Status Report - 2230, 2324 & 2336 Gerrard Street East

(East of Main) (East Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council reports having requested the City Solicitor to report further to Council, for its meeting to be held on November 25, 1998, as required, on the Official Plan, Zoning and Subdivision Referral appeals in connection with the East of Main subdivision, and the extension of the outside planning retainer.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (October 30, 1998) from the City Solicitor:

Purpose:

To advise Council on the status of the Official Plan, Zoning and Subdivision Referral appeals in connection with the East of Main subdivision and to seek authority to report further on the City's position.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable in connection with this status report, however, a further report will deal with the necessary funding to extend the retention of planning consultants.

Recommendations:

It is recommended:

(1)That the City Solicitor report further to the City Council meeting to be held on November 25 and 26, 1998, as required on the above-noted referral appeals and extension of the outside planning retainer.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting held on July 29, 30 and 31, 1998, City Council authorized the retention of outside planning consultants in connection with the above-noted OMB hearing for the purposes of initial preparation and attendance at the August 17, 1998 prehearing. Funding to cover such services was made available in the Legal Services Division Operational Budget. Since that time the planning firm of Urban Strategies Inc. was duly retained and has provided effective assistance in connection with the prehearing conference and thereafter in developing an alternative subdivision proposal which has provided the basis for continuing discussions with the Ward Councillors, internal City staff and members of the public. The alternative subdivision plan will also be used in discussions with the property owner exploring the possibility of a settled result. If a settlement cannot be reached, the Ontario Municipal Board will proceed with the hearing commencing January 11, 1999, for which four weeks of Board time have been reserved.

The major issues which have been defined focus upon the overall street and block plan of the proposed subdivision, the quantity of parkland to be provided, the environmental condition of soils and both the density of development and building form to be utilized in the subdivision. While it is proposed to continue the discussions with relevant stakeholders, it will be necessary to report further to receive Council endorsement of a revised plan prior to commencement of the above-noted Board hearing. A further report will consist of a description, together with planning justification, of an alternate scheme as well as recommendations concerning the form of Official Plan amendment which will provide the appropriate principles to guide the development of this site.

Contact Name:

Robert Balfour, Solicitor

Telephone:392-7225

Fax:392-0024

E-mail:rbalfour@city.toronto.on.ca