Motion for Mechanisms Available to Stopping Adult Entertainment in Ward 6
June 23, 2008
NOTICE OF MOTION
Mechanisms available to stop the establishment of Private Swingers Clubs, and Adult Entertainment Parlours on Lake Shore Boulevard West, between Legion Road and 43rd Street, on Browns Line, between Lake Shore Boulevard West and Evans Avenue, and on Evans Avenue, between Browns Line and Islington Avenue. (Ward 6, Etobicoke-Lakeshore)
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Moved by: |
Councillor Grimes |
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Seconded by: |
Councillor Moscoe |
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SUMMARY:
Lake Shore Boulevard West has undergone tremendous changes in the last few years with young families moving into the area and calling Etobicoke-Lakeshore their homes.
Several community groups and elected officials are working together to improve the image of the Lake Shore Boulevard West. There have been several studies undertaken, such as Mimico 20/20, the Longbranch Avenue Study and Business Investment Attraction to study the framework of the Lake Shore in South Etobicoke and to understand the residents’ view of their image for the Lake Shore.
The studies and consultation with the community groups have concluded that the Lakeshore community has tremendous potential. However, recently the area has seen a backward trend with the introduction of sex-clubs. The allowance of such clubs in residential neighbourhoods is quite contrary to our image of the Lakeshore community.
In May 2008, the owner of 2847 Lake Shore Boulevard West renewed an Adult Entertainment Parlour license. Following this renewal, a private members’ club Menage- A-Quad has opened at the address 2816 Lake Shore Blvd W. The purpose of this club is to allow swingers and consenting adults to engage in multi-partner sexual acts.
Furthermore another licensed entertainment facility has been operating on the Lakeshore. Club HERS Night Club at 3166 Lake Shore Boulevard West which is also operating as a swingers club.
Current zoning laws on Lake Shore Boulevard West allow the operation of Adult Entertainment Parlours; however, they do not include conditions for their proximity to residence, schools, other businesses or facilities.
Both businesses are in close proximity with the residential community, Father John Redmond Catholic High School, Lakeshore Collegiate, Early Childhood Learning Centre, Senior’s Residence and many small businesses.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That the City Manager in consultation with the Chief of Police, City Planning, Toronto Buildings, Public Health, Fire Services and Municipal Licensing and Standards act on the mechanisms available to stop the establishment of entertainment facilities and private clubs whose main focus of business is operating a “swingers club.”
2. That the City Manager in consultation with the Chief of Police, City Planning, Toronto Buildings, Public Health, Fire Services and Municipal Licensing and Standards act on the mechanisms available to stop the re-issuing of licenses to adult entertainment parlours that have not operated specifically as such on a continual basis.
Date: June 23, 2008