Item - 2013.PG29.18
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Planning and Growth Management Committee on December 4, 2013 and was adopted with amendments.
PG29.18 - Demolition Permit Requirements For Institutional Sites
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Planning and Growth Management Committee requested the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back on enabling legislation and implementing conditions on demolition building permits for buildings located on institutional sites, including churches, schools and hospitals, similar to those requirements currently in place for residential demolition permits.
Origin
Summary
The City of Toronto protects its housing stock by requiring individuals demolishing residential homes to submit replacement building plans prior to the issuance of any demolition permit. No such requirement currently exists for buildings located on institutional lands such as schools.
With the increasing trend by School Boards to sell off school lands in the City of Toronto, the City and its residents are vulnerable to the negative impacts associated with demolishing buildings located on these lands. This includes the loss of buildings with heritage and cultural significance and the loss of community spaces and hubs.
With no requirements for building replacement, lands can also remain vacant for an extended period of time once a building is demolished. These vacant and often unmaintained lands can contribute to decreased property values in the area and become holes in our city streetscape.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/pg/bgrd/backgroundfile-64555.pdf
Motions
That the recommendation be amended by:
1. adding "enabling legislation and" following "the Chief Planner report back on"; and
2. adding "including churches, schools and hospitals" following "institutional sites,"