Item - 2014.PB29.11

The Toronto Preservation Board recommends to the Toronto and East York Community Council that:

1.         City Council state its intention to designate the property at 10 St. Mary Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance:  10 St. Mary Street (Reasons for Designation) attached as Attachment No. 3 to the report (February 28, 2014) from the Director, Urban Design, City Planning Division.

2.         If there are no objections to the designation in accordance with Section 29(6) of the Ontario Heritage Act, City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

3.         If there are objections in accordance with Section 29(7) of the Ontario Heritage Act, City Council direct the City Clerk to refer the designation to the Conservation Review Board.

4.         If the designation is referred to the Conservation Review Board, City Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate staff to attend any hearing held by the Conservation Review Board in support of Council's decision on the designation of the property.

This report recommends that City Council state its intention to designate the property at 10 St. Mary Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value.  The site contains a Mathers and Haldenby-designed 1957 eight-story office building.  Located at the corner of Yonge and St. Mary streets between Wellesley and Bloor the property is the subject of a demolition permit that proposes to demolish this building. 

Following research and evaluation, staff have determined that the property at 10 St. Mary Street meets Ontario Regulation 9/06, the provincial criteria prescribed for municipal designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.  A demolition permit was issued by the Building Division on 2 December 2013 for the property. The designation of the property would identify the property's heritage values and attributes and enable City Council to control alterations to the site, enforce heritage property standards and maintenance, and refuse demolition.  If Council issues a statement of intent to designate the property this would have the effect of voiding any permits issued for the property.