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The New NTCI
22 November 2007
The Official Groundbreaking for the new NTCI
For more information see the Tridel Site: Spirit of Success
or Visit the North Toronto redevelopment pages here.
21 November 2007
CTV News report on groundbreaking for new North Toronto Collegiate
20 November 2007
The New North Toronto Collegiate Institute
Work To Start On Condos-School
National Post
Run-down high school gets reno thanks to condos
680 News
Community Consultation Meeting
May 16, 2006
Thursday June 8, 2006
7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Auditorium
70 Roehampton Avenue
North Toronto Collegiate Institute
Planning application for: 70 ROEHAMPTON AVE
Site
The site at 70 Roehampton Avenue is a through-lot with frontages on both Roehampton Avenue and Broadway Avenue. The site is approximately one half block east of Yonge Street and one block north of Eglinton Avenue. The site is currently occupied by North Toronto Collegiate Institute and its associated surface parking lot which front onto Roehampton Avenue. The school's sports field abuts Broadway Avenue on the north side of the site.
Proposal
This application is for the demolition of the existing school and the construction of a new 4-storey school, a full-sized sports field plus track and two residential condominium buildings (24 and 27 storeys in height) containing a total of approximately 538 dwelling units. Parking for 553 cars is proposed to be provided in a 3-level underground garage. The garage is proposed to have access ramps from Broadway and Roehampton Avenues.
Purpose of the Meeting
The meeting will provide an opportunity for the community to have input on this project, view the plans and ask questions. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still make your views known by sending a fax (416) 392-1330 or by writing to Gary Wright, Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, City Planning Division, 18th Floor, East Tower, City Hall, Toronto ON, M5H 2N2.
If you would like further information about the proposal, please contact Tim Burkholder, Planner, at (416) 392-0412.
Councillor Michael Walker will be in attendance at the meeting and may be contacted at (416) 392-7906.
"Attendant Care Services can be made available with some advance notice."
Information and News reports regarding the rebuilding of North Toronto
On November 28, Trustee Matlow hosted a community meeting to view and discuss preliminary plans for the North Toronto redevelopment.
There was only a small turnout, possible because of the poor weather. Most of the design team was present with representation from all groups (including staff, student, alumni, and community representatives). It was stated that during the rezoning process Councillor Walker will be holding 2 more public meetings. The current timeline of the project is to submit the redevelopment for rezoning in January. This process could take a year. The sales period for the condominium development is 14 months. This would allow for the building of the new school to begin in February of 2008. In the contract with Tridel, the new school must begin construction by July 2009.
Some of the concerns included:
the pool
There is a subcommittee looking into the pool and provisions are being made in the design to permit the building of a pool during or after the redevelopment. The real concern is the operating costs of the pool.
Also there was mention of a dedication of the pool when it was built in the 1940/50s - if you have more information on this we would like to know.
the financial details of the Tridel contract
Trustee Matlow promised to look into the matter at the Board level.
The phasing of the construction
The north condominium and the school will likely be built at the same time as, with the south building occuring next. The school would be demolished after the new building is finished and occupied.
November 17, 2005 - The first community meeting for the redevelopment project is Monday, November 28 at 7:00. Click here for the official announcement. We are moving towards the rezoning application.
Of course there have been changes to the location of specialty programs (gym, music, drama, library, auditorium, etc) since the feasibility study. The form and shape of the building have been further developed. However, detailed drawings showing the exact form of the building are still a while away...
Sustainability issues are high on the priority list - there has been discussion of geothermal, solar, green roof, low VOC, and much more...
A new committee has formed to study possibility of a pool in the new design - of course who will pay to build and maintain it are the major obstacles...
One issue that has continued to dog the design committee is how to keep our 4 legged friends from leaving souvenirs for our morning gym classes. This is rumoured to be one of the major problems for facility services (along with wet socks in the elementary schools)
October 26, 2005 - The architects met with the North Toronto staff to go over the basic design plan to date and listen to the staff's concerns. The current desgin is still over the required square footage and therefore will change - however some features include, a triple gym at basement level, Auditorium ("off Broadway") on the main floor, Music and Drama on the main floor, Library on the 2nd floor, the remaining classes on the second, third and fourth floors, a courtyard for light and air, a green roof which may be accessible, and an innovative way of leaving room for future expansion. Some of these elements were present in the Teeple study, but all have changed as the design has progressed. The staff had concerns over parking, the field, and a variety of design elements which will be studied (wind) or have yet to be addressed such as teacher offices and standard classrooms. September 26, 2005 - After an exhaustive set of over a dozen meetings with departments last week, two preliminary options were preseented. These depart from the Teeple feasibility study but feature a "town square" foyer/cafeteria/student space and will be very friendly to community use. Preliminary plans should be unveiled at the next design meeting. NT staff will discuss these plans in late October. If all goes well, a public meeting may be scheduled for November 2005.
