HERITAGE TORONTO
To:Chair and Members, Toronto Community Council March 12, 1999
Subject:905 Queen Street West (Farr House) - Application to Demolish
From:Managing Director, Heritage Toronto
RECOMMENDATION
That Toronto Community Council request Heritage Toronto, acting in the capacity of the
Local Architectural Conservancy Advisory Committee, to consider at its meeting on April 7,
1999 the application to demolish the house at 905 Queen Street West and that Heritage
Toronto submit its recommendation directly to City Council for consideration at its meeting
on April 13, 1999.
COMMENTS
1.Background:
The house at 905 Queen Street West was designated by Toronto City Council for architectural
and historical reasons under part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in February of 1992.
In 1998, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) approved a development proposal for the site in
which the applicant would receive permission to erect a building that exceeds the permissible
height and density in exchange for saving and restoring the existing designated house.
Heritage Toronto staff supported the proposal because it saved the building. The OMB is
holding its order until the Heritage Easement Agreement is executed.
In late January, 1999, the applicant (Gramercy Park Lofts Inc.) notified the City and Heritage
Toronto that the original proposal was not feasible. The applicant presented two options:
moving the building to another part of the site, or demolishing and submitting a new
application that complies with existing zoning. All of the City's representatives expressed
concern that preservation objectives were substantially compromised.
On February 5, 1999, the applicant applied to the City Clerk for permission to demolish the
designated building at 905 Queen Street West. Under Section 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act,
City Council must consult with its LACAC and make a decision regarding the application
within 90 days of its receipt.
The application is normally heard by Heritage Toronto prior to being before Community
Council, but discussions through the good offices of Councillor Pantalone (described below)
have led to a change to the normal order. City legal has advised the change is consistent with
the Ontario Heritage Act and all parties accept it.
2.Discussion:
Community support for conservation objectives on this site are strong. At a meeting of the
Niagara Neighbourhood Association of February 24, 1999, support for conserving the
building in its current location was unanimous.
Since the application for demolition was filed, negotiations have been taking place between
the applicant and representatives of the City and Heritage Toronto. Councillor Pantalone has
helped broker a solution that would preserve the historic house in its location while still
permitting the property owner to redevelop the site. The good will of all parties, and especially
the efforts of City Planning staff to find a solution, should be acknowledged.
Although negotiations have been very encouraging, it is important to note that the applicant
has not withdrawn the application for demolition (see attached letters). The revised project
will require the consent of the Ontario Municipal Board. Should that not happen, demolition
could still be a possibility. Toronto Community Council should refer this matter to its
LACAC, Heritage Toronto, who will be advised by its staff to refuse demolition.
It is our sincere hope that the negotiated solution wins approval.
Contact:
Peter Elliot, Preservation Officer, Architecture
Historical Preservation Division
Toronto Historical Board
Phone: 392-6827, ext. 238
(g:\report\1999\community council\cc99003.thb)
George E. Waters
Managing Director
PJE
copy:Councillor Joe Pantalone, Trinity Niagara, Second Floor, City Hall
Councillor Mario Silva, Trinity Niagara, Second Floor, City Hall
Commissioner, Urban Planning and Development Services Attn: David McKillop, East 18th,
City Hall
Mr. Barry A. Horosko, Bratty and Partners, Barristers and Solicitors, Madison Centre, 20th
Floor, 4950 Yonge Street, Suite 2000, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6K1
