The LRA actively advocates on all matters affecting the livability of Leaside. Below is an overview of our activities.
Large-scale Development
The LRA routinely acts to convey the concerns of community residents in relation to large-scale institutional developments. Our advocacy has resulted in substantial concessions to building height, shadowing, density, traffic flows, and streetscape impacts. Examples of our advocacy include:
- RioCan at Laird (2018)
- Sunnybrook Plaza (Bayview & Eglinton) (2016)
- Settlement with SmartCentre (Laird & Wicksteed) (2013)
Midrises
The LRA supports sensible mid-rise developments and opposes those that negatively affect the community through, for example, excessive height and massing, inadequate buffers from neighbouring properties, and lack of at-grade retail. Examples of our advocacy include:
- Laird mid-rises (2020)
- 1718-1734 Bayview (2020)
- 922 Millwood (2019)
- Building Performance Standards (2016)
Residential Infill and Renovation
The LRA supports residential infill and renovation in a manner that respects Leaside’s residential character and that does not negatively impact neighbouring properties. We monitor all Committee of Adjustment (“C of A”) applications, advise neighbours, and depute where appropriate. We routinely participate in appeals of C of A decisions. We also comment on zoning policies and procedures. Examples of our advocacy include:
- Residential Character Preservation Guidelines: an illustrated guide for people seeking to renovate, add, or develop in Leaside
- Committee of Adjustment Guidelines: a guide for neighbours seeking to comment on applications.
- Expression of concern regarding virtual C of A hearings (2020)
- Opposition to ‘large box’ infill (2019)
- Opposition to height variance (2016)
- Opposition to house built illegally (2015)
Transportation
The LRA supports inclusive, active, and safe transportation options. Examples of our advocacy include:
- Ontario Line Maintenance Service Facility (2020)
- Transportation Innovation Zone for Leaside? (2020)
- Metrolinx clear-cutting of trees (2020)
- Cycling (2020)
- Infrastructure changes (2020)
- Vision Zero 2.0 (2019)
- Petition for 30 km/h speed limit (2019)
- Traffic calming plan (2018)
Other issues
The LRA takes up other civic issues as the need arises. Examples of our advocacy have included:
- COVID-19 mask-making (2020)
- Support for petition about Mount Pleasant Cemetery (2020)
- Household energy use (2020)
- Ontario Bill 108 (2019)
- Signs (2016)
- Aircraft noise (2016)