September 20, 1999

 To:Etobicoke Community Council

From:City Clerk

Subject:Variance to the Etobicoke Sign By-law

 Purpose:

To advise Etobicoke Community Council of the decisions of the Sign Variance Advisory Committee at its meeting held on September 14, 1999.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

That the decision of the Etobicoke Sign Variance Advisory Committee with respect to the application for variance to the Etobicoke Sign By-law by Thorncrest Plaza, 1500 Islington Avenue (Kingsway-Humber), be received for information.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The Etobicoke Community Council at its meeting held on May 26 and 27, 1999, referred the foregoing application to permit the relocation of an existing ground sign back to the Sign Variance Advisory Committee to allow for deputation by neighbouring residents. This referral was as a result of concerns that relocation of the sign will cause unwelcome illumination onto residences in proximity to the plaza, and also pose an increased safety risk. With the concurrence of all parties, further consideration was deferred until the September meeting of the Committee.

The Sign Variance Advisory Committee, at its meeting of September 14, 1999, received submissions from Councillor Gloria Lindsay Luby and Mr. Robert Winship, who represented approximately 15 households in the area, particularly concerned about the effect of night-time illumination of the sign, as well as traffic safety.

Ms. Susan Dawson, representing Thorncrest Plaza, advised the Committee that the plaza management is prepared to turn off the sign illumination during the night, but has agreements with tenants that illumination will be provided one hour before opening and one hour after closing.

Notwithstanding the submissions on behalf of the residents, the Sign Variance Advisory Committee re-affirmed its approval of the application for variance to the Etobicoke Sign By-law to permit the relocation of an existing illuminated identification ground sign to a location abutting the south property line and 1.37 m from the Islington Avenue property line at 1500 Islington Avenue, subject to:

(i)the sign shall have a maximum display area of 14 mē and a maximum height above the average grade (147.04 m) of 10.76 m;

(ii)two yellow safety bollards, one bollard at the base of the sign closest to Islington Avenue, and one bollard 1 m north, 1.37 m from Islington Avenue;

(iii)a minimum of 2 m from the base plate to the underside of the display shall be left open and unobstructed; and

(iv)Toronto Transportation approval and issuance of a building permit prior to installation of the sign.

The foregoing decision was in accordance with the recommendations contained in the attached report submitted by the Deputy Chief Building Official, Etobicoke District.

Contact Name:

Mrs. Molly Sutherland

Committee Administrator

(416) 394-8708

  City Clerk

Attachments

c.Deputy Chief Building Official, Etobicoke District