Council Approves Rental Housing Supply Program

Friends,

I hope you’re able to connect with friends and family this holiday long weekend and enjoy the various festivities taking place.  

This year’s Pride Parade, a vibrant celebration of Toronto’s diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities, will take place on Sunday, June 30. More information about Pride celebrations and activities is available on Pride Toronto’s website.  The City is also offering free, city-wide programming to residents and visitors celebrating Canada Day on Monday, July 1.  More details are available on the City’s Canada Day webpage.

I am also proud to share that this week at City Council, Council adopted with amendments two items that meaningfully advance action to address housing insecurity in our city: the Renovicitons Policy Implementation staff report and the Launching the Rental Housing Supply Program staff report.

The Renovictions Policy Implementation staff report provides recommendations for developing a Toronto Renoviction By-Law to protect tenants from bad-faith evictions. Council has directed staff to move forward in developing the by-law and report back to the Planning and Housing Committee in October, 2024, with a proposed renovictions by-law and operational framework to implement the by-law.

The Rental Housing Supply Program is an ambitious suite of measures that support the City’s target of 65,000 new rent-controlled homes being built by 2030, including immediately allocating $351 million in capital funding to 18 affordable rental housing projects.

This will enable all 18 of these projects to get shovels in the ground between now and the end of 2025, creating a total of almost 6,000 new rental homes. No government in my lifetime has been building social housing at this rate.

With your continued involvement, we can build a Toronto where housing is affordable for all.

Sincerely,

Gord

 


  • An Update on 1304-1318 King Street West and 143-145 Cowan Avenue - Official Plan, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Rental Housing Demolition Applications

  • 1266 Queen Street West – Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application – Decision Report – Refusal of Official Plan Amendment and Approval of Zoning By-law Amendment

  • Committee of Adjustment Application 1354-1360 Queen Street West and 8-14 Brock Avenue

  • 1337-1355 King Street West - Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment, and Rental Housing Demolition Applications - Decision Report - Approval

  • An Update on 1930 - 1938 Bloor St W and 3, 5 & 21 Quebec Ave - Zoning By-law Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition & Conversion Application

  • An Update on 2453-2469 Bloor St W - Zoning By-law Amendment Applications

  • Have your say in the library's future and Complete the Survey!

An Update on 1304-1318 King Street West and 143-145 Cowan Avenue - Official Plan, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Rental Housing Demolition Applications

In response to Toronto East York Community Council and City Councils decision to refuse the Official Plan, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Rental Housing Demolition Applications for 1304-1318 King Street West and 143-145 Cowan Avenue, City staff have received notice that the applicant has filed an appeal of this decision with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

 

In May 2024, City Council refused the application that proposes a 21-storey mixed use building. The proposal showed 213 square metres of ground floor retail and 263 dwelling units, including 8 rental replacement units. More information on the application can be found on the City’s Application Information Centre website here: Application Information Centre - 1304 KING ST W (toronto.ca).

 

City Council also directed that in the event the applications are appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, that City Council attempt to resolve the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the City Solicitor.

The full staff report on this item is available on-line at https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE13.10.

As information on the OLT appeal becomes available, our office will share. The OLT website will also post information on their website at https://jus-olt-prod.powerappsportals.com/en/e-status/.


1266 Queen Street West – Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application – Decision Report – Refusal of Official Plan Amendment and Approval of Zoning By-law Amendment

On July 10th, 2024, Toronto and East York Community Council will consider 1266 Queen Street West – Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application – Decision Report – Refusal of Official Plan Amendment and Approval of Zoning By-law Amendment

The application proposes to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to construct a 24-storey mixed use building with a 5 storey base building, containing 331 residential units. A total of 22,104 square metres of gross floor area is proposed, including 563 square metres of commercial space on the ground floor.

The Staff Report reviewed and recommends refusal of the Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application and approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law.

Note: Staff recommend refusal of the OPA proposal as the redesignation for conversion has been reviewed and approved through a separate Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) and is waiting for the Provincial Minister’s approval. This OPA creates a duplicate of work already completed and waiting for provincial approval.

