It's been a productive winter in Ward 25 and our team is ready to hit the ground running this
spring season.
In February, I hosted a ward-wide community safety meeting at the Lawrence Park Community
Church to address residents' concerns about crime and safety in their neighbourhoods. Over 300
Ward 25-ers attended the event, along with several senior police officials, including Chief Mark
Saunders and Superintendent Rob Johnson, of the 32 and 33 Division. Chief Saunders outlined
the long-term police modernization strategy, while representatives from the three police divisions
in Ward 25 specifically addressed tactical approaches to crime prevention in our neighbourhoods.
It has been an exceptionally active winter for development in the City of Toronto. If you have been
following planning in Ward 25, you will be happy to hear that the Ontario Municipal Board
(OMB) reform passed by the Provincial Legislature in December will officially come into effect on
April 3, 2018. As of this date, development appeals will be directed to the new Local Planning
Appeals Tribunal (LPAT), a true appeal body with limited power to overturn municipal decisions. In
recent months, the City has received a flood of planning applications and OMB appeals as an
unfortunate by-product of this prolonged transition. You can read more about the current status of
active applications in the Development Updates section of this newsletter.
In addition to planning reform, this year's spring thaw will also be accompanied by a number of
exciting local events. A special date to note is my annual Community Environment Day, which
will be held on Saturday, May 5 at York Mills Collegiate. This event is a great way to kick off the
spring cleaning season by discarding your forgotten household items, including used electronics,
propane tanks, batteries, and sporting goods. For more information, check out the Events section
of this newsletter.
Thank you for your engagement and support over this long and snowy winter season. I am
looking forward to warmer weather and the opportunity to resume working on the beautification of
our parks and green spaces.
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Warm regards,
Table of Contents
More than 300 residents gathered at the Lawrence Park Community Church in February to voice
their concerns to the TPS officials in attendance, including Chief Mark Saunders, Superintendent
Rob Johnson, of the 32 and 33 Division, and senior officials from the 53 Division.
Chief Saunders highlighted the new strategy to modernize policing in the City of Toronto. For
example, TPS division boundaries are currently being reconfigured to align with neighbourhoods
and streamline resources. In Ward 25, the divisions bordering Bayview Avenue will be
consolidated to better serve our community.
The overarching concern expressed by the neighbours during the concluding question period was
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the high number of break-and-enters in Ward 25. In response, TPS officials suggested several
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preventative tips and strategies, including:
Make your home look "lived in" while you are away for an extended period of time by:
arranging for a neighbour to park in your empty driveway;
using timers to maintain normal lighting patterns;
temporarily halting mail delivery;
asking a neighbour to put a garbage bin in front of your house on collection day.
Contact your respective divisional Crime Prevention Officers for assistance in developing a
customized home security strategy. You can find your local police division contact, here.
Above all, the TPS representatives emphasized the importance of community cooperation and
reiterated their commitment to proactive policing in our neighbourhoods. I would encourage you to
report any suspicious activity you observe, as the police use reporting data to direct resources.
All non-emergency situations and suspicious activity can be reported to 416-808-222, or online.
I was pleased to host a community safety meeting with Toronto Police officials,
including Chief Saunders, to discuss local policing initiatives with Ward 25 residents.
As many of you are aware, I have been a vocal opponent of the OMB throughout my tenure as a
City Councillor. From the townhouses on Bayview to the towers at Yonge and Eglinton, most of
the development applications in Ward 25 have been appealed to and approved by this unelected,
unaccountable body. On that note, I am pleased to report that any application received by the City
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after December 12, 2017 will be considered by the new Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT),
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a true appeal body with limited power to overrule municipal decisions. Development applications
received before December 12 must be appealed by the April 3 proclamation date to be heard by
the OMB in its current form.
Unfortunately, the Province's transition plan also includes a provision stating that all decisions
appealed before December 12, 2017 will continue to be heard by the existing OMB. As of
December 2017, approximately 140 applications had already been appealed to the OMB since
the reforms were first announced in the Spring, while only 50 applications were appealed in the
same period in 2016. This exponentially increasing volume of appeals has created a significant
backlog in the current OMB system that may take years to work through. While we have made
significant progress, Toronto is not yet free from the OMB's oppressive presence in our planning
processes. The proclamation of Bill 139 is unfortunately too little, too late for many Ward 25
neighbourhoods.
