STAFF REPORT
February 16, 2000
To: Chairman and Members, Etobicoke Community Council
From: Bruce Ashton, Director of Building and Deputy Chief Building Official
Subject: Preliminary Report - Sign By-law Amendment Application
Woodbine Racetrack
555 Rexdale Boulevard
(Rexdale - Thistletown)
Purpose:
To provide preliminary comments on the processing of an application from Steel Art Signs for a Sign By-law Amendment,
pursuant to paragraph 146 (e) of Section 210 of the Municipal Act to permit the installation of new signs and the
modification of existing signs on the property at 555 Rexdale Boulevard.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
City funding is not required. There are no impacts on capital or operating budgets.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) this report be received and the application continue to be circulated;
(2) notice of the proposed by-law and notice of the Community Council meeting at which the proposed by-law is to be
discussed, be published in accordance with the Municipal Act;
(3) the Community Council hear any person who, before the Council meeting indicated in the notice, applies to be heard;
and,
(4) staff report on the details of the application.
Background:
The property has been used for many years as a horse racing and training facility. In December 1998 additional zoning
approval was received from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to permit the introduction and operation of slot
machines. During the past year the main grandstand building has undergone extensive renovations to accommodate the slot
machine use. The anticipated completion date is late February of this year.
Comments:
On January 25, 2000, the Clerk's Division received an application with respect to the proposed signage for the Woodbine
Racetrack and the Ontario Jockey Club tenant, The Ontario Lottery Corporation.
The proposal includes both new signs and modifications to existing signs. Several of the signs are intended to identify the
two primary entertainment uses on the property while the majority of the signs are intended to provide traffic and parking
control signage. The Etobicoke Sign By-law does not address signage for a facility of this nature, and the variances
required cannot be considered minor.
The proposal includes the following new signs:
One (1) Illuminated (animated) Project Identity 80' Primary Pylon sign,
One (1) Illuminated Project Identity 20' Secondary Pylon sign,
Five (5) Illuminated Directional 15' Pylon signs,
Ten (10) Non-illuminated Small Directional 3'6" signs,
Eighteen (18) Non-illuminated Small Directional 7' signs,
Two (2) Illuminated Small Directional 7' signs,
Twenty-four (24) Banner signs,
Illuminated wall signs on the north, west and east facades of the main building,
Non-illuminated mylar panel signs on the west and east building facades, and
A large Video Board on the north building façade at the main building entrance.
The proposal also includes modifications to several existing first and third party poster panel ground signs located along
Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27.
Conclusion:
The application is currently in circulation. A staff report will be forwarded to the Community Council prior to the
scheduled Community Council meeting.
Contact:
John Brabant, Manager, Plan Review
Building Division, West District
Tel.: 394-8054 Fax: 394-8209
Bruce Ashton, Director of Building
and Deputy Chief Building Official
West District
List of Attachments:
Attachment No. 1 - Application Letter
