Figure 1: 1200 University Avenue West c. 1930s (Source: Internationalmetrolpolis.com)

MG Butler operated a hardware and industrial supply operation at 1220 University Avenue West from approximately 1951 until 2011 (i.e. the building located on the west side of the property and closet to the street). The building was renovated between 2012 and 2014 with plans for use as a restaurant and greenhouse, which did not materialize. 1200 University Avenue West was used as a roller skating rink, goods distribution, contractors office, and restaurant between 1949 and 2011 (i.e. the building on the east side of the site and set back from University Avenue). Both buildings are currently vacant. A building formerly located on north part of the property was occupied by manufacturing uses from the 1950s to 1980. It was demolished in 1987.

An Environmental Site Assessment Grant application under the Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan (CIP) was approved by Council via CR186/2019 on April 15, 2019. The grant reimburses 50% of cost of Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment work (e.g. soil and groundwater sampling). A Tax Assistance and Rehabilitation Grant application under the Brownfield CIP was approved by Council via CR55/2020 on February 3, 2020. The grants provide tax cancellation and annual grants to offset costs related to environmental remediation, filing a record of site condition, site servicing, and development and permit fees.

The rezoning application was scheduled to be considered at the August 10 th meeting of the Development and Heritage Standing Committee. Public notice of the meeting was provided however the application was removed from the agenda at the applicant’s request and no decision was rendered by the standing committee. The proposed development plan was modified to include two storeys of structured parking under the