September 21, 1998
To:Corporate Services Committee
From:Commissioner of Corporate Services
Subject:Proposed Closing of Willowlea Drive east of Scarboro Avenue
(Ward 16 - Scarborough Highland Creek)
Purpose:
To recommend the closing of an unimproved portion of Willowlea Drive east of Scarboro Avenue.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)the portion of Willowlea Drive east of Scarboro Avenue, as shown on plan 2098 be closed; and
(2)the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Council Reference/Background/History:
Willowlea Drive extends east from Morrish Road, parallel to Highway 401. While the travelled portion ends at Scarboro
Avenue, the unimproved road allowance continues 123.75m farther east.
The Centennial Creek flows from north to south across the unimproved road allowance. In 1997 the City of Scarborough
acquired the properties both north and south of the unimproved road allowance, as part of the Centennial Creek
re-naturalization program. Work to re-naturalize the watercourse and create an "eco-park" began in August of 1998.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
The status of the property as a public highway is incompatible with the proposed use. Closing the road and retaining it in
City ownership would permit its inclusion in the eco-park which is part of the Centennial Creek regeneration project being
undertaken by Works and Emergency Services Division.
Various City Departments and outside agencies were asked to comment on the proposed closing of the road, and no
objections were raised. The Toronto Hydro-Electric Commission did indicate that an easement may be required in the
future to permit construction of a water system should development proceed to the west of the eco-park. If it becomes
necessary, such an easement would be underground and would not interfere with the development of the eco-park.
Conclusions:
Closing the road allowance will assist in the development and maintenance of the eco-park and is therefore recommended.
Contact Name:
R. Mayr, AACI, Director of Real Estate, Telephone (416) 396-4930, Fax (416) 396-4241
rmayr@city.scarborough.on.ca (cs98180.wpd)
Margaret Rodrigues
Commissioner of Corporate Services
