Scarborough Community Council

Who did what

• Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North) moved and questioned staffAsked how residents access affordable units from this and similar projects; applicant explained city working on new portal-based registry system respecting local community preference before lottery

From the floor

“The proposed building in metric height is 45 meters in height, 13 stories. As I mentioned, 259 units are proposed and that includes a range of room units from studio to three-bedroom units. However, it's also very important to understand that 77 of the units will be secured as affordable units and the 182 additional units will be rent controlled. This will be secured through a contribution agreement with the housing development office for a period of 40 years.”Speaking for the applicant

“I'm very happy to move the recommendations. this building's in my ward. I want to thank the Neighbors Community Homes. This area, Kings Road, Galloway, Orton Park is one of our neighborhood improvement areas. So, this type of housing is very badly needed in my community.”Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North)

“The support that we've received in getting the zoning bylaw is exactly what is needed to get affordable housing projects built in the current context where all orders of government want to see shovel ready projects. and our organization has the bandwidth to with city support to bring this project to that state and bring 259 units to West Hill.”Speaking for an organization

Also in this item

• 40-year affordability lock: 77 units secured as affordable, 182 as rent-controlled, via contribution agreement with city Housing Development Office. This is an unusual length and structure for Toronto; most affordability agreements run 20-30 years.

• Access mechanism still in flux: city is building a new lottery-registry system (not yet live) for allocating units in affordable projects; staff could not specify qualification criteria or timeline at meeting.

• Site context: property has been derelict; site is in a designated neighbourhood improvement area (Kingston-Galloway-Orton Park) where affordable housing is explicitly identified as badly needed by ward councillor.

The journey

Decision

Zoning by-law amendment approved; staff recommendation carried unanimously without recorded opposition

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) movedMoved to defer the item, citing concerns about cumulative impacts, need for community consultation, and the balance of equity between developers and residents.

From the floor

“The holding provision would give us a sense of trust and security that things will be looked at and it gives power to the city to do that.”A deputant

“I'm uncomfortable with respect to decisions that we have made and its impact on the community. I'm uncomfortable in the sense that we need to afford more time for members of the community to be able to be consulted with. I think sometimes the policy has a negative impact on the overall concern of the community and we need to figure out how to right side that. The equity and the equality balance is actually not in favor of the community. It's actually in favor of the development and the developer.”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

“Let's afford the community opportunity to work with the city, work with the applicant that they're representing, the developers and so on and come to a better understanding. The bluff is a treasure for us and I think we ought not to just lose the treasure by quick decisions.”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

“The individual studies are prepared for the application but they are all termed by our terms of reference to look at the area as a whole. Traffic, engineering, water servicing, and community services facilities all need to look at existing populations as expressed by the census, apply growth factors to those populations for background growth as well as taking into account developments in the area that utilize those services.”City staff

“Should we be looking at a better system? Like there's a community association in this area that's very well organized. They have the time to dive deep into reports. I have neighborhoods in my area. There's no community association, lots of development going on and trying to get them to figure out or even for myself, you know, multiple traffic study studies, engineering studies to understand the cumulative impact of a collection of developments like this on their neighborhood.”The chair

Also in this item

• Staff acknowledged that a cumulative impact study scoped at the neighbourhood or corridor scale (rather than site-by-site) could clarify infrastructure capacity, reduce individual applicant burden, and accelerate development once capacity is known; chair flagged this as a governance gap.

• Cliffrest character study underway, led by community planning and urban design, with residents association as active participant; open house July 22, final report Q1 2027. Study aims to define determinative characteristics (built form, landscaping, setbacks) that reflect community values.

• Applicant reduced unit count from 323 to 275 and increased two- and three-bedroom units from 28% to 44%, with tree preservation improved from initial proposal (23 permit trees preserved, underground parking restructured to preserve additional trees).

The journey

What happens next

Residents can participate in the ongoing Cliffrest character study (open house scheduled for July 22); follow the cumulative impact study when it is scoped; and engage at the future deferral meeting when this item returns to council (timing not yet set).

Decision

Motion to defer carried unanimously; the item will not proceed to approval today.

