Commercial Boulevard Parking -
186 Strachan Avenue (Convenience Address for
937 Queen Street West (Trinity-Niagara)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council deny the application
for commercial boulevard parking fronting 186 Strachan Avenue.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (May 10, 1999) from the
Manager of Right of Way Management, Transportation Services, District 1, Works and
Emergency Services:
Purpose:
To report on the business owner's appeal of staff's refusal of an application for commercial
boulevard parking fronting 186 Strachan Avenue because of a negative public poll. As this
matter is of public interest, it is scheduled as a deputation item.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendation:
The Toronto Community Council may recommend that:
(1)City Council deny the application for commercial boulevard parking fronting 186
Strachan Avenue; or
(2)City Council approve the application for commercial boulevard parking fronting 186
Strachan Avenue, notwithstanding the negative results of the public poll, and that such
approval be subject to the applicant complying with the criteria set out in § 313-39 of
Municipal Code Chapter 313, Streets and Sidewalks, of the former City of Toronto Municipal
Code.
Background:
Mr. Ted K. Anton, on behalf of Mr. J. A. Martens, in his letter dated April 7, 1999, has
requested an appeal of staff's decision to refuse Mr. Martens' application for commercial
boulevard parking fronting 186 Strachan Avenue.
Comments:
Mr. J. A. Martens, owner of 1245790 Ontario Inc., o/a Chair Unlimited, 937 Queen Street
West, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1G7, submitted an application on June 16, 1998, requesting a
licence for commercial boulevard parking fronting 186 Strachan Avenue for the parking of 3
motor vehicles to be positioned right angled to the building.
We have examined Mr. Marten's request and have determined that consideration could only
be given to 2 vehicles, as shown on the attached sketch (Appendix 'A'), due to the physical
characteristics of the location (i.e. existing entrance, presence of a 0.6 metre diameter
City-owned tree fronting 186Strachan Avenue).
As the proposed boulevard parking is located within a residential district, the Municipal Code
requires a public poll to be conducted of owners and tenants within 100 m of the proposed
parking. If the majority of the ballots cast are in favour of the application, the application is
approved. If there is a negative response, re-polling for the same purpose may not take place
until 2 years have passed from the closing date of the previous poll.
A poll dated July 24, 1998 was conducted on the east side from 152 to 184 Strachan Avenue,
including 935 Queen Street West, and on the west side from 161 to 187 Strachan Avenue,
including 929 Queen Street West, to determine neighbourhood support. The results of the poll
were as follows:
Polling Summary
Mr. Martens was advised in writing on September 15, 1998 that given the negative response to
the public poll did not indicate neighbourhood support of his application, a licence could not
be issued.
Furthermore, Mr. Martens was advised that a further application for commercial boulevard
parking fronting 186 Strachan Avenue could not be considered for 24 months from the closing
day of the poll which was August 24, 1998.
Our records show that a licence for commercial boulevard parking was issued on August 4,
1984 to a former business occupant of 186 Strachan Avenue for the parking of 2 passenger
motor vehicles, positioned parallel to the travelled roadway. The licence was cancelled on
March 15, 1995 as the occupant vacated the property.
Staff cannot issue Mr. Martens a licence for commercial boulevard parking fronting 186
Strachan Avenue because the poll result was negative.
On hearing the deputations, the Toronto Community Council must decide whether or not to
recommend that City Council grant the appeal.
The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having also had
before it during consideration of the foregoing matter, the communication (May 25, 1999)
from Ms. Susanne Wussow and Mr. Earl Helland, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of
the City Clerk.