Other areas of concern are:
the lack of pool facilities - further high level discussions on this issue will occur before the next meeting.
the "heritage" of the new school and Bill Greer has been retained to help in this regard.
sustainability - the TDSB and Tridel are both very interested in a green solution which may contain a roof garden, solar power and more.
September 12, 2005 - First meeting of the new school year. A review of the Teeple feasibility study and its associated programme showed the programme to be very inadequate for the school. Meetings with departments will be scheduled for next week to address these short comings.
The New North Toronto C. I.
Community Meeting
North Toronto Collegiate Institute
Redevelopment Project Update
Monday, November 28, 2005
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 PM at
North Toronto Collegiate Institute
70 Roehampton Avenue
Auditorium
Hosted by Josh Matlow, Trustee for St. Paul’s
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) invites you to the next North Toronto Collegiate Institute public consultation meeting to be held on November 28, 2005. This meeting will provide an opportunity to present the preliminary plans for the North Toronto CI redevelopment project to the community, and to seek input, respecting the design of the school, residential buildings and underground parking.
Background
Early in 2003, the TDSB approved the replacement of the North Toronto CI facility. On November
27, 2003, the School Board held a public meeting to present a proposed land use concept plan to the community.
On February 19, 2004, a public meeting was held to present the various options considered by the TDSB during its deliberations concerning the future of North Toronto CI, and to invite further community involvement into the decision-making process.
In July 2004, the TDSB issued a Request for Proposal to the Development community for the selection of a development partner, to work with the TDSB in redeveloping the North Toronto CI property and the provision of a new school facility. In consultation with representatives of the Sherwood Park Residents’ Association and as approved by the TDSB, Tridel Builders Inc. have been selected as the development partner for this project.
Working with TDSB staff, North Toronto CI students, North Toronto CI alumni and the Sherwood Park Residents’ Association, Tridel and their project architects have developed preliminary plans
for the new school and the residential buildings.
Please join us on November 28, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at North Toronto Collegiate Institute.
Josh Matlow
Trustee, St. Paul’s
July 18: Tridel to build new North Toronto C.I.
Julie Greco, North Toronto Post
In an overwhelming majority vote, Tridel was approved last month as the new developer for the North Toronto Collegiate property.
The Toronto District School board severed 0.70 acres of its site, near Yonge Street at Eglinton Avenue, and sold it to Tridel for an undisclosed sum. In return, Tridel will construct the new high school and two new high-rise buildings on the site- to be no higher than 27-and 27-storeys repectively, according to a memorandum of understanding reached between the school board and the community.
"A number of factors made them stand out: safety, environmental responsibility, transparency, commitment to the community, the number of OMB visits and their ability to get things done," said St. Paul's trustee Josh Matlow. "Financially, the deal was better for the school board and taxpayers than any other proposal.
A design team is being formed to work with the developer and architects- Carruthers, Shaw and Partners and Burka Varacelli Architects Inc. plans will be subject to city approval.
Classes will go on as usual throughout the development process. The new school will be built facing Broadway Avenue.
July 14: Re-building project approved!
This past Wednesday (July 13) evening at 10:40 the Board of Education approved the re-building project for North Toronto Collegiate.
The re-building of the school was first approved on February 4, 2003. However, Wednesday's meeting solidifies the financial package that makes the re-build possible. The approval was given
in a private session of the Board because of the financial discussion. Trustees Rutledge and
Matlow spoke about the need for the re-build. They pointed out that the academic program
at NT is "second to none" and it was made possible because of the "remarkable teachers." In the
end, one trustee voted against the plan; all others voiced their support.
The development partner will be Tridel and the architects for the school will be Carruthers Shaw
and Partners Limited. The specific architects who will be involved are Paul Cravit (principal) and
Maureen O'Shaughnessy (associate). This is the same firm that built Riverdale and Earl Haig.
The architect for the condos will be Rosario Varacalli (Burka Varacalli architects).
A Deisgn Team will begin discussions shortly. This committee will be composed of staff members,
students, parents, alumni members, members from the community as well as Board staff. The
parent representatives will be School Council co-chairs Eric Miglin and Toby Rosner.
Thanks to former Trustee Shelly Laskin her work at the Board table. Thanks also to Executive Superintendent Sheila Penny, Real Estate Manager Gabriella Sicheri, School Superintendent
Rauda Dickinson and their staff. The chair of the Facilities and Operation Committee, Trustee
Bruce Davis, describes this project as a "model for community development."
This is an exciting time in the history of North Toronto C.I.
April 25, 2005 - GlobalNews segment on the NTCI redevelopment proposal - 4 MB RealVideo
November 23, 2004 - Column by Josh regarding North Toronto Collegiate Institute redevelopment - Josh Matlow, Town Crier
September 17, 2004 - "Proposals" from developers are due at the TDSB. These may or may not include an architect for the school itself.
May, 2004 - In the Spring 2004 NTCI Foundation (Alumni) Newsletter, architect, grad and Foundation Board Member, Paul Raff wrote the following open letter regarding the redevelopment of North Toronto: Click here to view the Foundation Newsletter, Click here to view just the letter. Please distibute this letter!
February 19, 2004 - a community meeting was held at NT to discuss the various options for NTCI - renovating, adding, or rebuilding. The presentation files are available here in their original PowerPoint format or as PDF files. (All file names have been changed.)
The TDSB presentations:
- Introduction - PPT format, PDF format
- Presentation - PPT format, PDF format
- Status Quo - PPT format, PDF format
The Crang and Boake / Teeple Presentations:
- Impact of additional Residential Density - PPT format, PDF format
- Renovation and Addition Options - PPT format, PDF format
January 22, 2004 - the Toronto Preservation Board considered a city proposal to add North Toronto to their list of heritage properties. The city proposal requested that the south and east façades of the existing building be preserved. The TDSB presented a report that they had commissioned noted Historical Architect Bill Greer to write. TDSB Executive Superintendent Sheila Penny presented the argument that the north façade as far more architecturally significant. Ms. Penny stated that the north façade was part of the original 1912 structure while the other sides of the building were added later as imitations of the original. She made the case that the existing building needed to be replaced and that the north façade should be part of the new structure.
The North Toronto Collegiate School Council/Parents' Association also made a deputation at the meeting of the Preservation Board. School Council Co-Chair Beth Brown and Community Representative Shelley Laskin spoke about the need to replace the existing building to better meet the needs of the next generation of students. Also in attendance were Principal Ashley Waltman, NTCI retired teacher and school archivist Nancy Baines, teachers Carole Whelan and Marion Lord, NTCI alumnus and historical journalist Mike Filey and architect Steven Teeple.
The Toronto Preservation Board approved adding NTCI to the list of architecturally significant buildings. They stated that they recognized that there was a need for an improved facility that may require that the existing building be demolished. They hoped that one of the existing façades could be maintained or replicated in the new structure.
Included below are the two reports (City of Toronto Report and the TDSB Report (Greer Report)) that were made to the Committee.
To see the pictures that accompanied the Greer report Click Here
The Greer Report
City of Toronto Staff Report
November 27, 2003 - The community meeting was held at NT today from 7 pm until about 10 pm. The evening consisted of opening statements by (sorry I will correct spellings later) Rauda Dickinson (Superintendent), Shelly Laskin (outgiong trustee), Michael Walker (City Councillor), Josh Matlow (incoming trustee), Sheila Penny (superintendent), Steve Teeple (architect - concept plan). This was followed by tours hosted by students and a question and answer period. There were many reporters and I assume many newspaper articles will be written. Please check the "In The News" link to your left for all newspaper articles found by the Google News Alert system relating to the school.
November 26, 2003 - A search on the TDSB website will find documents like this which contains a little background on what has happened to date: North Toronto CI - Disposition of Surplus Real Property and
November 18, 2003 - The NTCI Foundation approved the e-mail to all alumni on the e-mail list which includes links to these two views (in pdf format) on the revitalization project:
Letter from a group known as the "Friends of NTCI" (now includes all names of supporters (Nov 19) - sorry 1 MB in size)
Response from Sheila Penny, TDSB
Please feel free to re-distribute both letters. If you cannot read the pdf files, please e-mail me (web page staff advisor) and I can send you the text or Word files.
November 13, 2003 - The information session was moved to Nov 27 in the NT auditorium at 7 pm. For more information: http://ntci.on.ca/news.php?id=158. The TDSB information flyer can be downloaded from here.
October 9, 2003 - A very important information session on the project will be held in the school auditorium on November 5, 2003 (originally scheduled for October 14) at 7:00. An e-mail to parents was sent out - this can be viewed here.
Sept 26, 2003 - It appears that Peter Kuitenbrouwer of the National Post has declared war on the re-build of the school - In his recent article Yonge-Eglinton may be site of 45-storey condo towers on Sept 23 he describes a pair of 45 story condos as the plan for the school. He seems to have choosen the most contentious of the concepts which have been prepared to woo developers into the project. Perhaps it is good to get the attention of the community before the Oct 14th Public meeting regarding the school's construction; however, in his previous piece of September 15, he complains that school is simply in need of repair.
