About FoNTRA

Founded in February 2001 with 21 residents’ associations as members, the Federation of North Toronto Residents’ Associations (FoNTRA) is a not for profit organization now comprised of over 30 residents’ associations, which collectively include more than 175,000 Toronto residents within their boundaries. We believe that Toronto and Ontario can and should achieve better development. Its central issue is not whether Toronto will grow, but how. FoNTRA believes that sustainable urban regions are characterized by environmental balance, fiscal viability, infrastructure investment and social renewal.

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2017 City Planning/FoNTRA Planning Forum

Thursday, June 1st from 6 pm to 8:30 pm

North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, 200 Eglinton Ave. W.

 Hear about and discuss neighbourhood planning issues and solutions including:

      –  Use of neighbourhood design guidelines

      – Fixing neighbourhood zoning issues

      – Benefits of heritage designation and conservation districts

      – Defining what is “minor” in minor variances

       Two representatives from each member Residents Association are invited to attend.

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April 18th, 2017

Queen’s Park mulls reforms to powerful land-use tribunal – The Globe and Mail

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March 2017

The Good Neighbour Guide for Residential Infill Construction

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City of Toronto News Release:

2-Feb-2017

Pilot mediation program launched to resolve disputes on minor variance and consent applications in Toronto

The City of Toronto is launching a city-wide Mediation Pilot Program today to assist in resolving disputes for minor variance and consent applications being considered by the Committee of Adjustment.

This free program strives to assist disputing parties in reaching a voluntary, mutually-acceptable solution for some or all of the issues in dispute. The program is intended to help foster a collaborative process with neighbours as well as to reduce costs, provide access to neutral professional expertise and increase the likelihood of a settlement.

“Toronto is investing in providing smart and efficient City services that respond to Torontonians’ needs,” said Mayor John Tory. “The hope is that through the Mediation Pilot Program, residents can resolve disputes quicker and at reduced costs – and reduce the number of appeals.”

“The planning process can be overwhelming. Residents concerned about minor variances or consents may not have the experience or financial resources to challenge lawyers and planners hired by applicants,” said Councillor David Shiner (Ward 24 Willowdale), Chair of the Planning and Growth Management Committee. “I am hoping that mediation will provide an opportunity for neighbours to get professional assistance and avoid expensive appeals.”

The mediation sessions will be conducted by a neutral third-party mediator and a neutral, experienced professional planner with knowledge of the City’s Official Plan and zoning bylaws, including applicable minor variance and consent legislation. The Committee of Adjustment renders the final decision and is not bound by the mediated agreement.

The program will roll out across the city and will be available through the Committee of Adjustment Panels starting with North York on February 9, followed by Toronto East York on February 15, Scarborough on February 16, and Etobicoke York on February 23 (York) and March 9 (Etobicoke).

More information about the Mediation Pilot Program is available at toronto.ca/cofa.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto will honour Canada’s 150th birthday with “TO Canada with Love,” a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow
us on Twitter at twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at instagram.com/cityofto.

Cheryl San Juan

Strategic Communications – 416-397-5305 –   cheryl.sanjuan@toronto.ca

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FoNTRA Steering Committee meeting, every second Tuesday (except August) from 5.30 to 7 pm at Wallace Gastropub, 1954 Yonge St at Davisville.Regular Meeting Dates
FoNTRA General meetings, every third Tuesday (except December, July and August if agreed) from 7 to 9 pm at the Wallace Gastropub, 1954 Yonge St at Davisville.