September 15, 1999

To:Chairman and Members, Etobicoke Community Council

From:Bruce Ashton, Deputy Chief Building Official, Etobicoke/York

Subject:48 Robinglade Drive - Establishment of Group Home

Purpose :

This report provides information for the members of the Etobicoke Community Council with respect to the subject property and proposed establishment of a group home.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

None.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

Ms. Mueller, Acting President CORR, has forwarded to the Etobicoke Community Council a letter outlining various concerns relating to the proposal to establish a group home at 48 Robinglade Drive, Etobicoke.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Concerns respecting the establishment of a group home use without the required registration approval, and construction without a building permit have been brought to the attention of the Vita Community Living Services of Toronto Inc. Ms. Edmonds, Municipal Standards Officer, advised Vita Community Living Services of Toronto Inc. that it must obtain the necessary approvals before operating a Group Home from the property. An Order dated August 3, 1999 directing compliance with the Etobicoke Zoning Code has been issued. Ms. Edmonds subsequently noted that the property had been vacated on or about July 30, 1999. Building Division staff attended the property on July 29, 1999, observed that construction was continuing without a building permit, and subsequently issued the appropriate Orders to stop work and obtain permits for interior alterations to the building. Building and plumbing permit applications were received on August 5, 1999.

Vita Community Living Services of Toronto Inc., on August 9, 1999, submitted an application for registration of a new Group Home along with the appropriate fee. The application states that three (3) residents and one (1) staff will reside in the home, and that the home is for adults with mild/moderate developmental disabilities requiring support in areas of life skills, banking, shopping and food preparation.

Staff have reviewed the application and note that the provisions of Section 320-24.1 of the Etobicoke Zoning Code have been met with the exception of Section 320-24.1C which requires the owner or operator not to commence the group home use until the registration has been completed. Staff also require additional information to confirm the funding and referral requirements for a group home in addition to confirmation from the Local Board of Health that the group home facility meets general health requirements.

 Conclusions:

Inasmuch as Vita Community Living Services of Toronto Inc. began construction without the appropriate permits and operated a Group Home facility at the subject property without the appropriate approvals under the Etobicoke Zoning Code and Group Home Registry By-Law, they have to date co-operated with staff in submitting applications for the necessary approvals. At this time, subject to confirmation of the funding and referral requirements and approval from the Health Department, the application appears to meet the requirements for a group home under the local zoning code.

Contact Name:

  Bruce AshtonTel: (416) 394-8006

Director of BuildingFax: (416) 394-8209

And Deputy Chief Building Official

West District