June 2, 1999

To:Administration Committee

From:Commissioner of Corporate Services

Subject:Acquisition of Vacant Lot on Unopened Midland Avenue Road Allowance

(Ward 13 - Scarborough Bluffs)

Purpose:

To seek authorization to accept a conveyance of a vacant lot on an unopened road allowance in exchange for an income tax receipt.

Financial Implications:

None.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that Administration Committee and Council accept the conveyance of Lot 76, Registered Plan 1566, in exchange for an income tax receipt, indicating the value of the lands being transferred is $28,000.00.

Background:

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Murdoch, through their solicitor, have offered to convey a parcel of vacant land fronting on an unopened road allowance (part of the original Midland Avenue, south of Kingston Road) to the City in exchange for a tax receipt in an amount equal to the market value of the site.

The lands are part of a ravine which follows the southerly extension of Midland Avenue, south of Kingston Road. The City owns lands immediately to the south of the Murdoch holdings as well as a considerable tract of land on the west side of this unopened road allowance. A steep ravine running along the unopened road allowance precludes any development of the properties in this area.

The Murdoch lands are located within a Major Open Space Zone in the Cliffside Community Zoning By-law and are identified as Minor Open Space in the Cliffside Community Secondary Plan.

Works and Emergency Services responded to a departmental circulation of the property's availability recommending the property be acquired as part of the Midland Avenue ravine.

An appraisal report prepared by S. Spera and Associates Limited estimated the market value of the property which measures 50' x 125' at $28,000.00.

Conclusion:

The acquisition of this site will increase the City's holdings in the Midland ravine at a nominal cost. No additional operational/maintenance costs are anticipated with this acquisition. Acquisition in exchange for a tax receipt is therefore recommended.

Contact Name:

Roly Mayr, Telephone No. (416) 392-1166; Fax No. (416) 392-1880; mayr@city.scarborough.on.ca (Report No. ac99094.wpd ).

Margaret Rodrigues

Commissioner of Corporate Services