The Summerhill neighbourhood is part of the lower portion of the Deer Park neighbourhood. Deer Park's eastern and western boundaries are marked by the ravines that intersect St. Clair Avenue near Yonge Street and Spadina Avenue. The southern boundary consists of the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks; while the northern boundary is the old Belt Line Railway Bridge.
The Summerhill area lies directly north of North and South Rosedale, two of the largest Heritage Conservation Districts in Toronto, both of which were initiatives of the local residents association and supported by Heritage Preservation Services following a detailed study. The Summerhill Residents Association (SRA) has become interested in how a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) designation can help to maintain and enhance the heritage character of their neighbourhood, as it has done in Rosedale.
Staff from Heritage Preservation Services made presentations regarding HCDs to the
SRA Board of Directors, to the Annual General Meeting and to a meeting called specifically for all residents in the proposed study area. At both of these meetings, the concept was received positively and the groups indicated their desire to investigate the concept further.
The Study will be conducted by a group of neighbourhood residents with the assistance of a heritage professional. Planning staff will guide the process to ensure proper procedure, an adequate level of research and appropriate content. The resulting District
Plan will include guidelines for managing change consistent with good heritage conservation principles, so as to encourage continued maintenance of the Summerhill heritage character.
At least two more public meetings will be held to present and discuss the study's findings as it proceeds. At the conclusion of the study, staff will report to Council and the
Toronto Preservation Board on the suitability of the area for designation as a Heritage
Conservation District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act and make recommendations on appropriate guidelines and boundaries.