The Staff Report recommends approval of the Zoning proposal as it reflects area-specific policy intent for West Queen West, particularly as it relates to polices associated with built form and development within mixed use areas. Staff worked with the applicant and the community to improve the proposed height and massing, and to limit shadow impacts on adjacent properties.

The Staff Report is available for review at: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE15.12

Further, information submitted to the City by the applicant is available for your review on the City's Application Information Centre at:  https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/application-information-centre/#location=&lat=&lng=&zoom=

This item will be heard on July 10th after 10 AM.

I will be supporting the staff recommendation. I ask that you review the details of the report and share your questions and comments with my office: [email protected] , 416-392-7919.

You can register to speak or provide written comment through [email protected]. Registered speakers will be provided with instructions on connecting to the meeting.

TEYCC will also be streamed live online at www.youtube.com/TorontoCityCouncilLive

For further information on this or any other Ward 4 or city-related matter, go to www.gordperks.ca or contact my office at [email protected].


Committee of Adjustment Application 1354-1360 Queen Street West and 8-14 Brock Avenue

In August 2023, an application for rezoning proposing an 11-storey mixed use building was approved at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) contingent on satisfaction of certain conditions.

The applicant has now filed an application to alter the development standards for the 11-storey mixed-use building by increasing the height from 39 m to 40m, reducing the terracing setbacks fronting Abbs Street and Brock Avenue, increasing the total gross floor area, increasing the residential gross floor area, and reducing the indoor and outdoor amenity space. This building will provide a total of 222 residential

dwelling units, as well as non-residential spaces (to be located on the ground floor).

This alteration requires a Committee of Adjustment Minor variance. The site still requires Site Plan application approval.

The Committee of Adjustment Minor Variance request will be heard on Wednesday, July 10th.

As Councillor Perks appoints citizens to the Committee of Adjustment to make decisions on minor variances and, on the advice of the Integrity Commissioner, Councillor Perks cannot attempt to influence a member's decision on an application. He does not communicate with the panel members at committee or through written comment about the application.

The Committee of Adjustment process does offer an opportunity for the public to participate in the process. Community members have an opportunity to comment on the application at the virtual Committee of Adjustment hearing.

The Public Notice with requested variances and details on how to view and/or participate, is below.


1337-1355 King Street West - Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment, and Rental Housing Demolition Applications - Decision Report - Approval

On July 10th, 2024, Toronto and East York Community Council will consider TE15.2 - 1337-1355 King Street West - Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment, and Rental Housing Demolition Applications - Decision Report - Approval

The application proposes to permit a 10 storey residential building consisting of 92 affordable housing units, including 10 rental replacement units at 1337-1355 King Street West.  The existing 11 storey “Phoenix Place” apartment building and Parkdale United Church at 1355 King Street West will be fully retained on the site.

 

This Staff Report recommends approval of this application and approval of a Rental Housing Demolition application. This includes a Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan that addresses the right for existing tenants to return to rental replacement dwelling units at a similar rent, and interim accommodation for the duration of the construction period.

 

The staff Report is available for review at: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE15.2

Further, information submitted to the City by the applicant is available for your review on the City's Application Information Centre at: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/application-details/?id=5431268&pid=155209

I am proud to voice my support for this application and will recommend approval of this staff report.

This item will be heard on July 10th after 10 AM.

You can register to speak or provide written comment through [email protected].

For further information on this or any other Ward 4 or city-related matter, go to www.gordperks.ca or contact my office at [email protected].


An Update on 1930 - 1938 Bloor St W and 3, 5 & 21 Quebec Ave - Zoning By-law Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition & Conversion Application

In response to Toronto East York Community Council and City Councils decision to refuse the Zoning By-law Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition & Conversion application for 1930 - 1938 Bloor St W and 3, 5 & 21 Quebec Ave, City staff have received notice that the applicant has filed an appeal of this decision with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

In May 2024, City Council refused the application that proposes a 17-storey mixed use building. The proposal showed 380 square metres of ground floor retail and 144 dwelling units, including 12 rental replacement units. More information on the application can be found on the City’s Application Information Centre website here: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/application-details/?id=5405185&pid=720789.

