This petition aims to exclude new developments which increase population density without providing parking from being eligible for on-street parking permits in Toronto's 9B parking zone.

We the undersigned, strongly support:

1. Thoughtful intensification efforts by the City of Toronto to combat housing shortages. 
2. Provincial and municipal efforts to promote affordable housing. 
3. Initiatives that reduce carbon emissions by encouraging transit use.

Our proposal will help all 3 of these efforts while continuing to sustain a safe and liveable neighbourhood through traffic calming and parking congestion relief.

Background: In 2022, Toronto City Council approved the removal of minimum parking requirements for most new developments in the city in an effort to reduce construction costs and boost transit use. This was a sensible decision, but it can only take the desired effect with support from local communities like ours. 

The Issue: The 9B Parking zone is currently @ 90-99% capacity for parking permits as indicated by the Toronto Permit Parking Area Map. There are 2 developments near the west border of 9B that aim to significantly increase population density without providing on-site parking. This shifts a significant burden on to a community which already faces a disproportionate parking shortage.

• 4 Newbold** has a plan proposal under review to demolish a 4 story walk-up with 13 units & 6 parking spaces and build a 10 story building with 70 units & no parking.
• 149 Gainsborough has been approved to expand a 3 story walkup with 4 units & 4 parking spaces to 13 units & 1 visitor parking space.

Not all of the new tenants will need parking but this adds a possible 66 new dwellings to a small area that can only be described as a parking congestion hot-spot.

Our Intent: If these developments (and any others like them) are excluded from eligibility for street parking permits, they are more likely to attract residents who don’t own cars. This will boost transit use. Any potential tenants who own cars will likely rule these apartments out due to lack of access to parking, and more affordable rent is a likely side-effect. Finally, existing residents of the neighbourhood will be spared the burden of impossible parking.

The Effect: As we see it, this change will support the City’s Official Plan to build new homes near transit corridors and keep those new homes affordable, all without alienating an existing community.

** The development @ 4 Newbold is expected to face a heavy challenge from the community due to location, scope and scale of proposal.