Sent: March 13, 2013
Laurel Broten
MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore
701 Evans Avenue, Suite 100
Etobicoke, ON M9C 1A3
Re: Mimico Residents Association Requests Support for Bill 20
Dear Ms. Broten,
The Mimico Residents Association (MRA) requests your support for the private members bill sponsored by MPP Rosario Marchese, namely Bill 20, Respect for Municipalities Act (City of Toronto), 2013, which underwent first reading in January.
The extremely tall and high density building developments in the Humber Bay Shores area, just east of Mimico, were approved by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) without community consultation. They far exceeded the guidelines established in the Secondary Plan for that area. There was 24 storey guidance in two specific locations in the Secondary Plan, but many more and much higher (40 – 65+ storeys) development applications were approved.
While the Mimico community is far greater in area and number of residents, the MRA, on behalf of local residents, is very concerned that the soon-to-be-completed Secondary Plan for Mimico-by-the-Lake could be similarly affected by OMB decisions. We fear justifiably that height restrictions will very likely continue to be exceeded in development applications. It is amply demonstrated that exceptions to community and City plans are routinely granted by the OMB without consultation.
The MRA hopes that exempting Toronto from the OMB powers as per the conditions described in Bill 20, and the formation of a Local Appeal Body, will support City Planning frameworks, policies and community improvement plans. Bill 20 could contribute to ensuring that approved development plans are appropriate to the infrastructure and built form of the surrounding area, and provide further opportunities for community consultation on special allowances in height and density.
Sincerely,
Kyra Trainor, President
Mimico Residents Association
Cc: Ward 6 Councillor Mark Grimes; Rob Ford, Mayor, City of Toronto; Rosario Marchese, MPP Trinity-Spadina
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