Councillor Mike Layton

DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER WARD 19 TRINITYSPADINA MIKELAYTON.TO

Dear Neighbours, Ward 19 continues to be one of the best places to live in our great city. Our community is more than simply buildings and streets. It is our parks, our main streets, our community centres, our schools and childcare centres, our patios and our neighbours. We all participate in making Trinity-Spadina great and many of you do so by putting on events, organizing park cleanups and attending public meetings. I am honoured to have spent the last year working late hours alongside you to help ensure our neighbourhood is a vibrant and livable place. At city hall, I have been working hard to make sure we protect the things that make our community and our city great. As we face the threat of public service cuts during this 2012 Budget debate, I will continue to bring your priorities to City Council. Over the next few months, I will be working with you on several initiatives to make our community better. I will also continue to host public meetings on various issues impacting our ward. I thank you for the opportunity to serve our community and encourage you to call, email or meet with me to discuss any concerns you may have. I wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Stay in touch Visit www.mikelayton.to for city-wide and local updates on everything from construction notices to city-wide political issues. Visit my website to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter. Nos Falamos Portugus! Por favor ligue para o nosso escritrio se precisar assistencia. (416) 392-4009. Parliamo italiano! Se avete bisogno dassistenza, siete pregati di chiamare (416) 397-4110. (416) 392-4010 Tenants: Canada Post has been paid to deliver this newsletter to your mailbox. If you find the newsletters piled up in your lobby or mail room, please call our office at (416) 392-4009 to report your address. Thank you.

Mike Layton City Councillor Ward 19, TrinitySpadina

COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

100 Queen Street West Suite C47 Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

(416) 392-4009 councillor_layton@toronto.ca

Executive Assistant Michal Hay mhay@toronto.ca

Administrative Assistant Marco Bianchi mbianch@toronto.ca

Constituency Assistant (North of College Street) Angela Surdi asurdi2@toronto.ca

Constituency Assistant (South of College Street) Tania Liu tliu2@toronto.ca

Torontos 2012 Budget

The City of Torontos budget provides for many of the programs and public services we love and depend on. The 2012 budget is one of particular importance. In March 2011, our mayor started a review of city services called the Core Service Review with the goal of finding cost savings for the 2012 budget. The results of that exercise mean that throughout the 2012 budget process councillors are being faced with proposals for significant cuts to vital city services that will affect you, your family and our community. The 2012 budget proposes service cuts impacting affordable housing, long term care homes, snow clearing and grass cutting in city parks and funding for priority neighbourhoods. The budget proposes closing child care centres and increasing non-subsidized fees for families by more than 8%, closing pools, reducing library hours, reducing service on transit routes, cutting environmental programs and arts funding; as well as a hiring freeze for paramedics and fire services that will lead to increased emergency response times. The budget also proposes closing Bellwoods House, a local ward 19 shelter for women over fifty who are victims of abuse. This budget results in enormous cuts to all city departments and programs, putting our local economy, public health, social services and our environment at risk. In early December, I held a budget townhall to gather your input on the 2012 budget. Many of you are concerned about service cuts, especially reductions in library hours, cuts to childcare funding and to the TTC. I have received thousands of emails from residents of ward 19 expressing concern around cuts to our public services and I will represent you at city hall in January when we vote on the budget. Contact my office to find out how you can take action to stop cuts.

Privatization of Waste Collection

City Council has unfortunately voted to contract out (privatize) our solid waste, recycling and organics collection in what is called district 2 - that includes all of us in ward 19. The City has given this contract to Green for Life and collection is scheduled to begin late next summer. I voted against the contracting out of our waste collection. I also moved a motion at City Council in October that the City issue a more comprehensive call for bids. I wanted to be able to compare bidders more thoroughly and include an internal bid from the City. I am skeptical that Green for Life can deliver good quality of service at the price quoted. I am concerned that the transition from city workers who know our neighbourhoods to a company that has a record of hiring day labourers in other cities will be a rocky one. The mayor has made it clear he intends to privatize waste collection in the other half of Toronto east of Yonge Street and I will be working with my colleagues on City Council to protect public waste collection and other public services.

