Variance to City of Toronto Interim Control By-law No. 280-1998

to Allow Third Party Advertising Signs within 400 metres of the

Gardiner Expressway at 1440 The Queensway (Lakeshore-Queensway)

The Etobicoke Community Council submits the following report (April 28, 1999) from the Director of Building and Deputy Chief Building Official, without recommendation:

Purpose:

To provide staff comments on an application for a sign by-law variance application at 1440TheQueensway (Lakeshore-Queensway), based on the intent of Interim Control By-law No.280-1998.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the 200 square foot, double sided third party ground sign located in the CPR railway easement, on the north side of the bridge overpass near Vansco Road be allowed subject to issuance of a building permit.

Council Reference:

City of Toronto Council passed Interim Control By-law No. 280-1998 to prohibit third party advertising signs on lands adjacent to and within 400 metres of certain former provincial highways. This sign variance report is prepared for the consideration of Community Council.

Comments:

The proposed third party advertising ground sign will be located on the north side of the railway overpass west of Kipling Avenue near Vansco Road. It is located approximately 308 metres from the Gardiner Expressway, on a railway easement adjacent to Industrial complexes on either side. The sign structure is perpendicular to The Queensway road allowance. In our opinion the Queensway overpass together with the industrial complexes that flank it on either side will obstruct the view of motorists travelling on the Gardiner Expressway so that they will be unable to see the sign. This third party ground sign complies with the Etobicoke Sign Code.

In keeping with Council's recommendations, we have consulted with the Transportation Division of Works and Emergency Services for their perspective on the issue in light of the Commercial Sign Policy used by the Ministry of Transportation and former Metro Transportation Department.

Conclusion:

The distance from the Gardiner Expressway, the orientation of the sign itself and the obstructed view created by the overpass and the surrounding buildings provide adequate reasons to conclude that it will not compromise the intent of By-law No. 280-1998. We feel that the sign variance is supportable.

Contact Name:

John B. Brabant, Manager, Plan Review, West District

Tel: (416) 394-8054; Fax (416) 394-8209

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Mr. Sid Catalano, Director of Legislation, Pattison Outdoor Advertising, appeared before the Etobicoke Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter.