LED Billboard Coming to Village
March 13th, 2010An update on the LED and billboard applications that went to York Etobicoke Community Council March 9th.
As you may have heard, approval was given to two of the three applications.
Approval was given to the replacement of an existing billboard with an LED display one at 2410 Bloor St, W (which is roughly above the Coffee Tree/Art Spot shops west of Armadale). It is supposed to shut off by midnight in deference to those who live near it.
Just to the West of it, above the Booster Juice shop (2420 Bloor West), Council approved the replacement of a the plain billboard with a “tri-vision” model that features rotating images. Neither were permitted under old bylaws, and would have been subject to the stricter new bylaw which does not come into effect until after Easter.
Council turned down a request for new billboard to the East of the other two, at Armadale over the Rogers store.
The BWVRA submitted a letter to Councillors objecting to the lack of consultation on a matter affecting Bloor West Village, and to the disregard for prorities set out by residents recently in the B.W.V. “design charrette” series of meetings. These issues were taken up with Ward 13 Councillor Bill Saundercook in particular, who we are told by a member in attendance, subsequently voted in favour of all three variances. I would note that the agenda shows that 42 letters were received from individuals and groups such as the BWVRA. Thanks to those of you who expressed an opinion one way or another.
As noted earlier, Councillors were asked to ignore the existing bylaw preventing electronic signs in this zone, and to circumvent the intent of a new sign bylaw.
See this article in the Globe about West Toronto being a particular target for last minute sign applications:
For your information, sites and sizes with street photos can be viewed here:
2400 Bloor Street West:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-28029.pdf
2420 Bloor Street West:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-28030.pdf
LED Screen at 2410 Bloor:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-28028.pdf
The CC agenda & outcomes can be viewed on this useful site:
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmismonitor/index.do
Steve McNally
BWVRA Chair