Toronto Community Housing: Selling our Neighbours Homes

The City of Toronto is considering the sale of roughly 1,000 standalone houses used by Toronto Community Housing (TCHC). Some of these homes are in ward 19, meaning dozens of our neighbours are facing eviction or relocation alongside thousands across the city. I am opposed to this sale. 2 I believe firmly that Torontos neighbourhoods are made stronger by their cultural and socioeconomic diversity. The TCHC scattered housing not only ensures we can meet the housing needs of families in Toronto, but also that our neighbourhoods are mixed income, making Toronto a more accessible and equitable city. There are close to 70,000 individuals and families on TCHCs waiting list. The sale of 1,000 standalone homes, representing thousands of units, makes little sense in this housing crisis. This puts a significant strain on the city in many other ways as the costly demands placed on other services increase. The sale of stand-alone units reduces the availability of housing for larger families and families will not only be displaced through this process but divided as they are forced to split up and move into separate units. TCHC not only provides housing for tenants, but homes for people and for families who are members of our communities and loved by neighbours. The sale of these homes takes people and families out of our neighbourhoods. This will likely come to the February 6, 2012 City Council meeting. Contact my office to find out how you can take action.

COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

Bike Sharing Comes to Toronto

BIXI, Torontos bike sharing program, is now successfully up and running throughout a swath of the downtown core. It is open for all-season cycling. Find out more at toronto. bixi.com Some of you have contacted me to say you would join BIXI if there was a station in your neighbourhood. As a result, several BIXI stations have moved to the eastern boundary of our ward, close to Bathurst Street. I am committed to keeping up the pressure to expand BIXI so that you too can access the service - and ultimately help the program succeed in getting more people on two wheels instead of four.

frastructure. Last spring, with the help of Torontos cycling community, I created an ad hoc Cycling Advisory Committee comprised of representatives of cycling groups across the city including suburban representation.

Bike with Mike

In June this year we held our first annual community cycling event called Bike with Mike. It was a bike scavenger hunt held in Christie Pits Park to celebrate cycling in our neighbourhood and our city. Families from across the ward participated and even had their bikes tuned up for free.

lanes on Jarvis Street, Birchmount Road and Pharmacy Avenue. I voted against this. The removal of the bike lanes on Jarvis Street is a big step backwards for cycling infrastructure in Toronto. This decision will put cyclists at risk and it removes the lanes without any input from local residents. I spoke out with thousands of cyclists, protesting Mayor Fords plan to remove the Jarvis Street bike lanes. At Committees and City Council, I made every attempt to stop the removal of these bike lanes. I worked with the Toronto Cyclists Union and submitted a petition to City Council with the names of more than 2,000 people who supported keeping the Jarvis Street bike lanes. I worked closely with many councillors including Councillor Wong-Tam, the local councillor. We wanted more community consultation on this matter before the bike lanes were removed or at the very least to know that the lanes on Sherbourne Street would be completed first. Unfortunately, our motions to protect the bike lanes on Jarvis Street were defeated. We have had some gains. In November, City Council considered a study

Advocating for better Cycling Infrastructure

As you know, I am committed to building better cycling infrastructure and promoting cycling as a healthy, environmentally-friendly and fun form of transportation. I have been working hard with the Toronto Cyclists Union and many other groups interested in active transportation to improve cycling in ward 19 and throughout our city. Mayor Ford and other members of City Council voted to remove bike

Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee

I was extremely disappointed when City Council voted to scrap our Cycling Advisory Committee. I decided to take action to ensure that its demise did not stop cycling advocates from planning and prioritizing the continued improvement of our citys cycling inA rendering of the TTCs new streetcars

for separated bike lanes within the Richmond-Adelaide corridor, extending from Bathurst to Sherbourne. After working with local councillors and our cycling advisory committee, I moved to initiate a second study connecting the proposed RichmondAdelaide lanes to existing bikeways east and west of the study area including Strachan Avenue, Shaw

Street, Dundas Street East, Eastern Avenue and the Lakeshore Boulevard/ Waterfront Trail. This motion passed and now we have an opportunity to examine a fluid eastwest connection along the Richmond-Adelaide corridor. This will ensure our cycling routes are interconnected making cycling safer and more accessible.

Transit City
Since December 1, 2010 when Mayor Ford claimed that the Transit City light rail plan was dead, we have had a city-wide battle for better transit. Building that had already begun on the Sheppard LRT was stopped and Scarborough was promised an extension of the Sheppard subway through private dollars. To date that remains simply a promise. The money dedicated to building light rail transit along Finch Avenue, Eglinton Avenue, Sheppard Avenue and to the replacement and extension of the Scarborough RT is now to be used to bury the Eglinton line from Laird Avenue to Kennedy station. Despite making such drastic changes, there have been no public consultations and councillors have not been able to vote on any plans at City Council.

Torontos New Streetcars

The King streetcar line is the busiest in the city with over 57,000 daily passengers. The Queen streetcar has over 43,000 daily passengers. The lines are over capacity and my office regularly receives complaints that riders wait for several cars during rush hour before making their

way on to one with room to board. This is unacceptable. Public transit is meant to get us where we need to go quickly and affordably. The city is ordering new streetcars to relieve some of the pressure on the routes moving through ward 19. They are scheduled for roll out between

2014 and 2018. The new streetcars are accessible, have more seats, boarding from all 4 doors, air conditioning and can accommodate bicycles. Not only are they modern, spacious and comfortable but they will also increase our rush hour capacity by 32%. You can find out more at www.lrv.ttc.ca. 3

COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

Our Communities
Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)
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Community Organizations
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Christie Pits Residents Association (CPRA)

The CPRA is bound by Dupont Street and Harbord Street, Ossington Avenue and Christie Street/Grace Street. They meet the third Wednesday of every month. Visit www.christiepits.ca for more information.

Dovercourt Village BIA

The Dovercourt Village BIA extends along Dovercourt Road north and south from Hallam Street as well as east and west along Hallam Street. Visit www.dovercourt-bia.com for more information.

Palmerston Area Residents Association (PARA)

PARA is bound by Bloor Street West, Bathurst Street, College Street and Clinton Street. Visit www.palmerstonara.org for more information.

Blourcourt BIA
The Bloorcourt BIA is located along Bloor Street West, from Montrose Avenue to Dufferin Street. Visit www.bloorcourt.com for more information.

Trinity Bellwoods Community Association (TBCA)

The TBCA is bound by College Street, Bathurst Street, King Street and Ossington Avenue. Visit www.groups.google.com/group/trinitybellwoodsca for more information.

Koreatown BIA
The Koreatown BIA is centred along Bloor Street West between Christie Street and Bathurst Street. Visit www.koreatownbia.com for more information.

Queen Street West Residents Association

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The Queen West Residents Association serves those on Queen Street between Bathurst Street and Euclid Avenue. Search Queen Street West Residents on facebook for more information.

Mirvish Village BIA

The Mirvish Village BIA is bound by Bathurst Street, Bloor Street, Markham Street and Lennox Avenue. Visit www.mirvishvillagebia.com for more information.

Ossington Village
Ossington Village is a vibrant neighbourhood along Ossington Avenue between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West. Visit www.ossingtonvillage.com for more information.

Little Italy BIA

Little Italy is located on College Street from Euclid Avenue to Shaw Street. Visit littleitaly.sites. toronto.com for more information.

Niagara Neighbourhood Now (NNN)

The Niagara Neighbourhood Now group is defined by the City as west of Bathurst Street, South of King Street, East of Shaw Street and North of the railway tracks. Visit www.nnnow.ca for more information.

Little Portugal BIA

The Little Portugal BIA is located on Dundas Street West between Roxton Road and Rusholme Road. Visit www.littleportugal.ca for more information.

Liberty Village
Liberty Village is bound roughly by Strachan Avenue, Dufferin Street, King Street West, and the Gardiner Expressway. Search Liberty Village Residents Association on facebook for more information.

Trinity Bellwoods BIA

The Trinity Bellwoods BIA stretches along Dundas Street West between Bathurst Street and Grace Street. Visit www.dowest.ca for more information.

Friends of Fort York

Friends of Fort York is a member-based heritage organization that supports the Fort including its tours, exhibits and demonstrations. Visit www.fortyork.ca for more information.

West Queen West BIA

The West Queen West BIA is located on Queen Street West between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue. Visit www.westqueenwest.ca for more information.

Our Parks
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Northumberland Park Irene Parkette Christie Pits Park Bickford Park Art Eggleton Park Healey William Park Roxton Road Parkette George Ben Park Fred Hamilton Park

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Osler Park Trinity Bellwoods Park Paul E Garfinkel Park Josephen Workman Park Massey Harris Park Stanley Park Bill Johnston Park Fort York and Garrison Common

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Exhibition Place Battery Park The Toronto Inukshuk Park Molson Amphitheatre Ontario Place

Liberty Village BIA

The Liberty Village BIA is bound by King Street West, Dufferin Street, Strachan Avenue and the Gardiner Expressway. Visit www.lvbia.com for more information.

