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Bulletin of Events, Activities and Trends |
FoNTRA Newsletter - Summer 2024 |
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Dear Association Contact
This email is the eighth edition of our monthly eNewsletter - with information on upcoming meetings and other activities across the City.
There are several fun days ahead of us in July including the National Hot Dog Day (July 23), Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day (July 27), and National Cheesecake Day (July 30).
Remember, July is a time for warm weather, outdoor activities, and enjoying the longer days!
Our lead articles this month focus on Ontario’s shift away from community consultation raising concerns about transparency, environmental protection, and public participation.
Feel free to share the contents with fellow residents and neighbours.
Best regards,
Geoff and Cathie
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Ontario's Decline in Democracy |
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The Ford Government’s Shift Away from Community Consultation
In recent years, the province of Ontario has witnessed a concerning shift in its approach to decision-making, particularly as it affects land use planning and the environment. Traditionally, community input has been a crucial aspect of policy and program changes, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and concerns of the people. However, the Doug Ford government has veered away from these democratic principles, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
1. The Greenbelt Controversy: A Small Victory for Community Advocacy
Environmentally concerned residents in Ontario did celebrate a small but significant victory last year. The Ford government decided to abandon development plans in a part of the protected Greenbelt—a vast area of environmentally sensitive land surrounding the Greater Toronto Area. Cheryl Connors, a resident of Caledon, expressed her relief, stating, “We fought for it.
Our fight was putting a spotlight on something that Doug Ford didn’t want … a spotlight on.” This decision came after public outcry over the opening of 7,400 acres of Greenbelt land for development last year. The province’s auditor general also highlighted deficiencies in planning procedures, emphasizing the need for community consultation.
2. Official Plan Amendments – City Adopted Plans Overruled
While the Greenbelt changes were pulled back, there were many other changes of equal or greater significance that have not been reversed. The Province has frequently overruled the municipal Official Plans or OP Amendments. An example in Toronto is the Yonge Eglinton Secondary Plan undertaken by City Planning intended to accommodate increased densities associated with the coming of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
Extensive community engagement resulted in a Plan which was adopted by Toronto City Council in June 2018. But it required Provincial approval, and when it came back a year later, the Province had made 194 changes absent any further consultation with the City or residents. For example, in the Bayview Focus Area, height limits increased from 6 to 8 storeys under the City adopted plan to 20 to 35 storeys under the Provincially approved OPA 405! And applications have come in for up to 45 storeys.
3. Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs): A Controversial Tool
The Ford government has increasingly relied on Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) since 2018. These orders allow the housing minister to rezone specific parcels of land without local planning processes, bypassing public input and appeals.
4. Elimination of Residents Appeals at Tribunals
First under Bill 23 it was the elimination of residents right of appeals from Committee of Adjustment decision on “minor variances” to the Toronto Local Appeal Board. Then in June 2024, Bill 185 eliminated resident appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal (but maintains appeal rights for the applicant and the City). Talk about erosion of democracy!!
5. Broader Implications and the Way Forward
The Ford government’s disregard for community consultation extends beyond the Greenbelt. Critics argue that the province’s ambitious housing plan—aiming to build 1.5 million houses over a decade—may suffer due to political expediency. The cancellation of additions to municipal growth plans reflects this cautious approach, driven by the fallout from the Greenbelt development debacle. As Ontario grapples with growth and environmental challenges, it is essential to uphold democratic principles, ensuring that communities have a voice in shaping their future.
In conclusion, Ontario’s shift away from community consultation raises concerns about transparency, environmental protection, and public participation. As citizens, we must continue advocating for meaningful engagement in decision-making processes to safeguard our shared interests and preserve our natural heritage.
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Photo Credit: Bob Krawczyk |
The Threat to Built Heritage (and an Opportunity to Volunteer)
You may recall that omnibus Bill 23 included radical changes to the Planning Act and the Heritage Act. A major change to the latter was that undesignated buildings in municipal heritage registers across the Province would be removed from the list on January 1, 2025. And in a vindictive move, properties removed could not be listed again for 5 years!!
But in June 2024, Bill 200 delayed the date of delisting mandated in Bill 23 to “January 1, 2027 or such later date as may be prescribed”. Delisted buildings will still be ineligible for listing for five years.
The City of Toronto has over 4,000 listed (but not designated) properties in its Heritage Register, and Heritage Planning has been working on a strategy to assess, prioritize and bring forward to City Council, properties for designation. Now there are two more years, but the task is immense, and there are many properties that are not in the Heritage Register that individuals and communities have nominated for listing and designation that need research and assessment.
