Sign By-law Variance Request - Cineplex Odeon -

Sheppard Centre Cinemas - North York Centre

 The North York Community Council recommends that:

 (1)the following report be received; and

 (2)the application for a variance from Sign By-law No. 30788, be refused.

 Purpose:

 Evaluate and make recommendations concerning a request by Gerald Stanley, of Cineplex Odeon Corporation, for a variance from the sign by-law to permit double sided projecting signs to be erected on the west elevation and east elevation of 2 Sheppard Avenue East.

 Recommendation:

 It is recommended that:

 (1)the request for a variance from the sign by-law be considered by Community Council in light of the information herein contained.

 Council Reference/Background/History:

 In a letter dated June 2, 1998, Gerald Stanley, of Cineplex Odeon Corporation is requesting permission to erect two double sided projecting signs near the north east corner of Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue. The signs will be erected above the entrance to the Cineplex Cinemas on the west and south elevations of the Sheppard Centre and will be oriented to face north and southbound traffic on Yonge Street and east and westbound traffic on Sheppard Avenue.

 Section 1.1.41. of Sign By-law No. 30788 defines a "projecting sign" as one which is affixed to a building, wall, or a structure and which projects therefrom a distance greater than 2 feet but does not include a marquee or a canopy. The by-law goes on to define a "marquee" as a permanent roof like shelter extending from all or part of a building face and includes a canopy.

 As a marquee the proposed signage would fall under the definition of a wall sign and would comply with the requirements of the sign by-law even though such signage projects more than 2 feet from the face of the wall.

 Council Reference/Background/History:

 The applicant is anxious to present a signage concept that is based on "the historic cinema marquee with a contemporary flavour..."

 Conclusions:

 Although the signs do not fit the strict definition of a marquee as defined in the sign by-law we feel that the proposed signage is in keeping with the general intent of the by-law as the restrictions alluding to projecting signs were intended to address the proliferation of small hanging signs that existed some years ago in areas containing strip stores and not the unique signage presented in this application.

 ---------------

 The North York Community Council also reports having had before it a communication (June 15, 1998) from Mr. Brian Sickle, Page & Steele Incorporated, Architects and Planners, requesting approval of the request.

 A recorded vote on a motion moved by Councillor Filion, North York Centre, to refuse the application, was as follows:

 FOR:Councillors Li Preti, Moscoe, Augimeri, Filion, Minnan-Wong, Shiner

 AGAINST:Councillors Sgro, Feldman, Berger, Gardner

 ABSENT:Councillors Mammoliti, Flint, Chong, King

Carried