The vote

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) movedMoved the recommendations and requested recorded vote

Also in this item

• 2,243 apartments approved across eight buildings up to 48 storeys in a single development, representing a major intensification of the Golden Mile corridor.

• Applicant waived detailed presentation and the council took no debate or amendments, suggesting either broad agreement or minimal scrutiny on a large project.

The journey

Decision

Approved as recommended: the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for the residential and mixed-use development with 2,243 apartments, office and retail components, public park, and new streets.

The vote

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Also in this item

• Five mixed-use blocks with heights up to 33 storeys represent significant intensification of the Woodside Square area, affecting neighbourhood skyline and character

• The proposal creates 7,880 square metres of new public parkland in Scarborough, addressing green space in an area with existing mall and parking

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents can depute at City Council before the vote; contact their ward councillor. The meeting date and deputation window depend on the published Council agenda.

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Who did what

• Councillor Neethan Shan (Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park) movedMoved the staff recommendations on this item

From the floor

“We believe that this is a practical and balanced approach. It recognizes that the Coronation Drive employment area remains an important industrial employment district while also acknowledging the concerns of our neighbors about traffic safety and compatibility.”Spoke on the record

“Good planning starts with understanding the impacts before changes occur, not after problems emerge. And this amendment ensures that review occurs.”Spoke on the record

“Deafening noise, rattling vibrations, dusty air makes it undesirable to open windows, to chat outdoors with neighbors, to allow children to play safely out on front yards, to take naps, or even sleep because the trucks continue into the night.”A deputant

Also in this item

• Speed limit reduction to 40 km/h on Coronation Drive between Manse Road and Beechgrove Drive addresses safety concerns in the employment area adjacent to residential neighborhoods

• New Site and Area Specific Policy 938 requires transportation impact studies before new industrial development, formalizing requirements for industrial operators in the area

The journey

Decision

Approved: Official Plan Amendment with new Site and Area Specific Policy 938 requiring transportation impact studies for new industrial development; speed limit reduction from 50 km/h to 40 km/h on Coronation Drive between Manse Road and Beechgrove Drive.

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) questioned staffQuestioned the composition of the facility's board, governance of the 50% public-use requirement, enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance, and parking solutions; noted past issues with shared-space agreements not working as intended.
• Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North) questioned staffRaised concerns about transit accessibility for the large Tamil community within walking distance, parking overflow on residential streets, and community involvement in Phase 2 planning; asked how the public would be involved in future site decisions.

From the floor

“In 2017, with the support of the former mayor, we were able to move a motion to ask the city staff to work together with the community to explore opportunities for the community to build a community center. The area was heavily underserviced. In the early 2000s when this community was built there was an informal promise of a community center that never materialized in the local neighborhood.”Councillor Lily Cheng (Ward 18, Willowdale)

“It is being built through a grassroots community initiative. The city provided the lease, but the community came together, advocated for other levels of government, and more importantly raised $17 million already in a tight economic situation with over 850 families donating $10,000 each.”Councillor Lily Cheng (Ward 18, Willowdale)

“We were not able to advance the auditorium because those are questions that could not be answered at this time. There was no sense of how transit could be increased, whether satellite parking could be made available, the walkway of the community center and the catchment of it as well.”City staff

“The 50% has been stipulated through the lease agreement as well as the community access agreement. The community access agreement speaks to notification of the broader community and local groups that they are aware of space at the center and if they apply for space and the space is available that decision gets made through the joint use agreement.”City staff

Also in this item

• The Tamil Community Center project is funded entirely through grassroots effort, with 850+ families each donating $10,000, raising $17 million without city subsidy; council staff and the applicant did not disclose or address ongoing governance and compliance-enforcement uncertainty, instead deferring it to Phase 2.

• Phase 2 (auditorium expansion) is indefinitely deferred: council flagged transit capacity and parking as unsolved, but the transcript does not identify when or how these constraints will be studied, nor when Phase 2 will return to committee.

• A 50% public-use requirement is locked into a lease and community access agreement, but governance of that 50% and enforcement of non-compliance rest on a corrective-action mechanism in the lease rather than proactive city oversight; council did not resolve who decides space allocation or how the public will access it.

The journey

What happens next

Phase 2 planning will invite community input through a notice of intention to lift holds and a public comment period. The community may also write to staff during site plan review for Phase 1 and any Phase 2 hold-lifting application.

Decision

Approved zoning amendment for 3030 Markham Road to permit gas station with ancillary retail and car wash, clearing the way for Phase 1 Tamil Community Center. Phase 2 auditorium deferred pending feasibility study on transit, parking, and site plan refinement.

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From the floor

“I was here a month ago to oppose a bylaw amendment which was passed against my recommendations. So, I'm here again today on another development.”Spoke on the record

“The Scarbo Community Council defer consideration of this application until the applicant has provided an updated comprehensive microclimate, solar, and transportation impact study that accounts for the cumulative impacts of the adjacent tree canopy that's going to be removed from the Bellamy project.”Spoke on the record

“These developments is four in the area that are happening and they're large developments. Our little area is adjacent to the Dorothy McCarthy trail and Scarbo Bluffs. With these large developments coming into single family homes area it is going to cause a lot of damage to the environment to the community and also to the lifestyle.”Spoke on the record

“The wind study does not incorporate the 100 plus trees that are going to be removed from Bellamy Road south which is adjacent to that other development. So that's erosion, that's wind gusts and that is a problem for migration, not to mention transportation.”Spoke on the record

Also in this item

• Resident identifies four concurrent large developments in a small single-family area and claims individual environmental and traffic studies do not assess cumulative impact; argues for holistic review before approval.

• Wind study relied upon is from 2020 and does not account for tree removal from adjacent Bellamy project (100+ trees); resident contends this gap obscures actual microclimate and erosion risk.

The journey

What happens next

If the deferral motion is brought formally, residents can contact Councillor Thompson or other members to support it before a vote; Hermas's motion text is on the record and available for deputation or written submission at the next occurrence of this item.

Decision

20 Chatterton Boulevard fence exemption approved (5-0). Kingston Road zoning amendment deferral motion: no recorded vote or outcome.

On video

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) questioned staffAsked about completion timeline for the wind study work; staff confirmed open house on the 22nd and final report targeted for Q1 next year.

From the floor

“The wind studies only examine physical features in built form. They do not take into account planting or existing or to come trees, just the buildings.”City staff

“When is it going to be completed?”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

“There is an open house coming up on the 22nd and we're tracking to complete, have a final report in Q1 of next year.”City staff

“There's Bliss Carman's on the north west corner. It's not going anywhere, but the other three corners are all changing. There's a gas station. You know, if these buildings go up, maybe the value of that property goes up. But cumulatively...”The chair

Also in this item

• Residents raised cumulative impact concerns about multiple development projects at the Oakridge intersection; staff did not address whether a cumulative impact study would be conducted.

• Two companion reports on Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue corridor improvements were deferred to City Council due to TTC operations involvement and ward boundary complications, delaying those safety improvements beyond this committee approval.

The journey

What happens next

No open deputation window in the transcript. Residents can monitor the Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue reports when they reach City Council, or contact their councillor if they have concerns about implementation timing.

Decision

Approved: Oakridge Streets Plan with intersection safety improvements, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings. Deferred to City Council: companion reports on Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue.

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The journey

Decision

Speed humps will be installed on Highcastle Road between Sealstone Terrace and Military Trail, and on Pineslope Crescent between Oakmeadow Boulevard and Highcastle Road.

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Also in this item

• The item addresses documented speeding and safety for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists) in the Oakridge neighbourhood on a heavily-used TTC corridor

The journey

What happens next

Residents can depute at a future council meeting if this item advances; watch for the council vote on the recommendation.

Decision

Not yet stated in the transcript; appears to be at committee discussion stage

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From the floor

“My family has lived in this house for nearly 50 years. We chose the property because of its access to natural sunlight and the quietness of our neighborhood.”Spoke on the record

The journey

Decision

Speed humps and cushions approved for installation on Bathgate Drive

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From the floor

“I'm also concerned about privacy. Residents on the upper floor of a 10-story building will have direct view into the backyards and rear windows of homes along Horizon Crescent.”A deputant

Also in this item

• Deputation raised privacy and shadow concerns from neighboring development during Danzig Street traffic calming discussion

The journey

Decision

Staff authorized to proceed with installation of speed humps and cushions on Danzig Street

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Also in this item

• Recent collision at the intersection has prompted the safety measure, indicating documented risk to vulnerable road users.

The journey

What happens next

Residents can monitor council vote; the item appears ready for decision, though the transcript excerpt does not show the vote itself.

Decision

Installation of traffic control signal recommended by Transportation Services; no vote outcome recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) questioned staffAsked clarifying questions about the holding provision and infrastructure concerns, specifically probing whether city technical services would conduct proper water and sewer analysis and whether the deputant had local knowledge the city might lack.

From the floor

“While we are discussing a single property, I urge this council to look out the window. Recognize that you are approving massive density in total planning silo within a tight two-block radius. Our neighborhood is facing five concurrent dense developments.”A deputant

“Our association has requested a cumulative study for 5 years for this environmentally sensitive area running parallel to the bluffs, but the city defers it over and over. With each passing year, more density is approved with zero proof that our local grid will hold.”A deputant

“The holding provision, the H does not kill housing. It simply guarantees that a building cannot hook up to city systems until staff verify that infrastructure can actually handle it. Unfortunately, we see this tool consistently ignored.”A deputant

“Private isolated developer negotiations strip the community of any ability to verify cumulative impacts on our grid.”A deputant

“Help me to understand the infrastructure concerns that you have. Staff tech services would go through and look at the water flow impact on our sewer systems and so forth.”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

Also in this item

• Community association alleges city negotiated infrastructure capacity calculations for 3291 Kingston and 5-11 Bellamy behind closed doors, removed holding provisions right before final approval at one site, and bypassed holding provision entirely at another, shutting out the formal legal party (the association) from discussions.

• Deputant claims five concurrent major developments in a two-block radius along Kingston Road corridor (near environmentally sensitive area running parallel to the Bluffs) are each individually approved on policy grounds with site-plan-stage review, at which point the community loses communication access, with no cumulative assessment of combined stormwater, soil stability, and traffic impacts.

• Councillor Thompson's questions suggest the city's standard technical review (water/sewer analysis by Toronto Water and technical services) may not capture cumulative or neighbourhood-specific local risks, and that holding provisions exist precisely to give the city and community a verification gate before infrastructure hook-up.

The journey

What happens next

The deputant called for a mandatory cumulative impact study (water, stormwater, traffic) across all five sites before construction begins, and for enforcement of the holding provision on the 3310 Kingston Road development. A resident can request this study at a future Planning and Housing Committee meeting, depute on any of the concurrent developments as they advance, or contact their Scarborough councillor to demand infrastructure verification before further approvals in the corridor.

Decision

Approved the site-specific fence exemption at 31 McDonald Avenue to exceed Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 447 height limit by 16 centimetres.

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From the floor

“Buildings make winds worse for nearby houses by altering the natural flow of air through three primary forces. Downwashing, funneling, and corner vortices.”Spoke on the record

“These homes were built 60 years ago when no large buildings existed in the neighborhoods. The planners and builders of 60 years ago did not anticipate concentrated high gust of winds impacting the homes.”Spoke on the record

“The shadow study was found to meet the city's objectives in adequately limiting shadow. That was done by setbacks, massing of the building towards Birchmount and away from the neighbouring residential property.”City staff

“The wind study was found to be acceptable, except for pedestrians on a seasonal basis. That would be in and around the site. As you get further removed from the building, the impact would be lessened.”City staff

“As the community grows quite quickly with the very large proposed developments in the vicinity of the Agent Court Mall, there's a concern with the length of time it takes for residents to use public transit. There is no higher order transit than TTC buses in all of Ward 22.”Spoke on the record

Also in this item

• Wind concerns raised by neighbours cite damage to 60-year-old homes not built for concentrated wind gusts created by tall buildings; staff wind study found 'acceptable' only for grade-level pedestrian use, not for adjacent residential property impacts

• Area faces rapid density growth (Birchmount and Agent Court proposals) without higher-order transit; only bus service available; Shepard extension under study by Metrolinks with no timeline; RapidTO on Birchmount not in first tranche

The journey

Decision

Staff recommendation approved unanimously (all in favour, none opposed). Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment adopted.

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Who did what

• Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park) movedMoved the staff recommendation on a recorded vote

From the floor

“I'll move the staff recommendations on a recorded vote”Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park)

“Councilor Perks is moving the staff recommendation and is asking for a recorded vote”The chair

Also in this item

• 512 new long-term care beds approved in a single vote with strong supermajority (23-2); addresses documented provincial and municipal care capacity gap.

The journey

What happens next

Residents may contact their ward councillor or attend/depute at the City Council meeting if it remains on the open agenda. The Holding provision allows for future opportunities to raise infrastructure concerns during the condition-satisfaction phase.

Decision

Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment approved as recommended by staff; 23-2 vote. Site redesignated from Neighbourhoods to Institutional Areas with Holding provision for infrastructure conditions.

The vote

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Also in this item

• The development site includes City-owned property, including a vacant City recreation asset at 6 Thora Avenue on City-designated Parks and Open Space land, which the City proposes to exchange with privately-owned land to create a new public park. The real estate and land transactions remain conditional on further negotiations.

• The proposal delivers 1,432.7 square metres of new public parkland at 7 and 11 Thora Avenue through a land exchange, addressing a stated city-building priority in a transit-rich area.

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Deputation possible at City Council (date not specified in agenda); written submission may be possible if a consultation window remains open. Ward councillor contact before the vote.

The vote

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From the floor

“Taiu is an African name, a Swahili name, which means be in good health. And it's within that spirit that I'm supporting the naming of long-term care in the name of Bernice Redman who is a trailblazer for us Canadians and Torontonians as well.”Spoke on the record

“Representation matters. It inspires young people, honours those who have come before us, and strengthens the connections between communities and the services designed to support them.”Spoke on the record

“Sometimes you don't know until later the effect of what it means to be the first person to do something and the toll it takes on you emotionally to do that. Canada is not ready to accept black nurses in training here. She had to go to the US to do it. And when she went to the US, segregation was full-blown.”Spoke on the record

“This is a historic moment and I'm so glad to finally get to meet you Bernice in person. She told me the incredible story of her aunt and it just blew my mind how much adversity she had to overcome.”Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North)

Also in this item

• The Redmon and Carnegie families are among Toronto's first Black families, with multiple family members becoming pioneers in their fields; Herb Carnegie, Bernice's brother, was one of Canada's first Black professional hockey players and has a community recreation centre named after him on Finch Avenue

• Bernice Redmon had to leave Canada to pursue nursing training because Canadian institutions would not accept Black nurses, and upon returning had to retain lawyers to gain entry into the field

The journey

Decision

The long-term care home at 4610 Finch Avenue East will be named Bernice Redmon Long-Term Care Home

The vote

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From the floor

“Canada is not ready to accept black nurses in training here. She had to go to the US to do it. And when she went to the US, segregation was full-blown. So, she went from walking the streets in Toronto, but couldn't go to school to become a nurse. And then had to go to the US and she couldn't drink from the water fountains, and she couldn't go to the restrooms, and she couldn't go to restaurants.”A deputant

“This is the legacy that I come from. I am so proud to stand here on behalf of her. I'm named after her, Bernice Carnegie. That name really resonates with me now. It means so much to me now because I carry her story forward.”A deputant

“The Redmonds, if you don't know them, and the Carnegies are an incredible family. They were one of the first black families in Toronto. So, oftentimes when their family did something, they were the first black family to do X or Y.”Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North)

Also in this item

• Bernice Carnegie was denied nursing training in Canada and forced to train in the United States, where she faced Jim Crow segregation; she required lawyers to practice nursing upon returning to Canada

• The Carnegie and Redmond families are among Toronto's earliest Black residents, arriving in 1912-1913 when the city's Black population was approximately 500 people; multiple family members have had public facilities named after them (Herb Carnegie rec center, Freeman Redmond Circle)

The journey

Decision

Approved naming of long-term care home at 4 Brooklawn Avenue after Bernice Carnegie

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The journey

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From the floor

“I'll keep my presentation brief given the very full agenda. So, just for a bit of background, the current owner took ownership of the site last year and sought to quickly and collaboratively work with city staff to update the proposal to address recent city initiatives as well as city and public comments and bring the application to this meeting recognizing that it's the last meeting of the year given that it's an election year.”Speaking for the applicant

Also in this item

• Applicant deliberately timed the application to the final meeting of the election year, citing urgency to advance the matter before the sitting council's term ends.