So here comes your opportunity to become a Citizen Historian. Heritage Planning are inviting residents to volunteer to research properties. Details about the research and how to get engaged are on the City Planning web site can be found with this LINK.
BTW: If you are interested in built heritage you may be interested in applying for a position on the Community Preservation Panels – there is one for each of the four Districts. You can apply HERE.
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Eventbrite: Yonge Street Architecture Walking Tour
Explore the architecture of the neighborhood surrounding Toronto’s iconic road, Yonge Street, including a large university campus, beautiful churches, and numerous parks.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: College Park Shops, 44 Gerrard Street West
Tour Information:- Tour Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
- Distance and Terrain: About 2.2 kilometers, mostly on city sidewalks
- Starting Location: College Park (44 Gerrard Street West)
- End Location: Old City Hall (60 Queen Street West)
Discover the architectural gems that line Yonge Street, a historic and vibrant thoroughfare in Toronto. This walking tour takes you beyond the main road, exploring side streets, laneways, and hidden spaces. Learn about the area’s rich history, from beautiful churches to the bustling university campus. Individual audio headsets ensure you won’t miss a word from your knowledgeable guide. Registration is required, so sign up in advance to secure your spot!
For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page
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Photo Credit: Ontario Community Changemakers |
Ontario Community Changemakers: Applications Open!
Calling all changemakers! Year four of the Ontario Community Changemakers program is now accepting applications for anyone aged 19 and above.
Application Details:
- Application Deadline: Friday, July 26, 2024, at 5:00 PM
- Eligibility: Open to anyone aged 19 and over in Ontario
- Grant: Successful applicants will receive $5,000 in Seed Funding
The Ontario Community Changemakers (OCC) program, powered by 8 80 Cities and funded by the Balsam Foundation, aims to empower residents to make positive changes in their communities. If you’re passionate about activating public spaces, enhancing civic engagement, or fostering social inclusion, this program is for you! OCC provides leadership development opportunities and microgrants to support community projects.
Don’t miss this chance to create meaningful impact. Apply by July 26, 2024, and be part of the change!
For more information and to apply, visit the Ontario Community Changemakers application page.
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Image Credit: Social Planning Toronto |
A Resident Engagement Workshop ToolkitDiscover the collaborative “A Resident Engagement Workshop Toolkit” developed by the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) Advisory Group and Social Planning Toronto (SPT). This resource emerged from community consultations held between August and December 2022, focusing on best practices for resident engagement.
The Resident Engagement Workshop Toolkit is a valuable resource for community leaders and facilitators. Developed collaboratively by the TSNS Advisory Group and SPT, it draws insights from community consultations conducted over several months. These consultations aimed to center resident leaders’ expertise and current realities, identifying effective tools and approaches for meaningful engagement and partnerships. The toolkit supports sustainable, resident-led neighborhood work in Toronto.
Key findings underscore the importance of recognizing residents as equal peers in the design, planning, and implementation of engagement processes. When this trust and recognition exist, more meaningful partnerships and collaboration become possible.
Explore the toolkit HERE.
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Photo Credit: PortsToronto |
Port of Toronto Land Use Plan: Public Information SessionPortsToronto is holding a second public information session on the Land Use Plan for the Port of Toronto. This plan will shape the future development of lands owned or leased by PortsToronto, considering social, economic, and environmental factors.
Event Details:
- Date and Time: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 6:30 PM
- Location: Virtual (online)
- Purpose: Gather input on priorities for the future Land Use Plan
- How to Participate: Register for the session HERE.
PortsToronto, as a Federal business enterprise accountable to Transport Canada, is committed to developing a comprehensive Land Use Plan for the Port of Toronto. This plan will guide future development, considering the evolving context of Toronto’s waterfront. The first round of public engagement in September 2023 informed the preparation of the plan. Now, during this second and final round of public engagement, your input is crucial in shaping the Land Use Plan. Join the virtual information session to contribute to the vision for Toronto’s port area.
For more details, visit the Project Website
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Photo Credit: Toronto Public Library |
Toronto Public Library Seeks Your Feedback on New Strategic PlanToronto Public Library is currently developing a new Strategic Plan to guide its work over the next five years, and they want your input!
Feedback Details:
- Submission Deadline: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
- Eligibility: 13 years or older and live, work, or attend school in Toronto
- Action Required: Fill out the survey and participate in the idea exchange.
For more information about TPL’s Strategic Planning process, visit the TPL’s Strategic Planning page HERE.
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Photo Credit: City of Toronto |
Toronto’s Circular Economy Road Map: Building a Sustainable FutureToronto is committed to achieving zero waste through a circular economy. This transformative approach emphasizes longevity, renewability, and resource recovery. Now, the city seeks your input to shape its Circular Economy Road Map.
Feedback Details:
- Feedback Deadline: Sunday, July 28, 2024
- Purpose: Develop a 10-year strategy plan for a Circular Toronto
- Vision: Maximize resources, reduce waste, and foster economic resilience
- How to Participate: Complete the public survey
Toronto aims to create a Circular Economy Road Map, envisioning a resilient, green, and prosperous future. By moving away from the linear take-make-and-dispose model, the city prioritizes product longevity, renewability, reuse, and repair. Your feedback matters! Participate in the online survey and contribute to shaping Toronto’s circular economy strategy.
Learn more about this initiative on the City of Toronto website.
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FoNTRA receives newsletters and blog posts from like-minded advocates and advocacy organizations. We have summarized two of these recent newsletters.
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Sandford Borins - “Abandoning Heritage Architecture: Consequences and Considerations”Blog Dated: July 15, 2024
The adaptive reuse of architectural heritage is a delicate balance between preserving the past and meeting contemporary needs. In this article, we explore the consequences of abandoning renovation efforts and highlight the importance of assessing built heritage assets.
1. The Challenge of Adaptive Reuse: The adaptive reuse of architectural heritage involves navigating the transition from history to the present while ensuring the preservation of heritage assets. Scholars and practitioners grapple with the relationship between heritage preservation and sustainable development, as well as the economic, social, and environmental implications of architectural heritage. Recognizing that heritage buildings often form the core of urban historical resources, the adaptive reuse process breathes new life into old structures, fostering a deeper understanding of historical change for future generations.
2. Research Frameworks and Assessment Methods: Despite the growing interest in preserving global architectural heritage, research on assessing built heritage assets for adaptive reuse remains relatively scarce. To address this gap, scholars have explored research frameworks, methodologies, and assessment methods. By examining existing literature and real-world cases, researchers aim to provide compatible, appropriate, and scientific approaches to evaluating architectural heritage for adaptive reuse.
3. The Call for Preservation and Renewal: As we grapple with the tension between time and space, abandoning heritage architecture has significant consequences. Neglecting renovation efforts can lead to decay, loss of cultural value, and missed opportunities for revitalization. To better understand these challenges and promote informed decision-making, we encourage readers to explore the full article on the Sandford Borins website.
Read the full article here
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Image Credit: ACO Toronto |
ACO - “ The Ontario Science Centre Closure: Balancing Preservation & Cost Considerations”
Source: July 2024 ACO Newsletter
The closure of the Ontario Science Centre has sparked debate over heritage preservation, repair costs, and the terms of its lease agreement. As structural issues loom, the delicate balance between safeguarding architectural history and financial feasibility comes into focus.
1. Preservation vs. Repair Costs: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow emphasizes the Ontario government’s responsibility to protect the original Science Centre building. However, the hefty price tag for repairs poses a challenge. The facility, now 55 years old, faces structural issues highlighted in an engineering report by Rimkus Consulting Group. A second report from another firm further justifies the government’s decision to close the centre permanently. The lease agreement explicitly designates the site for a science centre, leaving little room for alternative uses.
2. The Cost Controversy: The Ontario Government cites repair costs ranging from $478 million to $369 million. Canadian Architect Elsa Lam delves into the origins of these figures. Her analysis suggests a more modest estimate—around $200 million or even just $24 million if repairs focus on a limited footprint. Balancing preservation with financial prudence remains a critical consideration.
3. Peer Review and Closure: The Ford government defends the abrupt closure based on a peer review of engineering reports. While neither prior report recommended shutting down the Science Centre, the new review supports findings of roof issues. As the province plans for an interim location and eventual relocation to Ontario Place, the delicate dance between heritage preservation and practicality continues.You can find a link to the ACO website HERE.
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If you are aware of any upcoming events that may be of interest to residents' associations across the City, please let us know. Send the information about the event to info@fontra.ca
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Check out the FoNTRA website for the latest updates on events and activities across the city. The link to the FoNTRA website is HERE.
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1601 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4G 4G8, Canada
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