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N O P Q

Dupont Visioning Study

Dupont Street from Avenue Road to Ossington Avenue is changing. Before we are overwhelmed by development pressure we must outline a vision. That is why my office is working with Councillors Vaughan, Matlow and Mihevc on a visioning study for Dupont Street. We have just begun to work with residents, residents associations, business improvement areas, local businesses and other stakeholders to develop a shared vision for Dupont. We had our first meeting in October 2011 at St Albans Boys and Girls Club. It was a packed room that included groups from all wards as well as a representative from the Department of Architecture at Ryerson University and our own city planners. Through this consultation we will develop the guidelines to build appropriately along this corridor and create a vision that includes respect for the historical significance of buildings, potential uses for sites and the priorities and needs of our neighbourhoods. Contact my office to find out more. 4 COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina is a vibrant ward comprised of dozens of business improvement areas, community organizations and parks. There are many ways for you to participate in your neighbourhood and I have highlighted a few on this map.

Ossington

Dupont Christie

Ward 19 Community Charrettes

This fall, my office worked with Ryerson 4th year Urban and Regional Planning students to create a vision for future development in ward 19. The students studied and walked the ward. They met with me multiple times throughout the fall and we hosted three community charrettes attended by over 100 ward 19 residents. Your ideas about what types of changes you would like helped to create a working document - a ward 19 development plan and checklist for our neighbourhoods so that we are prepared when developments are proposed. Dovercourt

A 2

1 B

C 3 D 2 E F 4
Harbord Bloor

Neighbourhood Zoning Review

Over the past several years, a number of inquiries have been made and applications received by City Planning proposing residential uses on the industrial-zoned properties scattered throughout the predominantly residential neighbourhood north of King Street West and east of Strachan Avenue. Many of the development proposals received by City Planning intend to take advantage of the increased density permitted on the industrial properties, which would allow for much larger developments than permitted for the residential properties in the area. In order to determine how to achieve a more compatible and consistent built form for the neighbourhood, I requested the City to undertake a review of the current land use designations, densities and built form permissions in the neighbourhood. They will consult with the community and stakeholders and report back in 2012 with any recommendations for changes to the planning framework.

G H 6 J I

5
College

7
Dundas

3 K

L M

Bathurst

Queen

King

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Q R
Strachan

Lakeshore

S T U V
COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER 5

Fort York Bridge Saved!

Many of us were disappointed by City Councils decision to cancel the long-awaited Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle bridge. Since then, I have been working diligently with staff and councillors and there has been a welcome turn of events. A few different concepts for the Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge have been approved by City Council, all of which are far less expensive than the original design. They all have similar design elements to the award winning design previously considered for the bridge. Our preferred proposal includes two bridges, one bridge linking Wellington Street south to the Ordnance Street area and a second bridge spanning from Fort York north to the Ordnance Street area. Both bridges would be linked by a park and would be fully accessible from Ordnance Street and to the future residents of the condos slated for construction in the Ordnance triangle. This option has better access, use of space and most reflects the original design. The Fort York bridge is a critically important transportation corridor in our neighbourhood. It will link residents with each other, create more cycling infrastructure and help open up Fort York to the entire city.

Stanley Park
After years of planning and building, I am happy to report that the revitalization of Stanley Park south is now nearing its conclusion. Roughly $1.5 million has been invested in the park to cover the cost of building demolition, relocation of an electrical bunker, repairs to the irrigation system, reconstruction of the pool building, construction and landscaping of a dogs-off leash area as well as the demolition and reconstruction of the tennis courts. My office will now begin working with the community to improve the safety, aesthetics and usability of the park through the addition of items crafted by the community including better lighting. Stakeholders of Stanley Park have been very involved every step of the way, from initial planning years ago to construction and revisions now. 6 Last spring, off-leash area users, softball players and neighbours bordering the park all expressed concerns that certain aspects of the renovations were less than ideal. After a number of meetings in the community, most concerns have now been resolved. I would like to thank the neighbours, stakeholders and Parks staff for their patience, perseverance and cooperation throughout this project. Building Stanley Park is helping to build our community and its been a pleasure working so closely with ward 19 residents.

Fort York & the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

The summer of 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Built in 1793, Fort York, located in our ward played a vital role in the war. The Fort is also home to North Americas largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and is visited by thousands of people each year. For 75 years the site has operated as a museum and includes the Fort, two parks, and a military cemetery. Fort York provides history programming and the park plays an important role in the neighbourhood, acting as a connecting hub for the waterfront and trails. The war and its historical significance will be commemorated in dozens of ways in communities large and small and ward 19s Fort York will be front and centre. The commemoration activities begin in June 2012. As part of the commemoration a 22,000 square foot Visitor Centre is being built and it will help bring the Fort and our Citys history to life.

COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

Liberty Village Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge

We are one step closer to safer pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in Liberty Village as the King-Liberty Pedestrian/ Cycle Bridge is one step closer to reality. Proposals varied throughout the study period as bridges and tunnels were considered. The Environmental Assessment that is now complete identified the location, design and function of the Liberty Village pedestrian/cyclist crossing that would best and most cost-effectively meet City and community objectives. In the end, a bridge has been recommended to span the rail corridor between the west end of Douro Street and the west end of Western Battery Road. The bridge will include stairs and an elevator at each end to ensure accessibility for all users. I worked to ensure that we could proceed to the design phase of this bridge as soon as possible, while my office works to secure funding for its construction. I passed motions at City Council to direct that the detailed design of the bridge be funded from Section 37 contributions or any other appropriate third party funding as soon as these funds become available and that we investigate local improvement charges as a financing mechanism. Liberty Village is fast becoming a vibrant and densely populated neighbourhood, but it is largely cut off to major transportation and transit routes by the railway tracks. This bridge will provide a much needed link for Liberty Village residents and businesses.

Bickford Centre
The future of the Bickford Centre (777 Bloor Street West) has been a growing concern for area residents. Though the building is currently a hub for English as a second language instruction and is well used by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB); the facility is perceived by the neighbouring community to be underutilized and a safety concern. In the last year, I held three community meetings in conjunction with area MPP Rosario Marchese and TDSB trustee Chris Bolton to look at ways to revitalize the space, identify specific concerns and set out a plan of action. For more information or to get involved, contact my office.

Matthew House, located in our ward, provides shelter, settlement assistance and other supports to newly-arrived refugees. Although the house is owned by Toronto Community Housing, Matthew House has invested significant amounts of money in renovations. It is one of the homes being proposed for sale by TCHC and which I am working with the community to save.

Community Meetings
Over the last year, I have had the privilege of attending and planning hundreds of meetings across the ward and my office has helped setup several working groups. Meetings and townhalls have covered developments in our ward, community safety, noise, city budgets and proposed service cuts. Together, we have established a working group of local businesses and residents associations to discuss the licensing of patios and how we can be sure to reward those contributing to our neighbourhoods. Our ward roundtable has met several times in the last year. It is comprised of ward 19 residents associations, parks groups, and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). It is a great place for me to gather feedback on my work in the ward and for groups to get to know each other and share resources. The best way to find out about community meetings in the ward is to consult the events calendar on my website and subscribe to my newsletter at mikelayton.to.

Seniors Property Tax Relief

This year I worked to change the threshold for seniors to receive the property tax increase exemption, opening up tax relief to more seniors. Tax relief can be provided through the following programs: Property Tax Increase Deferral Program, Property Tax Increase Cancellation Program, Water Rebate Program. Find out more about the programs and how to apply by contacting my office at (416) 392-4009.

Sidewalk Snow Clearing for Seniors

If you are a senior living downtown and require free sidewalk snow clearing service, call my office and I will help you find out if you are eligible. The work is generally carried out by manual shoveling, assisted by light mechanical equipment and is usually completed within 72 hours after the end of a storm.

COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

Ward 19 Development Updates

41 Ossington Avenue
The development application originally proposed to redevelop the property at 41 Ossington Avenue with a five-storey condominium with ground floor retail fronting Ossington Avenue and nine four-storey townhouse units fronting Rebecca Street. City Planning and residents were concerned with access, height and privacy of the adjacent properties. A revised plan was submitted to the City by the developers. City Planning staff together with the City Solicitor have been in ongoing discussions with the applicant on a settlement. Following the negotiation, this application now proposes a six-storey condominium building, having ground floor retail, fronting Ossington Avenue and five four-storey townhouse units fronting Rebecca Street. A total of 28 residential units with 21 parking spaces. Since the neighbours have concerns regarding the design and setbacks, I passed a motion at City Council requesting that City Planning staff together with my office continue negotiations with the applicant.

1243 Dundas Street West

City Planning staff hosted a community consultation meeting on October 27, 2011. The applicant proposes to construct an eight-storey condominium building which would contain 43 residential dwelling units and retail uses at grade. At the meeting, the proposal was welcomed by the residents in the neighbourhood, as it would help revitalize Dundas Street West and make the neighbourhood vibrant. However, some concerns were raised regarding the height and density. Please contact our office if you have any concerns or comments about this development. We will also keep you updated in regards to the next steps.

