🏙️ What is being proposed at 847–855 Kingston Road?
The developer proposes an 11-storey mixed-use building directly beside the Glen Stewart Ravine, a designated Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) and part of Toronto’s Natural Heritage System. The site is currently zoned for low-rise residential use, but the developer is seeking a rezoning to permit a much larger building that would extend into the ravine buffer.
🌿 Why is this a problem?
This development would:
Remove mature trees and disrupt habitat used by birds, deer, bats, and other wildlife
Increase slope instability and threaten long-term ravine health
Set a dangerous precedent by allowing high-density development adjacent to an Environmentally Significant Area.
Both City Planning and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) oppose the current proposal, but our local representatives are silent on rezoning.
⚖️ What is the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and why does it matter?
The OLT is a provincial body that makes final decisions on land use and zoning disputes. The developer has appealed directly to the OLT, bypassing City Council, meaning the Tribunal will decide the future of this site.
A Case Management Conference was scheduled for May 14, which determined who can participate in the hearing and how the case will proceed. While individual community members were granted "Participant Status" meaning they will be kept informed of upcoming hearings and final decision, no community group was granted "Party status", which would mean they could participate in the process.
The City and the developer have decided to mediate behind closed doors - and the community does not have a say in this process or the outcome.
🗳️ What can I do?
We’re asking all concerned residents to take three key actions:
1. Email our City Councillor (again and again)
This shows elected officials that constituents are watching and expect them to uphold local zoning and environmental protections. It strengthens the City’s position at the OLT and keeps political pressure on. Use our template (at the top of the page👆) and we'll send an email on your behalf.
2. Share the campaign with 3 friends
We’re stronger together. One of the best ways to protect the ravine is to multiply awareness—especially among local residents, media outlets or other organizations who may not yet know what’s happening.
3. Volunteer or Sign the Petition
Join your community in making a difference.
💡 Why is community involvement so important?
Because once the ravine is lost, it’s lost. The OLT hearing is our best chance to prevent irreversible harm. Decisions made here will shape development across Toronto’s natural areas.
📬 Why should I email the Councillor again
Your email helps:
Reinforce that the community is engaged and paying attention
Strengthen the City's mandate to oppose rezoning in mediation
Encourage our elected official to push for stronger environmental protections and not compromise on key issues like rezoning, setbacks, and stewardship
Hold the Councillor to his promise to look into bringing this site into City ownership for the public (and ravine health) good.
Every message shows political will—and that matters at every stage of the process.
