October 27, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:8 South Kingsway, Application No. 998050: Request for approval of a variance from
Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by
Petro-Canada c/o Guy Bonney, 3275 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 6N5. (Ward 19 -
High Park)
Purpose:
To implement a Settlement Agreement for 8 South Kingsway to permit 14 illuminated signs
and 2 non-illuminated, and to recommend approval of a variance to permit an additional 2
illuminated signs.
Financial Implications:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1.City Council approve Application No. 998050 respecting a minor variance from Chapter
297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit 16 illuminated signs and
2 non-illuminated signs.
2.The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998050, of the requirement to
obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development
Services.
Background:
City Council at its meeting of February 4, 5 and 6, 1998 refused the sign application to permit
21 illuminated signs and 3 non-illuminated signs of varying types for a new gas bar, car wash
and retail store that was proposed to replace the existing gas station on the site.
On March 17, 1998 the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) held a hearing on the appeal of the
Committee of Adjustment decision respecting variances to permit the gas bar, car wash and
retail store on this site. After initial arguments, Petro-Canada withdrew their proposal and
presented a revised scheme involving less signage.
Toronto Community Council, at its meeting of April 1, 1998, requested Urban Planning and
Development Services staff to convene a public meeting on the new proposal and report back
to Toronto Community Council before the continuation of the OMB hearing on June 15,
1998.
A public meeting was held on May 4, 1998 to discuss the revised proposal and to deal with
local residents' concerns respecting signage, among other things. The revised proposal and a
Settlement Agreement were approved by City Council on June 3, 1998 and subsequently by
the Ontario Municipal Board in its decision dated July 17, 1998.
The Settlement Agreement was endorsed by two local residents groups and includes, among
other things, a total of 16 signs as per the schedule of signs prepared by the applicant.
Comments:
Since June 3, 1998, the applicant has contacted planning staff to advise that the schedule of
signs was incorrect and the total number of signs being proposed was 18.
The two additional signs include an illuminated "STORE" identification sign at the retail store
entrance, as well as an illuminated "CAR WASH SAFETY SIGN" just west of the car wash
entrance. The two signs will not be visible from the adjacent residential neighbourhood.
The variance remains unchanged in that the signs are not permitted in a "G" parks district.
Illuminated signs in parks districts are only allowed in conjunction with uses that are
permitted in these districts. Automobile service stations are not permitted, hence the variance.
However, an automobile service station is existing in this location and therefore the use is
legal non-conforming.
The proposed signs will replace existing signs currently on the property and will be used for
safety and directional purposes as well as for building identification. The revised proposal
represents a meaningful improvement over the applicants' original proposal and is unchanged
from the proposal approved by City Council and the OMB on June 3, 1998 and July 17, 1998
respectively, with the exception of the two identification signs originally not included in the
schedule of signs.
I am recommending approval of this application for 16 illuminated and 2 non-illuminated
signs.
Contact Name:Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@toronto.ca
Beate Bowron
Director, Community Planning, South District
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