October 27, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:8 South Kingsway, Application No. 998050: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Petro-Canada c/o Guy Bonney, 3275 Rebecca Street,
Oakville, Ontario, L6L 6N5. (Ward 19 - High Park)
Purpose:
To implement a Settlement Agreement for 8 South Kingsway to permit 14 illuminated signs and 2 non-illuminated, and to
recommend approval of a variance to permit an additional 2 illuminated signs.
Financial Implications:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1.City Council approve Application No. 998050 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City
of Toronto Municipal Code to permit 16 illuminated signs and 2 non-illuminated signs.
2.The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998050, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits
from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.
Background:
City Council at its meeting of February 4, 5 and 6, 1998 refused the sign application to permit 21 illuminated signs and 3
non-illuminated signs of varying types for a new gas bar, car wash and retail store that was proposed to replace the
existing gas station on the site.
On March 17, 1998 the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) held a hearing on the appeal of the Committee of Adjustment
decision respecting variances to permit the gas bar, car wash and retail store on this site. After initial arguments,
Petro-Canada withdrew their proposal and presented a revised scheme involving less signage.
Toronto Community Council, at its meeting of April 1, 1998, requested Urban Planning and Development Services staff
to convene a public meeting on the new proposal and report back to Toronto Community Council before the continuation
of the OMB hearing on June 15, 1998.
A public meeting was held on May 4, 1998 to discuss the revised proposal and to deal with local residents= concerns
respecting signage, among other things. The revised proposal and a Settlement Agreement were approved by City Council
on June 3, 1998 and subsequently by the Ontario Municipal Board in its decision dated July 17, 1998.
The Settlement Agreement was endorsed by two local residents groups and includes, among other things, a total of 16
signs as per the schedule of signs prepared by the applicant.
Comments:
Since June 3, 1998, the applicant has contacted planning staff to advise that the schedule of signs was incorrect and the
total number of signs being proposed was 18.
The two additional signs include an illuminated ASTORE@ identification sign at the retail store entrance, as well as an
illuminated ACAR WASH SAFETY SIGN@ just west of the car wash entrance. The two signs will not be visible from the
adjacent residential neighbourhood.
The variance remains unchanged in that the signs are not permitted in a AG@ parks district. Illuminated signs in parks
districts are only allowed in conjunction with uses that are permitted in these districts. Automobile service stations are not
permitted, hence the variance. However, an automobile service station is existing in this location and therefore the use is
legal non-conforming.
The proposed signs will replace existing signs currently on the property and will be used for safety and directional
purposes as well as for building identification. The revised proposal represents a meaningful improvement over the
applicants= original proposal and is unchanged from the proposal approved by City Council and the OMB on June 3, 1998
and July 17, 1998 respectively, with the exception of the two identification signs originally not included in the schedule of
signs.
I am recommending approval of this application for 16 illuminated and 2 non-illuminated signs.
Contact Name:Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
Beate Bowron
Director, Community Planning, South District
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