Decisions

North York Community Council:

1. Denied the request for a permit to remove one privately owned tree located at 425 Manor Road East.

This report requests that North York Community Council deny the request for a permit to remove one privately owned tree located at 425 Manor Road East. The applicant indicates the reason for requesting removal of the tree is due to concerns related to personal safety and property damage from falling acorns or dead branches.

The red oak tree (Quercus rubra) has three stems measuring 30 centimeters, 48 centimeters, and 52 centimeters in diameter. The City's Tree By-laws do not support the removal of this tree as it is healthy and maintainable. The permit was denied, and the applicant is appealing the decision. Community Council has delegated authority from City Council to make a final decision as to whether a permit may be issued when an applicant wishes to appeal the denial of a permit of a tree protected under the By-laws.

North York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council approve the alterations to the designated heritage property at 94 Cortleigh Boulevard, in accordance with Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, and the demolition of heritage attributes in accordance with Section 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act, to allow for the construction of a new rear-yard addition, with such alterations substantially in accordance with the plans and drawings dated December 6, 2024 by ERA Architects, Inc. and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by ERA Architects, Inc. dated December 6th, 2024, and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning and subject to the following additional conditions:

a. That prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the property at 94 Cortleigh Boulevard, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the existing heritage building as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, the owner shall:

1. Provide building permit drawings, including a description of materials and finishes, to be prepared by the project architect to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning; and

2. Obtain all planning permissions as may be necessary including, but not limited to, obtaining a Minor Variance.

This report recommends that City Council approve the alterations to and the demolition of attributes proposed for the William Weeks House at 94 Cortleigh Boulevard (designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act), in connection with a new one-storey addition at the rear of the property.

The subject property is in the Lytton Park neighbourhood, on the north side of Cortleigh Boulevard between Avenue Road and Rosewell Avenue and backs onto the Lytton Sunken Gardens Park.  The property contains the residence constructed in 1914 for William Weeks.   Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the two-storey house is finished in rustic red brick, stone detailing, and has half-timbered gables. An extended roof slope bisects and distinguishes the main façade, which also features a prominent stone porch. The property was commissioned for professional interior decorator, William Weeks, and is among the earliest to be developed in this portion of Lytton Park.

The heritage permit application proposes alterations to heritage attributes on the property, as shown in Attachment 4, including the relocation and removal of window and door openings, in-kind replacement of historic windows and doors, and enclosure of the rear integral porch. 

The rear stone stair wing walls and rear verandah, which was altered from its original design in 1945, and its architectural elements would be demolished as part of the proposal.

The existing garage, not listed as a heritage attribute, will also be demolished to accommodate a new driveway and motor court with gates.

At its meeting on January 8, 2025 the Toronto Preservation Board considered Item PB26.5 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (December 13, 2024) from the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning:

This report recommends that City Council approve the alterations to and the demolition of attributes proposed for the William Weeks House at 94 Cortleigh Boulevard (designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act), in connection with a new one-storey addition at the rear of the property.

The subject property is in the Lytton Park neighbourhood, on the north side of Cortleigh Boulevard between Avenue Road and Rosewell Avenue and backs onto the Lytton Sunken Gardens Park.  The property contains the residence constructed in 1914 for William Weeks.   Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the two-storey house is finished in rustic red brick, stone detailing, and has half-timbered gables. An extended roof slope bisects and distinguishes the main façade, which also features a prominent stone porch. The property was commissioned for professional interior decorator, William Weeks, and is among the earliest to be developed in this portion of Lytton Park.

The heritage permit application proposes alterations to heritage attributes on the property, as shown in Attachment 4, including the relocation and removal of window and door openings, in-kind replacement of historic windows and doors, and enclosure of the rear integral porch. 

The rear stone stair wing walls and rear verandah, which was altered from its original design in 1945, and its architectural elements would be demolished as part of the proposal.

The existing garage, not listed as a heritage attribute, will also be demolished to accommodate a new driveway and motor court with gates.

