Hi everyone,
This is to let you know that Concerned Citizens of Quarry Lands Development will be hosting a Ward 36 All-Candidates meeting, Thursday Oct. 21 at Variety Village (3701 Danforth Ave), from 7-9:30 pm.
This will be an opportunity for the community to hear directly from candidates running to replace Councillor Ashton and represent our interests at City Hall. The meeting will be focussed primarily on the Quarry Lands issue, although there will be some opportunity to address other issues of concern to area residents.
As you know, the opposition to the proposed development on the Quarry Lands site is overwhelming from within our community, the city planning department and elected representatives from all three levels of government. Not surprisingly, all Ward 36 Councillor candidates have come out against the proposed development and have vowed to stop it. That said, it is in our collective interest to elect the candidate we feel is best able to deliver on this promise. The all-candidates meeting will help us all make that assessment.
It is also important that we continue to reinforce CCQLD's position that municipal politicians already have the tools to determine what happens on this site -- provided they see responsible development and community-building as top priorities for the next municipal government. (The recent Ontario Municipal Board decision does nothing to change this fact.) It's up to our community to hold all our elected officials accountable in this regard, and to make it known to the Conservatory Group once again that 1960s-era planning has no place in our community.
Space at Variety Village may be limited, so we encourage you to arrive early in order to ensure seating. CCQLD will have an information table on-site and will be accepting donations to help cover space rental and other costs. If anyone has access to a sound system and microphones that we could use for the evening, please let us know as this will help reduce our expenses.
We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 21.
Warmest regards,
Board of Directors, CCQLD
Recent Posts
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
City to Assert Zoning Rights; Will Not Seek Leave to Appeal OMB Decision
Hi everyone,
Based on incorrect information provided to us, we reported earlier that the City would seek leave to appeal the OMB's recent decision. Apparently, this is not the case, as the City is unable to argue there was an error in law made in the OMB decision. The city will be writing to the OMB, we are told, to restate its ability under the Planning Act to initiate planning changes such as zoning. Please read below for a note from Councillor Brian Ashton.
Dear Residents:
Very recently I informed you that the City of Toronto was intending to seek Leave to Appeal the Decision of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in favour of the Rezoning Application for the GCD lands within the larger "Quarry Lands" precinct.
I was premature in stating that we would be proceeding by way of the Courts. My statement was based on an understanding flowing from a preliminary meeting with City Planning and Legal. I assumed that the legal opinion given originated from the City Solicitor and her Litigation Division. This was not the case.
This was my fault for not being absolutely sure of the Staff's position before informing the community.
Following further discussions and consultation with the City Solicitor, it was felt that seeking Leave to Appeal would in all likelihood fail and leave the City's long-term position exposed and vulnerable. It was agreed that the City would not proceed through the Courts but would write to the OMB asking it to clarify and rectify the wording in the Decision that suggests that City Council could not pass a new zoning bylaw following the conclusion of the Quarry Lands Study that might rezone lands including the lands owned by GCD.
It is an important to reinforce the City's position by advising the Board that under the Planning Act, municipalities, as well as individuals, can initiate planning changes such as a zoning, subject to proper notice and rights of appeal. And that the ability to do so is not fettered by the Board's Decision.
Strategically this would serve to give notice of the City's position and protect the integrity of City Planning's mandated responsibilities and authorities.
I hope this clarifies the City's actions and corrects my previous miscue.
Regards,
Councillor Brian Ashton
Based on incorrect information provided to us, we reported earlier that the City would seek leave to appeal the OMB's recent decision. Apparently, this is not the case, as the City is unable to argue there was an error in law made in the OMB decision. The city will be writing to the OMB, we are told, to restate its ability under the Planning Act to initiate planning changes such as zoning. Please read below for a note from Councillor Brian Ashton.
Dear Residents:
Very recently I informed you that the City of Toronto was intending to seek Leave to Appeal the Decision of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in favour of the Rezoning Application for the GCD lands within the larger "Quarry Lands" precinct.
I was premature in stating that we would be proceeding by way of the Courts. My statement was based on an understanding flowing from a preliminary meeting with City Planning and Legal. I assumed that the legal opinion given originated from the City Solicitor and her Litigation Division. This was not the case.
This was my fault for not being absolutely sure of the Staff's position before informing the community.
Following further discussions and consultation with the City Solicitor, it was felt that seeking Leave to Appeal would in all likelihood fail and leave the City's long-term position exposed and vulnerable. It was agreed that the City would not proceed through the Courts but would write to the OMB asking it to clarify and rectify the wording in the Decision that suggests that City Council could not pass a new zoning bylaw following the conclusion of the Quarry Lands Study that might rezone lands including the lands owned by GCD.
