Designation of Site Plan Control Areas
Former Ontario Hydro Lands
(Graywood Investments Ltd. and First Alliance Church)
Both Sides of Sheppard and Finch Avenues
L'Amoreaux and Sullivan Communities
Wards 14 and 17 - Scarborough Wexford and Scarborough Agincourt
The Scarborough Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (August 9, 1999) from the
Director of Community Planning, East District:
Purpose:
This report recommends the designation of four Site Plan Control Areas on the previously undesignated former Ontario
Hydro corridor. Designation of Site Plan Control Areas at this time anticipates proposed development that will meet
criteria of the former City of Scarborough for use of the Site Plan Control process.
Financial Implications:
None.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council designate the former Ontario Hydro corridor lands on both sides of Sheppard and
Finch Avenues, as shown on Figures 1 and 2, as Site Plan Control areas.
Background:
The lands on both sides of Sheppard Avenue and the south side of Finch Avenue indicated on Figure 1 are owned by
Graywood Investments Ltd. In 1998, Graywood filed applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, and for
Plan of Subdivision approval, for most of the vacant former Ontario Hydro corridor between Highway 401 and McNicoll
Avenue. The applications proposed Neighbourhood Commercial development on the Graywood lands indicated on Figure
1, and single family and semi-detached residential development on the remainder of the corridor. As a result of referral of
the applications to the Ontario Municipal Board by Graywood and a hearing held in October 1998, the Board has now
largely approved the proposals. The Board will approve the Neighbourhood Commercial uses on these three blocks,
excluding restaurants and gas stations, and will also permit Places of Worship. The final Order in this regard will not be
issued until the City and Graywood have resolved the specific wording for the amending Plan and Zoning By-law bills and
the conditions for draft plan of subdivision approval, which discussions are continuing.
The fourth block on the north side of Finch Avenue through to Huntingdale Boulevard has been sold by Hydro to the
adjacent First Alliance Church. First Alliance was also an appellant on Official Plan Amendment 1001 and has been a party
to the appeal process involving the Hydro corridor. The church has also filed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment
applications to permit an expansion of its building and possible seniors apartments on the corridor, however these have not
been referred to the Board. At the request of the church, the Board has deferred hearing the appeal on Amendment 1001 as
it pertains to these lands. Also, the church's development applications are presently on hold due to continuing internal
discussions as to the specific building program it wishes to pursue.
Comments and Conclusions:
Neighbourhood Commercial, Places of Worship and potentially Medium Density Residential uses are all subject to the
application of Site Plan Control in accordance with the policies of the former City of Scarborough. The subject blocks all
front on major arterials and will have a high public profile. Graywood's zoning will be in place in the near future, and the
City has already received a Site Plan Control application for up to three temporary sales pavilions for individual home
builders on the block on the south side of Finch Avenue. Similarly, the First Alliance Church can be expected to firm up its
own development intentions in the near future. While the zoning permissions and specific details of potential development
on the subject four blocks are not yet finalized, it is appropriate that the lands indicated on Figure 1 be designated as Site
Plan Control Areas at this time.
Contact Name:
Rod Hines, Scarborough Civic Centre
Telephone: (416) 396-7020 Fax: (416) 396-4263
e-mail: hines@city.scarborough.on.ca