(Report dated June 16, 1998, addressed to Toronto Community Council, from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.)

Subject:48 Yonge Street, Application No. 998039: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by New Style Signs, 141 Bathurst Street, Suite 102, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2R2, on behalf of Royal & SunAlliance Insurance Company of Canada, 10 Wellington Street East, Toronto, Ontario, L5E 1G6. (Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to permit one non-illuminated fascia sign at 48 Yonge Street.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. City Council approve Application No. 998039 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one non-illuminated fascia sign.

2. The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998039, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the north-west corner of Yonge Street and Wellington Street West, in a mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a 12 storey commercial building. The applicant is requesting permission to install a new fascia sign consisting of individual letters and corporate logo on the east elevation of the building (see Figure 1). The new sign would reflect a change in the name of the commercial operation from ASun Alliance@ to ARoyal & SunAlliance@ and would be located in the same location as the existing sign which is to be removed. The sign has a length of 6.1 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, with an area of 9.7 m5.

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it will be located above the second storey of the building. The intent of this provision is to prevent oversignage and to limit the possible negative impact of signage on the streetscape. In this instance, no reasonable opportunities for signage exist within the fist two storeys. Further, the modestly sized sign would be non-illuminated and would be in keeping with other signs along this section of Yonge Street, which I consider acceptable.

I am, therefore, recommending approval of this application, as I find the variance requested to be minor and within the general intent and purpose of the sign provisions of the Municipal Code.

Contact Name:

Lora Mazzocca

Telephone: (416) 392-0421

Fax: (416) 392-7536

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

(Copies of maps attached, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)

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