February 12, 1998

To: Scarborough Community Council

From: Lorne Ross, MCIP, RPP

Subject: MOTEL PROPERTIES REVIEW

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to inform the Scarborough Community Council of a program initiated by the Property Standards Division to review the condition and current compliance with municipal by-laws of motel properties, primarily along Kingston Road in the former municipality of Scarborough.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Recommendations:

That this report be received for information purposes.

Background:

There are a number of motels and hotels located in the former municipality of Scarborough. At last count, the Property Standards Division had identified a total of 29 such establishments located predominantly along Kingston Road.

In the past, investigations into the condition of these properties has been on a complaint basis but owing to the transient nature of the people using the motels, complaints have been few. Jurisdictional overlap has also muddied the waters. For example, fire safety is the responsibility of the Fire Marshall=s office while the condition of any swimming pools connected with such operations falls under the jurisdiction of the Health Department.

Recent events have occurred which have led the Division to the conclusion that a thorough review of the motels is in order. Most notable of these is the increasing use of motel units for the emergency housing of the homeless.

In light of the change in circumstances, the division is undertaking a review of motel and hotel units within the former City of Scarborough in order to determine compliance with a number of by-laws. Most notable of these are the Property Standards By-law and the Litter and Debris By-law. In addition to an exterior property review, attempts are being made to inspect those units which are identified as being used for longer term tenancies.

Where access to individual units is granted, the goal is to ensure that a minimum standard is being maintained as well as identify any potential hazards such as overloaded electrical circuitry and fire safety issues. In suite inspections will include an evaluation of potential safety issues and in this regard, a representative of the Fire Marshall=s office will be invited to attend. If a joint inspection is not possible, the findings of the inspectors will be forwarded to the Fire Marshall=s office for follow up.

All motels which currently have swimming pools are being evaluated against the current swimming pool fence regulations found under By-law 18439 as amended. Swimming pools which are in an obvious state of disuse are being targeted for further action most notably a request that they be filled in.

It must be stressed that the only purpose of this program is to ensure safety and an acceptable degree of maintenance of the properties involved.

Contact Name:

Bryan Byng, Supervisor

(416) 396-5341

(416) 396-4266 Fax Number

byng#u#b@city.scarborough.on.ca

Lorne Ross, MCIP, RPP

Commissioner of Planning and Buildings, Scarborough