LETTERS
Preserve heritage, character of Baby Point
Re: Homeowner allowed to demolish Baby Point home, news April 29, 2010
Regrettably, this situation is another example of how modern planning fails to take into consideration the character of an existing neighbourhood. Instead, it permits property re-developers to build out to the limits of the zoning regulations, using their as-of-right to construct modern super-sized buildings that do not fit In with the built heritage fabric of the surrounding neighbourhood.
This is a particular shame when it occurs within an enclave like Baby Point, so closely resembling the original Robert Home Smith tract of architecturally coherent residences, interspersed with later infill development that has for the most part been sensitively designed.
An appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board would achieve little more than a delay for the Project, at monetary expense to the plaintiffs. The proposed building conforms to the existing City of Toronto Official Plan, zoning and site plan regulations, leaving little to no legal grounds upon which to overturn the council decision.
In addition, Ontario's recent Places to Grow-legislation makes the intensification of development in existing neighbourhoods more likely.
Since the current planning framework for they city is unlikely to substantially change any time soon, other approaches may be examined.
Given the distinctive nature of Baby Point ans strong community interest in preserving the distinctive built heritage and cultural heritage landscape, designation as a heritage conservation District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act would be an effective mechanism.
This would permit the identification and definition of specific heritage features that make Baby Point what it is, and in doing so, guide future alterations, demolitions and new construction to conform more closely with the existing built form, architectural styles, and materials.
Heritage Conservation Districts are in use across Ontario to successfully maintain the character of distinctive neighbourhoods like Baby Point, while permitting alterations and development that are sympathetic to the original built heritage.
Given the inevitable development pressures within the city, it may be prudent for this community's members to consider this alternative while there is still a neighbourhood to protect.
Signed:
Joseph Muller
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Letter to The Villager - May 14, 2010
LETTERS - THE VILLAGER, MAY 14, 2010
Good neighbours are good stewards
To the editor:
Unfortunately, it seems that the butchery of an historically interesting cottage at 66 Baby Point Road is a done deal, along with the degradation of the streetscape that will entail.
As Councillor Bill Saundercook is quoted as saying, the owners are very likely well within their rights." This, of course, is where the problem lies. Owners of such structures need to be made to understand before they buy that, as well as some rights of owner-ship, they are assuming responsibilities of stewardship.
People usually understand this with relation to other types of heritage: would anyone be stupid enough to hand a newly-acquired Rembrandt to another painter (even if the second painter was Monet or Picasso) to paint over it? Would the owner of a Frank Lloyd Wright house ignorantly demolish it to build a modern house, even by the best modern architect?
Robert Home Smith's architectural and streetscaping work in this city, although not world-famous, is remarkable in its style, sense of flow, creation of interlocking vistas, and, apparently, domestic comfort. It is one of the pieces of our urban fabric, which contributes to Toronto's character, in the same manner as the humble bungalow districts in Illinois and California, cottages and townhouses in Britain, and streetscapes or heritage districts in many other parts of the world.
Apparently Toronto doesn't have effective bylaws to protect its buildings from the "rights" of those who don't care about their neighbours, or the character and history of the city as a whole, and who are too self-centered to accept the obligations of steward-ship. We need to start building a framework of more effective by-laws now so that those who come after us don't wonder why they are living in such a boring city.
Megan E. Finlayson
Good neighbours are good stewards
To the editor:
Unfortunately, it seems that the butchery of an historically interesting cottage at 66 Baby Point Road is a done deal, along with the degradation of the streetscape that will entail.
As Councillor Bill Saundercook is quoted as saying, the owners are very likely well within their rights." This, of course, is where the problem lies. Owners of such structures need to be made to understand before they buy that, as well as some rights of owner-ship, they are assuming responsibilities of stewardship.
People usually understand this with relation to other types of heritage: would anyone be stupid enough to hand a newly-acquired Rembrandt to another painter (even if the second painter was Monet or Picasso) to paint over it? Would the owner of a Frank Lloyd Wright house ignorantly demolish it to build a modern house, even by the best modern architect?
