Item - 2026.SB23.2

The Sign Variance Committee:

1. Refused to grant the requested variances to sections 694-25.C(2)(d), 694-25.C(2)(e), 694-25.C(2)(f) 694-25.C(2)(g)[1] and 694-25.C(2)(h), each subject to three conditions, as required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign, as further described in Attachment 1 to the report (May 1, 2026) from the Project Director, Business Transformation, Toronto Building.

A decision of the Sign Variance Committee, in the case of a decision to refuse to grant a variance, is final and binding on the date the decision was issued; and in the case of a decision to grant a variance with conditions, the decision is final and binding 21 days after the date the decision was issued unless an application to consider is filed by the ward councillor in accordance with §694-30S of Chapter 694 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code.

JOLT Charge Inc (the "Applicant") has submitted a sign variance application requesting five variances required to allow the Chief Building Official ("CBO") to issue a sign permit to erect and display a double-sided third party electronic ground sign, displaying electronic static copy (the "Proposed Sign"), on the property municipally known as 123 Rexdale Boulevard (the "Subject Premises").

The Proposed Sign would have a maximum height of 2.65 meters from grade. It would feature two rectangular sign faces in a back-to-back configuration, oriented east and west targeting vehicle traffic in both directions along Rexdale Boulevard. Each sign face would not exceed 0.95 meters by 1.65 meters, resulting in a maximum sign face area of 1.55 square meters. Further details of the Proposed Sign are provided in Attachment 1.

The Subject Premises is designated as an Employment ("E") sign district, which allows for third party electronic ground signs. However, variances are required to permit a reduced setback from the property line, decreased separation distances from other electronic third party signs and sign districts containing sensitive land uses, and to exceed the number of ground signs permitted on the Subject Premises.

The Sign By-law contains criteria to be used in evaluating variance applications for signs. Specifically, §694-30A states that an application for variance may only be granted where it is established that the Proposed Sign meets each of the eight established criteria. The Sign Variance Committee (the "SVC") is required to conduct an evaluation and determine that party seeking the proposed variances meets all the mandatory criteria, on the basis of the information presented by the parties before the SVC.

Following a review of the Applicant's submissions and additional information provided by staff, the CBO has determined that there is not a sufficient basis to conclude that the eight required criteria in §694-30A of the Sign By-law have been established with respect to the five variances, subject to three conditions, as described further in Attachment 1 of this report.