North York Community Council:

1. Approved the application to demolish the 6 detached dwellings with the following conditions:

a. That construction fences be erected in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Code, Chapter 363, Article 7, if deemed appropriate by the Chief Building Official;

b. That all debris and rubble be removed immediately after demolition;

c. That sod be laid on the site and that the site be maintained free of garbage and weeds, in accordance with the Municipal Code Chapter 629-10, paragraph B and 629-11; and

d. That any holes on the property are backfilled with clean fill.

This staff report is about a matter for which the North York Community Council has delegated authority to make a final decision.

In accordance with Section 33 of the Planning Act and the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Ch. 363, Article 6 "Demolition Control," the application for the demolition of 6 existing detached dwellings at 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 and 78 Churchill Avenue (Application Nos. 24 232028 DEM 00 DM; 24 232056 DEM 00 DM; 24 232074 DEM 00 DM; 24 232083 DEM 00 DM; 24 232088 DEM 00 DM; 24 232097 DEM 00 DM;) are being referred to the North York Community Council for consideration.

North York Community Council recommends that:  

1. City Council assume the services installed within Green Gates Court and that the City formally assume the road within the Registered Plan of Subdivision 66M-2531.

2. City Council authorize the Acting Director, Engineering Review to release the performance guarantee held with respect to the municipal services in accordance with the Subdivision Agreement.

3. City Council direct that an assumption By-law be prepared to assume the public highway and municipal services within the Registered Plan of Subdivision 66M-2531.

4. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor to register the assumption By-law in the Land Registry Office at the expense of the Owner.

5. City Council authorize the appropriate City Officials to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

6. City Council authorize the appropriate City Officials to transfer ownership of the street lighting system constructed with Registered Plan of Subdivision 66M-2531 to Toronto Hydro.

This report recommends that the municipal services under the terms of the Subdivision Agreements for Plan 66M-2531 dated June 30, 2015, between Orchard Ridge (Fairmeadow) G.P. Inc., and the City of Toronto be assumed by the City. 

North York Community Council:  

1. Designated that part or those parts of the private road or roads shown on the site plans filed with the Fire Chief in respect of the municipal address set out below, as a fire route pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 880 - Fire Routes - 724 Caledonia Road.

2. Authorized the Fire Chief and City Solicitor to take the appropriate action to make a designated Fire Route.

To obtain North York Community Council approval for the amendment of the Fire Route By-law to designate certain locations as fire routes within the meaning of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 880, as amended.

Fire Services uses designated fire routes as a key mechanism in regulating fire prevention, including the prevention of spreading of fires and the delivery of fire protection services.

North York Community Council:  

1. Designated that part or those parts of the private road or roads shown on the site plans filed with the Fire Chief in respect of the municipal address set out below, as a fire route pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 880 - Fire Routes - 21 Overlea Boulevard.

2. Authorized the Fire Chief and City Solicitor to take the appropriate action to make a designated Fire Route.

To obtain North York Community Council approval for the amendment of the Fire Route By-law to designate certain locations as fire routes within the meaning of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 880, as amended.

Fire Services uses designated fire routes as a key mechanism in regulating fire prevention, including the prevention of spreading of fires and the delivery of fire protection services.

North York Community Council:  

1. Designated that part or those parts of the private road or roads shown on the site plans filed with the Fire Chief in respect of the municipal address set out below, as a fire route pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 880 - Fire Routes - 33 Frederick Todd Way.

2. Authorized the Fire Chief and City Solicitor to take the appropriate action to make a designated Fire Route.

To obtain North York Community Council approval for the amendment of the Fire Route By-law to designate certain locations as fire routes within the meaning of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 880, as amended.

Fire Services uses designated fire routes as a key mechanism in regulating fire prevention, including the prevention of spreading of fires and the delivery of fire protection services.

