Advocacy

Ramsden Park Court Changes

Tennis racquet with 2 green tennis balls on asphalt court

While we welcome improvements to the Ramsden courts and their maintenance, ABCRA opposes the model of a private members club. The courts have been a popular and inclusive free amenity for decades. They are frequented by thousands of users including area residents and players from across Toronto due to their location and accessibility. The ABCRA Board supports continued open, equitable, public access for these courts as the best way to preserve their availability and tremendous success.

Resubmission of Development Proposal at 126-130 Avenue Rd.

126-130 Avenue Road proposal

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.

Dogs Off Leash Area Criteria for Commercial Dog Walkers

Dog walker with 5 dogs

We are writing in full support of Councillor’s Saxe’s request to close Ramsden Park to Commercial Dog Walkers, and to develop criteria for which DOLA’s are appropriate locations for Commerical Dog Walkers.

Unlike similar facilities in downtown Toronto, Ramsden Park’s off-leash area for dogs is located within 20 metres or less of a residential neighbourhood unlike most other off-leash areas which are located well away from residential neighbourhoods.

1134-1140 Yonge Street – Proposed Development Re-Submission

1140 Yonge rendering

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.

ABC advocates for improved noise regulations

Construction noise from masonry saw

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.

1080-1088 Yonge Street development

1080-1088 Proposed condo development

We are writing to express our opposition to the 1080-1088 Yonge Street – Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application and request a deferral on the item. We have been in negotiations with the Developer and acknowledge the good steps that have been taken in reducing the massing on the west side of the site, but are of the opinion that more work needs to be done.

Recommended amendments to zoning by-laws for bars, restaurants and entertainment venues

Yonge St. at night

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.

A Plea for Respect and Reason – Reject the proposal at 100 Davenport

100 Davenport rendering showing building proposal

We cordially invite you to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing scheduled for Tuesday, October 31, to hear expert testimony on the profound impact of sunlight deprivation on seniors’ mental health and overall well-being, as we defend the vulnerable residents of Belmont House who have been fighting an overzealous development at 100 Davenport for over 20 years.

Toronto Noise By-law Review Feedback

small boy with hands over his ears

ABCRA has participated in many iterations of the Noise By-Law review, and was a member of the Noise Working Group (“NWG”) process and has attended all meetings in the lead up to the 2019 Noise By-Law review. The livability of the City is being eroded by excessive unrestricted noise and a lack of enforcement for the rules that we do have. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide feedback 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.