Robert Home Smith's architectural and streetscaping work in this city, although not world-famous, is remarkable in its style, sense of flow, creation of interlocking vistas, and, apparently, domestic comfort. It is one of the pieces of our urban fabric, which contributes to Toronto's character, in the same manner as the humble bungalow districts in Illinois and California, cottages and townhouses in Britain, and streetscapes or heritage districts in many other parts of the world.
Apparently Toronto doesn't have effective bylaws to protect its buildings from the "rights" of those who don't care about their neighbours, or the character and history of the city as a whole, and who are too self-centered to accept the obligations of steward-ship. We need to start building a framework of more effective by-laws now so that those who come after us don't wonder why they are living in such a boring city.
Megan E. Finlayson
Monday, May 3, 2010
Proposed Footprint of 66 Baby Point Road
Judge for yourself what a 6500 sq ft House will be like related to the two neighbouring houses and a 1.20 metre set in at the sides.
Hi, I'd like to share a Google Maps link with you.
Link:
Friday, April 30, 2010
Forum Research & Lorne Bozinoff Connection to TTC Revealed
Excerpt from "The Villager April 29, 2009
by Lisa Rainford
After a professional connection came to light between Bozinoff's market research business, Forum Research, and the TTC of which Saundercook is commissioner, the councillor sought advice from the integrity commissioner, who said the information only became known after the entire process had been approved.
Baby Point residents wondered if Saundercook's decision to support the project had anything to do with Forum Research's work for the TTC.
However, Saundercook said he hadn't heard of the connection until April 23. "Had I been aware prior to the application, I would have had to explain, but this was clearly not the case," said Saundercook.
For the complete article in MS Word "click" the Title or
see first letter page above right.
by Lisa Rainford
After a professional connection came to light between Bozinoff's market research business, Forum Research, and the TTC of which Saundercook is commissioner, the councillor sought advice from the integrity commissioner, who said the information only became known after the entire process had been approved.
Baby Point residents wondered if Saundercook's decision to support the project had anything to do with Forum Research's work for the TTC.
However, Saundercook said he hadn't heard of the connection until April 23. "Had I been aware prior to the application, I would have had to explain, but this was clearly not the case," said Saundercook.
For the complete article in MS Word "click" the Title or
see first letter page above right.
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 23, 2010; Inside Toronto Article - OK to Demolish 66 Baby Point Road
LISA RAINFORD
• Apr 23, 2010 - 4:48 PM
• Inside Toronto article
For complete article go to the first "Page" posted opposite or to this link:
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/805069--homeowner-allowed-to-demolish-baby-point-home
Homeowner allowed to demolish Baby Point home.
More than 150 people - 90 per cent of the neighbourhood - have registered their opposition against the project, saying its mass and density is greater than twice as large as the homes around it. The adjacent homes average 2,700 square feet. The Bozinoffs house would be two and a half times larger than the average, said neighbour Robert Galway, who has lived in the area for 40 years.
"I don't understand council's decision when you have a fact like that staring you in the face," he said.
Mary Anne De Monte-Whelan, a Baby Point resident for the past two decades, said most homes in the area have been restored to some extent or another.
"Are we against improving homes? No, lots of us have done it, but there is a certain way of respecting the neighbourhood when you do it," she said. "I've lived in two Robert Home Smith homes and they were extremely architecturally strong homes. It can be done if there's a desire. There are many, many places you can go if you want a monstrous home. This isn't one of those places, they're not in Baby Point."
The optimal approach to this project would be to restore the present property to its former glory, said Galway, while retaining its architectural authenticity and the integrity of the streetscape.
"The architectural foresight of Robert Home Smith, the developer of the Baby Point area, was ahead of his time
His principles of property layout are deserving of respect and should not give way to architectural largesse as is the case associated with this application.
Even though the majority of the neighbourhood opposes the project, dubbed a "McMansion," Saundercook said the "chances at the Ontario Municipal Board were not very favourable to the opposition."
Saundercook said he wanted to work with the owner/applicant and not against him.
