Proposed Sale of a Section of Surplus Lane
Located West of Grey Road, Lying Between
Woburn Avenue and Bedford Park Avenue,
See Location Maps Appendix "A" and "B"
(North York Centre South - Ward 9)
The Corporate Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (March 10,
1998) from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:
Purpose:
To dispose of the section of surplus lane designated as parts 1 to 16 inclusive, on the survey plan
attached as Appendix "C" being approximately 416 square metres of vacant residential land.
Source of Funds:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the City accept the offer to purchase made by the abutting property owner at 541 Woburn Avenue
for their allotted portion of the subject lane. The general terms, $1.00 per square foot of land plus all
costs associated with the transaction and subject to utility easements;
(2) the City accept the offers to purchase made by the other abutting property owners for their allotted
portions of the subject lane. The general terms, $2.00 per square foot of land plus all costs associated
with the transactions and subject to utility easements;
(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized to execute the offers to purchase in a form satisfactory to
the City Solicitor;
(4) the proceeds from the sales be credited to Account No. 007-430-000-8340; and
(5) the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions to finalize this matter.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The former City of North York over the years has attempted to close and dispose of the many
unimproved lanes within the subject neighbourhood.
These lanes were created on plans of sub-division in around 1900 to provide rear yard access. To date,
only a small number of abutting owners utilize the lanes for that purpose. In most instances they have
become a maintenance problem for the City and a security concern for abutting home owners.
In order to realize the disposition of significant sections of lane, the former City of North York has sold
them to abutting property owners for nominal sums.
On July 9, 1997, North York Council, in considering the report, "Closure of a portion of rear lane
between Bedford Park Avenue and Woburn Avenue", recommended closure and sale of the subject
section of lane and directed staff to negotiate settlements with the abutting property owners and report
the outcome to the development and economic growth committee.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Settlements have been now reached with all 16 abutting property owners for the closure and sale of the
subject section of lane. The general terms of settlement are $2.00 per square foot of land (value in
contribution to the abutting property), plus all costs associated with the transactions and subject to
utility easements. The only exception to the price per square foot sum is for the owner of 541 Woburn
Avenue, as the land they are acquiring is encumbered with a large concrete culvert. They have agreed to
pay $1.00 per square foot of land.
Conclusions:
The subject section of lane be disposed of in accordance with the terms and conditions as specified in
this report.
Contact Name:
Wayne O'Brien, (416) 395-6847, Fax (416) 395-6703 (cs98021)
(A copy of Appendices A, B and C attached to the foregoing report is on file in the office of the City
Clerk.)