world19News: Nov. 28, 2005

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Past newsletters are posted at www.newsletters.world19.com

Another in an occasional series of newsletters since our recent newsletter "semi-retirement"...

In this issue:

1. Kennedy / Miller public meeting on City of Toronto Act

2. Soccer sign on the Gardiner

3. Parkdale-High Park Federal Election

1. KENNEDY / MILLER PUBLIC MEETING - Nov. 29

For those who aren't aware of it, the Roncesvalles-Macdonell Residents' Association (RMRA) is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday focused on the upcoming "City of Toronto Act". This has been the focus of city-provincial negotiations, public discussion, and much public debate. The new Act, intented to give Toronto more independence and powers is expected to be introduced next month.

Mayor David Miller and Parkdale-High Park MPP and Minister of Education, Gerard Kennedy will be the guests.

Fern Avenue Public School

128 Fern Ave. (East of Roncesvalles)

Tue. Nov. 29, 7:15pm

No doubt, it will be well attended.

More information, and links to relevant websites on the RMRA site: www.rmra-to.org. Some older information is on world19's website at www.toronto.world19.com.

At its December 5-7 meeting, City Council will deliberate a request by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Limited (MLSE) to permit an advertising tower on the grounds of the CNE, at the south-east corner of the Food Building. The purpose of the sign is identification and advertising associated with the future soccer stadium.

Council approved the soccer stadium proposal in October which, for its financial viability, depends on the City giving permission to erect an “identification sign”. MLSE has now applied to the City for approval of a sign made up of four major components:

a) Channel lettering on top of the sign identifying the stadium (total area 24 sq.m.), with a three-sided, backlit team logo above (total area 4 sq.m.)
b) An electronic text-based message centre with colour graphic capability (total area 31.2 sq.m.)
c) A tri-vision display board (total area 62 sq.m).
d) A backlit static display board, facing south (total area 116 sq.m.)

The proposed sign is triangular in shape and would face both east and west bound traffic on the Gardiner. The total height would be 35.31 metres and features a)-c) would be duplicated on the east and west sides of the sign. Advertising on the sign would be limited to stadium suppliers, teams and stadium sponsors.

City planning staff do not support the proposal as they believe it is not compatible with the existing visual context of the Exhibition grounds, the surrounding uses, and streetscape. Heritage preservation staff also do not support the proposal given its close proximity to the Food Building entrance. They are of the opinion that the scale and height of the proposed tower would have a direct negative impact on the heritage value of the building. Transportation staff have cited safety concerns about the distraction of motorists on the Gardiner. The proposed sign also does not comply with City by-laws.

Councillor Watson will not support this sign request. If you too have concerns about the proposed sign Councillor Watson encourages you to write to Marilyn Toft, Manager of Council Secretariat Support, to have your correspondence form part of the material to be deliberated by Council. You can send your letter by fax to 416-392-8016 or by email to mtoft@toronto.ca