"But under the proposed changes to the city's official plan, they'll lose that exemption, meaning homeowners who want to install a pool will need to go to the local committee of adjustment and request what's known as a minor variance. That's an expensive, risky process, according to urban planner Sean Galbraith of Sean Galbraith and Associates. Most homeowners will need to hire a professional planner to appear on their behalf at the committee, which he estimates will cost $6,000 to $8,000."
"It essentially makes pools illegal on many, many lots across the city," said Etobicoke Centre Coun. Stephen Holyday. "In many ways, this reports put trees before people." According to current city rules, only 50 per cent of every backyard in Toronto is permitted to contain "hard landscaping" such like decks and backyard sheds, which do not absorb water. Pools are exempt because they're considered to be soft, water-permeable landscaping."
Toronto staff propose changes to the official plan to protect and enhance backyard trees, including strict new limits on swimming pools. Current rules allow only 50 per cent of each backyard to be hard landscaping and exempt pools as water-permeable features. Removing the pool exemption would force homeowners to apply for a minor variance from the committee of adjustment. Urban planners warn the variance process is costly and risky, often requiring a professional planner at estimated costs of $6,000–$8,000. Councillors and staff frame the change as prioritizing tree health, citing potential tree injury from pools.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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