City approval on minor variances a positive step forward
The City of Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment approved the full slate of minor variances presented by the International Estonian Centre (IEC) at its hearing on May 15, 2019.
IEC, which will be built at 9 and 11 Madison Avenue in the heart of the City of Toronto, will be a three-storey cultural centre. The plans have been developed in consultation with City Planning, Heritage and the Annex Ratepayers Association, together with the local Councillor Mike Layton and his predecessor Councillor Joe Cressy.
Designed by three-time Governor-General award-winning architect Alar Kongats, the design has, from the very start, considered City of Toronto objectives and plans, and therefore includes a pedestrian through-pass connection as well as street-level square that will be open to all Toronto residents and visitors to enjoy.
A total of eight minor variances were submitted to the Committee, including building height, setback, frontage and parking. All were given the green light. Out of the three committee members, two voted for the variance approval and one abstained. IEC agreed to secure 19 off-site parking spots within a 300-metre radius of the building to help those for whom public transit, taxis, cycling, walking or rideshare is not an option.
“Approval for the minor variances is yet another step forward in the development process, and reflects the excellent working relationship this project has with the City and the local ratepayers” said Project Manager David Kalm. “The management team is very pleased with the result, and is continuing to move full steam ahead with next steps.”
Keep in touch and find out what’s happening!
• Join us on Friday, June 7 from 5.30 – 7.30 p.m. at Tartu College for a special Community Engagement Session that will shine the spotlight on the IEC’s outdoor space. North Design Office will present their landscape design, which includes the rooftop garden. After the presentation, come over to 11 Madison to take a peek inside this heritage building that will form part of the Centre and enjoy a drink (cash bar) on the back patio (weather permitting).
• Check out our website – it is updated with all the latest news and information:
www.estoniancentre.ca • We’re always looking for new subscribers! Please sign up for our email newsletter on our website.
• Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook: @EestiKeskus
