City Planning is proposing to change zoning in the area around Long Branch station to implement inclusionary zoning policies that will significant increase permissible density in this area.
Below is a letter the LBNA sent out to residents in this area to inform them about the proposed changes, expressing their concerns.
The changes proposed for the area around Long Branch Station are just one part of a broader initiative covering 18 “major station areas” across the City, as our local government tries to define where it plans to grow as part of the Province of Ontario’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
At issue is whether Long Branch Station could or should be classed as a “major transit station“; whether the inclusionary zoning will really result in an increase in affordable housing in this area, per the City’s goal; and whether there actually is a need for a zoning change in this area, which currently offers a diverse array of housing types with an emphasis on rental housing.
Underlying this is a concern that the proposal is being driven by developers lobbying Planning for higher densities (after losing 15 straight severance applications to the LBNA at TLAB), without the City providing adequate opportunity for residents to provide their input.
Should this proposal be approved by Council in November, it will become even harder to oppose construction of oversized homes and lot severances. We need your voices to be heard by our MPP, our City Councillor and the Planning and Housing Committee (of whom no one is from Etobicoke)
What You Can Do to Help
Call and email Councillor Mark Grimes to let him know about your concerns. This is going to City Council in November 2021 and will be heard at the Planning and Housing Committee this Thursday morning.
Email: councillor_grimes@toronto.ca
Phone: 416-397-9273
Call and email MPP Christine Hogarth to let her know your concerns.
Email: christine.hogarth@pc.ola.org
Phone: 416-259-2249