|
Date: Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 10:20 AM To: Ausma Malik <Councillor_Malik@toronto.ca> Cc: "liz@campbellhousemuseum.ca" <liz@campbellhousemuseum.ca>, David McIntosh <secretary@fostrato.ca>, Don Young <directorward11@fostrato.ca> Subject: Support for Recommendations re Metrolinx - TEYCC session July 10 Dear Councillor Malik, Although unable to depute at the TEYCC July 10 on this issue, please find enclosed a letter of support from FoSTRA for the Recommendations contained within the June 26th report regarding concerns and recommendations relating to Metrolinx and the Ontario Line. We are in full agreement that better practices and protocols need to be set in place to ensure better outcomes during the construction of this city-wide transit project. Best regards, Rick Green Chair 
Submission to Standing Committee, Ontario re Bill 97 Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act12/5/2023
RESPONSE TO THE LETTER, FROM THE OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR MALIK, WARD 10:
PLEASE CLICK ON THE "READ MORE" --- > Dear FoSTRA members, Enclosed please find FoSTRA’s submission regarding Bill 39, the “Better Municipal Governance Act”. The timelines for public consultations and Bill 39 submissions were even more unreasonable than for Bill 23: 1) a “quiet” announcement sent out on Friday, 25 November, 2) applications deadline for presentations by noon Monday, 28 November, and 3) written submissions by end of day Thursday, 1 December. This, after the presentation of a 20-page written submission and deputation on Bill 23 the previous week. Normally, our process has been to prepare a first draft, circulate for input, amend, and then present to the AAC for review and approval. Following that, the edited version is passed on to the Board for final review. Bill 23, with a three-week window, was challenging enough. We were simply lucky there was an AAC meeting scheduled in the middle of the preparation cycle. With timelines like the one for Bill 39, the document was only completed by noon on Thursday, 1 December, which left no time to realistically solicit input, amend, as well as place it into the required format before the submission deadline at 7:00 p.m. that day. Every effort was made to assemble a document that stuck to facts, rather than offer opinion and conjecture. It may well have been the ultimate intent of the provincial government to discourage engagement with stakeholders by setting such farcical timeframes, which made it all the more compelling to speak out on the contentious issues contained within this legislation. Moving forward, we will need to develop strategies that will deal with extreme short-term consultation cycles. A “thank you” to Don for assembling and revising this document. Regards, Rick Green Chair 
Greetings, Bill 23 is a massive bill that will affect the lives of Torontonians for generations, and FoSTRA has prepared a submission that will be presented at the public hearings Nov 16th @ 4:00 PM. The presentation will be a condensed version, but attached is the full rendering of comments, analyses, and recommendations. We join our voices with all those who have much to say about this controversial legislation in the hope that our voices are heard. Thanks to all who contributed. Regards, Rick Green Chair
Ms. Paula Puddy Commission Secretary Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario PO Box 37018 Southdale London, Ontario N6E 3T3 on@redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca Dear Ms Puddy, The Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA) is a federation that currently represents 24 residents’ associations (RAs) in the five downtown wards – Wards 4, 9, 10, 11 and 13 – and, through these RAs, thousands of Toronto’s residents. FoSTRA fully supports the regular review and redrawing of electoral boundaries to reflect shifts in population densities; it is only through rigorous analysis that increases/decreases in density can be properly represented and administered. Toronto is heading into a cycle of exponential growth spurred on by housing initiatives at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. (Chart of projected population growth to 2046 - see pdf for details) Many analyses from a diverse range of sources support these projections. Some areas will experience more aggressive growth than others, particularly as public transit plans are completed and the accompanying densities are realized. (Two charts of projected population increases in Toronto areas - see pdf for details) To further illustrate the point, attached you will find a letter regarding the projected growth of the area encompassed by FoSTRA member the Bay Cloverhill Community Association. It is our understanding that the redrawing of boundaries will be based on 2021 census data, however projected population density increases will not be part of that equation. Considering the current review cycle, FoSTRA submits two recommendations for consideration by the Commission.
