Advocacy

On behalf of ABCRA, we want to provide feedback on the recent resubmission of the development proposal for 126-130 Avenue Rd

Our primary concern is the omission of a G type loading zone in the resubmitted proposal. Avenue Rd. is already a hazardous environment for pedestrians, a fact acknowledged by the city’s ongoing investments to enhance safety in this area. Allowing street-level garbage pick-up on either Bernard Ave. or Avenue Rd. would only exacerbate existing safety issues, placing pedestrians at even greater risk.

At the ABCRA & Community Planning meeting on February 26, 2024, and again at our meeting on April 02, 2024, it was revealed that the developer for 1134-1140 Yonge Street has approached community planning with a request for an additional 3 floors, and is planning to submit a proposal through the Committee of Adjustment.

A 3-floor addition constitutes a 33% height increase and we believe should not be considered minor. We believe that the developer is manipulating the planning system to get around the LPAT settlement and increase the height of the project in a way that protects them from further appeal.

The livability of the City is being eroded by excessive unrestricted noise and a lack of enforcement for the rules that we do have.

This review is important in order to address some of the deficiencies in the 2019 update and help create a policy that establishes clear, meaningful limits on noise and adequate, efficient enforcement. ABCRA did attend multiple community consultations and submitted comments and concerns that we hoped would be addressed through the staff recommendations.

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the recommended amendments to City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013, and all Former General Zoning By-laws, as amended, as it relates to zoning regulations for bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues. We understand the need and advantages and indeed support a vibrant night economy for Toronto but not at the loss of healthy liveable communities for its residents. This important balance can be achieved as we see in Austin and Vancouver but it is not yet met in the staff recommendations before you.

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the recommended amendments to Chapter 545 as part of the Night Economy Review. We are pleased to see updated definitions to clarify different license types and are optimistic that these changes will help businesses and neighbourhoods work together.