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Major Street Study Final Report

Friends,

I am happy to share that at today’s Planning and Housing Committee meeting, Committee adopted with amendments the final report for the Major Street Study. This is part of the ongoing Expanding Housing Options (EHON) initiative, which aims to bring more housing to Toronto’s low-rise neighbourhoods to meet the needs of our growing city.

The Major Street Study final report proposes to permit gentle density – townhouses (up to four storeys) and small-scale apartment buildings (up to six storeys) along the major streets in neighbourhoods across the city. A Zoning By-law Amendment is also recommended to implement these permissions as-of-right in all residential zones across Toronto, and to implement appropriate performance standards.

Major streets within our ward include:

  • Dundas St. W.
  • Annette St.
  • Bloor St.
  • Jane St.
  • South Kingsway
  • Runnymede Rd.
  • Keele St.
  • Roncesvalles Ave.
  • Lansdowne Ave.
  • Queen St.
  • King St.
  • Dufferin St.

You can also learn more about the city’s major streets here. 

I believe that for our city to continue to thrive, both current and future residents will need homes that accommodate the diversity of household sizes and compositions across the city.

By expanding permissions for townhouses and small-scale apartment buildings along major streets across the city, additional housing can be developed to support those who cannot afford a detached or semi-detached home. New residents in Toronto’s neighbourhoods in turn can contribute to the stability of neighbourhoods and support local retail establishments and services.

This initiative is just one component of Toronto's 2022 - 2026 Housing Action Plan, which in addition to expanding housing options in neighbourhoods, includes other housing policies to support the development of co-op, affordable, and rental housing.

The Major Street Study final report will be considered by City Council on May 22, 2024, and I look forward to that discussion. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Other News
  • Junction Farmers Market returns to Baird Park!
  • Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project - Update 
  • “Neighbours Night Out” by West Neighbourhood House
  • Reminder: 1930 - 1938 Bloor St W and 3, 5 & 21 Quebec Ave Community Meeting and Staff Report to Toronto East York Community Council

Junction Farmers Market returns to Baird Park! 

The 2024 season begins May 18th in Baird Park (275 Keele St.) and will run every Saturday, 9am-1pm until October 26th 2024.

Come out and support the Junction community! 

Please visit their website for more information 

Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project - Update 

As the City continues to make progress in the rehabilitation of the Gardiner Expressway between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, the next stage of the work – the demolition and reconstruction - is scheduled to begin in early to mid-May. The work will take place in three main stages, ensuring a minimum of two lanes of traffic are open in each direction (with intermittent, additional lane reductions as required). 

For more information, please visit the project's dedicated website, which will continue to be updated throughout the duration of the project: https://www.toronto.ca/gardiners2.

“Neighbours Night Out” by West Neighbourhood House

This is a free, family-friendly event supporting the next phase of supportive Social Medicine Housing development at 150 Dunn Ave supported by all three levels of government. Join us for an informal community meet and greet and hear about how Parkdale residents can collectively champion housing diversity in our neighbourhoods.

 

1930 - 1938 Bloor St W and 3, 5 & 21 Quebec Ave Community Meeting and Staff Report to Toronto East York Community Council

The City has received a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 1930 - 1938 Bloor St W and 3, 5 & 21 Quebec Ave. The application proposes a 17-storey mixed-use building containing 144 residential units (including 12 rental replacement units), retail on the ground floor, 159 bicycle parking spaces, and 63 vehicle parking spaces. As a result, City Planning staff scheduled a virtual Community Consultation Meeting for the evening of Tuesday, April 30th at 6pm.

Hearing demand from the neighbourhood for an in-person meeting within the community, City Planning has set up another community meeting for May 15th from 6pm-7:30pm, at 569 Jane Street in the Runnymede Collegiate Institute Auditorium. The Community Consultation Meeting on May 15th will consist of presentations by City Planning followed by a Q&A session. You will have opportunity to view the proposal and share your thoughts. Councillor Perks, and City Planning staff will be in attendance to help answer any questions that may arise.

