Ontario Municipal Board Appeal -
2223 Bloor Street West - Runnymede Theatre
(High Park)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that:
(1)the City Solicitor be instructed to appear at the Ontario Municipal Board in
opposition to the Committee of Adjustment decision respecting 2223 Bloor Street West
- Runnymede Theatre; and
(2)he be authorized to retain an outside planner, if necessary.
The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having requested
the Budget Committee to report directly to Council on a source of funds.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (September 16, 1998)
from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services:
Purpose:
To advise Toronto Community Council on options for the October 5, 1998 Ontario
Municipal Board hearing on the proposal to convert the Runnymede Theatre to a bookstore.
Source of Funds:
Funds would have to be allocated, if an outside planner is to be retained.
Recommendations:
If Council wishes to oppose the Committee of Adjustment approval of variances that permit
the conversion of the Runnymede Theatre to a bookstore,
(1)the City Solicitor should be instructed to appear at the Board to oppose the variances;
and
(2)an outside planner should be retained to give evidence at the Board hearing, if necessary.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The Runnymede Theatre occupies the building at 2223 Bloor Street West, which is
historically designated. The owner applied to the Committee of Adjustment for variances
required to permit the conversion of the theatre use to a large bookstore. Variances are
required because the existing theatre building partially extends into the adjacent residential
zoning district, and the total floor area of the proposed bookstore would exceed the 1800
square metre limit on new retail uses by approximately 300 square metres.
A public meeting was convened by the Ward Councillors on June 10, 1998. The majority of
the large turnout expressed concerns about the loss of a neighbourhood theatre and possible
negative effects of a large format bookstore. Ideas regarding the best techniques to introduce
the new use, protecting the historic building and even allowing for a further reconversion to
a theatre use were also discussed.
The Committee of Adjustment approved the variances on June 24, 1998, but the approval
was appealed.
Planning staff did not oppose the variances at the Committee of Adjustment. If City Council
wishes to support the appeals, planning staff would have difficulty providing the best
evidence.
Contact Name:
Barry Brooks
Telephone: (416) 392-0758
Fax: (416) 392-1330
E-Mail: bbrooks@city.toronto.on.ca
