Mayor wants to fight Ontario Municipal Board over condo decision
Review agency’s decision to allow large condo developments in the Queen Triangle will destroy arts community, says mayor as he seeks council backing for appeal bid
Excerpt from an article by Paul Moloney - Toronto Star
Mayor David Miller wants to fight the Ontario Municipal Board over a decision to allow large condominium developments in the Queen West Triangle.
The provincial development review agency okayed condos in the stretch of Queen St. west of Dovercourt Rd. Among the structures to be demolished is 48 Abell Ave., an industrial building converted to artists’ studios and homes.
The Queen West Triangle is a distinctive area featuring galleries, studios, storefronts, Victorian buildings and old industrial space. It is considered ready for growth and the city wants to focus on protecting the “creative industries,” with a modest proposal that included some residential development, mainly in low-rise buildings.
Miller’s motion to pursue all options, seconded by Giambrone, will be voted on by city council at its meeting next week. Giambrone (Ward 18, Davenport) said the arts sector is one of the city’s largest employers.
Giambrone said alternatives had been proposed by Active 18 members who call themselves YIMBYs (Yes, In My Back Yard).
“They wanted to see a mixture of commercial and residential,” he said. “They wanted to make sure the arts community was protected and parks were provided. Unfortunately, the OMB didn’t agree.”
Margie Zeidler, a founder of Active 18, said she was delighted by Miller’s intervention. “I think it is spectacular,” said Zeidler, who has worked to preserve historic buildings.Zeidler said she regrets that the community’s ideas haven’t gone anywhere.
“We know what it’s like when you do these things wrong,” she added. “They did Regent Park wrong 50 years ago, and you have to tear it all up again.”
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