Application for Demolition - 905 Queen Street West (Farr House)
(Trinity-Niagara)
The Toronto Community Council submits this matter to Council without recommendation.
The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having requested 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.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (March 12, 1999) from the 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
(A copy of the letters, referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of the Toronto Community Council
with the agenda for its meeting on March 30, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk).