On Tuesday, November 14, the Etobicoke York Community Council unanimously passed a motion by Councillor Grimes to adopt the Long Branch Neighbourhood Character Guidelines. The motion included an amendment that the guidelines be used by home builders, the community, City staff, committees, and appeal bodies to provide direction in their decision making as they develop plans, review applications for redevelopment, and/or enhance the public realm. LBNA was at the meeting and deputed in favour of adopting the staff report recommendations. Read the Motion, Staff Report and Final Draft Guidelines.
The Long Branch Neighbourhood Character Guidelines will serve as a toolkit for reference to property owners to develop plans for new and renovated dwellings. A “How to Manual” was incorporated into the guidelines to provide a framework for how they are to be used. The Association has some concerns around the implementation, predictability and consistency of the process, however we see this as an important document that will encourage urban design excellence on a neighbourhood level, where dwellings fit harmoniously with the established character.
The guidelines go to City Council at the end of January 2018 for final approval.