Interim Control By-Law In Force For Bathurst Street

This landed in my inbox yesterday, from Councillor Vaughan's office:
"Today at City Hall, Councillor Mike Layton and I moved an Interim Control By-Law covering both sides of Bathurst Street.
This move, the most powerful planning control available to the city, is aimed at stopping certain types of development applications from Queen Street to Dupont Street while the Bathurst Street study is underway. Most critically, it will stop any new big box applications (even as-of-right applications) while the planning study does its work.
The move is not aimed specifically at any particular property, nor will it necessarily apply to any active application currently in hand at the city. The motion can be viewed online here:
2013.MM37.70 - Bathurst Street - Interim Control By-law - Final Report - by Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Adam Vaughan
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.MM37.70
The Bathurst Street Study is critical to the future of the neighbourhoods that line both sides of the street as it moves south from Dupont Street. In particular, it will give us time to understand the major intersections where transit lines cross. The Interim Control By-law will give us the time needed to stop applications while new and updated rules are developed for the corridor.
In addition to this move at City Council, Councillor Layton and I have been working with City staff to bring forward a proposal to hold a community consultation explicitly focussed on the intersection of Bathurst and Bloor. Recent news coverage of the future of Honest Ed's makes this decision to focus City Planning's attention on these four corners critically important.
As in all planning exercises in Ward 20, local residents, neighbourhood organizations, and area businesses will be gathered to proactively engage the challenges. Details of the meeting will be announced shortly.
Sincerely,
Adam"

So, people, if the future face of Bathurst -- and Bathurst/Bloor in particular -- is important to you, I suggest that you sign up for Councillor Vaughan's updates and have your say. When it counts.

Cheers,
Vanessa

Ward 20 Community Environment Day Saturday, May 4th

It's that time of year again... time to pick up free compost, grab a new green bin, recycle old batteries and green up your life in general.
This Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm head to Central Technical School, just southeast of Bathurst and Bloor, to participate in Councillor Adam Vaughan's Environment Day.
Events happen throughout the city and the City of Toronto website has a detailed list of activities.
Cheers,
Vanessa