Planning and Housing Committee

Meeting No.:
12
Contact:
Nancy Martins, Committee Administrator
Meeting Date:
Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Phone:
416-397-4579
Start Time:
9:30 AM
E-mail:
phc@toronto.ca
Location:
Committee Room 1, City Hall
Chair:
Councillor Ana Bailão

 

Planning and Housing Committee

Councillor Ana Bailão, Chair
Councillor Paula Fletcher, Vice Chair

Councillor Brad Bradford
Councillor Gord Perks

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam

 

Members of Council and Staff: Please keep this agenda and the accompanying material until the City Council meeting dealing with these matters has ended.

 

Special Assistance for Members of the Public: City staff can arrange for special assistance with some advance notice. If you need special assistance, please call 416-397-4579, TTY 416-338-0889 or e-mail phc@toronto.ca.

 

Closed Meeting Requirements: If the Planning and Housing Committee wants to meet in closed session (privately), a member of the committee must make a motion to do so and give the reason why the Committee has to meet privately (City of Toronto Act, 2006).

 

Notice to people writing or making presentations to the Planning and Housing Committee: The City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the City of Toronto Municipal Code authorize the City of Toronto to collect any personal information in your communication or presentation to City Council or its committees. The City collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on the relevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, e-mails, presentations or other communications to the City, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the City will become part of the public record and will appear on the City’s website. The City will also make your communication and any personal information in it - such as your postal address, telephone number or e-mail address - available to the public, unless you expressly request the City to remove it.

 

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toronto.ca/council

 

This agenda and any supplementary materials submitted to the City Clerk can be found online at www.toronto.ca/council. Visit the website for access to all agendas, reports, decisions and minutes of City Council and its committees. Items with original signatures are kept on file with the City Clerk's Office and are available for viewing.   

 

 

 

 

Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Confirmation of Minutes – December 10, 2019

 

Speakers/Presentations: A complete list will be distributed at the meeting

 

Communications/Reports

PH12.1 - Provincial Consultation on Ontario's Building Code Service Delivery

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(January 6, 2020) Report from the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building

Recommendations

The Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building recommends that:

 

1. City Council request that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing conduct further consultations directly with the City of Toronto on its proposals to change how Ontario Building Code services are delivered in Ontario.

 

2. City Council advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that Toronto City Council:

 

a. Supports revising the provincial qualification and registration program for building practitioners;

b. Supports the use of a Prime Consultant on complex buildings;

c. Requests that the Chief Building Official of the City of Toronto be an ex-officio, voting member on the proposed administrative authority’s Board of Directors; and,

d. Does not support the introduction of a Certified Professional Program in Ontario.

 

3. City Council direct the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee by the end of 2020:

 

a. With an update on the implementation of the proposed changes to provincial delivery of Building Code services, at the appropriate time; and,

b. On the results of the Toronto Building Program Review.

 

4. City Council request that the Government of Ontario incorporate the National Building Code requirements relating to fire safety during construction into the Ontario Building Code.

Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide City Council with a summary of the staff response to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's recent consultation on proposed changes to how the Province delivers its services related to the Ontario Building Code. The Province is responsible for administering the Ontario Building Code Act and Building Code, while the City of Toronto is responsible for enforcement within its boundaries.

 

The report contains recommendations consistent with the Chief Building Official's response to the Province. Due to the timing of the consultation (September 25 - November 25, 2019), it was not possible for those comments to be brought before Toronto City Council for consideration or endorsement. This report focuses on the proposals which, in the view of Toronto Building staff, would have an impact on Building Code enforcement in the city.

 

Toronto Building staff are supportive of proposed changes to Ontario's qualification and registration system for building practitioners. The current system has created recruitment and staffing challenges for the City. On the matter of enforcement, the introduction of administrative penalties into legislation would support the City's efforts to address non-compliance with the Building Code. Staff are also supportive of strengthening the co-ordination and oversight of design professionals on complex building construction projects.

 

On the proposal to create an administrative authority for provincial Building Code services, staff identified concerns on matters of governance, accountability and a diminished municipal voice in building regulatory policy development at the Province. Toronto Building staff do not support the introduction of a program (known as the Certified Professional Program) whereby builders would be allowed through legislation to hire designers (who are also Architects and Professional Engineers) to assume the plan review and inspection roles and responsibilities on behalf of municipalities. While it is important to rely on design professionals to streamline the process, there are a number of concerns with this model, including potential conflicts of interest. The consultation did not contain any proposals to amend the Ontario Fire Code, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, or the role of the Office of the Fire Marshal.  

 

The provincial consultation was also an opportunity to identify to the Province that the City of Toronto has experienced challenges in enforcing building regulations and has had to develop creative solutions to address pressing issues; particularly as they relate to high risk work, public education on good construction practices and public safety during construction. Finally, the submission identified that Toronto Building is currently undertaking a Program Review to identify a service model which meets public expectations including effective, efficient and timely services. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has been invited to be part of that discussion to help inform its further consideration of the proposals on which it consulted.

