The redevelopment proposals for the small site at Orchard View and Duplex first appeared in 2002. The plans were rejected by the Planning Department and no other plans appeared until 2008. At that time a Working Group was struck. It was comprised of representatives from two local community associations, the Stanley Knowles Cooperative and local residents. The Working Group didn't have much to do since nothing new appeared again until April 2010. That's when things were speeded-up.
A new plan was presented to the Working Group on May 20th but rejected by all the members. The Application was scheduled for the June 22nd North York Community Council. Things were going very fast now. So fast that the item was pulled from the Agenda due to community anger at the speed of "the process". On July 13th the Planning Department met the community to hear its concerns and, miraculously, a new plan emerged on July 18th. This was set down for hearing at the August 17th Community Council.
The plan had all markings of a "done deal".
This link will take you to Ann King's presentation to the North York Community Council meeting of August 17th. Notice the number of empty chairs? This is typical of Community Council meetings. Citizens make their way to these meetings thinking they can make a difference but that's just not true. Decisions among the councillors are made before the meeting. Few, if any, are told about this and it always leads to disappointment and frustration. This contributes to the low turnouts we get at Municipal Elections.
It's called "Ward Politics" which refers to councillors trading votes behind the scenes. For example, a councillor wanting a particular matter approved at Community Council will ask their fellow councillors to back them. That councillor then owes a debt of a promise to vote. It means items pass Council based on votes promised but not on the issues.
It's how Ward Councillors get proposals approved even if there is widespread objection from constituents. It's what happened at Orchard View and Duplex, 1066 Avenue Road and the Open Space at the Yonge Centre.
It's what must change if we are ever to improve local democracy.
