The community of Murrie Street in Etobicoke, has recently learned of a proposed construction project that threatens to disrupt the harmony and character of our neighborhood. The development involves the building of a 4-plex and a garden suite with a basement at 45 Murrie Street. This equates to an addition 5 families on a single property. While we stand in support of urban development and responsible densification, this particular proposal is fraught with issues that raise serious concerns. The residents and homeowners of Murrie Street were not adequately informed about these plans, leaving us with a sense of exclusion from decisions impacting our immediate environment.

Primary Concerns:

Neighborhood Character:
    The proposed 4-plex and garden suite with basement represent a significant departure from the established character of our neighborhood, which is primarily composed of single-family homes and bungalows. While we recognize the need for thoughtful growth, this development would further erode the low-density residential fabric that defines Murrie Street.

    Within 2 blocks, the immediate area is already home to 16 high-density residential properties and a very large distribution center. Adding yet another high-density build risks tipping the balance even further, creating a precedent for additional intensification that is inconsistent with the existing streetscape.

    Murrie Street, in particular, is characterized by modest bungalows and single-family dwellings. Introducing a 4-plex and garden suite with basement here would not only alter the visual and social character of the street but also accelerate a trend toward density that undermines the stability and identity of the neighborhood.

Parking and Traffic Congestion:    The proposed development raises serious concerns regarding traffic flow, parking availability, and overall safety on Murrie Street.

• Emergency Access: Murrie Street functions as an emergency access route. Daytime street parking already narrows the roadway to a single lane, forcing oncoming vehicles to maneuver behind parked cars to pass. Additional parked vehicles will further reduce opportunities for drivers to safely yield, potentially delaying emergency response times.
• Parking Shortage: Street parking is already limited, and adding five new households at a single lot will exacerbate the shortage. The proposed development does not provide adequate onsite parking for multiple households, which will inevitably push more vehicles onto the street.
• No Overnight Parking: With overnight street parking prohibited, residents and visitors will face even greater challenges finding legal, accessible parking options.
• Traffic Safety: Increased vehicle traffic from multiple units will raise safety concerns, especially for children and pedestrians who rely on the street for safe passage.
• Unrealistic Parking Plan: The proposed parking plan does not realistically account for visitors, deliveries and service vehicles, all of which are a regular part of residential life. This oversight will contribute to congestion and unsafe conditions.
• Privacy and Noise: The proposed development will significantly impact the quality of life for surrounding homeowners by increasing both noise levels and reducing privacy.

Noise Impacts: With 5 households occupying a single lot, there will be a natural increase in vehicle traffic, outdoor activity, and general day-to-day noise. This is a marked change from the quieter environment currently associated with single-family homes and bungalows on Murrie Street.

Loss of Privacy: The scale and density of the proposed 4-plex and garden suite will introduce more windows, balconies, and shared outdoor spaces overlooking neighboring yards. This will diminish the sense of privacy that existing homeowners have long valued.

Neighborhood Character: These changes are not isolated inconveniences but part of a broader shift away from the low-density, family oriented character of the street. The cumulative effect of increased noise and reduced privacy will erode the stability and enjoyment of the neighborhood.

Lack of Community Consultation: There has been inadequate public consultation regarding this proposal. Residents have not been given a meaningful opportunity to voice their concerns or contribute to the planning process in a transparent and collaborative way.

Community Engagement: Effective planning requires open dialogue with the community. In this case, residents feel excluded from the process and deprived of the chance to provide input on a development that will directly affect their daily lives.

Trust and Accountability: When information about a project isn’t communicated, it undermines trust between residents, builders, and decision makers. A more transparent consultation process is essential to ensure accountability and to maintain confidence in the planning system 

Our Request:

    We respectfully urge the City of Toronto to deny or reconsider the permits for the development of a 4-plex and garden suite with basement at 45 Murrie Street. This proposal, as currently designed, poses significant challenges to the established character, infrastructure capacity, and safety of our neighborhood.

We request that a full review of the project be conducted with meaningful public consultation, ensuring that residents have the opportunity to provide input and that any future development aligns with the unique character, livability, and infrastructure limitations of our community. Thus, we call on the Etobicoke planning authority to reject the current proposal for the 4-plex and garden suite  with basement at 45 Murrie Street. We urge city planners to work with the community to develop solutions that respect the needs and voices of its residents while fostering sustainable growth.

Please sign this petition to help us protect the integrity and quality of life on Murrie Street. Your support is crucial in ensuring that urban development proceeds in a responsible, inclusive, and thoughtful manner that benefits everyone involved.