November 5, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:2114 Yonge Street, Application No. 998072: Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Ryan Gaul/Steel Art Signs, 37 Esna Park Drive, Markham,
Ontario, L3R1C9 on behalf of Bedlington Management Inc., 5 Flanders Road, Toronto, Ontario, M6C 3K5. (Ward 22 -
North Toronto)
Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to maintain two illuminated fascia signs
for identification purposes at 2114 Yonge Street.
Source of Funds:
Not applicable
Recommendations:
1. That City Council approve Application No. 998072 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former
City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain two illuminated fascia signs at 2114 Yonge Street on the condition that:
- the existing inflatable Michelin / Uniroyal advertising sign placed near the public sidewalk on the south side of Hillsdale
Avenue West be removed prior to the issuance of the necessary permits.
2. That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998072, of the requirement to obtain the necessary
permit from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.
Comments:
The property is located on the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Hillsdale Avenue West, in a mixed-use district. The
property accommodates a one-storey automobile service centre. The applicant is requesting permission to maintain two
illuminated fascia signs for identification purposes (see Figure 1). Each of the signs have a length of 3.68 metres and a
height of 1.47 metres, with an area of 5.4 m5.
The sign on the north elevation does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following way:
1. The sign does not meet the definition of a fascia sign.
The variance relates only to the sign on the north elevation which does not meet the definition of a fascia sign. As defined
by the Municipal Code, a fascia sign is to be mounted wholly against the wall or parapet wall of a building or a sign
mounted between the columns of an arcade. The intent of this provision is to prevent and limit the possible negative
impact of signage on the appearance of buildings to which they are attached and on adjacent uses. In this instance, though
the sign is not mounted wholly against the wall of the building, it is mounted against the column on one side and being
supported by a steel frame and brackets on the other side. It is my opinion that the sign closely resembles a fascia sign and
it will not negatively impact the building, streetscape and surrounding uses. Further, the owner has agreed that as a
condition of approval he will remove the existing inflatable advertising sign near the public sidewalk.
I am, therefore, recommending approval of this application with a condition respecting the removal of the existing
inflatable advertising sign, 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:
Norm Girdhar
Telephone: (416) 392-7209
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: ngirdhar@city.toronto.on.ca
Beate Bowron
Director, Community Planning, South District
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