May 14, 1998

   TO:Toronto Community Council

FROM:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

SUBJECT:Interim Control By-law respecting properties abutting the Nordheimer Ravine (Ward 23 -Midtown)

Purpose:

This report recommends that City Council request the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services to continue a study of policies appropriate for the lands abutting the Nordheimer Ravine, pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning Act. The report also recommends Council approve an extension of the Interim Control By-law (By-law 1997-0371, passed by the former City of Toronto Council on July 14, 1997) for lands within 10 metres of the Nordheimer Ravine, as shown on the attached map, and that this By-law be in force for a further period of one year.

Financial Implications:

There are no requirements for any municipal expenditure associated with this approval.

Recommendations:

1.That the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be directed, pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning Act, to complete a review of the land use policies appropriate for the lands within 10 m of the Nordheimer Ravine.

 2That, in connection with the review of the land use policies recommended above, Council pass a By-law extending the Interim Control By-law No. 1997-0371, for lands within the Nordheimer Ravine for a further period of one year.

 3That the authority be granted for the introduction of the necessary bill in Council to implement Recommendation 2 above.

Background:

As I previously reported on July 14, 1997, the properties known as Nos. 11 and 15 Glen Edyth Drive were subject to building permit applications to allow the construction of new houses at these addresses. The proposed building sites were immediately adjacent to the designated ravine. The building permit application was sufficiently far advanced that despite the Interim Control By-law, permits were issued for three buildings on the lands currently known as Nos. 11, 17 and 19 Glen Edyth Drive. These properties consist of relatively large and heavily treed lots with a substantial slope across the 15.2 m (49.9 ft.) width of the property.

The development of these lots has had a significant impact on the existing natural character of the ravine slope adjacent to the new houses and its appearance when viewed from adjacent open space. The review of the planning controls which should apply to the lands within 10 metres of the designated ravine still needs to be undertaken so as to limit the possibility of other development in areas which might impact negatively on the adjacent ravine.

Comments:

I am recommending that the Interim Control By-law, applying to the lands within 10 metres of the Nordheimer Ravine be extended for a further period of one year to prohibit all uses of the lands during this period.

Contact Name:Angus Cranston

Telephone (416)392-0425

Fax: (416-392-7536)

E-Mail: acransto@city.toronto.on.ca

Beate Bowron

Director, Development Approval and Deputy Chief Building Official

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