That being said, Bill 139--the Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act--
will amend the Planning Act and enact new legislation aimed at giving communities a stronger
voice in the planning process. The new LPAT will only hear appeals of municipal decisions that do
not follow provincial policies or Toronto's Official Plan. "De novo" hearings, or hearings started
anew without reference to earlier decisions, will be virtually eliminated. Bill 139 will also prevent
amendments to new Secondary Plans for two years, unless supported by City Council. These
policies will allow planners to develop long-term and sustainable plans for the City without the
looming threat of OMB appeal.
Under the new system, the timeline for City Council to make a decision on Official Plan
amendments will be extended from 180 to 210 days after submission. Zoning by-law amendments
will be similarly extended from 120 to 150 days, unless accompanied by an Official Plan
amendment, in which case they will also be subject to the 210-day limit. This means that Planners
will have more time to review applications and report to City Council, which will prevent
developers from circumventing the planning process and appealing to the OMB before Council
has an opportunity to make a decision.
Bill 139 also includes an act to establish Local Planning Appeal Support Centres, which will
provide legal and planning assistance to residents in order to level the playing field for all
participants in the appeal process. The new legislation will also support clear and efficient
decision-making by requiring case management conferences and encouraging mediation.
There is still a lot of uncertainty, but I am cautiously optimistic that this legislation will give
residents and municipalities more power to protect the beautiful neighbourhoods of Ward 25 in the
years to come. If you have any further questions or concerns about the transition from the OMB to
the LPAT, you can contact the Provincial Policy Planning Branch directly at
OMBReview@ontario.ca.
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I have fought against the OMB for many years and am pleased to see the Province
finally moving forward on this much-needed planning reform.
During my time in office, I have worked with the residents of Ward 25 toward local planning
reform. As many of you know, contested Committee of Adjustment (CoA) appeals to the OMB
have resulted in too many disappointing outcomes for the neighbourhoods of Ward 25.
In 2014, I successfully moved motions recommending concrete improvements to the CoA. These
motions initiated a wide range of advancements to the City’s planning processes, from increased
transparency through the introduction of audio-visual recordings, to the establishment of Toronto's
very own Local Appeal Body, created to replace the OMB as an arbiter of CoA appeals. While the
TLAB is far from perfect, the introduction of this body was a step towards a fairer community-
based planning review process.
This meeting is an important opportunity to voice your concerns and share your experiences with
TLAB representatives. Your commentary will contribute to an ongoing procedural review that will
culminate in a recommendations report submitted to TLAB officials by the end of 2018. Be sure to
visit the TLAB website for further details on how to participate in this important public
consultation event.
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My Environment Day will be held on Saturday, May 5 at York Mills Collegiate and is a great
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opportunity to clear out items found during your spring cleaning, such as used electronics and
household hazardous waste.
You can bring everything from old computer equipment to compact and fluorescent light bulbs for
disposal and recycling. You can also bring items for donation such as sporting goods, books and
gently-used dishes.
We will also be giving out one cubic meter of compost per household - for free! (Limited quantity
available)
Several groups are collaborating with the City on this program, including:
Toronto Water
Solid Waste Management Services
Live Green Toronto
311 Toronto
Toronto Hydro
The Salvation Army
Artsjunktion
"Slow Down" signs are an effective way to remind drivers to respect the speed limit - especially on
local and residential streets. If you're interested in getting a sign for your lawn, you can pick one
up at my Environment Day on Saturday, May 5th at York Mills Collegiate!
Quantity is limited - one sign per household will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.
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As Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC), I was proud to see the first-
ever report on Automated Vehicles (AVs) presented to Committee, as a result of a motion I moved
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in 2016. I have been pushing for this report for a long time. Whether we like it or not, mobility
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digitization is advancing rapidly, and it is our job as policy-makers to establish a regulatory
framework to govern new technologies.
After hearing presentations from several researchers, I directed Transportation staff to work with
other municipal and academic leaders specializing in vehicle automation. In particular, I have
been a strong supporter of the burgeoning partnership between the City of Toronto and the
University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute (UTTRI). The UTTRI functions as an
intermediary between government, corporate, and academic stakeholders—connections we must
foster to craft balanced and sustainable policies in the future. We need to understand how
automated technology will impact road safety, traffic congestion, mobility equity, and the
environment. In order to do so, City Hall must leverage the fantastic work underway at the
universities and research institutes across Toronto.
As a City, we are creating models and establishing best practices that can be shared around the
world. Our Interdivisional Working Group on AVs is one of the first of its kind, and we were also
the first city in North America to create a full-time position devoted exclusively to AVs. At the
January meeting, I urged the members of PWIC to embrace our position at the forefront of AV
preparation, and stressed the futility of fighting against inevitable technological advancement. To
be proactive on this issue, policy-makers will need to look beyond the myopia of the present day
to visualize the future of our City in the long-term.
City Hall was slow to act on the first wave of mobility digitization: vehicle-for-hire services such as
Uber. To avoid repeating past mistakes, I moved a motion requesting Transportation staff to report
back to PWIC in the first quarter of 2019 with a comprehensive tactical plan including specific
interdivisional recommendations for AV preparation and policy. This crucial work brings us one
step closer to preparing for a potentially driverless future in the City of Toronto.
For more information on AVs, please see the full Transportation Services Report, dated January
5, 2018. A copy of my motions can be found here.
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As the Chair of Transportation, I was pleased to see one of the City's most important
research partners, UTTRI, at City Hall to speak about the first-ever report on
Toronto's preparation for AVs.
For more information on the G. Ross Lord Dam, visit the TRCA here.
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It was great to speak to Hoggs Hollow residents at the TRCA's G. Ross Lord Dam
Emergency Preparedness Open House.
Help keep the neighbourhoods of Ward 25 clean and safe for all to enjoy!
Development Updates
Status: The applicant appealed to the OMB in November 2015, before City Planning could
complete a report. A hearing was held on January 4, 2017. On December 13, 2017, the
OMB released their decision that this application be denied and appeals dismissed.
The applicant has since requested a review of the OMB's decision. I am following this
process closely and hope that the members of the Board will choose to uphold their initial
ruling.
Status: The applicant circumvented the City’s planning process and appealed to the OMB
before City Planning could complete their Refusal Report. In March 2017, the OMB
approved a modified version of this application with one row of stacked townhouses facing
Keewatin Avenue.
After a request from the applicant, the OMB reviewed the March 2017 decision and in
February 2018 released their decision permitting the applicant to construct two rows of
townhouses, back-to-back, in the southern block.
For more information on the OMB’s clarification document (released February 15, 2018),
please see my website.
Status: This application was submitted in December 2017 and is currently under review by
the City Planning division. City staff's Preliminary Report will be presented at the April 4,
2018 meeting of North York Community Council.
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Status: This application was submitted in October 2017 and is currently under review by
City Planning staff. The community consultation meeting, held on February 14, was well-
attended by neighbours in the area.
1 Heathcote Avenue
Status: The applicant has since reduced the height of the proposed townhouses to eleven
metres in compliance with the Bayview Townhouse Guidelines that we developed as a
community.
The Final Report from City Planning recommending approval was adopted at the January-
February 2018 meeting of City Council.
Status: The applicant circumvented the City's planning process and appealed to the OMB
in 2016. City Council voted in favour of the applicant’s settlement offer at the January-
February meeting, despite my request to have the item deferred.
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Status: After a positive staff report, I moved to approve this application at North York
Community Council in June 2017 on the condition that the rear setback align with the Mid-
Rise Guidelines.
In July 2017, City Council authorized City Legal to attend the OMB hearing in opposition to
this application. The hearing was held March 13-14, 2018, but the OMB has yet to release
their decision.
55 Erskine Avenue
Proposal: A 12-storey residential building fronting on Broadway Ave. The existing 17-
storey rental apartment building on the site will be retained.
Status: A Community Consultation meeting for this application was held in October 2017.
The applicant appealed to the OMB before City Planning could complete a Final Report
and the Prehearing Conference is scheduled for August 17, 2018.
66 Broadway Avenue
Proposal: A four-storey rental apartment building and two-storey addition to the existing
twenty-storey rental apartment building.
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In light feedback from the community and City staff, the applicant eliminated the proposed
four-storey townhouses. City staff are currently reviewing the revised application in
preparation for a Final Report to be presented to City Council this year.
Status: Staff presented a preliminary report to North York Community Council in November
2017. The applicant has since appealed to the OMB and the Prehearing Conference is
scheduled for July 31, 2018.
A community consultation meeting was held in February this year and a tenant meeting will
be scheduled in the Spring. City Planning is in the process of completing a Request for
Directions report in response to the recent OMB appeal.
Ward 16 - Eglinton-Lawrence
Proposal: A thirteen-storey, mixed-use building with 85 residential units and at-grade retail.
Status: This application was submitted in late December 2017 and a community
consultation meeting was held on February 28, 2018. City Planning staff recently
completed a Refusal Report that will be considered at the April 4, 2018 meeting of North
York Community Council.
41 Chatsworth Drive
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Status: This application was submitted in late December 2017 and is currently under
review by City Planning staff. A community consultation meeting will be held in May 2018.
