Item - 2025.TE24.7

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council approve the demolition of the category "X" buildings at 126, 128 and 130 Avenue Road, in the East Annex Heritage Conservation District, in accordance with Section 42(1) 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act and the erection of one building in accordance with Section 42(1) 2 of the Ontario Heritage Act subject to the following:

a. City Council approve the replacement building for 126, 128 and 130 Avenue Road as shown in the plans and elevations submitted by the applicant and prepared by Icon Architects dated May 8, 2025 along with the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by ERA Architects Inc dated April 22, 2025 and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, and that the replacement structure be constructed substantially in accordance with the submitted plans; and

b. prior to the issuance of any heritage permit for the property at 126, 128 and 130 Avenue Road including a demolition permit, but excluding permits for interior work, repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing category "X" buildings as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the applicant provide the following to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning:

1. photo documentation of the existing buildings at 126, 128 and 130 Avenue Road; and

2. final building permit drawings for the replacement structure and a landscape plan consistent with the East Annex Heritage Conservation District Plan and substantially in accordance with the plans and elevations submitted by the applicant and prepared by Icon Architects dated May 8, 2025 and the East Annex Heritage Conservation District Plan.

This report recommends that City Council approve the demolition of three category "X" buildings within the East Annex Heritage Conservation District (EAHCD) and approve the design of a replacement structure located at 126, 128 and 130 Avenue Road in accordance with Section 42(1) 2 and 42(1) 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

The application is to demolish three existing buildings that form part of a row of buildings located on the west side of Avenue Road, between Bernard Avenue to the south and Davenport Road to the north. The EAHCD Plan allows for the demolition of category "X" buildings provided that the replacement building design complies with the EAHCD plan guidelines for new buildings. The demolition would allow for the construction of a new 11-storey building that meets the general intent of the EAHCD Plan's guidelines and would not detract from rated heritage buildings to the west of the development site.

On March 2, 2023, a related Zoning By-law Amendment application was made for 126-130 Avenue Road (23 119287 STE 11 OZ) to permit construction of a new 11-storey mixed-use building, containing 60 dwelling units and retail uses at-grade. The recommendations in this report relate solely to the approvals required under the Ontario Heritage Act.

At its meeting on June 30, 2025 the Toronto Preservation Board considered Item PB33.9 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (June 13, 2025) from the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning:

 
This report recommends that City Council approve the demolition of three category "X" buildings within the East Annex Heritage Conservation District (EAHCD) and approve the design of a replacement structure located at 126, 128 and 130 Avenue Road in accordance with Section 42(1) 2 and 42(1) 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act.

The application is to demolish three existing buildings that form part of a row of buildings located on the west side of Avenue Road, between Bernard Avenue to the south and Davenport Road to the north. The EAHCD Plan allows for the demolition of category "X" buildings provided that the replacement building design complies with the EAHCD plan guidelines for new buildings. The demolition would allow for the construction of a new 11-storey building that meets the general intent of the EAHCD Plan's guidelines and would not detract from rated heritage buildings to the west of the development site.

On March 2, 2023, a related Zoning By-law Amendment application was made for 126-130 Avenue Road (23 119287 STE 11 OZ) to permit construction of a new 11-storey mixed-use building, containing 60 dwelling units and retail uses at-grade. The recommendations in this report relate solely to the approvals required under the Ontario Heritage Act.