We hope these comments are helpful and the recommendations are given serious consideration. The rate of change in our major urban areas requires an approach that will only best serve the communities by responding to that change in a thoughtful and timely fashion. Sincerely yours, Rick Green Chair
21 October, 2022
Ms. Paula Puddy Commission Secretary Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario PO Box 37018 Southdale London, Ontario N6E 3T3 on@redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca Dear Ms Puddy, The Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA) is a federation that currently represents 24 residents’ associations (RAs) in the five downtown wards – Wards 4, 9, 10, 11 and 13 – and, through these RAs, thousands of Toronto’s residents. FoSTRA fully supports the regular review and redrawing of electoral boundaries to reflect shifts in population densities; it is only through rigorous analysis that increases/decreases in density can be properly represented and administered. Toronto is heading into a cycle of exponential growth spurred on by housing initiatives at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. (Chart of population projections to 2046 - see pdf for details) Many analyses from a diverse range of sources support these projections. Some areas will experience more aggressive growth than others, particularly as public transit plans are completed and the accompanying densities are realized. (Two charts of growth projection - see pdf for details) 18 October, 2022
City Clerk’s Office City of Toronto City Hall, 2nd Floor, West Tower 100 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 clerk@toronto.ca Dear Mr. Elvidge, RE: First meeting of the new City Council, 23 November 2022 & The Strong Mayors Act The Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA) is a federation that currently represents 24 residents’ associations (RAs) in the five downtown wards – Wards 4, 9, 10, 11 and 13 – and, through these RAs, thousands of Toronto’s residents. February 22nd, 2022
Hon. Steve Clark Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing College Park, 17th Floor 777 Bay St Toronto, ON. M7A 2J3 Dear Minister: I am writing in support of a City of Toronto Council motion passed on February 3, 2022: City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to exercise the Minister's legislative authority under Section 12(3) of the Places to Grow Act to set an alternative timeframe of July 2023 by which the City of Toronto's Official Plan must conform with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Several of our volunteers are responding to the City’s request for comments on the MTSA and PMTSA planning process. It is apparent to all that this requires a major effort to create an acceptable outcome. We request additional time to work with City of Toronto planning staff, and elected officials, to complete this critical key step in the future development of our city. Yours truly, Rick Green Chair TO: Toronto City Council,
c/o The City Clerk councilmeeting@toronto.ca RE: PH30.3 Our Plan Toronto: Protected Major Transit Station Area Delineations – Downtown and City-wide Interpretation Policies – Final Report Dear Mayor and Members of City Council, FoSTRA supports The Grange Community Association’s request for a revision of the Official Plan Amendment 540 by modifying Map 2 in Site and Area Specific Policies 609 (Osgoode) and 610 (St. Patrick) to decrease the minimum Floor Space index from 3.0 to 0.0 on the immediate lands that currently occupy the historic Campbell House at the intersection of Queen Street West and University Avenue, to which the City’s lease extends to 2099. Sincerely yours, Rick Green Chair November 22, 2021
To: Planning and Housing Committee Re: Proposed Parking Requirements for New Residential Developments (PH29.3) The City of Toronto’s one-size-fits-all proposal to abruptly eliminate minimum residential parking requirements for all new developments citywide is an idea that simply won’t work. If passed, the current minimum parking requirements would immediately become the maximum requirements everywhere. FoSTRA recognizes the need to prepare for a climate-changing future and accepts the City’s initiative to encourage the reduction of private vehicle ownership. However, Torontonians need time to adjust to owning fewer cars – especially when the pandemic has raised fears about relying solely on public transit, heightening the need for car ownership. Vehicle sales dropped by 45% in 2020 and rose 254% by April 2021 (CTV news, 4 May 2021). To introduce such a proposal universally – without thorough study and meaningful consultation – will create hardship for many residents and lead to disruptive workarounds. We are therefore recommending a phased-in implementation of these no-minimum and minimal maximum-parking requirements for residential and mixed-use developments. 22 November 2021 To: Toronto City Planning and Housing Committee Comments on Proposed Amendments to Existing Bylaws Governing Laneway Suites With regards to the PHC agenda item number PH29.2, following are FoSTRA’s recommendations and comments. 1.Height Limitations: The existing height limit is 6.0 metres: There is an amendment to increase this to 6.3 metres. Builders proposed and presented arguments during the 27 October 2021 public consultation to increase the height limit to 6.7 metres or more. The height of 6.3 metres is a compromise position proposed by the Planning Department to forestall the many expected requests to the Committee of Adjustment from owners and builders for height increases. FoSTRA would support 6.3 metres (approximately an additional foot), provided that this becomes a hard rule and “height creep” is vigorously opposed. October 26th, 2021
exc@toronto.ca To: City of Toronto Executive Committee Re: Ex 27.9 First Parliament Master Plan Dear Members of the Executive Committee, At the October 27th meeting, the Master Plan for the First Parliament Site will be considered for approval. This plan represents the culmination of many years of community consultation and collaboration with City planners and is a vital document to guide the detailed planning that will emerge from the consultations with Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx. Over the decades, the community surrounding the First Parliament Site has grown from an industrial backwater to a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood, a neighbourhood that now lacks elemental features to ensure adequate green space and services to residents. It is a hard fact that, once land is committed to development, it is often too late to redress these shortcomings in a meaningful way. That’s why the adopting guidelines within the Master Plan are so important – to ensure that those elements deemed critical by the residents are respected and addressed in a clear and forthright manner. FoSTRA, which encompasses 5 wards and 24 residents associations in southern Toronto, supports the First Parliament Site Master Plan and urges the Executive Committee to adopt it as written. Sincerely yours, Rick Green Chair October 26th, 2021
exc@toronto.ca To: City of Toronto Executive Committee, EX:27.8 The First Parliament Site and Expropriation of City-Owned Lands by Metrolinx for Transit Purposes. Dear Members of the Executive Committee, At the October 27th meeting, a motion regarding the Provincial expropriation of the lands involved in the development of the Corktown will be tabled for approval. The community has been involved in consultations with the City since the mid-1990’s, through the various land swap arrangements to ensure the critical Master Plan elements are incorporated in the overall development of the site which include:
Compensation for this expropriation needs to be transparently set aside, with a clear strategy to ensure the realization of the above elements are achieved and not channeled into the Land Acquisition Reserve Fund or any other amorphous financial vehicle. The City must recognize this is a unique and encumbered site and FoSTRA therefore supports the distinct earmarking of funds received from the Province for the expropriation, for the purposes of fully delivering the community elements and preserving the intentions of the Master Plan. We also urge the City to continue to consult and support the recommendations of key resident stakeholders such as SLNA, GWNA, CRA and WDLC as this project unfolds. FoSTRA encompasses 24 residents’ associations in 5 wards in southern Toronto. Sincerely yours, Rick Green Chair September 27th, 2021
To: The Mayor and Members of the Toronto City Council, for the 1 October 2021 City Council Meeting councilmeeting@toronto.ca RE: Committee/Staff Report PH25.10 – Multi-Tenant Housing Review by the Planning and Housing Committee, 28 June 2021 The Federation of South Toronto Residents’ Associations (FoSTRA) supports the initiative to expand Multi-Tenant Housing (MTH) in Toronto in order to provide affordable housing options. In a city that is so expensive to live in, it is important to ensure options are made available to those on lower incomes. If Council approves the recommendations of the Committee at this Council Meeting, it is vital that the City, in an urgent and substantive fashion, address the concerns raised by FoSTRA and others during the community consultation process, specifically:
Dear Mayor Tory,
Extended construction hours have been a source of stress for Torontonians since the provincial government enacted Ontario Regulation 130/20 under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and Ontario Regulation 131/20 under the Municipal Act in April of 2020. July 8th, 2021
TO: Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Request for Federal Environmental Assessment: Proposed Don Valley Train Layover Facility (Metrolinx GO Expansion Program) The Request For the Federal Government which has the authority, the resources, and a mechanism – a Federal Impact Assessment Study – to do a proper environmental assessment of Metrolinx's proposed Don Valley Train Layover Facility.
8 July 2021 To: The Mayor and Members of the Toronto City Council, for the 14 July 2021 City Council Meeting RE: Committee/Staff Report PH25.10, Multi-Tenant Housing Review by the Planning and Housing Committee, 28 June 2021 – Amendment concerning fraternity and sorority houses The Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA) understood that the proposed new regulatory system would apply fully to fraternities and sororities when it submitted its 17 June 2021 letter to the Planning and Housing Committee (PHC) regarding Multi-Tenant Housing (MTH). When FoSTRA learned of the following amendment to the 28 June report to City Council by the Deputy Mayor and Chair of the PHC Ana Bailao, we were naturally concerned: “The Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, consult further with the Sorority and Fraternity Association of Toronto to canvass their views and further review issues of concern with respect to the operation of their sororities and fraternities in the context of the new framework for multi-tenant housing prior to the City Council meeting of July 14 and July 15, 2021.” |
|||||||||||||
RSS Feed
