Interim Control By-law respecting No. 16 Avondale Road

within the Avondale Ravine (Midtown)

 The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 7, 1998) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services:

 Purpose:

 This report recommends that City Council request the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services to continue a study of policies appropriate for the lands known as 16 Avondale Road within the Avondale Ravine, pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning Act. The report also recommends Council approve an extension of the Interim Control By-law (By-law 1997-0270, passed by the former City of Toronto Council on June 2, 1997) for lands within the Avondale Ravine, as shown on the attached map, and that this By-law be in force for a further period of one year.

 Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

 There are no requirements for any municipal expenditure associated with this approval.

 Recommendations:

 (1)That the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be directed, pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning Act, to complete a review of the land use policies appropriate for the lands known as 16 Avondale Road within the Avondale Ravine.

 (2)That, in connection with the review of the land use policies recommended above, Council pass a by-law extending the Interim Control By-law No. 1997-0270, for lands within the Avondale Ravine for a further period of one year.

 (3)That the authority be granted for the introduction of the necessary bill in Council to implement Recommendation 2 above.

 Background:

 As I previously reported on May 30, 1997, the Council for the former City of Toronto adopted amendments to the Official Plan designating the Avondale Ravine in 1981. Notwithstanding that the purpose of the ravine designation is to prevent, among other things, the destruction of trees and changes to grade, this particular amendment allowed for the erection of a single-family residence on the lands located between Nos. 10 and 20 Avondale Road ( ie. No. 16 Avondale Road) without the requirement for the consent of Council. At that time planning staff, in response to legal representation made on behalf of the owners of Nos. 10 and 16 Avondale Road, recommended against this exemption.

 The property known as 16 Avondale Road is a large (1174 m5 - 12,637 ft.5) and heavily treed lot with a substantial slope across the 15.2 m (49.9 ft.) width of the property. The development of this lot would have significant impact on the existing natural character of the lot and upon the character of the Avondale Ravine. As such, I am concerned with the potential results of the unrestricted opportunity for the development of this lot. A review of the planning controls and the potential impact of any proposed development is necessary.

 In the interim since my last report on this matter, the property known as Nos. 10 and 16 Avondale Road (which is being treated by the new owner as one lot) has been sold and the current owner is considering the possibility of the development of a new house on the lot. My staff, having initiated discussion with the new owner and his representatives, are working towards resolving issues pertaining to a development proposal for this site. I am hopeful that I will be able to report back to Council on a development proposal which will resolve the outstanding matters of concern with respect to this property.

 Furthermore, in accordance with the recommendations of Clause 7 of Land Use Committee Report 10, adopted by the former City of Toronto Council on July 14, 1997, in respect to The Final Report on Interim Control By-law 1997-0073, respecting 119R Glen Road, 107 Glen Road, 15 Beaumont Road and 12 May Street, I was requested to report back on a process and timetable for developing ARavine Impact Boundaries@ for all ravine areas within the former City of Toronto. I propose to respond in part to this request by also including recommendations pertaining to these matters in my report on Nos. 10 and 16 Avondale Road.

 Comments:

 I am recommending that the Interim Control By-law, applying to the lands known as No. 16 Avondale abutting the Avondale Ravine, be extended for a further period of one year to prohibit all uses of the lands during this period.

 Contact Name:

 Angus Cranston

Telephone (416)392-0425

Fax: (416-392-7536)