Public Events
It's almost that time of year again - Community Environment Day is right around the corner!
Environment Day provides a great opportunity to clear out forgotten items as well as used
electronics and household hazardous waste.
You can bring everything from computer equipment and electronics to compact and
fluorescent light bulbs for disposal and recycling. Items for donation will also be accepted
such as sporting goods, books and small household items like dishes and utensils. Hope to
see you there!
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Inorganic Markets
Certified electronic waste collection. Join the community in making a positive impact on the
environment!
The Inorganic Market provides the opportunity for individuals to make a change at the
community level and be positively engaged with the problem of e-waste.
Bring your TVs, computers, phones, and other unused electronics for safe disposal. All
collected materials are processed for responsible recycling and disposal.
More information and a list of accepted items can be found on the Inorganic Market's
website or Facebook page.
Date: April 18
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive, Scarborough – Council
Chambers
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The Toronto Local Appeal Body will be holding a public meeting to consider submissions
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from the public, stakeholders and interested individuals related to the tribunal's Rules,
Practice Directions, Forms or Public Guide.
Members of the public, stakeholders and interested individuals are invited and encouraged
to provide contribution to a review of the Toronto Local Appeal Body’s Rules of Practice and
Procedures. There will be an opportunity for written and oral submissions.
All submissions must be received by the Toronto Local Appeal Body no later than Friday,
May 4th, 2018.
If you wish to make an oral presentation, please register and provide written
submissions.
Registration forms may be obtained from the Toronto Local Appeal Body's Website
at www.toronto.ca/tlab
Email: tlab@toronto.ca
Fax: 416-696-4307
Mail: Toronto Local Appeal Body, 40 Orchard View Boulevard, Suite 211, Toronto,
Ontario M4B 1R9
For further information on the process, please contact the Toronto Local Appeal Body at
tlab@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-4697.
Join the Toronto Botanical Garden in celebrating all things nature on Earth Day 2018.
There will be a series of earth-friendly events for the entire family including hikes,
scavenger hunts, nature crafts and much more! All activities will take place in the Teaching
Garden, where visitors can test out their gardening skills. Drinks and snacks will also be
available for purchase.
Registration is open!
students and staff to clean your schoolyard or a neighbourhood park. You’ll be amazed at
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what you can accomplish in as little as 20 minutes.
The City of Toronto will support registered cleanup events with litter and recycling bags and
special litter collection, subject to approval. For more information about 2018 Clean Toronto
Together, click here.
Date: April 28
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Donalda Golf and Country Club (12 Bushbury Drive)
St. Clare Inn is hosting their 6th annual fundraiser, hosted by CTV Toronto's Michelle Dubé.
St. Clare Inn is a traditional housing program in the City of Toronto for homeless women
with diagnosed mental health challenges.
"Black and White, Oh What A Night!" is the theme of this year's fundraiser, where there will
be entertainment, food stations and a live auction in place to raise funds and awareness for
this organization and the women it supports.
Fairlawn Avenue United Church's annual book sale is quickly approaching! A large
selection of good quality books, vintage vinyl, CDs and DVDs are up for grabs.
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Café 65 is a special place for seniors in Don Mills to have lunch together, create new
friendships, make new contacts and become more informed about what is happening in the
community.
On the first and third Wednesday of each month, lunch and light entertainment is offered,
with opportunities for conversation and activities focusing on topics of interest to seniors.
The cost to attend is only $7.00! For more information, please visit this link or call 416-
444-8881.
Head to the Toronto Botanical Garden on Thursday to pick up local produce, bread, meat,
cheese, honey, prepared food and more.
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Be a Donor Month
April is "Be a Donor" month in support of organ and tissue donation. Registering to be a
donor only takes two minutes to complete online, yet only 32% of Ontarians are registered
as donors.
Learn more about organ and tissue donation by browsing Be a Donor's FAQs, or take
action today by registering to be a donor here.
As you know, Ward 25 is home to two great public libraries: Locke and Don Mills.
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If you'd like to learn more about what's in store, please click here.
Help keep food on the North York Harvest Food Bank's shelves so that members of the
community can feed their families.
The City is interested in what Torontonians have to say and regularly conduct public
consultations on a variety of issues from noise control to zoning by-laws.
Check out the consultation calendar for upcoming public consultations and information
sessions by clicking here.
Thank you for reading, and as always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any
questions or concerns. You can send me an email at Councillor_Robinson@toronto.ca or give me
a call at 416-395-6408.
Warm regards,
Jaye
Copyright © 2018 Toronto City Councillor Jaye Robinson, All rights reserved.
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