The journey

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The journey

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• Existing fence has prohibited sharp nails projecting outward and gate exceeds maximum height by 8 cm; Municipal Licensing and Standards issued Notice of Violation.

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents may depute or submit written comments if the item proceeds to a vote; check the agenda for the next scheduled meeting date.

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) questioned staffQuestioned the property representative about consultation with city staff and the process for seeking approval

From the floor

“Helping us understand the conversation that you've had with staff. Is it just city has a policy, we are adhering to the policy, do we fit into that box, how do we go ahead?”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

The journey

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From the floor

“That area from what I understand suffers from basement flooding and erosion of the because it's near the bluffs. Do staff have any comments on that in terms of what the likely impact will be on the by the removal of trees?”A councillor

“Through the chair, urban forestry, we worked with the applicant to increase the amount of tree preservation on the site. Since the beginning to the current iteration of the plan, there is increase of 23 permit trees that are preserved as well as a number of non-permanent size regulated trees within the site. We've also worked with community planning to cut out the underground parking garage to also increase tree preservation capabilities for the site as well.”City staff

Also in this item

• 22-month westbound lane closure on Military Trail during student housing construction creates traffic impact in Scarborough corridor.

• Area prone to basement flooding; tree preservation gains (23 permit trees) and underground parking design change were negotiated to manage stormwater runoff.

The journey

Decision

Approved: westbound curb lane closure on Military Trail for 22 months (September 2026 to July 2028) to stage construction of 1650 Military Trail Phase 2 (student housing).

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Who did what

• Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North) movedIntroduced the motion to recommend the Morrish Road operational closure.
• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) questioned staffPressed staff on communication gaps with community regarding engineering studies, pipes, and connections; emphasized need for staff to better communicate technical details to residents

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Contact your councillor before the vote if you have concerns about the Morrish Road closure or the Highland Creek Village plan.

On video

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From the floor

“But should we be looking at a better system? Like there's a community association in this area that's very well organized. They have the time to dive deep into reports. I have neighborhoods in my area. There's no community association, lots of development going on and trying to get them to figure out or even for myself, multiple traffic studies, engineering studies.”A councillor

“The impacts are not projected in the way that may be represented so the engineering is working, which is why the holds were not requested of the Windy Ridge Kingston Road project through the OOLT process and why they were removed prior to council on the Bellamy process. But again, we take these issues with great care and would not make recommendations to council otherwise.”City staff

Also in this item

• Councillor raises systemic concern that well-organized community associations with resources gain advantage in traffic calming decisions, while less-organized neighbourhoods struggle to request or evaluate engineering studies.

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Community Council will vote on whether to accept or reject the staff recommendation; deputation may be available at the meeting if not yet closed.

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Who did what

• Councillor Ausma Malik (Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York) deputedLand owner; stated this is his dream project and asked council to help him open the business

From the floor

“We have reviewed the staff's report and the recommendations and don't have any concerns with what has been provided. We support the recommendation for approval and we thank staff for the diligent work on bringing this forward. They've been at this since 2018, 2019. So it's been several years to this point.”Spoke on the record

“I own this land to open the project for the community. Actually that's my dream. So really appreciate if you help me out to open this business.”Councillor Ausma Malik (Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York)

Also in this item

• Application took approximately 5-6 years from initial submission (2017-2018) to final zoning approval, typical timeline for complex site plan coordination

The journey

Decision

Zoning amendment approved to permit gas station and associated car wash at 3030 Markham Road; applicant to finalize site plan with city staff

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) movedMoved to defer the matter, citing discomfort with prior decisions' community impact and requesting more time for consultation

From the floor

“I'm uncomfortable with respect to decisions that we have made and its impact on the community. I'm uncomfortable in the sense that we need to afford more time for members of the community to be able to be consulted with.”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

Also in this item

• Councillor Thompson explicitly flagged a pattern of policy-compliant applications producing negative community outcomes, suggesting a potential equity gap between what the policy permits and what serves the community fairly.

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Contact Councillor Thompson or attend the next Scarborough Community Council meeting when this item is reconsidered, to provide input on traffic and community impact concerns.

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Who did what

• Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North) questioned staffAsked detailed questions about maximum parking capacity (114 spaces identified), overflow parking strategies, street parking mitigation on Staines Road, community access provisions and the 50% operating-hours agreement, and staff feasibility of a 425-person auditorium with only 114 parking spaces.

From the floor

“We have implemented a holding provision over the auditorium phase 2 portion of the site. This means that prior to any development of the auditorium or phase 2 occurring, the TCC board must satisfy certain conditions, including a study that assesses transportation impacts including parking and makes recommendations that must be accepted by the city. And second, the TCC board must secure that parking, whether it be on-site, off-site, shared parking strategies or others, or seek a reduction in the overall size of that auditorium.”City staff

“In 2021, the city contributed to the project with the land lease at dollar 1 per year; the land's estimated value is $25 million. Last year, council also waived the zoning bylaw amendment fee of $80,000. We have raised 17 million dollars from the community itself, and beyond major donors it came from 850 grassroot level of community members who have been contributing towards this project.”Speaking for an organization

“I believe the agreement spec stipulates that 50% of the time the facilities need to be open to community use. Could you just expand on that and what it actually means? Is that the vision for the Tamil community center—while yes it will be funded and a lot of the activities will be centered on serving the Tamil community, there will be services, facilities, programming available for the wider community as well.”Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North)

Also in this item

• Phase 2 auditorium (425-person capacity estimated) cannot proceed until parking is studied and secured; only 114 on-site spaces are currently possible, creating a hard constraint on the building's future size independent of funding.

• The city has committed $25 million in land value at $1 per year plus an $80,000 fee waiver; the Tamil community has raised $17 million from 850 grassroots donors, showing major institutional support for a single non-profit facility.

The journey

Decision

Approved the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment; Phase 1 proceeds with 60 parking spaces; Phase 2 auditorium placed under a Holding provision pending a parking and transportation study to be submitted by the Tamil Community Centre board before the hold can be lifted.

The vote

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) movedMoved deferral to allow further community discussion and exploration of cumulative development impact, citing insufficient information on Cliffside area character and community concerns.
• Councillor Neethan Shan (Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park) secondedSupported the deferral motion (recorded vote tally).

From the floor

“The fact that the community is coming out saying look we still have some concerns... I do think there's an opportunity here for more work to be done. Let's afford the community an opportunity to be able to have further discussion.”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

“The character analysis of the Cliffside area in the community, I'm not comfortable that we have enough information that helps us to say let's just move this along and approve it today.”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

“I'm not comfortable moving something like this forward without having all those answers and the community understanding the impact. The community association has been asking for years about trying to understand the cumulative impact of development on their neighborhood.”A councillor

Also in this item

• Councilor Mantis cited cumulative development concerns specifically: Doris McCarthy Trail lacks public parking; Bellamy and Kingston Road project raised school-capacity issues at Bliss Karman; residents cannot walk to local schools and must be bused out of the community.

The journey

What happens next

Residents can continue engaging with the city and developers during the deferral period through the scheduled community consultation. Timing and next steps were not specified on the record.

Decision

Item deferred for further community consultation; no expansion approved at this time.

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The journey

What happens next

Residents can monitor for the investigation results and provide input if a public consultation is held before installation is decided.

Decision

Staff directed to investigate speed humps and cushions on Dean Park Road; no installation decision yet

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The journey

Decision

Approved the Draft Plan of Subdivision at 9940 Sheppard Avenue East, including the creation of a new public park and connecting street.

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The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

If you live near McNicoll and Sheppard or have views on long-term care expansion in this area, this is the approval vote. Deputation at Council before or during the meeting is the remaining lever.

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The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents can contact their councillor or depute at committee before a vote if they have concerns or support for these crossings.

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents can contact their councillor before the vote if they wish to express support or concern about the proposed traffic signals.

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The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents in or near the affected area can depute to Council before the vote; contact your councillor. Public meeting record will be available after Council votes.