It is an important to reinforce the City's position by advising the Board that under the Planning Act, municipalities, as well as individuals, can initiate planning changes such as a zoning, subject to proper notice and rights of appeal. And that the ability to do so is not fettered by the Board's Decision.
Strategically this would serve to give notice of the City's position and protect the integrity of City Planning's mandated responsibilities and authorities.
I hope this clarifies the City's actions and corrects my previous miscue.
Regards,
Councillor Brian Ashton
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
City Seeks Leave to Appeal OMB Decision
Hi everyone,
We're pleased to report the City of Toronto is seeking leave to appeal the recent Ontario Municipal Board decision regarding the Quarry Lands to Divisional Court.
A Member of the Divisional Court will decide on the appeal request. If leave is granted, the appeal will be heard by a three member panel.
Stay tuned for further updates.
CCQLD
We're pleased to report the City of Toronto is seeking leave to appeal the recent Ontario Municipal Board decision regarding the Quarry Lands to Divisional Court.
A Member of the Divisional Court will decide on the appeal request. If leave is granted, the appeal will be heard by a three member panel.
Stay tuned for further updates.
CCQLD
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Ontario Municipal Board Decision
The Ontario Municipal Board released its decision yesterday from the Quarry Lands hearing. (A copy will be posted here soon, and should be available shortly on the OMB website (www.omb.gov.on.ca, case number PL070317). A quick reading shows that, in general, the OMB has ruled in favour of the developer.
Before getting into the decision, a few points:
1) Regardless of which way the decision went, it was always our belief that the OMB hearing in February was one more step in a long-term process. The fact that the OMB has sided against the position of the community and the City will not dampen our determination to find a solution that results in reasonable and appropriate development on the Quarry Lands. We are as resolutely opposed to the developer's position as we have ever been, and will continue making our case that as a community and a City, we can and must do so much better than what has been proposed thus far.
2) All three levels of government have stated unequivocally their support for the CCQLD position on this issue. It is up to all of us to make our voices heard in order to ensure that our elected representatives are also working hard to ensure a positive outcome. We came together as a community with more than 1,000 people at our rally in April. If we need to do it again with even larger numbers in order to show our strength, we can do that too.
3) The CCQLD Board has met with mayoral candidate George Smitherman on this issue, and we will continue to meet with others as we move forward. We will also be meeting with candidates for Councillor of Ward 36 and seeking opportunities for broad community engagement through all-candidates meetings. Discussions continue between city staff and Build Toronto, which controls the second-largest parcel of land on the Quarry Lands site. This is all to say that while we haven’t been handed a favour by the OMB (and none was expected), this process still has a long way to go.
More on the decision:
As outlined in the document, Gerrard Clonmore Developments had been seeking approval for an amendment to a zoning bylaw that would allow for smaller unit sizes in two blocks of the proposed high-rise development; and approval for a site plan application on one of the buildings. The City of Toronto had not made a decision on either the bylaw amendment or site plan application, arguing such decisions would be premature. CCQLD agreed with the City's position and argued as such as a Participant before the Board.
The OMB has ruled in favour of the developer on the zoning amendment. On the site plan application, the Board agreed the City has some valid concerns and so did not grant approval; however, the Board stated clearly that it expects any changes to the site plan agreed to by both parties would be minor; if the parties cannot agree, the Board will hear submissions early in the 2011 and will make a decision at that time.
We will be in touch again soon with further thoughts and next steps.
CCQLD Board of Directors
Before getting into the decision, a few points:
1) Regardless of which way the decision went, it was always our belief that the OMB hearing in February was one more step in a long-term process. The fact that the OMB has sided against the position of the community and the City will not dampen our determination to find a solution that results in reasonable and appropriate development on the Quarry Lands. We are as resolutely opposed to the developer's position as we have ever been, and will continue making our case that as a community and a City, we can and must do so much better than what has been proposed thus far.
2) All three levels of government have stated unequivocally their support for the CCQLD position on this issue. It is up to all of us to make our voices heard in order to ensure that our elected representatives are also working hard to ensure a positive outcome. We came together as a community with more than 1,000 people at our rally in April. If we need to do it again with even larger numbers in order to show our strength, we can do that too.
