by | April 23, 2018 · 3:55 pm

CHANGING LANES: The City of Toronto’s Review of Laneway Suites – City-Initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment – Final Report + Community Council Meeting

Agenda Item: TE32.11

Time: 10:00am

Ward:14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 

This item will be considered by Toronto and East York Community Council on May 2, 2018 10:00am. It will be considered by City Council on May 22, 2018, subject to the actions of the Toronto and East York Community Council

Summary

This report recommends establishing a planning framework to permit laneway suites on lands within the Toronto and East York District that are designated as Neighbourhoods by amending both the Official Plan and City-wide Zoning By-law

The City’s Official Plan does not reference or set out specific provisions for second units, however second units are permitted city-wide as-of-right in the City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013.  A second unit can take many forms but is generally considered to be subordinate to the primary dwelling unit on a lot. Second units are an important part of the City’s rental housing stock. Laneway suites are one form of second unit.

At its meeting of July 4, 2017, Toronto City Council directed City Planning staff, in consultation with numerous City Divisions, to initiate a review and consultation of the City’s current policy and planning framework regarding laneway suites within the Toronto and East York District. City Planning staff were directed to prepare a report to Toronto and East York Community Council with recommended policy and Zoning By-law amendments necessary to implement a laneway suite strategy, and with recommendations on other related matters such as the provision of affordable housing and infrastructure costs.

This report contains a detailed planning rationale for the introduction and regulation of laneway suites within the Toronto and East York area and discusses the policy implications and intent of proposed performance standards and criteria. 

Be informed on Laneway Housing and Secondary Suites – read more on this site.

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by | April 17, 2018 · 5:15 pm

Overnight On-Street Permit Parking- Public Consultation

In October 2017, Toronto and East York Community Council directed staff to solicit feedback from residents on the proposal to provide Residential On-street Permit Parking on streets that do not have permit parking in Toronto and East York District.

Have your say by filling out the online survey here: www.toronto.ca/TEYpermitparking

City staff will also be holding public meetings:

  • April 23: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.
  • April 30: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St Clair Ave. W.
  • May 1: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., St James Cathedral Centre, Snell Hall, 65 Church St.
  • May 3: 7p.m.- 9 p.m., Sheraton Hotel, Birchwood Room, 123 Queen St. W.

For full details, view the notice here.

In October 2017, Toronto and East York Community Council directed staff to solicit feedback from residents on the proposal to provide Residential On-street Permit Parking on streets that do not have permit parking in Toronto and East York District.

Have your say by filling out the online survey here: www.toronto.ca/TEYpermitparking

City staff will also be holding public meetings:

  • April 23: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.
  • April 30: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St Clair Ave. W.
  • May 1: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., St James Cathedral Centre, Snell Hall, 65 Church St.
  • May 3: 7p.m.- 9 p.m., Sheraton Hotel, Birchwood Room, 123 Queen St. W.

For full details, view the notice here.

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by | April 17, 2018 · 12:27 pm

Green Line Implementation Plan April 23, 2018: Public consultation Meeting

The vision to make this provincially-owned infrastructure corridor also function as a publicly accessible green line has been a goal for many years.

The technical details of this image can be described by contacting the project coordinator listed on this page
Click to enlarge concept drawing

In Phase 2, an overall conceptual master plan will be developed for the proposed Green Line, complete with design guidelines, design details and site-specific schematic designs for various public spaces proposed within the corridor.

It will also include the preparation of a priority and phasing plan and an implementation schedule with preliminary cost estimates. This work will provide a method for the City to realize the proposed conceptual master plan over time.

The Green Line Implementation Plan Report will propose a high quality public open space system with a recognizable visual identity that meets the needs of the community, invites people to a unique setting, and becomes a part of the lasting legacy and image of our city.

Phase 2: Draft Conceptual Master Plan

  • Date: April 23, 2018
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: City of Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Road

City staff and the consultant team members will present the Draft Conceptual Master Plan, receive input from the public, and discuss next steps. Everyone is welcome to attend.

View the Green Line Public Meeting April 23_2018 notice 

 

 

 

***Councillor Joe Mihevc, Ward 21, and Councillor Cesar Palacio, Ward 17, will be in attendance.

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by | April 9, 2018 · 10:03 am

SVRA Meeting April 10, 2018 FOCUS: Vermont Square Park field work + area park updates

SVRA meeting Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Time: 7:00 – 8:30

Location: Vermont Square Longterm Care facility, lower level rec room (914 Bathurst St @ Barton Ave)

Agenda

  • Discussion of current state of field + revised field improvement option + tentative schedule;
  • DOA – Dog Owner Association VSP – new!
  • Monsignor Fraser + Green Line implementation Plan – Public Meeting April 23, 2018
  • April 28: Community Cleanup – Dennis Lee Playground + Ward 20 Compost drop
  • Update: May AGM (rescheduled date)
  • Other business

History: The central field in Vermont Square Park is enjoyed as both dog off-leash park + for a wide variety of other activities.