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The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Public deputation window closed if this meeting has occurred; if the meeting is upcoming, contact your councillor or depute at council before the vote.

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The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents may contact their councillor before the vote or depute at council if deputation is open.

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Also in this item

• Staff assessment concludes pedestrian refuge islands do not provide right-of-way protection and pose safety concerns on a five-lane roadway; replacing them with signalized crossings is intended to improve crossing safety for all users including TTC passengers

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents and transit users in the Scarborough area can attend the council meeting or submit written comments before the vote if the meeting agenda allows public deputations.

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The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents can contact their councillor before the vote or attend Council to depute on this item if a deputation window is open.

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The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

City Council vote is scheduled. Residents can contact their councillor before the vote or depute at City Council if a deputation is permitted.

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From the floor

“I think a name will tell the story of what the building is about, what the services are going to be about. It's the same thing with the naming of Taiu. Taiu is an African name, a Swahili name, which means be in good health.”Spoke on the record

“She's also the first black woman to be appointed to the Victorian Order of Nurses. And so it is with that spirit that we are supporting this naming.”Spoke on the record

“Representation matters. It inspires young people, honors those who have come before us, and strengthens the connections between communities and the services designed to support them.”Spoke on the record

Also in this item

• The facility will include a Black-focused care unit, designed to serve Black and racialized communities with culturally tailored care.

The journey

Decision

Motion passed unanimously to name the long-term care home in honor of Bernice Redmond.

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From the floor

“When for 3310 the one that we're looking at today I went to the site to take pictures of the sign because the sign wasn't posted in a location that was easily seen. I thought when this development goes in, that's what residents are going to do. These the 11 story condo residents are going to not go along Kingston Road because Kingston Road is already congested. They're going to go through these side streets and connect to Eglington through the side streets. And what is that going to do to our side streets? No one is looking at that.”A deputant

“You think that there is a necessity to have a more comprehensive approach and assessment to look at the total impact not just the micro aspect as it relates to one development but a much more comprehensive view.”Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre)

The journey

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From the floor

“As the community grows quite quickly with very large proposed developments in the vicinity of the Agent Court Mall, there is a concern with the length of time it takes for residents to use public transit to get to where they're going. There is no higher order transit than TTC buses in all of Ward 22.”A deputant

“There needs to be higher priority for buses in the area while we wait for the Sheppard extension. There are some sections of Sheppard and Kennedy that have three lanes. Perhaps there could be some consideration given to that third lane becoming a bus lane in those sections.”A deputant

Also in this item

• Scarborough councillors have been pushing for a MetroLinx Sheppard extension timeline, but the resident noted uncertainty about when or if it will materialize.

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

Residents can contact their Ward 22 councillor with transit and density priorities; the community concern is now on the council record and may inform future TTC/TransitLink planning or land-use approvals for Agent Court Village developments.

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The journey

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Who did what

• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 21, Scarborough Centre) questioned staffAsked the deputy questions about community consultation, unit mix, parking, tree preservation, and school impacts on the development.
• Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North) questioned staffQuestioned whether individual studies examine the development in isolation or area-wide; asked about basement flooding areas and tree removal impacts on water runoff.

From the floor

“We have increased the two and three-bedroom units, increased the proportion of parking, reduced the number of units, and are now preserving 20 additional trees, 50 percent of the trees on the site, which I think is very notable for an urban site.”Spoke on the record

“The individual studies are prepared for the application but they are all termed by our terms of reference to look at the area as a whole. Traffic, engineering, water servicing, and community services facilities all need to look at existing populations.”City staff

“For the average person that's a technicality in that they would see developments, but for us, if the engineering was on one side of the street, depending on what it connected to, that would be a different report.”Councillor Jamaal Myers (Ward 23, Scarborough North)

Also in this item

• Transcript discussion focuses on a mid-rise development at or near 689 Morrish Road with changes to unit mix (increased 2 and 3-bedroom units), parking, and 50 percent tree preservation, but the fence exemption agenda item itself receives no recorded decision.

The journey

Time to act

You can weigh in

If the exemption is still pending: residents may depute at the next Scarborough Community Council meeting or contact their council member before any vote. Check the official meeting minutes for the actual decision record.

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