Variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the Former

City of Toronto Municipal Code - 8 South Kingsway

(High Park)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (December23, 1998) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Purpose:

To report on the agreement between two local ratepayer groups and Petro-Canada. The agreement supports the recommendations of my (October 27, 1998) report, as amended by this report so as to reduce the overall number of illuminated signs, increase the number of non-illuminated signs, and require that the roof of the gas bar canopy be painted a specified colour.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

That the recommendations of my October 27, 1998 report be deleted and be replaced with the following:

(1)That City Council approve Application No. 998050 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit 15 illuminated signs and three non-illuminated signs;

(2)That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998050, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services; and

(3)That City Council require the applicant to have the top of the gas bar canopy, which is normally white, painted with Pittsburgh paint No. 4454 - Spanish Moss colour.

Background:

Toronto Community Council at its meeting of November 12, 1998, heard a deputation from a Ripley Avenue Residents' Group representative regarding the possible negative effect of additional signage at the approved gas bar and car wash project. Toronto Community Council deferred further consideration of this item until the January 1999 meeting to allow for further discussion.

Comments:

Meetings were held between Petro-Canada and the Ripley Avenue Residents' Group/Swansea Area Ratepayer Association representative on November 30, 1998 and December 11, 1998. At the second meeting it was agreed that the resident/ratepayer groups would pose no objection to the inclusion of the Petro-Canada signage provided that the "Store" sign would be unlit and the top of the gas bar canopy would be painted a specified colour.

This revised proposal represents a further improvement to the original signage application and provides for more camouflaging of the gas bar canopy roof, especially for the nearby condominium owners.

I am recommending approval of this revised application for 15 illuminated and three non-illuminated signs.

Contact Name:

Barry Brooks

Telephone: (416) 392-0758

Fax: (416) 392-1330

E-Mail: name@toronto.ca

The Toronto Community Council also submits the following report (October 27, 1998) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services:

Purpose:

To implement a Settlement Agreement for 8 South Kingsway to permit 14 illuminated signs and two non-illuminated, and to recommend approval of a variance to permit an additional two illuminated signs.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)City Council approve Application No. 998050 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit 16 illuminated signs and two non-illuminated signs; and

(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998050, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Background:

City Council at its meeting of February 4, 5 and 6, 1998, refused the sign application to permit 21 illuminated signs and three non-illuminated signs of varying types for a new gas bar, car wash and retail store that was proposed to replace the existing gas station on the site.

On March 17, 1998, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) held a hearing on the appeal of the Committee of Adjustment decision respecting variances to permit the gas bar, car wash and retail store on this site. After initial arguments, Petro-Canada withdrew their proposal and presented a revised scheme involving less signage.

Toronto Community Council, at its meeting of April 1, 1998, requested Urban Planning and Development Services staff to convene a public meeting on the new proposal and report back to Toronto Community Council before the continuation of the OMB hearing on June 15, 1998.

A public meeting was held on May 4, 1998, to discuss the revised proposal and to deal with local residents' concerns respecting signage, among other things. The revised proposal and a Settlement Agreement were approved by City Council on June 3, 1998, and subsequently by the Ontario Municipal Board in its decision dated July 17, 1998.

The Settlement Agreement was endorsed by two local residents groups and includes, among other things, a total of 16 signs as per the schedule of signs prepared by the applicant.

Comments:

Since June 3, 1998, the applicant has contacted planning staff to advise that the schedule of signs was incorrect and the total number of signs being proposed was 18.

The two additional signs include an illuminated "Store" identification sign at the retail store entrance, as well as an illuminated "Car Wash Safety Sign" just west of the car wash entrance. The two signs will not be visible from the adjacent residential neighbourhood.

The variance remains unchanged in that the signs are not permitted in a "G" parks district. Illuminated signs in parks districts are only allowed in conjunction with uses that are permitted in these districts. Automobile service stations are not permitted, hence the variance. However, an automobile service station is existing in this location and therefore the use is legal non-conforming.

The proposed signs will replace existing signs currently on the property and will be used for safety and directional purposes as well as for building identification. The revised proposal represents a meaningful improvement over the applicants' original proposal and is unchanged from the proposal approved by City Council and the OMB on June 3, 1998 and July 17, 1998 respectively, with the exception of the two identification signs originally not included in the schedule of signs.

I am recommending approval of this application for 16 illuminated and two non-illuminated signs.

Contact Name:

Lora Mazzocca

Telephone: (416) 392-0421

Fax: (416) 392-7536

E-Mail: lmazzocc@toronto.ca