Derelict Building at the

North-East Corner of Brimley Road and Sheppard Avenue

Ward 18 - Scarborough Malvern

The Scarborough Community Council recommends:

(1)that the recommendation contained in the following report be struck out;

(2)that City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards:

(a)to issue an Order to Comply to demolish the building at the north-east corner of Brimley Road and Sheppard Avenue; and

(b)to continue to provide status reports on this issue to Scarborough Community Council.

The Scarborough Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having adopted the following motions:

(i)that Councillor Cho be permitted an opportunity for further consultation with all the parties involved, and further, that Councillors Balkissoon and Cho be encouraged to meet with the parties as soon as possible; and

(ii)that the East District Manager, Municipal Licensing and Standards, provide photographs of this building site to City Council.

The Scarborough Community Council submits the following report (June 7, 1999) from the East District Manager, Municipal Licensing and Standards:

Purpose:

To report on the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division's actions to date.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Nil.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that this report be received for information purposes.

Background:

At its meeting in February of this year, the Community Council directed the Executive Director of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division "to take all necessary steps to commence proceedings under all applicable laws up to the point of requesting authority for the City to demolish the building at the north-east corner of Brimley Road and Sheppard Avenue". The Executive Director was also requested "to report quarterly, or as necessary, to the Scarborough Community Council on the status of the actions taken to date".

Report:

Subsequent to the February meeting, a notice, dated May 3, 1999, under the Property Standards By-law was issued to the Bank of China (Canada). The notice stated that "the deteriorated structure, which is not in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood, shall be demolished with lands left in a graded and tidy condition".

The Bank of China responded by meeting with the East District Manager. During the meeting, the Senior Vice President, Tianpen Wu, indicated that the Bank objected to the notice since it was their understanding that the building was structurally sound. It was also indicated that a Purchase Agreement was finalized in January 1999 with a due diligence period until the end of May and a closing set for July. In this regard, Mr. Wu expressed concerns that the Notice to Comply could jeopardize the Bank's efforts to market the building. The Bank's position was re-iterated by letter dated June 3, 1999.

Comments:

The City is now in a position to issue an Order to Comply; however, in recognition of the current due diligence period, it is intended that the Order not be issued until the end of July. The issuance of the Order will afford certain rights of appeal to the Bank and these rights are expected to be utilized.

Contact Name:

Bryan Byng

East District Manager

(416) 396-7731

(416) 396-4266 Fax Number

byng#u#b@city.scarborough.on.ca