Item - 2020.EY12.15

Etobicoke York Community Council:

1.  Recognized the public information meetings held by Golf Canada in advance of the RBC Canadian Open 2020 as community events, and notwithstanding the requirements of Chapter 693- Signs: Subsection 17 d.5, 24 a.1, and 24 c, permit Golf Canada to erect temporary mobile signs in more than one location and in the right of way, subject to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Transportation Services, with the purpose to promote citizen participation in the meetings. 

Golf Canada will hold the 2020 RBC Canadian Open at St. George's Golf and Country Club from June 8 -14, 2020. Previously St. George's hosted the event in 2010. In order to accommodate the event, there are temporary road closures, parking restrictions and permits required. The venue also includes a partnership with the Toronto District School Board, at Richview Collegiate.

Golf Canada are hosting a number of information meetings for residents and stakeholders. Although there are notification procedures, one or more temporary mobile signs would be a beneficial supplement in providing notice of the meetings to the public, and to advise of the road closures.

Municipal Code Chapter 693 outlines the requirements for signs being used to advertise community events, and does not have a procedure to permit variance or appeal to the criteria which regulate temporary signage.

I propose that exemptions be provided to Golf Canada to Chapter 693 to allow one or more temporary mobile signs to be placed in the public right of way, if needed, subject to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Transportation Services, as a means to help promote citizen participation in the meetings.