Future of Mr. Christie’s land uncertain as demolition begins (CityNews, Sept. 27, 2017); Sept. 13, 2019 Etobicoke Guardian update: Matter now settled
A Sept. 13, 2019 Etobicoke Guardian article reads: “Settlement reached for south Etobicoke’s former Mr. Christie’s site: 23 Park Lawn Rd., 2150 and 2194 Lake Shore Blvd. W.”
An Oct. 12, 2017 Etobicoke Guardian article is entitled: “Developer plans ‘whole community’ on Mr. Christie’s lands in Etobicoke: First Realty, city, community on board with future onsite transit hub.”
A Sept. 27, 2017 citynews.ca article is entitled: “Future of Mr. Christie’s land uncertain as demolition begins.”
Click here to accès previous posts about Mr. Christie’s >
Message 0f Sept. 29, 2017 from Councillor Mark Grimes
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An excerpt from the Councillor’s Sept. 29 email newsletter reads:
I learned about the CityNews article from a Sept. 29, 2017 Constituency email, “eNews September 29 – The Future for Mr. Christie’s,” from Councillor Mark Grimes’ Office.
The relevant text, from the latter email, reads:
Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard from many residents regarding the current status of the former Christie’s property in Humber Bay Shores, located at 2150 Lake Shore Boulevard W.
First Capital Realty are the owners of the property, and I met with its team shortly after they acquired the property to communicate the needs of our community. I outlined the importance of transit, and they agreed to explore opportunities for an integrated transit hub on the property.
To make it clear, the land is still currently zoned for employment use, and it is the City’s position that it remain so. I do not support any more residential development on this property.
I spoke to CityNews about this a few nights ago, and you can read the article here. While the future of the property cannot be confirmed until an application is before the City, First Capital has received a demolition permit to remove the existing structure. The water tower will not be demolished, and I moved a motion asking that it be added to the City’s heritage register.
I believe there is still an opportunity to make the needs of the community heard once more with regards to a GO station at Park Lawn. I will be working to organize a community effort to continue discussions with Metrolinx. Please stay tuned for details.
[End of excerpt from Councillor Grimes’ newsletter]
Commentary
Following are some personal, anecdotal observations, for whatever value (be it little, or much, I don’t care which) that they may have.
The overall narrative related to Mimico, including the cultural history and social history of development in the area, going back fifty years and more, is of much interest. I have been following the narrative, off and on, for some years.
Here are some highlights:
At the City of Toronto, as I understand, planners have the view that the eastern boundary of Mimico extends to the Humber River. The eastern boundary of the Mimico Residents Association, on the other hand, extends as far east as Park Lawn Road, and no further. The interests of condo dwellers to the east of Park Lane will be represented, as I understand, by a separate association, the Humber Bay Shores Ratepayers and Residents Association.
An April 20, 2017 insidetoronto.ca article, entitled “New residents association set to launch in Humber Bay Shore,” provides some background, regarding the latter association.
There’s also a group called Humber Bay Shores Condominium Association. I am not aware of the circumstances that would have given rise to the emergence of two separate associations.
Launch of Long Branch Neighbourhood Association
I recall attending the launch meeting of the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association, some time back, in which a spokesperson from the Mimico Residents Association (which I view as a well-run association, as noted in previous posts) spoke with pride, as I recall – I recorded the talk, but have not transcribed it, so I am going by what I recollect – about the fact that the MRA does not permit condo owners/renters to join the association. Having condo owners join the association, as the spokesperson explained, would mean that condo owners would have too strong a voice, in the work of the association.
By way of contrast, the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association is open to all residents of Long Branch, including condo owners/renters and apartment and other renters.
Please note:
Park Lawn and Lake Shore Improvement Association
An Oct. 7, 2017 CBC article is entitled: “Etobicoke transit at ‘tipping point,’ councillor warns as resident raises funds for shuttle bus: A new GO station is the ‘ultimate goal’ for resident hoping to transport residents to Mimico Station.”
The article refers to a third association, in the vicinity of Humber Bay Shores, namely the Park Lawn and Lake Shore Improvement Association.
An Oct. 10, 2017 Etobicoke Guardian article is entitled: “Mimico shuttle bus campaign organizer has string of failed businesses, customer complaints.”
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