Asked how he is dealing with his neighbour's disapproval of his proposed new home, Bozinoff said, "We're mulling over the comments."
• Apr 23, 2010 - 4:48 PM
• Inside Toronto article
For complete article go to the first "Page" posted opposite or to this link:
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/805069--homeowner-allowed-to-demolish-baby-point-home
Homeowner allowed to demolish Baby Point home.
More than 150 people - 90 per cent of the neighbourhood - have registered their opposition against the project, saying its mass and density is greater than twice as large as the homes around it. The adjacent homes average 2,700 square feet. The Bozinoffs house would be two and a half times larger than the average, said neighbour Robert Galway, who has lived in the area for 40 years.
"I don't understand council's decision when you have a fact like that staring you in the face," he said.
Mary Anne De Monte-Whelan, a Baby Point resident for the past two decades, said most homes in the area have been restored to some extent or another.
"Are we against improving homes? No, lots of us have done it, but there is a certain way of respecting the neighbourhood when you do it," she said. "I've lived in two Robert Home Smith homes and they were extremely architecturally strong homes. It can be done if there's a desire. There are many, many places you can go if you want a monstrous home. This isn't one of those places, they're not in Baby Point."
The optimal approach to this project would be to restore the present property to its former glory, said Galway, while retaining its architectural authenticity and the integrity of the streetscape.
"The architectural foresight of Robert Home Smith, the developer of the Baby Point area, was ahead of his time
His principles of property layout are deserving of respect and should not give way to architectural largesse as is the case associated with this application.
Even though the majority of the neighbourhood opposes the project, dubbed a "McMansion," Saundercook said the "chances at the Ontario Municipal Board were not very favourable to the opposition."
Saundercook said he wanted to work with the owner/applicant and not against him.
Asked how he is dealing with his neighbour's disapproval of his proposed new home, Bozinoff said, "We're mulling over the comments."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
TTC and Forum Research
To view the Word Document with active links click on the above Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certain public facts related to the 66 Baby Point Road story have come to the attention of the Concerned Baby Point Residents group. We would appreciate the thoughts of the community on these facts."
Specifically, the owner of 66 Baby Point Rd (Lorne Bozinoff) is owner of Forum Research, a Toronto market research Company with a long-standing relationship with the TTC, for which Bill Saundercook serves as Commissioner. Some residents are concerned that this relationship was not declared.
The facts:
1. Forum Research has a long standing commercial relationship of at least ten years with the TTC. They conducted targeted research projects in 2001 and 2002. Item: TTC Budget $198,320
www3.ttc.ca/search/results.jsp
Enter "Forum Research" in the search box!
2. Described in 2005 as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies.
http://www.ttc.ca/postings/gso-comrpt/documents/report/f2418/_conv.htm
Scroll down to the Market Research Report Section
3. Forum Research continued in 2008 to be associated with the TTC as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor.
This is confirmed by this blog account posted February 10th, 2008.
http://www.nakedknitgirl.ca/
4. Forum Research continues to be associated with the TTC as indicated in the Forum Research Web site posting April 19, 2010. (Under Public Sector)
http//www.forumresearch.com/experienc.asp
Look under Kudos: "Experience" & scroll down to Public Sector.
5. Councillor William Saundercook has been a TTC Commissioner since 2005, and presently is in the running to be the next Chairman.
http://http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/764353---the-ttc-is-a-real-mess
Summary:
It is a matter of public record that the market research firm "Forum Research" has a decade long relationship with the Toronto Transit Commission acting in their words; "as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certain public facts related to the 66 Baby Point Road story have come to the attention of the Concerned Baby Point Residents group. We would appreciate the thoughts of the community on these facts."
Specifically, the owner of 66 Baby Point Rd (Lorne Bozinoff) is owner of Forum Research, a Toronto market research Company with a long-standing relationship with the TTC, for which Bill Saundercook serves as Commissioner. Some residents are concerned that this relationship was not declared.