 

This report has been written in consultation with the City Manager's Office and the  Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services.

Financial Impact

There are no direct financial implications arising from the recommendations in this report.

Background Information

(January 6, 2020) Report from the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building on Provincial Consultation on Ontario's Building Code Service Delivery
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-141511.pdf

PH12.2 - 2019 Toronto Employment Survey

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(December 30, 2019) Report from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning

Recommendations

The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that:

 

1. The Planning and Housing Committee receive this report for information.

Summary

The attached bulletin summarizes the results of the 2019 Toronto Employment Survey. The bulletin highlights the Survey's key findings and counts of employment and business establishments in the City of Toronto for 2019, as well as the type and longevity of establishments and employment activity in Downtown, the Centres, Secondary Plan Areas and designated Employment Areas.

 

Toronto’s economy has performed strongly over the past year, as total employment in the City reached 1,569,800 jobs. Employment grew by 3.1 percent from 2018, an increase of 46,920 jobs. The Survey counted 76,560 business establishments in 2019, an increase of 920, 1.2 percent from 2018. In 2019, 3,810 establishments were new to the City.

Financial Impact

There are no financial impacts arising from this report.

Background Information

(December 30, 2019) Report from Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning on 2019 Toronto Employment Survey
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-141671.pdf
Attachment 1: Toronto Employment Survey 2019 Bulletin
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-141676.pdf
Presentation from Strategic Initiatives, Policy and Analysis, Infrastructure and Development Services on Toronto Employment Survey 2019
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-145187.pdf

PH12.3 - City Planning Division - Study Work Program

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Wards:
All

Origin

(January 2, 2020) Report from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning

Recommendations

The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning recommends that:

 

1. The Planning and Housing Committee receive this report for information.

Summary

This report provides the City Planning Division's annual update on its Study Work Program. The report outlines the Division's 62 completions and approvals in 2019. These completions demonstrate the Division's commitment to advancing the Strategic Priorities identified in the City of Toronto Corporate Strategic Plan, 2019, through a proactive approach to prioritizing and managing a range of complex planning issues, including deliverables related to:

 

1. Maintaining and creating housing that's affordable; In partnership with the Housing Secretariat and CreateTO, in 2019 City Planning advanced the Housing Now initiative to create affordable housing and mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented communities on City-owned sites. City Planning also advanced policies related to Inclusionary Zoning and dwelling rooms, and zoning related to second suites and municipal shelters for Council approval.

 

2. Keeping Toronto moving; Following the Province's introduction of Bill 107 - Getting Ontario Moving Act, City Planning has and will continue to play an important role in the articulation and advancement of city-building objectives related to provincial priority transit projects. City Planning also advanced Transportation Master Plans in support of large studies including the Golden Mile Secondary Plan and an evaluation of the King Street Transit Pilot.

 

3. Investing in people and neighbourhoods; City Planning supports the development of complete communities through large-scale city building and infrastructure studies. Council's adoption of the Don Mills Crossing, Laird in Focus and Sherway Area Secondary Plans establishes local planning frameworks to guide ongoing investment in employment opportunities and community services and facilities to support existing and future residents in these areas.

 

4. Tackling climate change and building resilience; Working with interdivisional and agency partners, City Planning developed the Toronto Biodiversity Strategy to support healthier, more robust biodiversity and increase awareness of nature in Toronto.

 

5. Responding to changes in Provincial legislation: In 2019, the Division responded to significant changes in Provincial legislation to ensure the City is positioned to deliver sustainable infrastructure, ranging from watermains and public roads to parkland and child care centres, and create complete communities that enhance quality of life city-wide.

 

Looking ahead in 2020, the Study Work Program reflects Council's direction and the Division's commitment to advancing a suite of activities in response to Toronto's affordable housing challenges; further strengthening the alignment between local planning frameworks and transit investment; and constructive engagement with the Province to understand and begin to implement changes resulting from Bill 107 - Getting Ontario Moving Act, Bill 108 - More Homes, More Choice Act, Bill 138 - Plan to Build Ontario Together Act, and changes to the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan, 2019.

 

In addition, larger planning studies, such as the newly-initiated Woodside Square Planning Review, the Gerrard-Carlaw Transit-oriented Precinct Plan, the Mount Dennis Planning Framework Study, the Christie's Planning Study and the Yorkdale Application Mall Lands Study will continue to be a focus for 2020. A range of implementation and financial strategies that support the objectives of larger planning studies are also ongoing. City Planning will continue with local area studies and a range of planning initiatives, including the Kensington Market Heritage Conservation District Plan, that establish frameworks to enhance opportunities for place-making, growth-supported investment and social equity in all areas of the city.

Financial Impact

The recommendations in this report have no financial impact. Outcomes of planning studies and initiatives that provide forward-looking frameworks for growth ultimately create positive conditions for new investment and assessment growth across Toronto.

