CBC proposal to attract tenants ignores streetscape

By Rich Holt –

In the face of recent federal government cutbacks, the CBC has put forward a planning application that will make it easier to generate revenue from its real estate holdings.

On May 1, Frank Lewinberg from Urban Strategies, a planning and urban design firm representing the CBC, presented an application to have a zoning by-law for the CBC broadcast centre block at 250 Front St. W. amended. The application proposes to expand the list of permitted non-residential uses in the building including offices, performing arts studios and data processing offices.

Current restrictions on the range of permitted non-CBC uses limit the CBC from fully leasing its surplus space.

The broadcast centre block is designated as a mixed-use area, allowing for a wide range of uses: residential, office, cultural buildings, and institutional. Current zoning permits a total non-residential gross floor area of 125,188 square meters for CBC uses and non-CBC uses. Existing approved zoning allows a maximum of 43,478 square metres of non-CBC uses where 15,000 square metres is permitted to be used for any permitted commercial use. This includes offices, a data processing establishment and a performing arts studio. 28,478 square metres is permitted to be used for government offices and retail and service uses.

According to Lewinberg, the reason for this application is that “there are a lot of parts of this building which sit vacant and cannot be leased as was originally an idea when the CBC sought to have a certain amount designated for offices. There was an arrangement to have another part of the government move into this building. Those plans never materialized and today we have the situation where the CBC has managed to lease some parts of the building, but it’s well-suited to other uses particularly for office, a data processing establishment, a performing arts studio and other non-governmental office uses.”

He continues: “The proposed zoning amendments would allow the idea of the uses throughout the 43,478 square metres. This application expands the range of uses proposed in the 28,478 square metres non-residential gross floor area to include data processing and performing arts studio uses. The 15,000 square metres area would not be changed nor would any of the other CBC uses. Most of the rest of the building is not affected by this—just the 28,478 square metres.”

Lewinberg stated that, “the building can support the needs of data processing establishment, performing arts studio and on-government office uses. The proposed zoning amendment will allow the balance of surplus space to be occupied by these types of uses.”

According to Urban Strategies, project benefits from the by-law amendment would include maximizing the functionality of an underutilized building, attracting additional employment functions and a more diverse employment population, and supporting the overall CBC plan for the broadcasting centre. It would also support city and provincial objectives for employment intensification Downtown while contributing to the John St. corridor revitalization.

Not all citizens at the meeting agreed with the application. Downtown resident Max Allen felt it should be changed. “I think the CBC has a responsibility to contribute to the appearance and vibrancy of the city. The current rezoning proposal says nothing about this. The financial benefits of the rezoning will all go to the CBC and nothing will come to the city.”

Allen continues, “In the initial planning for this six months ago, the CBC said it would change the building face on the ground floor on the south and east sides from its current appearances to a façade that would welcome people to come inside and look around. This plan has evaporated. The CBC now wants to make no changes to the streetscape. The city should require the CBC to stick to its original proposal, which would be a great public benefit. Toronto ought to get something out of this deal.”

City planners will evaluate the proposal and present a report to community council, at which time a public meeting will be scheduled.