Declaration as Surplus - the Closed Public
Lavatory Located Beneath the Public Lane
Known as Mayfair Mews at Bloor and Bay Streets
(Ward 23 - Midtown)
The Corporate Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report
(May4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Corporate Services:
Purpose:
To secure authority to declare the lands comprising the closed underground public lavatory,
beneath the lane known as Mayfair Mews, surplus to municipal requirements.
Financial Implications:
Revenue will be generated from the eventual sale.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)to comply with the requirements of By-law No.551-1998, the lands comprising the closed
underground public lavatory be declared surplus and offered for sale to the adjacent property
owners, subject to the stopping up and strata closing of the public lane and easement
protection for utilities; and
(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to
give effect to the foregoing.
Background:
Pursuant to an agreement entered into with the developers of 2 Bloor Street West, a public
washroom was constructed at the below grade pedestrian mall connection between Nos. 2 and
60 Bloor Street West, physically situated beneath the public lane known as Mayfair Mews.
In 1988, attempts were made to lease the facility to the owners of 2 Bloor Street West for
operation as a public washroom. However, the problems associated with this facility from a
security and operations point of view, did not warrant the expense that would be incurred by
owners of 2 Bloor Street West should they assume its operation. The former City of Toronto
Council on June 17, 1991 [Executive Committee Report No.14, City Services Committee
Report No. 8, Clause 48], in accordance with it's policy on public washrooms [Executive
Committee Report No.35, Clause No.50, City Council October 3, 1988] approved the
permanent closure of the facility.
Comments:
The public washroom, accessed from the lower level of Cumberland Terrace shopping mall,
contains a gross floor area of approximately 810.5 square feet (75.3 m2). The space can be
converted and used as retail space under the existing zoning.
A poll was undertaken of the City's departments, agencies, boards and commissions to
determine if there exists any municipal interest in retaining the public lavatory. No interest
was expressed. However, City Works and Emergency Services advised that as the facility lies
within a public lane, a strata closing of the public lane and easement protection for utilities is
required as a condition of sale. The Property Management Committee has recommended the
disposal of the property.
In order to proceed with a sale of property, the City must comply with the procedures
governing disposal of property. Section 193(4) of the Municipal Act requires that, before the
selling of any property, Council must declare the property to be surplus by by-law or
resolution passed at a meeting open to the public, give notice to the public of the proposed
sale and must obtain at least one appraisal of the market value of the property, unless
exempted by regulations passed under the legislation.
Conclusion:
In order to proceed with the disposal of these lands, City Council should declare the lands
surplus to the City's requirements.
Contact Name:
Carla Inglis, 392-7212, Fax: 392-1880, cinglis@toronto.ca.
(A copy of the map attached to the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council
with the May 20, 1999, agenda of the Corporate Services Committee and a copy thereof is
also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)