The Upper Avenue Fall Festival is back—and bigger and better than ever!
Join the celebration on Saturday, October 3, from 10 AM to 4 PM for a full day of family fun, entertainment, shopping, food and community spirit! This year’s much-anticipated neighbourhood street fair is proudly presented by the new Upper Avenue BIA, carrying on the beloved tradition started several years ago by Deputy Mayor Mike Colle.
This year’s festival promises even more to enjoy, with exciting new kids’ shows, expanded activity areas and festivities stretching into both the north and south portions of the BIA. And don’t miss the Fall Sidewalk Sale, where you’ll find great deals and fantastic finds from our local shops and businesses. Bring the whole family and make a day of it in Upper Avenue!
3180 YONGE STREET APPLICATION BEFORE COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT
An application by the developer to increase the number of units from the approved 77 to 157 will be heard by the Committee of Adjustment at 4:00 PM on October 15. Further information is available on the City’s Application Information Centre.
Letters addressed to the Committee must be submitted by October 7. You can also register to speak to the Committee.
BPRO will be submitting a letter and a member of our Board will be speaking to the application. The Board supports increased density and affordable options but will raise certain issues at the hearing. Stay tuned.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATIONS
One of our residents submitted a “What You Need to Know” tip sheet that people may find helpful when encountering an application for a minor variance by a builder for a new house:
- Multi-unit dwellings are not required to abide by the same City zoning by-laws as a single-family dwelling, and the City has no control over the building’s appearance.
- Do not assume that the Committee of Adjustment will reject applications for “minor variance” that exceed by-law limits.
- Ask to see the plans and review them carefully, preferably at City Hall where you can view large-scale plans rather than online.
- A building can be built within 15 inches of a side yard property line provided there are no windows.
- Find out whether egress to and from the back of the proposed house will limit access for firefighters and equipment, and whether garbage and recycling bins will have to stay in front of the house.
- Ask for building elevations from all directions that show how the new structure will appear in relation to adjacent homes, and how rear decks can affect the light and privacy of adjacent yards.
- “Right to light” legislation applies to larger multi-unit dwellings, not individual homes.
- Register to speak at the Committee of Adjustment (C of A) hearing. Speaking has much more impact than sending a letter. • If the new owner of the property (who may not identify themselves as a developer or builder) comes to your door asking if you agree with “a new house” being built, understand that by saying “yes” your response will be added to the builder’s argument before the C of A that neighbours support the application.