the Executive Committee as part of the report back on MM2.26, "Holding Landlords Responsible for Property Maintenance and Improving Crisis Communications in Emergencies" on the feasibility of implementing the following: a. Requiring building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to develop a communications plan for tenants during periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services, which includes: 1. measures to communicate with tenants with updates, including e-mails, text messages, robo-calls and other technologies that allow updates to be provided directly to tenants; 2. monthly updates on restoration and construction schedules for evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services that exceed 7 days; 3. a survey of tenant needs during periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services that exceed 7 days; 4. daily communication during the first seven days of periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services; 5. weekly communication for periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services that exceed 7 days, up to 30 days; 6. a minimum communication every two weeks or twice per month for periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services that exceed 30 days; 7. a meeting with tenants for periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuances of vital services that last more than 3 days; 8. monthly meetings with tenants for periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuances of vital services that last more than 30 days; and 9. the creation of a public website for tenants that: a. collects and publishes all notices between the landlord, government agencies and tenants during the periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services; and, b. allows tenants to register information and direct how best to communicate with them during a period of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services. b. Requiring building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to develop an emergency preparedness plan for tenants during periods of temporary discontinuance of vital services, which includes: 1. provision of notices from the landlord in common areas, stairwells, elevators, and hand delivery to tenants; 2. provision of drinkable and potable water during periods where water has been discontinued; 3. provision of blankets during periods where heat has been discontinued between September 15 and June 1; 4. provision of light snacks and warm meals during periods where electricity and/or gas has been discontinued; 5. provision of on-site security during periods where electricity and/or gas has been discontinued, including regular check-ins with tenants; and 6. supports to tenants who may require additional assistance, including but not limited to additional food, water, check-ins and temporary accommodations, including those with temporary vulnerabilities. c. Requiring building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to develop an emergency preparedness plan for tenants during periods of evacuation, which includes: 1. provision of temporary accommodation, including hotel rooms or rent-supplemented units, to tenants who may require assistance during periods of evacuation, including those with temporary vulnerabilities, within 24 hours of an evacuation order; 2. provision of temporary accommodation, including hotel rooms or rent-supplemented units, to tenants within 48 hours of an evacuation order; 3. provision of measures to accommodate tenants to access their units temporarily for a minimum of one hour two-weeks after an evacuation order and every 3 months afterwards; and, 4. creation of a tenant assistance office to assist tenants with temporary housing and associated costs during the period of evacuation. 6. City Council direct the Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee on the feasibility of establishing an appropriate timeframe for a timely elevator repair, as a part of a comprehensive strategy, monitored and enforced through the RentSafeTO program.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, recommends that: 1. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to maintain a voluntary contact list of tenants who may require additional assistance during periods of evacuation or temporary discontinuance of vital services, and who choose to voluntarily self-identify to the building owner/operator and City officials as needing assistance. 2. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators under the RentSafeTO program to develop an electrical maintenance plan with a Licenced Electrical Contractor certified by the Electrical Safety Authority, and maintain any information and records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the electrical safety maintenance plan, when requested. 3. City Council amend Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings to require building owners/operators to retain logs of service and maintenance conducted on electrical systems including the date and nature of service and name of certified tradesperson, if applicable, and maintain the logs in a secure and accessible manner. 4. City Council request that the Province of Ontario amend the Electrical Safety Code to mandate regular inspections of electrical systems in all buildings.
PH5.7amended
Toronto Local Appeal Body - Chair's 2018 Annual Report
Enacted on May 3rd, 2017, the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal established through the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 142, City of Toronto Act and other provincial legislation. The Tribunal provides a public forum for the adjudication of land-use disputes related to applications under Sections 45 and 53 of the Planning Act. The TLAB is composed of 10 members including the Chair, Vice Chair and 8 Panel Members who are nominated by an impartial citizen-member nominating panel with recommendations for appointments submitted to City Council. City Council appoints Members of the TLAB for a four-year term of office.
The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that: 1. City Council receive the 2018 Annual Report from the Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body, contained in Attachment 1 to the report (April 9, 2019) from the Director of Court Services, for information.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Director of Court Services, recommends that: 1. City Council receive the 2018 Annual Report from the Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body, contained in Attachment 1 to the report (April 9, 2019) for information.
PH5.8adopted
Initiating a Comprehensive Study of the Geary Avenue corridor
The Geary Ave corridor is a neighbourhood in Toronto's West End undergoing rapid change in use from a previous industrial and warehouse space, to one that is now a burgeoning hub for artist workshops, cultural organizations, and light industrial and small commercial businesses. With land price, development and growth pressures, moving quickly into the area, the continued viability of many of these small businesses and local artists is of concern. Across the City, this is a scenario we have seen play out over and over with artist and small business communities displaced due to rising land prices and development pressures. Many businesses, property owners, residents and others in the Geary Avenue neighbourhood agree with the need to address these pressures and agree that the City of Toronto needs to undertake a comprehensive Planning and Economic Development study done along the Geary Ave. Corridor. By working together with local residents, businesses and cultural organizations on a comprehensive planning, economic development and culture-led strategy we have the opportunity to proactively plan and continue to foster success.
The Planning and Housing Committee: 　 1. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to initiate a planning study for the Geary Avenue Corridor generally between Ossington Avenue and Primrose Avenue including: a. An inventory of current applications and development proposals along Geary Avenue and in the surrounding area; b. An inventory of existing establishments and detailed analysis of existing and permitted land uses; and c. The development of urban design and built form guidelines and land use provisions that promote and enhance the continued non-residential uses analysed through a. above including compatibility with and transition to adjacent residential uses. 2. Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the General Manager, Transportation Services to identify and coordinate parks and public realm improvements that enhance the character of the area. 3. Request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to develop a terms of reference for and undertake an economic development study for the Geary Avenue corridor generally between Ossington Avenue and Primrose Avenue, such study would include: a. Consultation with area businesses, tenants and to understand the current challenges and future opportunities in developing a long term vision for the Geary Avenue corridor including cultural uses; and b. In consultation with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, consider the feasibility of developing and implementing financial and regulatory mechanisms to promote the continued arts-based, cultural, light industrial and employment uses in the area.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Ana Bailão requests that: 　 1. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to initiate a planning study for the Geary Avenue Corridor generally between Ossington Avenue and Primrose Avenue including: a. An inventory of current applications and development proposals along Geary Avenue and in the surrounding area; b. An inventory of existing establishments and detailed analysis of existing and permitted land uses; c. The development of urban design and built form guidelines and land use provisions that promote and enhance the continued non-residential uses analysed through a. above including compatibility with and transition to adjacent residential uses; 2. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to work with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the General Manager, Transportation Services to identify and coordinate parks and public realm improvements that enhance the character of the area; and 3. The Planning and Housing Committee request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to develop a terms of reference for and undertake an economic development study for the Geary Avenue corridor generally between Ossington Avenue and Primrose Avenue, such study would include: a. Consultation with area businesses, tenants and to understand the current challenges and future opportunities in developing a long term vision for the Geary Avenue corridor including cultural uses; b. In consultation with the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, consider the feasibility of developing and implementing financial and regulatory mechanisms to promote the continued arts-based, cultural, light industrial and employment uses in the area;