Save the Regent Theater and Our Neighbourhood

The Developer (Terra Bruce Productions, now the Regent Theatre Inc.) purchased the Regent Theatre, along with 7 low-rise residential properties adjacent to the property. They have proposed not only demolishing the existing theatre (keeping only the front façade wall) but expanding its use and size to such a significant extent that a proper change of zoning studies would be deemed imperative for such a redevelopment. There is no provision for parking. The Developer wants to use all the street parking within a large radius of the theatre for its patrons, 7 days a week, 15 hours a day. All truck deliveries and commercial waste management are being proposed from a quiet residential street where two residential lots are envisioned (Hadley Road). This multi-use building will bring over 100,000 visitors to our neighborhood and countless number of cars and trucks.

The Developer, having sidestepped a zoning/official plan amendment process, has avoided proper due process in assessing infrastructure capacity to accommodate the significantly increased footprint and permanent living conditions impact on the neighborhood. A full investigation is needed to assess what improvements may be necessary and this has not been done.

The Developer originally sought approval for what they called a “minor variance” at the Committee of Adjustment (CofA). In a hearing on August 24, 2023, the CofA rejected the Developer’s application giving the following reasons:

a. The general intent and purpose of the Official Plan is not maintained.

b. The general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law is not maintained.

c. The variance(s) is not considered desirable for the appropriate development of the land.

d. In the opinion of the Committee, the variance is not minor.

The Developer has appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) after loss at the CofA.

To address this, the residents have established the Mount Pleasant Village Revival Residents Association (MPVRRA) and obtained Party status before the OLT so we can ensure all relevant information is brought before the Tribunal, not just Developer’s one-sided proposal. We need to continue engaging a lawyer and land use planner to successfully defend our case at OLT***.

Our objectives are to get the Developer to moderate their proposal so that:

a. The Regent Theatre will be truly restored, not torn down and rebuilt.

b. The existing lane that for decades has serviced storefronts and the theatre on Mt. Pleasant Rd., not Belsize Dr, Manor Rd, and Hadley Rd, will be used to service the theatre; and

c. The Developer will be required to follow the proper process with community consultation to obtain a zoning change if they wish to expand this commercial facility onto residential lands.

The core group of neighbors has been conferring with a strong municipal lawyer from the outset. We have spent thousands of dollars from our own pockets (more than $10,000). Mounting a fight at the OLT can become a very costly procedure (estimated at $30,000-$50,000), particularly so when the opposing side appears to have unlimited resources. There is a tremendous amount at stake on both sides.

Please send a few dollars today! With your generous help we can continue retaining the services of the qualified legal/urban planning professionals to achieve our stated goals; to maintain the safety and historical beauty of our neighborhood; to ensure the Developer follows a due process in its proposed redevelopment as it has permanent impacts on the quality of our living and the values of our properties.

Unspent contributions will be donated to a local charity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES GO TO www.Mtpleasantvillagerevival.ca

*** A virtual OLT hearing is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2024 at 10 a.m. MPVRRA will try to get the hearing held in person at the North York municipal center. If it remains a virtual hearing, log in to: https://olt.gov.on.ca and search for participant status on Case Number OLT- 23-000975.