Local Planning Reform at the Committee of Adjustment

If you walk through any of Ward 15's vibrant neighbourhoods, you will likely pass by several homes in various stages of the construction process. A vast majority of new residential infill projects require approval from the CoA, the citizen member board responsible for approving or refusing variances to the zoning by-law to permit the construction of new residences, additions on existing homes, and severances to divide existing lots.

Across the City, CoA application volume has increased by 96 percent over the past eight years. In 2019, the City received a record-setting number of minor variance applications for properties in Don Valley West, with 225 proposals filed. Since Councillor Robinson's election, she's worked closely with residents across the Ward to oppose applications that adversely impact the adjacent properties and surrounding neighbourhood. Over this past year alone, she has worked with local neighbours and residents' associations from St. Andrew's to Bennington Heights to oppose 37 minor variance applications filed with the CoA.


Unfortunately, the CoA hearing process can be complicated and frustrating for concerned neighbours to navigate. In fact, Councillor Robinson was inspired to run for office after experiencing first-hand how difficult it can be for residents to advocate for their neighbourhoods through the CoA process. Inspired by both her own experiences and feedback from Don Valley West residents, she's made planning reform a central focus throughout her tenure as a City Councillor.

As a result of initiatives Councillor Robinson has spearheaded, a number of improvements are underway at the CoA. For the first time, North York Committee hearings will be live-streamed and video-recorded on YouTube, a practice that has already begun in Toronto and East York. In addition, City Planning has:

  • assigned dedicated staff to review minor variance applications;

  • implemented enhanced, specialized training for appointed Committee members;

  • enacted a formal process to encourage dialogue with neighbours earlier in the review process;

  • improved communication tools for residents, and;

  • introduced harmonized hearing practices across the four city districts, under the leadership of a coordinated City staff team.

In December 2019, a report to the Planning and Housing Committee outlined a number of additional updates and services improvements that will be implemented at the CoA in the coming years. Beginning this year, City Planning staff will be hosting multiple CoA information sessions on an annual basis. The first session is planned for mid-2020 and will provide an opportunity for residents to drop-in and learn more about CoA practices and procedures. There are also a number of planned improvements for the CoA website and public participation guides.


To improve information accessibility for residents, the CoA is rolling out a redesigned Notice of Public Hearing sign for minor variance applications. The new signs will include information about the application and public hearing in an updated, easier-to-read format, which will also be printed on durable and weather-proofed material. Following the successful pilot installation in Scarborough this month, the notices will be rolled out across the City over the course of 2020.  

Although we've made significant progress reforming the Committee of Adjustment, there is still a long way to go. Councillor Robinson welcomes local community feedback on the Committee of Adjustment and neighbourhood planning matters. If you have any suggestions, please contact our office at 416-395-6408 or councillor_robinson@toronto.ca.

DevelopmentJaye Robinson