City Council also directed that in the event the applications are appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, that City Council attempt to resolve the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the City Solicitor.

The full staff report on this item is available on-line at https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE13.9.

As information on the OLT appeal becomes available, our office will share. The OLT website will also post information on their website at https://jus-olt-prod.powerappsportals.com/en/e-status/.


An Update on 2453-2469 Bloor St W - Zoning By-law Amendment Applications

In January 2024, a complete application was submitted for 2453-2469 Bloor St W which proposed a 13-storey mixed use building. The application proposed 260 square metres of ground floor retail and 91 dwelling units, with 111 bike parking spaces and 40 vehicle parking spaces.

This application was considered by City Planning staff to be unsuitable to the location. Instead, staff recommended, and City Council approved in their May 2024 session, an altered application that is 10-storeys high with similar residential unit counts and ground floor retail, with altered massing.

In response to Toronto East York Community Council and City Councils decision to approve an altered Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 2453-2469 Bloor St W, City staff have received notice that the applicant has filed an appeal of this decision with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

City Council directed that in the event the application was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, that City Council attempt to resolve the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the City Solicitor.

More information on the original application can be found on the City’s Application Information Centre website here: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/application-details/?id=5309673&pid=717775.

More information on the City Staff approved building, and their reasoning for their changes to the original application, can be found in the staff report here: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-243974.pdf.

The full staff report on this item is available on-line at https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE12.2.

As information on the OLT appeal becomes available, our office will share. The OLT website will also post information on their website at https://jus-olt-prod.powerappsportals.com/en/e-status/.

 


Have your say in the library's future!  

Toronto Public Library is creating a new Strategic Plan to guide the library over the next five years, and they’d like your input! Based on the ideas shared in the first round of consultations, the library has identified eight areas to focus on. Now, they need your help to further prioritize and guide their work. To participate, please visit tpl.ca/strategicplan before July 24.  

 

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Demonstrations Bylaw

Friends,

The City of Toronto is moving ahead with public consultation for a proposed demonstrations bylaw to protect vulnerable institutions, as directed by City Council (2024.CC24.2).

In February 2024, City Council directed the City Manager to develop a policy framework for the management and monitoring of rallies and protests, ensuring alignment with the City’s Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Policy.

The Report presented to City Council in December, 2024, presented a Policy framework that clarifies the City’s role, jurisdiction and municipal tools available to respond to demonstrations, including the role of applicable City divisions, and provided an overarching foundation of how the City coordinates its activities to determine an appropriate response based on the circumstances of the situation.

I supported the adoption of the Policy Framework.

However, this report included a recommendation (#3) that the City Manager report back with a proposed bylaw that limits demonstrations in our city. https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.CC24.2

This was a very difficult decision however, I could not support this direction as I believe that restricting people’s ability to protest is a step backward. It takes away people’s rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I believe the preservation of these rights in their entirety is essential to protecting the most vulnerable segments of our society, and our democracy. I spoke to my reasoning for not supporting this direction; you can listen to it here.

The City is now moving ahead with the public consultation .

This multi-pronged public consultation approach will include the following:

Online Survey

Written Comments

Public Discussions

  • Additional opportunities to participate in public discussions will follow in April. More information on the dates of the public discussions will be communicated and posted on the City’s webpage once confirmed.

Information and additional details on the City’s public consultation can be found on the City’s webpage at: http://toronto.ca/PublicConsult.

The consultation is an opportunity to take part in this conversation. I encourage you to participate.

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Zoning for Housing – Upcoming City Planning Consultations
    • Garden Suites Monitoring Program
    • Expanding Permissions in Neighbourhoods for Sixplexes Citywide
  • Help shape the next Toronto Seniors’ Strategy 

Ward 4

  • Swansea Town Hall Community Centre - Seeking New Board Members & Assistant Executive Director 
  • Greenest City: Parkdale Seedy Sunday & Ecofair 2025 - Volunteer Call
  • Toronto Hydro Construction Notice - Glenlake Ave.
  • Road Rehabilitation Construction Notice - Evans Ave
  • Developments
    • 3459-3461 Dundas St W
    • 138 Dowling Ave

Anyone can experience homelessness. Everyone deserves shelter.

Friends,

Anyone can experience homelessness.

Shelters in our city provide essential support to individuals in immediate housing crisis, act as a stepping stone to permanent housing, reduce reliance on other high-cost services (e.g. emergency rooms), and bring people indoors, providing an alternative to sleeping in parks, sidewalks, or transit stations.

The positive impact of shelter service is evident in the stories of individuals who have successfully transitioned from shelter into permanent housing. Some have bravely shared their stories: Successful Pathways to Housing – City of Toronto .

Shelters provide critical services to help individuals experiencing homelessness gain stability as they work toward permanent housing.

The City has a 10-year plan to improve and expand our shelter system: Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy (HSCIS).

One pillar of the 10-year strategy is building up to 20 permanent and purpose-built shelters, with a focus on expanding outside of the downtown core to address gaps in available services for people.     

Community engagement is a crucial component to supporting the successful integration of new shelters into the neighbourhood. The City is committed to engaging the community to support the program’s success – both for the individuals who will be staying at shelters and the surrounding community. The process includes communicating details about the shelter development process, responding to community inquiries and concerns, improving public understanding of shelter development and providing ongoing shelter updates. Details will be shared with each community as development of each site progresses and can be found online at toronto.ca/NewShelters

I am encouraged by the City’s Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy (HSCIS) and will continue to use my voice and vote on Council to support improving and increasing our shelter infrastructure and expediting the City’s delivery of housing.

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) Community Networks Launching
  • Spring Flooding: Flood Preparedness Resources
  • Committee of Adjustment Annual Stakeholder Update and Engagement
  • Celebrate Community Story Telling at City Hall

Ward 4

  • BenTastic Magic Show at Parkdale Library
  • High Park Prescribed Burn
  • Construction Notice: Road Resurfacing on Weatherell Street from Rivercrest Rd to Jane St
  • Greenest City: Parkdale Seedy Sunday & Ecofair 2025

Potential Labour Strike & Disruptions

Friends,

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 79, the union representing the City’s 27,000 city workers will be in a legal strike at 12:01 a.m., or one minute past midnight, on Saturday, March 8 if an agreement is not reached before then.

City Manager Paul Johnson has provided updates on city services that may be impacted in the event of a labour disruption.

A labour disruption would result in the closure of all 39 City-operated early learning and child care centres, as well as the closure and cancellation of programming at all City recreation centres including March Break camps. Refunds will be issued for any paid recreation programs that are affected and clients will not be charged for days that City-operated child care centres are closed.

The City will remain prepared to respond to emergencies if a labour disruption occurs. Emergency response by the Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Paramedic Services will not be impacted. The Toronto Community Crisis Service will operate normally. Winter maintenance operations for roads and sidewalks will continue.

Seniors Services and Long-Term Care, TTC, Toronto Community Housing and Toronto Water operations will continue during a labour disruption. All City-operated and funded shelters, 24-hour respite and drop-in programs will remain open. The City will continue to activate additional services during colder temperatures, including Warming Centres.

Information on City services and bargaining updates can be found on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/labour.

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Prepare for potential flooding
  • Bylaw update for Accessible Parking Permit holders
  • Reminder: Vacant Home Tax Declaration

Ward 4

  • Family Skate at Coca Cola Coliseum
  • Artists in Flux 2: Empowerment
  • CommunitiCare Health Taking New Patients
  • Greenest City: Parkdale Seedy Sunday & Ecofair 2025

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