3) The CCQLD Board has met with mayoral candidate George Smitherman on this issue, and we will continue to meet with others as we move forward. We will also be meeting with candidates for Councillor of Ward 36 and seeking opportunities for broad community engagement through all-candidates meetings. Discussions continue between city staff and Build Toronto, which controls the second-largest parcel of land on the Quarry Lands site. This is all to say that while we haven’t been handed a favour by the OMB (and none was expected), this process still has a long way to go.
More on the decision:
As outlined in the document, Gerrard Clonmore Developments had been seeking approval for an amendment to a zoning bylaw that would allow for smaller unit sizes in two blocks of the proposed high-rise development; and approval for a site plan application on one of the buildings. The City of Toronto had not made a decision on either the bylaw amendment or site plan application, arguing such decisions would be premature. CCQLD agreed with the City's position and argued as such as a Participant before the Board.
The OMB has ruled in favour of the developer on the zoning amendment. On the site plan application, the Board agreed the City has some valid concerns and so did not grant approval; however, the Board stated clearly that it expects any changes to the site plan agreed to by both parties would be minor; if the parties cannot agree, the Board will hear submissions early in the 2011 and will make a decision at that time.
We will be in touch again soon with further thoughts and next steps.
CCQLD Board of Directors
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July update from CCQLD
Hi everyone,
We hope you're enjoying a relaxing summer.
It has been a while since our last update, so we wanted to take this
opportunity to keep you informed of a few recent developments.
As all of you know, the most significant development of late has been the
announcement by Ward 36 Councilor Brian Ashton that he will not be running
in the municipal election this fall. Brian has been an invaluable source
of knowledge, guidance and level-headed insight for CCQLD over the past
seven years, so we'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Brian
for his tireless work for the community and specifically relating to this
issue. For all your efforts, Brian, please accept our sincere thanks and
appreciation from the entire CCQLD membership and broader Birchcliff
community.
We are pleased to report that Brian has told us this issue is personally
important to him and will continue to be so after the election; he will
continue to be a supporter of CCQLD, our objectives and our community's
determination to ensure responsible development of the Quarry Lands site.
Looking ahead, we are starting to reach out to the declared candidates
running to succeed Brian in Ward 36. We will be making all candidates
aware of the importance of the Quarry Lands issue to the Birchcliff
community and beyond. We are continuing as well in behind-the-scenes
efforts to ensure this issue is on the radar for Toronto's mayoral
candidates. Thanks to all the CCQLD members who have written with their
comments and reported back with thoughts from several of the candidates.
A few other matters: For those of you who have put your name on the list
for ordering signs, we need 100 people committed to purchasing signs at
$10 each before we can place an order. So far we have 29 requests. If
you'd like a sign, please send an email to Karen Direkze at
karen.direkze@rogers.com. We will collect the $10 after we have enough
requests to make the order. Also, we're making a final door-to-door
petition push so we can present our signatures at the final council
meeting in August before the election, so if you haven't yet signed,
hopefully you'll have an opportunity soon. Thanks to all the volunteers
spearheading this effort.
On the Ontario Municipal Board front, we still have no indication when the
Ontario Municipal Board will be announcing its decision from the OMB
hearing in February. It has taken far longer than anyone expected, but
we're not reading anything into the delay and there has been no change in
the status of the Quarry Lands since that time. We'll make sure to let
everyone know as soon as we hear of any developments.
CCQLD will have a booth at Scarborough Southwest MP Michelle Simson's Community BBQ, Saturday August 7th between 12 noon and 2:00 pm at Variety Village parking area (3701Danforth Avenue). Thanks to Michelle for allowing us to be there. It's another opportunity to sign the petition or order lawn signs, so we hope to see you there.
That's it for now. Enjoy the rest of the summer and as always, thanks for
your ongoing support.
Best regards,
Board of Directors, Concerned Citizens of Quarry
We hope you're enjoying a relaxing summer.
It has been a while since our last update, so we wanted to take this
opportunity to keep you informed of a few recent developments.
As all of you know, the most significant development of late has been the
announcement by Ward 36 Councilor Brian Ashton that he will not be running
in the municipal election this fall. Brian has been an invaluable source
of knowledge, guidance and level-headed insight for CCQLD over the past
seven years, so we'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Brian
for his tireless work for the community and specifically relating to this
issue. For all your efforts, Brian, please accept our sincere thanks and
appreciation from the entire CCQLD membership and broader Birchcliff
community.
We are pleased to report that Brian has told us this issue is personally
important to him and will continue to be so after the election; he will
continue to be a supporter of CCQLD, our objectives and our community's
determination to ensure responsible development of the Quarry Lands site.
Looking ahead, we are starting to reach out to the declared candidates
running to succeed Brian in Ward 36. We will be making all candidates
aware of the importance of the Quarry Lands issue to the Birchcliff
community and beyond. We are continuing as well in behind-the-scenes
efforts to ensure this issue is on the radar for Toronto's mayoral
candidates. Thanks to all the CCQLD members who have written with their
comments and reported back with thoughts from several of the candidates.
A few other matters: For those of you who have put your name on the list
for ordering signs, we need 100 people committed to purchasing signs at
$10 each before we can place an order. So far we have 29 requests. If
you'd like a sign, please send an email to Karen Direkze at
karen.direkze@rogers.com. We will collect the $10 after we have enough
requests to make the order. Also, we're making a final door-to-door
petition push so we can present our signatures at the final council
meeting in August before the election, so if you haven't yet signed,
hopefully you'll have an opportunity soon. Thanks to all the volunteers
spearheading this effort.
On the Ontario Municipal Board front, we still have no indication when the
Ontario Municipal Board will be announcing its decision from the OMB
hearing in February. It has taken far longer than anyone expected, but
we're not reading anything into the delay and there has been no change in
the status of the Quarry Lands since that time. We'll make sure to let
everyone know as soon as we hear of any developments.
CCQLD will have a booth at Scarborough Southwest MP Michelle Simson's Community BBQ, Saturday August 7th between 12 noon and 2:00 pm at Variety Village parking area (3701Danforth Avenue). Thanks to Michelle for allowing us to be there. It's another opportunity to sign the petition or order lawn signs, so we hope to see you there.
That's it for now. Enjoy the rest of the summer and as always, thanks for
your ongoing support.
Best regards,
Board of Directors, Concerned Citizens of Quarry
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Mayoral candidate Thomson speaks out against towers on Quarry Lands
CCQLD applauds Toronto mayoral candidate Sarah Thomson for taking a strong stand in favour of responsible development and against the proposed high rise tower complex on the Quarry Lands.
"I am against the development of high rise towers on the Quarry lands," Thomson said. "This project as it creates high rise development and densities without mid and low rise buffer areas surrounding it. Transition between high rise development and single family homes is extremely important to the development of a vibrant community. Toronto must focus and encourage high rise development along transit lines first and foremost.
"This development will place much more stress on existing transit lines as well.
It is not the appropriate development for this neighbourhood and should not be supported."
Candidate Rob Ford, in response to an email from CCQLD, said that in matters such as this one he will take the position of local residents, which can only mean he is against the proposal as well.
So attention Joe Pantalone, Rocco Rossi, George Smitherman and other candidates: We need to hear where you stand on this issue! It is time for all aspiring leaders to stand up and be counted.
"I am against the development of high rise towers on the Quarry lands," Thomson said. "This project as it creates high rise development and densities without mid and low rise buffer areas surrounding it. Transition between high rise development and single family homes is extremely important to the development of a vibrant community. Toronto must focus and encourage high rise development along transit lines first and foremost.
"This development will place much more stress on existing transit lines as well.
It is not the appropriate development for this neighbourhood and should not be supported."
Candidate Rob Ford, in response to an email from CCQLD, said that in matters such as this one he will take the position of local residents, which can only mean he is against the proposal as well.
So attention Joe Pantalone, Rocco Rossi, George Smitherman and other candidates: We need to hear where you stand on this issue! It is time for all aspiring leaders to stand up and be counted.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Open Letter to Mayor Miller and Toronto City Councillors
The CCQLD Board of Directors sent the following letter to Mayor Miller and all Toronto City Councillors on May 17.
Mayor Miller and Toronto City Councillors,
On April 25, 2010, more than 1,000 residents in the community of Birchcliff in southwest Scarborough came out to an open field on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon, to save their community.
The core issues at stake -- how we go about building our city, and the ascendancy of private developers’ interests over the democratic voice of residents, if we collectively allow it to happen -- is a matter of extreme importance to all Torontonians. What's happening in our neighbourhood could happen anywhere in this city. And so, in the interest of all Toronto residents, we are asking for your immediate attention to this issue and your support.
A private developer, the Conservatory Group, has zoning rights to build a high rise complex of seven towers between 23 and 27 stories on a portion of property known as the Quarry Lands brownfield, east of Victoria Park and north of Gerrard Street. Single family homes are found to the west, south and east of the Quarry Lands; a railway line sits to the north. The Conservatory Group's zoning rights date from 1968, when the land was owned by the city and it was envisioned the Scarborough expressway would run through the site. The expressway was wisely scrapped, but the City neglected to change the zoning before selling a portion of the property to private developers.