North York Community Council:  

1. Designated that part or those parts of the private road or roads shown on the site plans filed with the Fire Chief in respect of the municipal address set out below, as a fire route pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 880 - Fire Routes - 36 Brentcliffe Road.

2. Authorized the Fire Chief and City Solicitor to take the appropriate action to make a designated Fire Route.

To obtain North York Community Council approval for the amendment of the Fire Route By-law to designate certain locations as fire routes within the meaning of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 880, as amended.

Fire Services uses designated fire routes as a key mechanism in regulating fire prevention, including the prevention of spreading of fires and the delivery of fire protection services.

North York Community Council:

1. Authorized the installation of two additional traffic calming speed humps on Hillmount Avenue, between Dufferin Street and Capitol Avenue.

2. Directed the City Solicitor to prepare a by-law to alter the roadway for the installation of two additional speed humps on Dufferin Street and Capitol Avenue, generally as shown on the attached Drawing Number TC-366, dated October 2024.

This staff report is about a matter that Community Council has delegated authority from City Council to make a final decision.

Transportation Services is recommending the installation of two additional speed humps on Hillmount Avenue, between Dufferin Street and Capitol Avenue.  Staff's assessment revealed that the spacing between the existing speed humps exceeds the design specifications and the criteria as set out in the updated Traffic Calming Policy has been satisfied.  Therefore, additional speed humps should be installed on Hillmount Avenue.

North York Community Council:

1. Amended the existing authorized parking for a maximum period of 10 minutes, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the west side of Botham Road, between Franklin Avenue (west intersection) and Stuart Avenue, to be in effect between Franklin Avenue and a point 65 metres south.

2. Amended the existing parking prohibition from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, on the west side of Botham Road, between Franklin Avenue (west intersection) and Stuart Avenue, to be in effect between Franklin Avenue and a point 65 metres south.

3. Prohibited parking at all times on the west side of Botham Road between Stuart Avenue and a point 32 metres north.

This staff report is about a matter that Community Council has delegated authority from City Council to make a final decision.

Transportation Services is recommending that the existing parking regulation that allows a maximum 10-minute parking on the west side of Botham Road, between Franklin Avenue and Stuart Avenue, be amended to prohibit parking at all times from Stuart Avenue and a point 32 metres north. Due to the intersection geometry of Botham Road and Stuart Avenue / Stuart Crescent the proposed amendment will deter parking to improve vehicle movements by maintaining a clear passage for vehicles and enhance pedestrian visibility.

North York Community Council:

1. Prohibited southbound and northbound U-turn movements at all times on Botham Road, between Stuart Avenue and a point 80 metres south.

This staff report is about a matter that Community Council has delegated authority from City Council to make a final decision.

Transportation Services is requesting approval to prohibit southbound and northbound U-turn movements at all times on Botham Road, between Stuart Avenue and a point 80 metres south.

North York Community Council:

1. Re-opened item NY19.20, titled “Livingstone Avenue – Accessible Parking Spaces” with respect to Parts 1 and 2 of the decision of North York Community Council.

2. Deleted Parts 1 and 2 of NY19.20 and adopt the following instead:

1. North York Community Council designate an accessible parking space to operate from the 16th day of each month to the last day of each month, April 1st to November 30th on the north side of Livingstone Avenue between a point 51 metres east of Times Road and a point 5.5 metres further east.

2. North York Community Council designate an accessible parking space to operate from the 1st day of each month to the 15th day of each month, April 1st to November 30th and December 1st to March 31st on the south side of Livingstone Avenue, between a point 47.5 metres east of Times Road and a point 5.5 metres further east.

In December 2024, North York Community Council adopted NY19.20, which approved an accessible parking space for a resident on Livingston Avenue.

The approved space is in front of an old address for the resident, so the item needs to be re-opened so the space can be approved for the resident’s current address.

North York Community Council:

1. Re-opened Item NY12.14, titled “Bathurst Manor Neighbourhood Mobility Plan - Traffic Calming (Speed Humps) Update”, from the Director, Planning, Design and Management, Transportation Services.

