Federation of North Toronto Residents' Associations – Neighbourhoods Working Together on Community Issues

The Federation of North Toronto Residents’ Associations Incorporated (FoNTRA) is a not for profit organization now comprised of over 30 residents’ associations, located between Bloor Street, Sheppard Avenue, the Don Valley Parkway and Bathurst Street in the City of Toronto. We monitor, investigate and help solve urban planning issues, share best practices and represent common interests of our members with all levels of government.

Current Issues

Mayoral Candidates Face Residents

May 26, 2023

OCAD University Auditorium,
100 McCaul Street
Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m.

Live at OCAD University, 60 residents’ associations will host a public meeting to introduce leading mayoral candidates to the people of Toronto. With an outreach to 900,000 residents, this unique event could be a game changer in the municipal election.

Register to attend the Live Event

FoNTRA affiliated associations and their members are being given first access to registration until Sunday May 28th. After which, registration will be made available to OCAD University faculty, staff and students, and then the general public. Seats not claimed by 6:50pm may be re-assigned to rush line visitors.

FoNTRA opposes proposed changes to Ontario’s land use planning framework

May 25, 2023

FoNTRA is an umbrella organization representing over 30 residents’ associations in central Toronto engaged in public policy debates on planning and development issues that directly affect our members. Its interventions are guided by pursuing the following goals: 1) rational and stable statutory planning framework; 2) local and regional planning that engages all stakeholders, without ad hoc provincial overrides; 3) intelligent density distribution that fosters complete communities and efficient public transport networks; 4) balancing housing supply with real demand; and, 5) resilient and ecological development patterns with compact communities.

FoNTRA’s report concludes that the proposed Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) and the simultaneous repeal of the Growth Plan for the Golden Horseshoe should not proceed since these initiatives are not only harmful but also entirely unnecessary. FoNTRA, respectfully, urges the government to withdraw the proposed Provincial Planning Statement and to maintain the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

New multiplex housing on High Park Avenue

Defer multiplex decisions until after mayoral election

April 26, 2023

FoNTRA supports intensification. It sees it as necessary for the city. On the other hand, it wants to be sure that, as the city intensifies, it does it well. It is crucial that Toronto remain green, and, given climate change, that it become greener. And it is important to build an attractive city. The new multiplexes should fit in well with their neighbourhoods. Some neighbourhoods already have duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes, and often they harmonize with their surroundings. We can look to them for models for building well.

FoNTRA supports staff report on redevelopment of Ontario Place

April 12, 2023

The staff report provides an excellent overview of the complex considerations that must be given to the review of the Province’s planning applications that, if approved, would result in significant changes to this area, that is of provincial, not just local importance. It notes that there are a number of changes proposed which do not comply with City Planning objectives and many concerns issues particularly about the Province’s proposals for the West Island.

FoNTRA reviews the KPMG review of the Committee of Adjustment and identifies six areas of concern that require additional action

March 26, 2023

The KPMG report states that “concerns have been raised by a number of stakeholders that the process is too complex and inaccessible for many users. Some users have expressed lack of confidence and satisfaction in the process and do not believe the current practice consistently delivers quality decisions. Further, there have also been concerns raised about the public’s ability to effectively participate in the public hearings, both in the traditional in-person model and in the virtual hearing model introduced in 2020.”