1071 King Street West

The applicant proposes to construct a fifteenstorey mixed use building with a two-floor lower level parking facility, ground and second floor commercial units and 209 residential units on the remaining upper levels. City Planning has received drawings; however, at the time of writing, the application is incomplete pending supporting reports from the developer. A public meeting will be held once a full application is received.

24 Bathurst Street
24 Bathurst Street has two development sites, one north of the Gardiner Expressway (phase 1), twelve-storeys with 248 residential units; and the second south of the Gardiner Expressway (phase 2), 28-storeys with 410 residential units. Both site plan applications are under review and phase 1 is nearing completion and construction has started. Phase 2 will be approved by the City shortly after phase 1.

178A Ossington Avenue

The proposed development for review comprises 16 townhouse units at four-storeys in height (no basements), seven townhouses fronting onto Foxley Place at the south edge and nine townhouses fronting the unnamed laneway to the north. Each unit will have an at-grade entrance to a single car garage. It is proposed to widen the laneways south and north of the development. In addition, the existing right-of-way east of the site will provide vehicular circulation to the site. The proposal is currently in the hands of City Planning. Our office will keep you posted with regards to the next steps.

486 Shaw Street

In November 2011 Treasure Hill Homes presented a re-design of the former St Davids School site to residents. The architect presented a new design for the proposed 37 townhouses. This was the fourth meeting regarding this development and it was held at my request to ensure residents were informed of the aesthetic changes. This development has already obtained zoning approval. It will not go before City Council again as the developer is not making any changes that would affect use, height or density. Treasure Hill Homes will be required to re-submit drawings for site plan approval by the City of Torontos urban design department.

149 Strachan Avenue

An application was made to convert the existing two-storey vacant former industrial building on the site into a four-storey residential building. The applicant requested variances that were refused at the Committee of Adjustment in July and then appealed the Committee decisions to the Ontario Municipal Board, where they were approved. I will continue to work with the developer and the community to minimize the impact of the development.

89-109 Niagara Street

This development is still in its pre-application stage and no public meeting date has been set. The developer and his architect met with the councillor and Niagara Neighbourhood Now to outline their proposal and collect feedback before their official application. They are proposing to maintain the four-storey historic building and convert the building to apartments and build two towers with increased density. It requires a re-zoning from employment lands on the southern half of the site. Our office will keep the residents informed once the application is submitted.

90 Niagara Street
The owner of 90 Niagara Street applied to the Committee of Adjustment for 13 variances to the zoning by-law for a condominium redevelopment of a former industrial site. The Committee unanimously refused the proposed application due to the communitys opposition. An Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing was held August 22, 2011. Recognizing the concern the community has for this project and that the nature of the project does not meet the intent of the Niagara Neighbourhood zoning by-law, I passed a motion at City Council to direct the City Solicitor to attend the OMB hearing to defend the Committee of Adjustments refusal of variances at 90 Niagara Street. At the time of writing, the OMB has yet to issue a decision on this file.

854, 856, 858 Dundas Street West and 217, 219 Manning Avenue
The applicant came forward with a proposal for an eight-storey condominium and ten townhouses. After some initial feedback from staff, the plan was revised to seven-storeys and a change to the orientation of the townhouses was made to enhance privacy on neighbouring properties. Approximately 80 residents attended the community planning meeting held on May 31, 2011 at Trinity Bellwoods Community Recreation Centre. Since the May meeting, I have met with the community and developer several times and a revised proposal is expected soon.

842-856 Richmond Street

The site plan control application and the rezoning application were received by City Planning in July, 2011. They propose an 18unit, three-storey townhouse development with rooftop terraces and one level of underground parking at 842-856 Richmond Street West. After consultation with staff the plans were revised to be a three-storey and two-unit condominium, with a total of 20 units and the townhouse units have been reconfigured. The community consultation meeting was held in November with some concerns from the community regarding privacy and parking. Our office will continue to work with the community and City Planning to address the remaining issues.

1030 King Street West

The OMB hearing was held for eight days commencing on April 26, 2011. Despite the community and the Citys concerns with regards to the size and density of the development, the OMB ultimately approved the application for two fourteen-storey towers, but ruled in favour of the City regarding parking requirements.

COUNCILLOR MIKE LAYTON DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER