The Planning and Growth Committee in the City of Toronto met January 8, 2015.  On the agenda was the Driveway Widening Policies for large lots in Scarborough.

Toronto Ward 43 Councillor Paul Ainslie brought the matter forward after hearing complaints from the constituents in his ward.  Northland Paving clients Wayne and Danielle Earle had reached out to him out of frustration when the city would not allow them to repair their existing driveway to its’ former glory.

We find it very frustrating at Northland Paving to try to explain to the residents of the eastern section of Toronto (Scarborough) why their properties cannot enjoy the same rights in terms of driveway size as other parts of the City.  Or why a new subdivision can build double width driveways on a 30 foot lot when they are not legally able to keep a double width driveway on their 60 foot lot if they have a single car garage.  In Scarborough the driveway must be the same size as the garage door.

The Planning and Growth Committee was unable to reach a decision with regards to the fate of the Earles’ driveway and that of the rest of the City east of Victoria Park.  They have referred the matter on to the Chief Planner and Executive Director of City Planning for a report on how the driveway widening policies differ throughout the City.  The Planning and Growth Committee will revisit the item on April 13, 2015.

Driveway Widening Policies for Large Lots in Scarborough – Committee Decision

http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2015.PG1.6

Let’s hope the City will do right by its residents and allow  homeowners who have had an existing driveway for 10, 20 or 30 years the right to repair the surface to its original state.  Let’s hope Scarborough will be afforded the same rights and benefits as the rest of the City.

If you read this blog before April 13, 2015 please contact the Planning and Growth Management Committee or your City Councillor and let them know Scarborough residents seek equality.  Fair is fair.

A big thank you from Northland Paving goes out to Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie in Ward 43.

Councillor Ainslie is going to bat for Scarborough Driveways.  Ainslie will attempt to bring equal rights to Scarborough residents regarding their driveways!

During the last several years, the City of Toronto’s Scarborough By-law Officers have come down hard on enforcement regulating the size of private driveways in their part of the City.  It has become crystal clear that all Toronto residents are not treated equally.

Northland Paving customers Wayne and Danielle Earle were shocked to learn that the City would not permit them to repair their existing asphalt driveway.  This driveway had been in place as long as they owned their home.  The Earles sought to improve their property by restoring the existing asphalt surface.  The City will not allow the improvement to the existing asphalt driveway.  Enforcement Officers are insisting they reduce the size of the driveway to comply with the present by-law.  This driveway would be permitted elsewhere in Toronto.

The Earles approached Councillor Ainslie with their dilemma. This dilemma is faced by many residents of the east side of Toronto.  City Councillors are aware of this disparity.  Northland Paving has met with Councillors, Mayors and department heads regarding this issue.  However, Councillor Ainslie has finally taken the bull by the horns and decided to take steps in resolving the issue.

Toronto Ward 43 should be proud to have an elected official who understands the concerns of his constituents.  Even more proud that he takes the necessary steps to work on their behalf.  In this case, all of the Wards in Scarborough should offer a big thank you to Councillor Paul Ainslie as he works to give the east the same benefits as the rest of the City.

This is a link to the letter written by Councillor Ainslie to the Planning and Growth Committee:

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/pg/bgrd/backgroundfile-74397.pdf

This committee heard the issue for consideration on January 8, 2015.