The Conservatory Group's plans are unanimously opposed by area residents and local representatives from all three levels of government. Councillors Brian Ashton, Sandra Bussin and Michael Thompson, Member of Provincial Parliament Lorenzo Berardinetti and Member of Parliament Michelle Simson all attended and spoke at the April 25 rally, commending residents on their vision for a better city. Environmentalists are similarly opposed to The Conservatory Group's plans; a unique and thriving wetland now occupies a large portion of the land where the towers would be erected. City planners have said the zoning is antiquated, inappropriate and would result in a fragmented development that serves no one's best interests -- including those of the city, which owns the second largest piece of property on the Quarry Lands (land now assigned to Build Toronto). A hearing was held in February at the Ontario Municipal Board over a site plan and minor variance application, with the decision pending.
Regardless of the OMB verdict, we can all agree that allowing archaic 40-year-old zoning to run roughshod over overwhelming opposition from the community, local leaders and urban planners is no way to build a world-class city. Residents and the incorporated community group Concerned Citizens of Quarry Lands Development understand and agree with the need to develop areas of land such as this one, but it has to be development that makes sense in 2010, not 1968 -- to say nothing of the impact on schools, social services, policing, traffic, the environment and the surrounding community.
As a city and a community, we can and must do so much better. We believe the City has an opportunity -- and indeed an obligation -- to make things right. Please take a stand and speak out in favour of responsible development. Should the matter come before council, we look forward to your support.
With warmest regards,
Board of Directors, Concerned Citizens of Quarry Lands Development
ccqld.blogspot.com
Mark Brender
Wilf Longley
Karen Direkze
Reg James
Sneva Lee
Mark Nahorniak
Joanne Smith
Mayor Miller and Toronto City Councillors,
On April 25, 2010, more than 1,000 residents in the community of Birchcliff in southwest Scarborough came out to an open field on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon, to save their community.
The core issues at stake -- how we go about building our city, and the ascendancy of private developers’ interests over the democratic voice of residents, if we collectively allow it to happen -- is a matter of extreme importance to all Torontonians. What's happening in our neighbourhood could happen anywhere in this city. And so, in the interest of all Toronto residents, we are asking for your immediate attention to this issue and your support.
A private developer, the Conservatory Group, has zoning rights to build a high rise complex of seven towers between 23 and 27 stories on a portion of property known as the Quarry Lands brownfield, east of Victoria Park and north of Gerrard Street. Single family homes are found to the west, south and east of the Quarry Lands; a railway line sits to the north. The Conservatory Group's zoning rights date from 1968, when the land was owned by the city and it was envisioned the Scarborough expressway would run through the site. The expressway was wisely scrapped, but the City neglected to change the zoning before selling a portion of the property to private developers.
The Conservatory Group's plans are unanimously opposed by area residents and local representatives from all three levels of government. Councillors Brian Ashton, Sandra Bussin and Michael Thompson, Member of Provincial Parliament Lorenzo Berardinetti and Member of Parliament Michelle Simson all attended and spoke at the April 25 rally, commending residents on their vision for a better city. Environmentalists are similarly opposed to The Conservatory Group's plans; a unique and thriving wetland now occupies a large portion of the land where the towers would be erected. City planners have said the zoning is antiquated, inappropriate and would result in a fragmented development that serves no one's best interests -- including those of the city, which owns the second largest piece of property on the Quarry Lands (land now assigned to Build Toronto). A hearing was held in February at the Ontario Municipal Board over a site plan and minor variance application, with the decision pending.
Regardless of the OMB verdict, we can all agree that allowing archaic 40-year-old zoning to run roughshod over overwhelming opposition from the community, local leaders and urban planners is no way to build a world-class city. Residents and the incorporated community group Concerned Citizens of Quarry Lands Development understand and agree with the need to develop areas of land such as this one, but it has to be development that makes sense in 2010, not 1968 -- to say nothing of the impact on schools, social services, policing, traffic, the environment and the surrounding community.
As a city and a community, we can and must do so much better. We believe the City has an opportunity -- and indeed an obligation -- to make things right. Please take a stand and speak out in favour of responsible development. Should the matter come before council, we look forward to your support.
With warmest regards,
Board of Directors, Concerned Citizens of Quarry Lands Development
ccqld.blogspot.com
Mark Brender
Wilf Longley
Karen Direkze
Reg James
Sneva Lee
Mark Nahorniak
Joanne Smith