STAFF REPORT

November 9, 1999

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject: 1926 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Application No. 999088: Request for approval of a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Dominic Rotundo / Neon Products Ltd., 453 Chancellor Drive, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 5E1, on behalf of Four Points Hotel Inc., 1926 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto, Ontario

(High Park)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations for an application for a minor variance to permit an illuminated fascia sign, for identification purposes, on the front elevation of the 4-storey " Four Points Hotel Sheraton" building at 1926 Lakeshore Boulevard West.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of the report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) City Council approve Application No. 999088 for a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit, for identification purposes, an illuminated fascia sign at the fourth floor level on the front elevation of the building at 1926 Lakeshore Boulevard West.

(2) The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999084, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the north side of Lakeshore Boulevard West in a (CR) mixed-use zone district. The property contains the newly renovated "Four Points Hotel Sheraton". The applicant is requesting permission to erect, for identification purposes, an illuminated fascia sign at the fourth floor level on the front elevation of the building. The sign is 2.86 metres long and 0.79 metres high, with an area of 2.26 mē (see Figure 1 & 2).

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that the proposed illuminated fascia sign will be located above the second storey of the building.

Fascia signs are permitted to be located only within the first two storeys of a building. This provision restricts signs to their traditional locations in order to minimize the impact of signage on the building, on the streetscape and on upper floor residential units in the immediate vicinity.

The block long hotel building is facing Lakeshore Boulevard West and Lake Ontario. The surrounding uses are not residential in nature. In my opinion, the proposed modest-sized sign on the fourth floor level will not adversely impact the building, surrounding uses or the streetscape.

I am recommending approval of this application as I find the variance requested to be minor and within the general intent and purpose of the sign provisions of the Municipal Code.

Contact: Norm Girdhar

Telephone: (416) 392-7209

Fax: (416) 392-0580

E-Mail: ngirdhar@toronto.ca

Beate Bowron

Director, Community Planning, South District

List of Attachments:

Key Map

Site Plan

Sign Elevation

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