July 22, 2019
Hartley Lefton
Chair
Toronto Parking Authority
RE: Item 2019.PA8.9, Construction of Municipal Car Park 673, 2204-2212 Eglinton
Avenue West - Contract Award
Dear Chair Lefton,
I write to you today with serious concerns about the Toronto Parking Authority proceeding
with the construction of a parking lot at 2204-2212 Eglinton Avenue West.
I am committed to building more affordable housing in the City of Toronto and I have made
it clear that our priority should be building more of that housing close to transit –
especially when we are making investments in new transit construction.
Given the proximity of the Eglinton Crosstown construction underway right now, I believe
2204-2212 Eglinton Avenue West would be a prime location for transit-oriented
development. I believe the City, through the TPA and CreateTO, has a tremendous
opportunity to unlock the value of this land and to do it in a way that adds to the supply of
affordable housing in Toronto.
I understand that the Parking Authority is already consulting with CreateTO about this
possibility and that this item will likely be deferred for discussion at a later meeting. I hope
that CreateTO and the TPA both use this time to find a better plan for this site that will
address the need to build more housing in the city.
My office has consulted with Councillor Mike Colle, who I understand is also supportive of
deferring this item subject to any future plans for the site being done in consultation with
him, as the local councillor, and with residents in the area.
…/2

 -2-

While this is a very specific case, I hope that the Parking Authority will keep this example in
mind when looking at future projects so that the best public benefit is always factored into
its decision-making process, particularly when it comes to sites along transit corridors.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide direct feedback to your Board.
Sincerely,

John Tory
Mayor
Cc: Councillor Colle