The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council approve the maintenance of angled brackets and wire on an existing fence within the City boulevard fronting 14 Pembroke Street and on George Street at the rear, provided that the wire used between the brackets is not barbed or otherwise hazardous and that the owner enters into a new agreement with the City of Toronto, as prescribed under Chapter 313 of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code.

Purpose:

To report on a request to maintain angled brackets and wire on an existing fence around Ecole Publique Gabrielle-Roy to enhance site security. The addition of the brackets will increase the overall height of the fence by 0.46 m. The original fence is covered under a fence agreement but the addition of the brackets is not permitted without Council approval.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

That City Council approve the maintenance of angled brackets and wire on an existing fence within the City boulevard fronting 14 Pembroke Street and on George Street at the rear, provided that the wire used between the brackets is not barbed or otherwise hazardous and that the owner enters into a new agreement with the City of Toronto, as prescribed under Chapter 313 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code.

Background/History:

On June 8, 1977, the City approved the construction of a 2.42 m high chain-link fence at 14 Pembroke Street and on George Street at the rear to enclose the playground at Ecole Publique Gabrielle-Roy. The fence was brought under a fence agreement, as required. At that time, Streets By-law No. 12519 governed the installation and maintenance of fences within the City boulevard. The by-law did not contain a height restriction, but required fences in excess of 0.91 m in height to be brought under an agreement with the City of Toronto.

Comments:

Mr. Enide Emond, Principal, on behalf of the owner, The Toronto Board of Education, Ecole Publique Gabrielle-Roy, 14 Pembroke Street, Toronto, Ontario M5A 2N7, submitted a request on December 15, 1997, for permission to install 0.46 m long brackets and wire along the top of the existing fence within the City boulevard. The brackets would prevent someone from climbing over the fence to enter or leave the school yard.

In his supporting letter, Mr. Emond described an ongoing safety and security concern for the students, daycare children, staff and the school property, because of drug use, drug dealing and other illegal and dangerous activity taking place on and near the school grounds. The installation of the brackets and wire was to be done in conjunction with a number of other security measures that are being implemented on private property to deter unauthorized entry to the property and enhance safety. The Ward Councillors have been contacted and are in full support of this request.

A permit has been issued for the installation of the bracket and wire as the school was anxious to proceed with the work. The permit has been granted on the condition that the work is subject to City Council=s final approval.

In the immediate vicinity of this property there are two adjacent properties which have similar fencing on private property.

Details of the fence and brackets and wire and a copy of the December 15, 1997 letter are on file with my Department.

Conclusions:

The increase in the height of the existing fence from 2.42 m to 2.88 m is minor and will not have a significant impact on the streetscape. The installation of the angled brackets and wire will make the fence difficult to climb and thereby act as a deterrent to unauthorised entry and activity. Under these circumstances, the angled brackets and wire should be permitted.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Fani Lauzon, 392-7894