Interim Control By-law Respecting Properties Abutting the

Vale of Avoca Ravine (Midtown)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (January19, 1999) 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 abutting the Vale of Avoca 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 44-1998, passed by Council on March 6, 1998) for lands within 10 metres of the Vale of Avoca Ravine, as shown on the attached map, and that this By-law be in force for a further period of one year.

Financial Implications:

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 within 10 metres of the Vale of Avoca 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. 44-1998, for lands within the Vale of Avoca Ravine for a further period of one year; and

(3)That the authority be granted for the introduction of the necessary bill in Council to implement Recommendation No. (2) above.

Background:

As I previously reported on March 4, 1998, the lands to the south of the Vale of Avoca Ravine and generally abutting the Park Drive Ravine were subject to restrictions imposed by By-law 1997-0369, adopted by the former City of Toronto Council. This By-law imposed a 10 metre wide Ravine Impact Boundary generally adjacent to the limits of the Park Drive Ravine.

The Vale of Avoca Ravine is the northerly extension of the same geographic landform as the Park Drive Ravine running from its southerly boundary at the CPR bridge north to its northern terminus on the south side of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The ravine abuts approximately 64 privately owned residential properties.

I am proposing to continue the requested study required by By-law 44-1998 for the lands within the first 10 metres of lands abutting the Vale of Avoca Ravine. Given the constraints of staff resources within the last year it has been impossible to complete the study within the first year of the study.

However, Council should be aware that I have been working closely with the owner of the current house at 40 Summerhill Gardens to resolve concerns associated with a development proposal for this property which would result in the construction of a pair of semi-detached houses partially within the 10 metre strip adjacent to the Ravine which is subject to this Interim Control by-law, but outside of the designated Ravine. It is anticipated that issues pertaining to this development proposal will be resolved within the next six months and that I will be able to report on this development in conjunction with my recommendations pertaining to the lands subject to the Interim Control By-law.

Conclusions:

I am recommending that the Interim Control By-law, applying to the lands within 10 metres of the Vale of Avoca 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: (416-392-1330)

E-Mail: acransto@toronto.ca