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

Prohibiting Third Party Advertising Signs within 400 metres of the

Gardiner Expressway at 833 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 a sign by-law variance application at 833 The Queensway, (Lakeshore-Queensway), based on the intent of Interim Control By-law No. 280-1998.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that a proposed 200 square foot "v" shaped roof sign oriented to face east and west bound traffic on The Queensway be allowed subject to the 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 has been prepared for the consideration of Community Council.

Comments:

The intent of Interim Control By-law No. 280-1998 is to provide some measure of control over third party advertising signs that may potentially have a negative impact on traffic using the Gardiner Expressway (formerly the Q.E.W.) and other former provincial highways. Although the proposed sign complies with the Etobicoke Sign Code it contravenes Interim Control By-law No.280-1998 because it is located a distance of approximately 325 metres from the Gardiner Expressway where the by-law requires a distance of 400 metres. The proposed sign is facing north. The structural framework on the back of the sign will be the only part exposed to the Gardiner Expressway.

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.

Conclusions:

As the proposed sign is only 75 metres short of the required distance away from the Gardiner Expressway and because the sign is facing the other way and cannot be seen by motorists using the expressway, we feel that it meets the intent of Interim Control By-law No. 280-1998 and 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.