August 9, 1999

To:Scarborough Community Council

From:Ted Tyndorf

Director of Community Planning, East District

Subject:Designation of Site Plan Control Areas

Former Ontario Hydro (Graywood Investments Ltd. and First Alliance Church)

Both sides of Sheppard and Finch Avenues

Part of Lots 33 & 34, Concessions 2, 3 and 4

L'Amoreaux and Sullivan Communities

Scarborough Wexford, Scarborough Agincourt

Purpose:

This report recommends the designation of four Site Plan Control Areas on the previously undesignated former Ontario Hydro corridor. Designation of Site Plan Control Areas at this time anticipates proposed development that will meet criteria of the former City of Scarborough for use of the Site Plan Control process.

Financial Implications:

None.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that City Council designate the former Ontario Hydro corridor lands on both sides of Sheppard and Finch Avenues, as shown on Figures 1 and 2, as Site Plan Control areas.

Background:

The lands on both sides of Sheppard Avenue and the south side of Finch Avenue indicated on Figure 1 are owned by Graywood Investments Ltd. In 1998, Graywood filed applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, and for Plan of Subdivision approval, for most of the vacant former Ontario Hydro corridor between Highway 401 and McNicoll Avenue. The applications proposed Neighbourhood Commercial development on the Graywood lands indicated on Figure 1, and single family and semi-detached residential development on the remainder of the corridor. As a result of referral of the applications to the Ontario Municipal Board by Graywood and a hearing held in October 1998, the Board has now largely approved the proposals. The Board will approve the Neighbourhood Commercial uses on these three blocks, excluding restaurants and gas stations, and will also permit Places of Worship. The final Order in this regard will not be issued until the City and Graywood have resolved the specific wording for the amending Plan and Zoning By-law bills and the conditions for draft plan of subdivision approval, which discussions are continuing.

The fourth block on the north side of Finch Avenue through to Huntingdale Boulevard has been sold by Hydro to the adjacent First Alliance Church. First Alliance was also an appellant on Official Plan Amendment 1001 and has been a party to the appeal process involving the Hydro corridor. The church has also filed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment applications to permit an expansion of its building and possible seniors apartments on the corridor, however these have not been referred to the Board. At the request of the church, the Board has deferred hearing the appeal on Amendment 1001 as it pertains to these lands. Also, the church's development applications are presently on hold due to continuing internal discussions as to the specific building program it wishes to pursue.

Comments and Conclusions:

Neighbourhood Commercial, Places of Worship and potentially Medium Density Residential uses are all subject to the application of Site Plan Control in accordance with the policies of the former City of Scarborough. The subject blocks all front on major arterials and will have a high public profile. Graywood's zoning will be in place in the near future, and the City has already received a Site Plan Control application for up to three temporary sales pavilions for individual home builders on the block on the south side of Finch Avenue. Similarly, the First Alliance Church can be expected to firm up its own development intentions in the near future. While the zoning permissions and specific details of potential development on the subject four blocks are not yet finalized, it is appropriate that the lands indicated on Figure 1 be designated as Site Plan Control Areas at this time.

Contact Name:

Rod Hines, Scarborough Civic Centre

Telephone: (416) 396-7020

Fax: (416) 396-4263

e-mail: hines@city.scarborough.on.ca

  Ted Tyndorf, MCIP, RPP

Director of Community Planning, East District

RH/