STAFF REPORT

December 8, 1999

To: Scarborough Community Council

From: Ted Tyndorf

Director of Community Planning, East District

Subject: RECOMMENDATION REPORT

Scarborough Bluffs

Purpose:

This report recommends further restrictions to the zoning of the property at 255 Blantyre Avenue. Currently, there is an Interim Control By-law on this property prohibiting the development of a senior citizens' home or nursing home during the effective period of the By-law. The additional zoning standards result from negotiations between the owner, the Blantyre Community Association and City Planning staff.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

None.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that City Council:

(1) amend the Birchcliff Community Zoning By-law No. 8786, as amended, applying to the lands described as Block A, Registered Plan 3288, known municipally as 255 Blantyre Avenue as follows:

(1.1) Permitted Uses:

Retain the current Limited Institutional (LI) zoning permitting Day Nurseries, Nursing Homes, Places of Worship and Senior Citizens' Homes.

(1.2) Performance Standards:

(1.2.1) minimum 6 metres (20 feet) streetyard building setback;

(1.2.2) minimum 8 metres (26 feet) building setback from lot lines that abut Single-Family Residential (S) and Two-Family Residential (T) Zones;

(1.2.3) maximum 3 storeys (excluding basements and rooftop mechanical and stairwell penthouses) and 15 metres (49 feet) building height (including rooftop mechanical and stairwell penthouses);

(1.2.4) maximum building coverage 45 percent of the lot area;

(1.2.5) maximum 75 Nursing Home beds and Senior Citizens' Home units; and

(1.2.6) minimum 0.3 parking spaces per Nursing Home bed and/or Senior Citizens' Home unit with a minimum of 4 surface parking spaces to be provided;

(2) repeal Interim Control By-law 817-98, as amended by Interim Control By-law 643-1999, which currently applies to the lands described as Block A, Registered Plan 3288, known municipally as 255 Blantyre Avenue; and

(3) authorize such unsubstantive technical, stylistic or format changes as may be required to properly carry out the intent of this resolution.

Background:

On October 30, 1998, Toronto Council enacted Interim Control By-law 817-98 applying to 12 church sites zoned Limited Institutional (LI) in the Birchcliff and Clairlea Communities. In addition to permission for Places of Worship, the zoning of these sites permitted Senior Citizens' Homes and Nursing Homes. Of concern was the virtual absence of zoning controls on these properties including height restrictions, most setbacks and parking requirements.

An in-depth planning review was subsequently conducted which resulted in recommendations for all properties affected by the Interim Control By-law with the exception of 255 Blantyre Avenue. The staff recommendations were adopted by Council and the zoning for these properties is now in effect. In the case of two properties, the zoning permission for Nursing Homes and Senior Citizens' Homes was removed altogether. For the remaining properties, where the continuation of permissions for Nursing Homes and Senior Citizens' Homes was deemed appropriate, the zoning now contains a prescribed building envelope for all permitted uses as well as a parking standard of 0.3 parking spaces per nursing home bed or senior citizens' home unit.

The zoning for 255 Blantyre Avenue was processed separately as it was necessary to await the outcome of an Ontario Municipal Board appeal on the Interim Control By-law by the owner. The Board Decision, when rendered, upheld the Interim Control By-law. Due to the time which had elapsed, it was necessary to extend Interim Control for a further six month period in order for staff to complete the planning review for this property and to allow for public consultation. The extension of Interim Control was done through By-law 643-1999 which will expire on April 28, 2000.

The planning process which followed has been concluded. We are now in a position to recommend removal of Interim Control and replace it with appropriate zoning for this site.

Comments:

The recommended building envelope for this site reflecting the various setback requirements, maximum coverage and height limit is illustrated on Figure 1. This building envelope together with a parking standard and restriction as to the number of permitted units/beds were presented to local residents by the executive of the Blantyre Community Association at a meeting on November 2, 1999. While support for these standards was not unanimous, the executive indicated their support as did other members of the community. Furthermore, staff are satisfied that the proposed standards are consistent with the approach used for the zoning of the other Limited Institutional (LI) properties which were affected by the Interim Control By-law.

Conclusions:

The recommendations contained herein result from an intensive consultation process with the owner and the Blantyre Community Association over the past 2 years. The proposed zoning will ensure housing opportunities serving the elderly population continue to be available on this site and that any such facility is developed in a manner which complements the surrounding neighbourhood.

Contact:

Ms. Jayne Naiman, Senior Planner

Community Planning, East District

Scarborough Civic Centre

Telephone Number: (416) 396-7040

Fax Number: (416) 396-4265

E-Mail: naiman@city.scarborough.on.ca

Ted Tyndorf, MCIP, RPP

Director of Community Planning, East District

JN/

List of Attachments:

Figure 1 - Recommended Maximum Building Envelope