The facts:
1. Forum Research has a long standing commercial relationship of at least ten years with the TTC. They conducted targeted research projects in 2001 and 2002. Item: TTC Budget $198,320
www3.ttc.ca/search/results.jsp
Enter "Forum Research" in the search box!
2. Described in 2005 as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies.
http://www.ttc.ca/postings/gso-comrpt/documents/report/f2418/_conv.htm
Scroll down to the Market Research Report Section
3. Forum Research continued in 2008 to be associated with the TTC as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor.
This is confirmed by this blog account posted February 10th, 2008.
http://www.nakedknitgirl.ca/
4. Forum Research continues to be associated with the TTC as indicated in the Forum Research Web site posting April 19, 2010. (Under Public Sector)
http//www.forumresearch.com/experienc.asp
Look under Kudos: "Experience" & scroll down to Public Sector.
5. Councillor William Saundercook has been a TTC Commissioner since 2005, and presently is in the running to be the next Chairman.
http://http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/764353---the-ttc-is-a-real-mess
Summary:
It is a matter of public record that the market research firm "Forum Research" has a decade long relationship with the Toronto Transit Commission acting in their words; "as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
TTC and Forum Research
Certain public facts related to the 66 Baby Point Road story have come to the attention of the Concerned Baby Point Residents group. We would appreciate the thoughts of the community on these facts.
Specifically, the owner of 66 Baby Point Rd (Lorne Bozinoff) is owner of Forum Research, a Toronto market research Company with a long-standing relationship with the TTC, for which Bill Saundercook serves as Commissioner.
Some residents are concerned that this relationship was not declared.
The facts:
1. Forum Research has a long standing commercial relationship of at least ten years with the TTC. They conducted targeted research projects in 2001 and 2002. Item: TTC Budget - $198,320 (http://www3.ttc.ca/Search/results.jsp
2. Described in 2005 as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies.http://www.ttc.ca/postings/gso-comrpt/documents/report/f2418/_conv.htm
3. Forum Research continued in 2008 to be associated with the TTC as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor. This is confirmed by this blog account posted February 10th, 2008.http://www.nakedknitgirl.ca/?p=3677#comment
4. Forum Research continues to be associated with the TTC as indicated in the Forum Research Web site posting April 19, 2010. (Under Public Sector)
">htpp://www.forumresearch.com
">http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5297362/Baby%20Point%20Mtg.exe
5. Councillor William Saundercook has been a TTC Commissioner since 2005, and presently is in the running to be the next Chairman.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/764353---the-ttc-is-a-real-mess
Summary:
It is a matter of public record that the market research firm "Forum Research" has a decade long relationship with the Toronto Transit Commission acting in their words; "as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies."
Specifically, the owner of 66 Baby Point Rd (Lorne Bozinoff) is owner of Forum Research, a Toronto market research Company with a long-standing relationship with the TTC, for which Bill Saundercook serves as Commissioner.
Some residents are concerned that this relationship was not declared.
The facts:
1. Forum Research has a long standing commercial relationship of at least ten years with the TTC. They conducted targeted research projects in 2001 and 2002. Item: TTC Budget - $198,320 (http://www3.ttc.ca/Search/results.jsp
2. Described in 2005 as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies.http://www.ttc.ca/postings/gso-comrpt/documents/report/f2418/_conv.htm
3. Forum Research continued in 2008 to be associated with the TTC as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor. This is confirmed by this blog account posted February 10th, 2008.http://www.nakedknitgirl.ca/?p=3677#comment
4. Forum Research continues to be associated with the TTC as indicated in the Forum Research Web site posting April 19, 2010. (Under Public Sector)
">htpp://www.forumresearch.com
">http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5297362/Baby%20Point%20Mtg.exe
5. Councillor William Saundercook has been a TTC Commissioner since 2005, and presently is in the running to be the next Chairman.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/764353---the-ttc-is-a-real-mess
Summary:
It is a matter of public record that the market research firm "Forum Research" has a decade long relationship with the Toronto Transit Commission acting in their words; "as the Commission’s Marketing and Public Affairs Department’s contractor for Targeted Research Studies."
Sunday, April 18, 2010
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