Update from Councillor Information Meetings Sept. 22nd, 2009
Many serious concerns were raised, a large proportion involving the changes permitted to built-form (including higher height limits, a new height definition and reduced setbacks). There were additional specific concerns including, for example, commercial buildings in Mixed Use areas potentially being constructed right up to the lot line of an adjacent residential home, and the loosening of certain restrictions on home occupations to permit a non-resident employee in certain instances. As a brief summary, most of the contentious items are summarized in the attachment. While City Planning Staff promised to look at them, there is no certainty they will be addressed.

After the deadline for feedback from interested parties, the staff report is to be presented to the November meeting of the Planning & Growth Management Committee.

Update from Councillor Cliff Jenkins, Sept. 14th, 2009

A disastrous side-effect of the new draft Zoning By-law could be the total destruction of the most important neighbourhood protection policy of the Toronto Official Plan. The overall implication of its adoption is that it will be used as a precedent to render ineffective the critical neighbourhood protection policy 4.1.5 of the Official Plan.

Policy 4.1.5 provides that “Development in established Neighbourhoods will respect and reinforce the existing physical character of the neighbourhood, including in particular: … (c) heights, massing, scale and dwelling type of nearby residential properties….(f) prevailing patterns of rear and side yard setbacks and landscaped open space …. No changes will be made through rezoning, minor variance, consent or other public action that are out of keeping with the physical character of the neighbourhood.”

The new draft Zoning By-law would make changes that are out of keeping with the physical character of neighbourhoods all over the City. It proposes significant changes in zoning provisions for many communities including – higher FSI and GFAs for Teddington Park, Bedford Park, Lawrence Park, Sherwood Park, Don Mills and perhaps other areas of Ward 25. Further, the new definition of height will permit higher houses and will encourage flat-roofed homes – a significant change from the prevailing peak-roof style homes.

Just four years ago, ratepayers invested a great deal of money and effort to achieve Policy 4.1.5 of the new Official Plan – and in doing so, overcame the resistance of planning staff and the disinterest of some elected officials. Why give that away now?

If the integrity of the Official Plan is to be preserved and neighbourhood protections maintained, ratepayers and Councillors have to insist that the new Zoning By-law faithfully reproduce the current zoning protections enjoyed by each community across the City. That will be inconvenient for Planning Staff and cause them more work. But the intent of the new Zoning By-law should be to serve residents and property owners, not planning staff.

BACKGROUND

The City’s Planning Division is proposing a new Zoning by-law to replace the 43 different zoning by-laws that were inherited from the pre-amalgamation cities of Toronto, North York, York, East York, Scarborough and Etobicoke. City staff have prepared a draft by-law, established a public consultation process and recommended an in-force date by the end of 2009 – all prior to releasing the actual new provisions. In doing so, they’ve highlighted some of the changes they are proposing. These include (a) a new higher standard height for homes of 10 metres; (b) a new definition of height – to the top of the roof (instead of the mid-point of the roof); (c) new formulas for front, rear and side yard setbacks; and (d) removal of permissions for new backsloping driveways city-wide.

At this time, it is difficult to predict whether the new rules will cause significant change to future residential development in Ward 25. If you have questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Councillor Jenkins office at 416-395-6408.