Item - 2012.EY18.53
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Etobicoke York Community Council on September 11, 2012 and was adopted without amendment. City Council has delegated authority for this matter to the Etobicoke York Community Council and therefore, the decision is final.
EY18.53 - Request for Review of "Vista Corridors"
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Schedule Type:
- Delegated
- Ward:
- 6 - Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Community Council Decision
Etobicoke York Community Council:
1. Requested the Director, Parks Development, Etobicoke York District, in conjunction with the Director, Transportation Services, Etobicoke York District, to review and consult with the local community to identify sites which are unimproved road allowances in Ward 6 that abut Lake Ontario and offer a view or access to the lake or lake shore. The review to consider if any existing encroachments are detrimental to community access to the lake, if these road allowances can be transferred to Parks, Forestry and Recreation Services for public park purposes. Staff to report back to the Etobicoke York Community Council on the findings and recommendations of the review.
2. Directed that no further encroachments be considered on unimproved road allowances abutting Lake Ontario in Ward 6, until this review is complete.
3. Directed that the review be undertaken with consideration to existing Official Plan Policies, Heritage Landscape Polices, Vista and View corridors.
Origin
Summary
In Ward 6, which has the longest piece of the City waterfront in one ward, there has been an ongoing concern for decades to ensure that public access to the waterfront is ensured and enhanced wherever possible. In the 1990's The City of Etobicoke adopted the Windows to the Lake polices to preserve and enhance waterfront views and access. These windows were primarily unimproved road allowance on residential streets that end at the lake. Many of them also have storm water sewer outfalls as well.
Over the last 20 years, as these pieces of land are primarily road ends, rather than officially designated parks, they have become encumbered with encroachments, which are now a growing issue amongst local residents who are concerned that the public view of the waterfront is being adversely affected. These encroachments include the placement of Canada post boxes, various utilities, and other structures.
The Waterfront trail, greatly used by cyclists and pedestrians alike, passes by many of these road ends. In some instances, they are the only park like setting on a residential street.
The road ends are now under the jurisdiction of Transportation Services and as such fall under the new streets by-law, but in some instances the Parks department maintains them.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-49808.pdf