Background Information

(January 2, 2020) Report and attachments 1 to 4 from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning on City Planning Division - Study Work Program
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-141797.pdf

Communications

(January 20, 2020) E-mail from Lynne DiStefano (PH.New.PH12.3.1)
(January 20, 2020) E-mail from Rita Bilerman, Chair Annex Residents' Association (PH.New.PH12.3.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/comm/communicationfile-100630.pdf
(January 21, 2020) Letter from Geoff Kettel and Cathie Macdonald, Co-Chairs, Federation of North Toronto Residents' Associations (PH.New.PH12.3.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/comm/communicationfile-100676.pdf

PH12.4 - Christie's Planning Study - Status Update and 2150 and 2194 Lake Shore Boulevard West and 23 Park Lawn Road - Official Plan Amendment Application - Preliminary Report

Consideration Type:
ACTION
Ward:
3 - Etobicoke - Lakeshore

Origin

(January 7, 2020) Report from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning

Recommendations

The Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, recommends that:

 

1. The Planning and Housing Committee endorse the key directions of the Christie's Planning Study contained within this report.

 

2. The Planning and Housing Committee direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to continue to advance the Christie's Planning Study concurrently with the review of the Official Plan Amendment application by First Capital Realty on the same lands.

 

3. The Planning and Housing Committee direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to continue to advance community consultation on the Christie's Planning Study and the development application, including aligning this consultation with the Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan, in consultation with the Ward Councillor.

 

4. The Planning and Housing Committee request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to bring forward a recommended Secondary Plan, Zoning By-law and Urban Design Guidelines to City Council by the fourth quarter of 2020.

Summary

This report provides an update on the Christie's Planning Study (the Study) and preliminary information on an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application submitted by First Capital Realty for the lands at 2150 and 2194 Lake Shore Boulevard West and 23 Park Lawn Road (the subject lands). Both the Study and the application encompass the same area.

 

 In July 2019, City Council approved a settlement with First Capital Realty which resulted in Site and Area Specific Policy 15 (SASP 15). SASP 15 redesignated the subject lands to Regeneration Areas and General Employment Areas and established the requirement for a Secondary Plan to be completed. The settlement requires the delivery of a new Park Lawn GO station, and securing a minimum of 98,000 square metres of non-residential uses as well as affordable housing units. SASP 15 also outlines the required documents to be submitted by First Capital Realty in support of the Secondary Plan.

 

In September 2019, the Study was launched. This report provides an update on the work-to-date and sets out a work program, including a set of key directions within each of the Study's themes. The Study will consider, consult and deliver on a vision for the lands that has been advanced by a private developer for a new mixed-use community.

 

The Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application, submitted by First Capital Realty, proposes to amend Site and Area Specific Policy 15 (SASP 15) to redesignate the subject lands from Regeneration Areas to Mixed Use Areas, General  Employment Areas and Parks and Open Spaces. As part of First Capital Realty's application, a conceptual Master Plan has also been provided. The goal of the Christie's Planning Study is to establish a policy framework for a new complete community at Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Boulevard West. The re-development of the site will provide an exemplary model of transit-oriented-development by creating a new walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development centered on transit investment and integration.

 

This report seeks support for the key directions established for the Study, seeks direction to continue the Study and undertake the concurrent review of the application by First Capital Realty and direction on the anticipated timing of the Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law. The report outlines the direction on future consultation opportunities as well as aligning the consultation and recommendations with those of the Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan.

Financial Impact

Much of the infrastructure required to support the anticipated redevelopment of the subject lands will be identified through the implementation and phasing strategy to be developed through the Study and secured through the Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law that will be brought forward to City Council, targeted for the fourth quarter 2020. Coverage of the costs of the proposed new GO Station are subject to negotiations between First Capital Realty and Metrolinx, and will follow Metrolinx's Market Driven Strategy for Transit Oriented Development. Some of the required infrastructure improvements may be administered through future development applications within each of the prescribed phases.

 

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information.

Background Information

(January 7, 2020) Report and attachments 1 to 9 from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning on Christie's Planning Study - Status Update and 2150 and 2194 Lake Shore Boulevard West and 23 Park Lawn Road - Official Plan Amendment Application - Preliminary Report
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-141796.pdf

Communications

(January 20, 2020) Letter from Councillor Mark Grimes, Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore (PH.New.PH12.4.1)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/comm/communicationfile-100631.pdf
(January 21, 2020) Letter from Peggy Moulder, Director, Lakeshore Planning Council Corp. (PH.New.PH12.4.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/comm/communicationfile-100650.pdf
(January 22, 2020) Letter from Michael Loberto, Superintendent, Planning and Development Services, Toronto Catholic District School Board (PH.New.PH12.4.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/comm/communicationfile-100655.pdf
(January 22, 2020) Letter from Eileen Costello, Aid and Berlis, LPP, on behalf of First Capital Holdings Corporation (PH.New.PH12.4.4)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/comm/communicationfile-100665.pdf
(January 22, 2020) Letter from Randy Barba (PH.New.PH12.4.5)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ph/comm/communicationfile-100643.pdf
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council