March 3, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Angie Antoniou, Manager, Right of Way Management, Transportation Services, District 1

Subject:Installation of a Sign Case - 12 Alexander Street (Downtown)

Purpose:

To report on a request to install a 2.4 m high illuminated sign case within the public highway fronting 12 Alexander Street. As the sign case does not provide the 2.74 m vertical clearance required in the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, I am required to report on this matter.

Recommendation:

That City Council approve the installation of the illuminated sign case within the public highway fronting 12 Alexander Street, provided that the sign owner agrees to restrict the use of the sign case for the display of posters or similar signage promoting the theatre's events and plays and agrees to enter into an agreement with the City of Toronto as prescribed under Chapter 313 of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code.

Comments:

On October 14, 1998, Mr. Ryan Gaul, on behalf of the tenant, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1B4, submitted an application for permission to install a 2.4 m high and 1.2 m wide illuminated sign case within the City boulevard.

In a letter dated February 16, 1999, the applicant has requested consideration for this sign case noting that the sign case will provide an effective means of promoting their events.

Staff have inspected the area in the immediate vicinity of this property and have determined that the sign case will not negatively impact the public right-of-way. It was also noted that there is inadequate space on private property to accommodate the sign case.

It is important to note that at its meeting of January 13, 1997, the former City of Toronto adopted Clause 8 of the Land Use Committee Report No. 1, which, among other things, recommended, "That City Council's decision of June 5, 1995, not to expand citywide advertising programs involving the use of City equipment or the public road allowances beyond the current transit shelter program be confirmed".

In view of this policy, the proposed sign case should be used strictly for the display of posters and similar signage promoting the Theatre's events and plays. The sign case should not be used for any type of third party advertising.

Details of the sign case are on file with my Department.

Conclusions:

As the sign case does not negatively impact the public right-of-way and provided it is used only for the display of posters or similar signage promoting the Theatre's events/plays, it should be permitted.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Fani Lauzon, 392-7894

Manager

ARH

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