In 2015, the field renovation work was completed after a lengthy park renovation process that included the Dennis Lee Playground, installation of the bench, games tables and seating throughout the park + new pathways and hard-surface rec area off the Bill Bolton service road/beside the arena.

Several problematic issues have impacted the field since it was re-opened in 2015, including highly compacted earth, pooling or “ponding” along the swale, soil erosion etc.

Councillor Cressy’s office has allocated funds to assist with field improvements. Bob Duguid, Sr Project Coordinator with PFR Construction Management and Capital Projects is working with the community to ensure the best option is selected to insure meaningful improvements to the soil, drainage system and field ground cover.

We are in discussion with Bob Duguid and Dol Turf Specialists + our Park Supervisor, Brian Green, to modify and customize the action plan for the field.

We encourage you to come to the meeting, learn about the possible revised option(s) and participate in the discussions.

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by | March 27, 2018 · 10:28 pm

Vermont Square Park + Bill Bolton Arena Spring and Summer 2018 Construction projects

Vermont Square Park Improvements 2018

 The Central field in Vermont Square Park was renovated in 2015. The process to complete the work was involved and long. Unfortunately, what we’ve discovered since, is that the subsurface earth is so compacted that nothing is able to grow very successfully whether it be knotweed or, preferably, grass. This leaves the field a muddy mess or bare during the shoulder months. In summer the field is reduced to a dust bowl.

 Options, including alternatives to grass, have been explored with the City; for example, mulch, pea gravel or an asphalt aggregate. None of these options would allow for the variety of activities currently enjoyed on the central field.

 At the March 15th SVRA meeting, City Parks Senior Project Coordinator, Bob Duguid described options to remedy problems affecting the turf, with grading issues and water ponding on the central field. Please see the SVRA Meeting Minutes March 15 2018_ VSP_DOA FINAL for a full description.

Funds are being made available from the Ward 20 budget. In the October 2018 municipal elections we will become a part of Ward 19. There is no guarantee funds will be made available from the Ward 19 office budget. Community members at the March 15, 2018 SVRA meeting unanimously opted for a complete field makeover.

This will result in the closure of the main field for 3 – 4 months starting this Spring.

 We’d like to hear from others in the community so we can answer any questions you might have and respond to comments.

Questions and comments can be sent to the SVRA from Wednesday March 28, 2018 – Sunday April 8, 2018     email: seatonvillagetoronto@gmail.com

A SVRA meeting to discuss the upcoming field work will take place on April 10, 2018

Time 7:00 – 8:30

Location: Vermont Square Long Term Care facility (914 Bathurst St.)

 

Bill Bolton Arena

The SVRA has just learned details of the major facility/rink construction work scheduled at Bill Bolton Arena during the Spring and Summer months.

This work will result in parts of the playground and the north east corner of the field being sectioned off to provide contractor staging, storage and parking areas.

The wading pool and playground south of the wading pool will remain open throughout the summer.

 Please view the official construction notice: FLYER-BOLTON-CAPITAL-WORKS from the City of Toronto for more information on this project and to see impacts to the playground and park.

  • Updates will be provided by the SVRA, BBA and the City of Toronto as these projects move forward.

 We do appreciate the frustration caused by the inconvenience of playground and field closures during these parallel construction projects in Vermont Square Park.

 Many thanks to Councillor Cressy for allocating funds to make these much needed improvements to our community amenities and to City of Toronto Parks staff for their ongoing work.

Monsignor Fraser College – Annex: A New Urban Green Space!

On 9 January, 2018, TDCSB Trustee Jo-Ann Davis and Councillor Joe Cressy held a joint TCDSB / City of Toronto Open House at Monsignor Fraser College – Annex Campus, to inform the local community of an exciting new partnership that will see the current fence-enclosed asphalt playground on Markham St turned into an urban green space with areas for both student programming and the wider Seaton Village community.

Work is expected to start at the end of June, 2018, and to take approximately 3 months to complete.  The City of Toronto has committed approximately $300,000 to the project, and well as to the ongoing maintenance of the site, which will see the southern portion of the Monsignor Fraser College site transformed into a shared use urban green space.  Read more

msgr-fraser

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by | March 23, 2018 · 10:44 am

Changing Lanes Open Community Meeting Thursday, March 29 2018

Study Background

On July 4, 2017, City Council directed the City Planning Division, in consultation with a number of City Divisions, to study the potential to permit laneway suites within Toronto and East York District, consult with the community, and report on a potential implementation strategy in 2018.

On November 30, 2017, the City hosted a meeting to discuss and receive your comments and questions on considering whether Laneway Suites are an appropriate form of new residential units in the Neighbourhoods. This meeting was well attended, with significant constructive commentary provided by those in attendance.