This community meeting will be reviewing Staff Report: TE13.9 - 1930-1938 Bloor Street West and 3, 5 and 21 Quebec Avenue - Zoning By-law Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition Applications - Decision Report – Refusal. City Planning Staff submitted a Staff Report to the Tuesday, May 7th Toronto East York Community Council (TEYCC) meeting which recommended that City Council refuse the application for Zoning By-law Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition, and in the event the applications are appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, City Council attempt to resolve the Zoning By-law Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition Applications, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, and the City Solicitor. This refusal report was accepted and passed to City Council, due to be discussed during the May 22-24 City Council meeting.

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

Councillor Perks supported the staff recommendation. Please review the details of the report and share your questions and comments with our office: [email protected] , 416-392-7919.

Further information on the project, and what is being proposed, 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=694459.

Looking forward to seeing you there,

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Pride Celebrations Kick Off at City Hall

Friends,

The City officially kicked off its Pride Month celebrations this week with a Pride Flag raising ceremony at City Hall. I was delighted to join City staff and residents at the festivities and am indeed proud that Toronto is a city where we celebrate Pride Month together.

Pride Month is about honouring the history, courage, and diversity of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities, while affirming our commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of 2SLGBTQ+ Torontonians every day of the year. More information about Pride Month programming and events across the city is available on the City’s website.

I also wanted to share a reminder that as the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outdoors, it is important that we look out for one another about staying safe during extreme heat.

Toronto is experiencing more frequent heat events and extended heat waves outside of seasonal norms. Vulnerable populations such as infants and young children, older adults, those with certain health conditions, people who work outdoors and people experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

I encourage you to review the City’s Keep Cool website which has information on preventing heat-related illnesses, including the City’s Heat Relief Network and more than 500 Cool Spaces across Toronto where people can seek relief from the heat.

Wishing you a happy Pride Month and a joyful event and festive season ahead.

 

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study Community Consultation 
  • Bylaw Updates for Adequate Indoor Temperature in Rental Units

Ward 4

  • 3286-3316 Dundas St W Development Application Submitted
  • Roncy Remarket this Saturday
  • The Junction Farmers Market has returned
  • West Toronto Junction Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study Community Consultation

Transportation Updates

  • Stop Sign at Springhurst Ave and Close Ave
  • West Parkdale Cycling Connection Update
  • Contact us for a 'Slow Down' sign

Victoria Day Long Weekend

Friends,

I am wishing you and your loved ones a happy long weekend, and invite you to take advantage of the wide range of family-friendly activities offered by the City.

Of note, on Saturday, May 17, more than 140 splash and spray pads in City parks will open for the season, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Sunday, September 14. Splash pad locations are available on the City’s Swimming and Water Play webpage.

The City’s CaféTO 2025 program is also set to kick off this weekend, bringing outdoor dining opportunities to our communities.  More than 280 local restaurants and bars are participating in this year’s curb lane cafe program, as well as more than 550 sidewalk cafes and more than 700 private patios, helping to energize neighbourhoods, support small businesses and create dynamic public spaces that bring people together. More information about CaféTO is available on the City’s CaféTO website. 

I want to highlight that on the following weekend, Doors Open Toronto will be returning to beloved sites across our city.  Doors Open Toronto enables residents to visit Toronto’s architectural, historical, cultural and socially significant buildings for free on May 24 & 25. Sites are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. The public can also register for free city-wide guided neighbourhood tours and a series of themed talks. Find more information and sign up for free talks and tours on the City’s Doors Open Toronto webpage.

As warmer weather sets in, this is an exciting time for Torontonians to once again be together outdoors. I hope you can explore and discover new facets of our wonderful neighbourhoods, parks, and public spaces in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,   

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Ward 4

City Hall

Email:
Phone: 416-392-7919
Address:
100 Queen St W, Suite A14
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
City of Toronto
311 Toronto