LATEST STATEMENT FROM LAUREL BROTEN, MPP ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010

“The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) staff has conducted a site visit at 51 Lake Shore Drive and is still in the process of reviewing the file and associated documentation. Other government agencies (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, City of Toronto) have provided MNR with some additional information on the subject property that is being reviewed as part of the process. District staff continues to discuss the file with the Office of the Surveyor General. In this particular case, it is difficult to determine a Crown/private boundary along the shoreline with over 100 years of historic activities and alterations since the 1909 plan of subdivision was prepared.

My office has been asked whether there is a policy in place with regard to the sale of crown waterfront land to developers for private residential development. We have followed up with the Ministry and been advised that, generally, MNR may consider disposing of filled Crown land to any backshore property owner subject to applicable policies and procedures. Any concerns related to future development of the site are dealt with through the municipal planning process and the Planning Act. MNR has no role in the municipal process regarding any future development of the property.

We are continuing to monitor MNR’s assessment and will ensure that the community is made aware should we be advised of any decision made on the ownership of the lake front land at 51 Lake Shore Drive. We will continue to work with Councillor Grimes’ office and to advise the community as soon as possible should any decision be made to sell provincially owned crown land.”

Laurel Broten. MPP

Etobicoke-Lakeshore