Requesting a modification to…

Requesting a modification to permit the conversion to a Mixed Use Areas designations of the lands at 17 Leslie Street. The lands are already de facto converted, having operated for decades as a Loblaws Supermarket - which is not a use contemplated in Employment Area designations, which are intended to protect Employment areas for space extensive manufacturing or warehousing uses. The new Planning Act amended definition of "Areas of Employment" (not yet proclaimed) establishes that warehousing and manufacturing are the intended uses - freestanding retail supermarkets are not permitted. Similar changes are reflected in the proposed Provincial Planning Statement definition of "Employment Areas". There is no reasonable prospect that the 17 Leslie site will ever develop for manufacturing or warehousing. It is located abutting to, and serves, a complete long-established residential neighbourhood.

The proposed conversion is in conformity with the Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.9 tests for a conversion. It is also consistent with the policy tests for a conversion in the proposed Provincial Planning Statement.

The proposed redevelopment will continue to provide a supermarket use, while also allowing for the delivery of 1,000 new residential units of urgently needed new housing. This will help the City and province to achieve their critical housing goals.

In the event that the Minister is not prepared to modify Official Plan Amendment 644 to designate 17Leslie Street as Mixed Use Areas, the question of the proposed conversion should be referred to the Ontario land Tribunal for a hearing pursuant to section 17 (55) of the Planning Act.