Committee of Adjustment Process -
1661 Queen Street East (East Toronto)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that Council express its displeasure to
the Committee of Adjustment respecting
(1)the process undertaken by the Committee respecting 1661 Queen Street East, and;
(2)the acceptance of the Committee that the application respecting 1661 Queen Street
East was minor in nature, when the application was to permit a development 17.5 times
larger than the zoning by-law permits.
The Toronto Committee Council submits the following communication (November 12,
1998) from Councillor Bussin:
This letter confirms my protest of the Committee of Adjustment decision made on September
9, 1998 by Chair Douglas Lee, and Committee members David Daniels and Michael
Haughton to deal with the above matter as a minor variance of the zoning by-law.
I have serious concerns that the C of A should feel comfortable in modifying our zoning
bylaw to accommodate a significant development 17.5 times larger than the bylaw allows, or
1,750 percent larger. It is clear that the impact of this development will extend well beyond
the immediate neeighbourhood. However, the C of A notice covers an area of only 60 metres
around the proposed development. This is minimal community disclosure, appropriate for a
minor variance only. This should have been a rezoning application so area residents could
have had the opportunity to comment on an important zoning decision that will affect their
community.
The property owner and developer of the theatre have conceded that this new cinema will
need to draw on clientele from an area several kilometres beyond the theatre. The property
owner demonstrates that this will be the case by adding 187 new parking spaces to an existing
lot of 500 spaces. Obviously, there is an expectation that there will be an influx of cars into
this already traffic-congested neighbourhood.
This letter of concern is not intended to argue the merits of the development of a cinema
complex in our community. There may be many beneficial aspects. The point I am making is
that the C.ofA should not be allowed to substitute its opinion; however, well intentioned, in
the place of the standards set by Council regarding City planning matters. Even the Chair, in
delivering the decision of the committee, stated that he had "serious reservations" in granting
a development application variance that exceeds the bylaw by 17.5 times, as a minor variance.
However, since his colleagues on the panel "could see their way to approve this application"
he would therefore agree.
In my respectful opinion and in the interest of the Queen Street East/Coxwell Avenue
community, I move that Council express its concern and displeasure to the C. of A. panel for
its decision in this case.
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The Toronto Community Council reports for the information of Council, also having had
before it the following communications, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City
Clerk:
-Notice of Public Hearing - 1661 Queen Street East; and
-Notice of Decision - 1661 Queen Street East.
