An update to our previous newsletter which noted that the entire block from the old Odeon Humber west had been purchased for development.  We have subsequently spoken with members of the Bloor West Village BIA, Councillor Saundercook's office, and the owner of Billy Bob's/The Fan, as well as other business owners and operators in the area. Interestingly, while we had been hearing stories of the large purchase for a few weeks, a number of parties "in the know" seemed to have just then learned about the deal.

 

We now know that the Wynns are no longer in the picture. Councillor Saundercook's office identified the new owner as Claude Bitton. He is still a bit of a mystery; even the Councillor's office professed little knowledge about him or his background.

 

Those we spoke to agreed with our assumptions: that the developer will likely scrap plans for the already approved condominium on the Humber site, and instead prepare an application for a development using the entire block. Interestingly, everyone we spoke with suggested it might take "five years" before any construction started. The unanimity of the estimate puzzled us, and made us wonder: Does that mean five more years of the now shabby frontage of the old theatre?

 

In fact we wonder what it means for the state of that stretch of Bloor for the next five years. There's lots of talk on the street of businesses carrying on - of five year leases and so on. But we wonder if it will all get worse before it gets better.

 

What does it all mean?  In the long run, it's all about change. The Humber Odeon site was always particularly problematic in terms of access and traffic flow. What will the new bigger (and better?) proposal bring?  Only time will tell.  But it's coming soon to a theatre near you...

 

A correction:

In our last newsletter, we noted that we had been hearing from various sources that Billy Bob's/The Fan would be closing last week. The upstairs (Billy Bob's) did close the next day, but The Fan (the sports bar in the basement) remains open and the owner, Danny Smardenka said he expects the upstairs (Billy Bob's) to re-open soon.

We have received notices from four different residents groups about a proposal to build a 10 storey condominium (84 units) and 4 storey underground parking garage on the site of the current street level parking lot of the Old Mill Restaurant & Inn by the Humber River.

 

The developer is applying for an Official Plan amendment as the site is currently zoned Private Open Space, and is designated a Natural Area, with residential uses not allowed. The local Old Millside and Kingsway Residents groups oppose the proposal (see more details below). City Planning and the local Councillor, Peter Milczyn support the application.

 

A public meeting on the development will be held as part of the Etobicoke York Community Council:
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6:30 pm
Etobicoke Civic Centre (Council Chambers)
399 West Mall (at Burnamthorpe)

 

Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting must inform the City Clerk by Feb. 11 at 416 394-8101. Written comments can be submitted to the City Clerk, attention: Glenda Jagai, Etobicoke York Community Council, by Fax: (416) 394-8895 or by e-mail to etcc@toronto.ca.

 

Residents groups encourage people interested in the issue to attend and express their opinion, as the Council "will be debating and may be voting on whether to approve the Old Mill condo developer's proposal to amend the zoning by-law and official plan".

 
 

Excerpt from the Old Millside media release:

Members of our organization, the Old Millside Residents’ Association, have expressed opposition to this development for many reasons. Among our many concerns are its negative impact on traffic congestion; the safety of pedestrians and cyclists; the environment; and the aesthetic beauty of a park with a natural ravine setting that is enjoyed by residents from all parts of Toronto.

 

 

Excerpt from the City Planning report: 

The development provides an opportunity to incorporate underutilized lands into the residential fabric of the adjacent Apartment Neighbourhood and will have minimum impact on the natural area to the north. The proposed built form and relationship to the public street complements the Old Mill and existing residential developments to the south and west of the proposal and represents an appropriate level of residential intensification for the area.

 
 

More information and background:
Media release from the Old Millside Residents Association (RTF/WORD document)
Background information & meeting notice from the City
The agenda for the Community Council meeting (PDF document: see page 29)
City Planning report (PDF document: 43 pages)
Etobicoke Guardian article (Feb. 7)