On February 24, 2018, the City hosted an invite-only meeting for Residents’ Associations in the study area. The meeting was attended by a range of representatives from Residents’ Associations from across the Toronto and East York area. At the meeting, City Planning staff presented a background of our work on the Changing Lanes initiative and shared a set of draft guidelines intended to guide the form, scale, and location of laneway suites for discussion and comment.

 Throughout this initiative, we have continued to work with a range of City Staff, neighbourhood and community stakeholders, and your local Councillors on refining, and drafting a comprehensive set of principles and a host of requirements to regulate the construction of laneway suites. Comments received from our consultation meetings and other correspondence with residents have continued to refine and clarify the draft guidelines and policies.

At our next meeting on March 29th, 2018, we will present updated draft Guidelines, draft Policies, and draft Zoning By-law amendments.

 For more information, please visit the following website: www.toronto.ca/changi nglanes

 Meeting Details

Changing Lanes CCM notice March 29 2018 (FYI: An advertisement for the meeting will appear in NOW Magazine and has been mailed out to those who contacted us and provided a mailing address.)

 Details of the meeting are as follows:

 Date: Thursday, March 29, 2018

Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m. (Presentation at 7 p.m.)

Place: Metro Toronto Convention Centre: 222 Bremner Blvd – Room 203

The meeting will begin at 6:30pm with an open house where City staff from a number of Divisions will be on hand to answer questions.  A presentation summarizing the study background and proposed policies, guidelines and review process for Laneway Suites will commence promptly at 7:00pm. Following the staff presentation there will be a question and comment period for the remainder of the meeting.

Thank You,

Graig Uens, MCIP, RPP

Senior Planner, Community Planning

100 Queen Street W.

18th floor (East Tower)

M5H 2N2

416-397-4647

guens@toronto.ca
http://www.toronto.ca/planning /

 

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by | March 9, 2018 · 4:48 pm

VSP Central field uses and improvements meeting March 15, 2018

Please join the Seaton village Residents’ Association (SVRA) and guests from the City of Toronto Parks Department and DOLA – Dogs Off Leash Areas  – to begin discussions regarding Vermont Square Parks’ central field, its uses (including off-leash dog park and playing field) and current condition.

Vermont Square

Guests include:

  • Park Standards and Innovations Unit: Program Standards & Development Office (Dog Off-Leash) Nancy Aranha and Project Coordinator – Landscape Architect, Tara Coley
  • Operations: Brian Green, Park Supervisor for Wards 19 and 20
  • Construction Management and Capital Projects, Sr Project Coordinator, Bob Duguid
  • Colin Burns, Constituency Assistance for Ward 20 Councillor Joe Cressy

Date: Thursday, March 15 2018

Time: Part 1.) 6:30pm – 7:30pm (DOLA + field discussion) + Part 2.) 7:30 – 8:00 other agenda items

Place: Vermont Square Park – main stage in central field + St Albans Boys and Girls Club: 843 Palmerston Ave, Toronto, ON M6G 2R8

Meeting format: We will gather at 6:30pm at the stage in the park to view existing conditions and begin discussions. Just before 7:00pm, we will relocate the meeting to the AV room St Albans Boys and Girls Club (because it’ll be getting a bit dark and probably pretty chilly!!!)

BACKGROUND

In 2008, the neighbourhood endeavoured upon a lengthy park renewal consultation process. During that time, community members decided to leave the field as is and not create a fenced dog area to replace the grandfathered off-leash dog park that currently exists. It has been 10 years since the first VSP renewal community consultation, so the SVRA decided it time to review how things are working and explore use options.
  • Please see this site to learn more about the Vermont Square Park, including the Dennis Lee playground, renewal  process that was completed in 2015
AGENDA
  • DOLA : what is DOLA? Establish VSP DOLA committee
  • The Issues: use, safety, playground access, field conditions
  • Functionality: current function + means to enhance functionality
  • East boundary barrier feature
  • Other business

Please note:

The AV room is not very large and can only accommodate up to 35 people “comfortably.” We apologize in advance for any inconvenience. Meeting notes will be available on this website + subsequent meeting(s) will be scheduled.

The AV room is on the second floor of St Albans. It is about mid-way down and the room entrance is to the right off the hallway (next to the washrooms.)

IF it is too cold outside, we will move into St Albans sooner. So, if we aren’t in the park, latecomers can join the meeting in the AV room.

 

We really look forward to the discussions to improve the park and continue to build relationships and community with all VSP users. We realize there exists contention with some of the uses. The SVRA hopes for a cordial and productive meeting. Thanks!

***Comments and or questions can be directed to seatonvillagetoronto@gmail.com

READ THE SVRA Meeting Minutes March 15 2018_ VSP_DOA!

 

 

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