SUBJECT: Concerning the…

SUBJECT: Concerning the proposed amendments to the regulation of Garden Suites and Secondary Suites (aka Additional Residential Units/ARU):

Please excuse the frustration apparent in this message. That sometimes happens when I discover someone is trying to "get one past me" on issues that I believe are of great public importance.  To learn that I have less than 24 hours to organize my thoughts and put something together to reflect my views on such an important topic as this seems like a slap in the face, and consequently I am frustrated that Ford would actually try to pull something like this, again! I haven't had sufficient time to digest the news of these proposed amendments, nor to give these issues the depth of thought they are due, but as I am up against the clock - I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposed amendments to the regulation of Garden Suites, etc.as per the Subject line of this message.

Why was there no public consultation prior to these decisions being made?  To the best of my knowledge, taxpayers were not only NOT consulted, we weren't even advised of these proposed "amendments" until just now, via an email from our local Neighbourhood Association!  Something about this smells fishy and I certainly do not approve of where this appears to be going.  Once again, Ford is bullying his way forward like some dictator who is answerable to no-one.  Does he not realize the citizens of Ontario elected him to represent THEM, not his many developer friends who generally seem to be the ones who benefit most from fast-moving, shady back-room deals entered into without the knowledge of the general public. 

Major changes are being proposed by the province for what can be built in Toronto.  But do we not have a Mayor and a City Council to look after City business??  Mr. Ford should back off and let the elected Toronto City officials take care of Toronto business.

Floor Space Index (FSI) - I OPPOSE the proposal by the Province that will override all FSI zoning requirements in zoning bylaws if the property will have a basement suite, secondary suite or Garden Suite on the property.  No limit to the size of buildings on the lot. 

Building Distance Separation -I OPPOSE the proposal by the Province restricting building distance separation requirements associated with any building containing an ARU to a maximum of 4 metres.  i.e. a Garden Suite can be no more than 4 metres away from the main wall of the house. 

Maximum lot coverage - I OPPOSE the proposal by the Province that would allow at least 45% lot coverage for all buildings and structures on properties with basement suites, secondary units or Garden Suites.

Angular plane -I OPPOSE the proposal by the Province that would override all angular plane requirements in zoning bylaws for Garden Suites.  The intent of angular planes is to reduce the shadowing impacts of a building and is appropriate for Garden Suites and other Buildings regardless of whether they have ARUs or not. 

Minimum lot size -I OPPOSE the proposal by the Province that would override all minimum lot size/ area requirements to support having an ARU.  Some lots are just too small.

These proposed changes do not take into account requirements for soft landscaping and trees - let alone existing mature trees.  In addition these proposed "amendments" show no understanding whatsoever about the need to prepare neighbourhoods for climate change; build climate resiliency; mitigate air pollution; mitigate heat islands and create healthy urban environments by growing our tree canopy to 40%.

For these - and for other reasons that I have had no time to think through thoroughly because of the extremely short lead time I and many other residents of my neighbourhood were given to respond - I OPPOSE the proposed amendments to the regulation of Garden Suites and Secondary Suites (aka ARUs).

Thank you, and best regards.