Etobicoke York Community Council Meeting

Etobicoke York Community Council considered a mix of development applications, transportation changes, and local exemption requests. The meeting included debate on redevelopment files at Lake Shore Boulevard West, Newcastle Street near Mimico GO, Dundas Street West, Islington Avenue, and 3100 Weston Road, alongside approvals for traffic safety measures, direction on the Woodbine secondary plan work, and several fence and tree matters.

Topics Discussed

• LAKE SHORE WEST DEVELOPMENT: 2686 and 2688 Lake Shore Boulevard West
  Council heard a proposal for a 12-storey residential building with 172 units on an Avenues site. Residents raised concerns about height, transition to homes on Albany Street, parking spillover, sunlight, privacy, and groundwater impacts. One speaker asked, "So where is the water then going how are they going to manage that water rainwater from there it's going to come into the neighboring houses." Staff said the application had been revised, including a height reduction to 47 metres, removal of a rear parking structure, increased setbacks, and additional tree planting. Councillor Amber Morley said, "why is staff giving us an approval report today? Why is this fitting into the context of the local community."

• MIMICO GO AREA: NEWCASTLE STREET
  Council considered an official plan and zoning bylaw amendment near Mimico GO Station. The proposal includes public open space, retail space, and a cycling connection to the station area. Lori Payne, COO and EVP of development for OGDC, said, "We recognize that there have been development proposals for this area that have not been successful. We know that the community is eager to see transit oriented development take place around Mimico GO station. We believe the development proposal before you is a critical step toward the revitalization of the area." Councillors questioned the amount of non-residential space and the pace of change around the station.

• DUNDAS WEST DEVELOPMENT: 5000 Dundas Street West
  A mixed-use proposal with 14- and 16-storey buildings was debated, with residents objecting to shadow, privacy, traffic, parking, and the scale beside low-rise homes. Rashad Kumar told council, "So the four fourstory podium does not make the 14 and the 16 story mass just behind it disappear," adding that nearby homes would face "persistent loss of daylight" and "irreversible loss of privacy." Staff and the applicant said revisions included reduced height, larger setbacks, restricted north-facing balconies, and landscape buffering.

• ISLINGTON AVENUE DEVELOPMENT: 1243 Islington Avenue
  Council approved a zoning bylaw amendment for a 61-storey residential tower near Islington Station. Debate focused on the loss of medical and office services in the existing building, pedestrian safety, and growth near higher-order transit. A councillor said, "Um it is it was shocking to me to see 61 stories at Islington Station when this application first came in," but added that the site is "a growth center" where density can be supported by existing infrastructure. Councillor Josh Matlow said, "And I think what the report is telling us is the answer is yes and that doesn't make it easy," noting concerns about where residents will go for medical appointments as office space is converted to housing.

• WOODBINE AND 3100 WESTON ROAD
  On 555 Rexdale Boulevard / Woodbine Secondary Plan, council discussed long-range planning for the Woodbine lands, including housing, infrastructure, transportation, and community services. Councillor Vince Crisanti called it "very exciting" and said the area is becoming "a community in the making." A speaker said a community development plan could help ensure development is "more equitable and could support local economic development."

  On 3100 Weston Road, council directed staff to oppose the proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal. Councillor Gord Perks said council was directing "our city solicitors and planners" to go to the tribunal "in opposition to the development that has been proposed on this site with some additional directions." Speakers described the land as environmentally and spiritually significant. Angela Carboni said, "This is a unique piece of land that is a bit of heaven in the city."

• TREE AND FENCE MATTERS
  Council denied a permit to remove trees at 51 Burnhamthorpe Crescent. In debate on tree protection, Councillor Amber Morley said, "We really need to fight hard and every tree really does matter," and said she would move the staff recommendation to deny the permit. Council also dealt with fence exemption requests, approving one with conditions and refusing another at 1080 Pelmo Crescent after residents described sightline and sidewalk safety problems. One resident said, "I'm literally walking right onto the sidewalk with without any view of cars."

Motions

Passed - EY 32.12: Jeff Coate Drive traffic calming speed humps - EY 32.4: Humberline Drive and Clareville Drive South intersection pedestrian crossing protection - EY 32.13: Eglinton Crosstown West extension station construction / related traffic bylaw changes - EY 32.15: Black Creek Drive and Weston Road pedestrian crossing protection - EY 32.16: Lake Shore Boulevard West at Silver Moon Drive lane designation - EY 32.18: Remington Drive parking amendments - Liz Road speed humps (new business) - Maple Leaf neighbourhood cut-through traffic study / left-turn restriction investigation - EY 32.6: 555 Rexdale Boulevard - Woodbine Secondary Plan Study, Infrastructure Master Plan, and Transportation Master Plan interim report, as amended unanimously - EY 32.7: 51 Burnhamthorpe Crescent private tree removal request — permit denied - EY 32.8: Fence exemption request — approved with conditions - 3100 Weston Road appeal report — direction to oppose the application at the Ontario Land Tribunal - Mill Road intersection review related to bikeway project - EY 32.23: Parking and development policy motion for Etobicoke York district

Deferred / Refused - EY 32.11: Al Street traffic calming/speed humps — deferred indefinitely - EY 32.10: 1080 Pelmo Crescent fence exemption request — refused

Unclear from notes - EY 32.9: 950 Northland Avenue fence exemption request

Attendees

• Councillor Stephen Holyday
• Councillor Amber Morley
• Councillor Vince Crisanti
• Councillor Frances Nunziata
• Councillor Anthony Perruzza
• Councillor James Pasternak