Item - 2021.EY21.2

The Etobicoke York Community Council:

1. Adjourned the statutory public meeting under the Planning Act for the Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 555 Rexdale Boulevard until the March 3, 2021 meeting of Etobicoke York Community Council and scheduled the item for 9:30 a.m.;

2. Directed the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District along with all other necessary City staff, to continue discussions with the applicant in order to address matters described in the Final Report (December 14, 2020) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District including the means of legally and financially securing said matters without the use of a Section 37 Agreement; and

3. Direct the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District to report to the March 3, 2021 meeting of Etobicoke York Community Council on the outcome of City staff's discussions with the applicant regarding matters described in the Final Report (December 14, 2020) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District including the means of legally and financially securing said matters without the use of a Section 37 Agreement.

The Etobicoke York Community Council commenced a statutory public meeting on January 8, 2021, and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act.

This application proposes to amend the former City of Etobicoke Zoning Code and Site Specific Zoning By-laws 864-2007, 1260-2018 and 1261-2018 to permit a transportation use with ancillary retail store on the lands located at 555 Rexdale Boulevard (Woodbine Racetrack lands). The proposed transportation use would facilitate the provision of future transit facilities such as a new GO Station, proposed to be constructed by Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) in partnership with Metrolinx, at the southeast portion of the site adjacent to the rail corridor.

The proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2020) and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020). The proposed transportation use is consistent with the policies of the Employment Areas designation of the Official Plan, as well as other relevant policies pertaining to the integration of transportation and land use planning to achieve the overall aim of increasing accessibility throughout the City of Toronto.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law subject to conditions before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment. Provided the conditions are fulfilled, staff are of the opinion the proposed amendment is appropriate in this location.