2. Amended Item NY12.14 by adding the following new recommendations:

1. North York Community authorize the installation of traffic calming (speed humps) on Maxwell Street between Codsell Avenue and Brighton Avenue.

2. North York Community Council direct the City Solicitor to prepare a by-law to alter the roadway on Maxwell Street, between Codsell Avenue and Brighton Avenue, to install five speed humps, generally as shown on Attachment 1 to the letter (December 18, 2024) from Councillor James Pasternak, titled Speed Hump Drawing Number ATP24-BM-SH-061, from the Director, Planning, Design and Management, Transportation Services.

3. North York Community Council authorize all-way compulsory stop control at the intersection of Shaftesbury Street and Brighton Avenue.

4. North York Community Council authorize all-way compulsory stop control at the intersection of Maxwell Street and Waterloo Avenue.

5. North York Community Council authorize all-way compulsory stop control at the intersection Evanston Drive and Purdon Drive.

On April 2, 2024, NY12.14 was considered by North York Community Council, and subsequently partially adopted. That decision authorized many traffic calming and community safety measures in the Bathurst Manor neighbourhood.

This motion seeks to add minor modifications to the plan proposed in NY12.14 including authorizing five additional speed humps on Maxwell Street in the three-block stretch between Codsell Avenue and Brighton Avenue, and all-way stop control be added at the intersections of Shaftesbury Street and Brighton Avenue, as well as the intersection of Maxwell Street and Waterloo Avenue.

North York Community Council:

1. Prohibited standing at all times on the north side of Victory Drive, between Keele Street and a point 65 metres further west.

There have been a number of safety issues raised by both Toronto Fire Services and the condo management of 2800 Keele Street. The current parking restrictions do not prohibit vehicles from standing in places that result in many sightline issues and have resulted in a number of collisions and poses serious safety concerns. I am requesting that standing be prohibited on this section of Victory Drive.

North York Community Council:

1. Requested that the General Manager, Transportation Services review the Toronto Police Service incident report for the accident that occurred near Bayview Avenue and Moore Avenue on January 2, 2025 as a matter of urgency.

2. Requested that the General Manager, Transportation Services undertake a safety review of Bayview Avenue, approximately between Moore Avenue and the northerly intersection at Pottery Road and report back to North York Community Council by the end of 2025 with recommendations to improve road safety, particularly for vehicles navigating the road curvature and turning into nearby parking lots independent of routine collision review and reporting processes.

Bayview Avenue is a busy major arterial road that runs through the center of Don Valley West. South of Moore Avenue, Bayview Avenue has a sharp curve where many north and southbound vehicles tend to travel at high speeds that are not appropriate for a residential and commercial area.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025 a vehicle travelling northbound along this stretch of Bayview Avenue crashed into a concrete barrier located in the parking lot of a grocery store. The driver sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive, in part due to the heroic actions of two by-standers who were able to put out the engine fire before first responders arrived on-scene.

In the short time since I was elected, I have already been contacted by several constituents about this location. While the Toronto Police Service are continuing to investigate the cause of this incident, the City must conduct a parallel review of how the road design could be improved.

North York Community Council recommend that:

1. City Council approve Jason Ash as the 2025 Agnes Macphail Award recipient.

The Agnes Macphail Award was established by the Borough of East York to annually recognize an outstanding volunteer who upheld the values and causes of Agnes Macphail and who lives within the boundaries of the former borough.

The Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee met, as established in the Toronto City Council approved selection process, on January 6, 2025 to review the nominations received and to select this year's award recipient. The Committee selected Jason Ash as their 2025 Agnes Macphail Award recipient.

General Bills

North York Community Council passed By-laws 1-2025 to 9-2025, subject to Section 226.9 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

Confirmatory Bill

North York Community Council passed a Confirmatory Bill as By-law 10-2025, subject to Section 226.9 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

North York Community Council will introduce bills.