While personally as an alumnus, I agree with Peter Choi's('95) words in the article: "It was all about the building." - I have a picture of the building from 1912 on one of my web pages and recall talking backstage with the grad stage crew about how things haven't changed. As a teacher, I feel a little differently when I think of a larger science lab, an elevator, full disabled access, parking for all staff members, a real gym (or 3), a full football field (I was watching game tape today and thinking how great it would be to have home games at home) - but we would lose the pool, the creaky floors and all that history.
See you October 14th to see how this plays out...
Sept 11, 2003 - October 14 is the next public meeting at NTCI regarding the new school (time and room TBA). This summer saw some restoration work on the building's facade. Toronto Life had an article on decaying schools including NT. The Town Crier had a short feature in the September issue. There maybe an article in the National Post on September 15.
June 20, 2003 - Globe and Mail article "School gets a lesson in the value of land"
Click on this link
June 16, 2003 - Heads Mtg
The concept study was due into the TDSB today. Lorne Smith outlined the details of this concept. A general suggested layout was presented which included details as outlined below (June 4). The layout included 3 approx 30 story condo towers at 3 sites - adjacent to the new NT (far NE corner off Broadway), in current NT parking lot (SE corner off Roehampton), and above the French Catholic School (green P location SW of present school). There were 3 parking lot entrance shown - at Broadway (at the present drive way), at the Green P, at the present exit the NT lot. To verify there was enough space in the NE corner for the new NT - a very preliminary plan of the school was created that has a full auditorium, 3 gyms, and the school on 4 floors (no basement).
June 4, 2003 - Steve Teeple visits NT staff Meeting.
The during the feasibility study, Teeple has met with student and staff representatives before developing a number of concept plans. Most concepts see NT built on the NE corner of the field, a full size field running North-South, the French Catholic school on the existing green P parking area and a condominium development in the SE corner of the property. These concepts plans will be used to bring a developer into the project. Ashley Waltman mentioned that staff involvement in the design process would run in March to December of 2004.
May 16, 2003 - The Board received 11 submissions for their Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a feasibility study for a mixed-use development on the North Toronto Collegiate property. Six firms were recommended for the interview process that occurred on May 7th. The Supervisor has accepted the recommendation that Teeple Architects/Crang and Boake be awarded the contract. The lead architect, Steve Teeple, will be part of a design team that begins its work this Wednesday.
May 12, 2003 - The Board Committee has recommended an architecture firm to complete the concept plan for the school. (This is not the architect for the building.) That recommendation is going to the Supervisor this Friday. The successful candidate will begin meeting with a design team starting next week. NT staff will be represented by Emila Brittain, Lorne Smith and Carole Whelan.
Feb 11, 2003 - Re-building of NTCI approved.
On Tuesday, February 11th, a press release from the Toronto District School Board will indicate that Supervisor Christie has approved the School Facilities Revitalization Master Plan. We are very pleased to announce that the re-building of North Toronto Collegiate Institute, on land adjacent to the current building, is included as part of this plan. North Toronto Collegiate has provided an exceptional learning environment for students since 1912. With this new facility, we look forward to continuing the fine tradition of excellence well into the new century.
The Toronto District School Board has made a commitment to maintain the existing building while the new facility is constructed. The needs of North Toronto Collegiate students will continue to be met in the present facility until the new building opens. This is scheduled to occur in September, 2006.
In the interim, we will ensure that there is regular two-way communication about the construction process and the specific plans, as they evolve, for the new building.
Feb 3, 2003 - NEW BUILDING NEWS
Recommendation #14 of the TDSB Five-year School Facilities Revitalization Master Plan reads: "A 1700 pupil-place replacement facility, shared by TDSB and the French Catholic District School Board on the North Toronto Collegiate Institute site be constructed through a Joint Use Development along with private funding at an estimated total cost of $34,000,000, with an anticipated cost to TDSB of approximately $14,000,000, for school occupancy September 2006." In addition, the following amendments were introduced by Trustee Shelley Laskin.
1. THAT immediately following the Supervisor's approval of this recommendation a Design Team for the North Toronto Collegiate Institute replacement facility be struck involving members of the N.T.C.I. community including, but not limited to, representatives from students, staff, administration, alumni and local residents;
2. THAT the excellent educational opportunities for students that N.T.C.I. currently provides continue at the current site through the duration of the rebuild;
3. THAT the current building be maintained to an acceptable standard through the construction period;
4. THAT the replacement facility grounds include improved green space area and if possible, a regulation-size football field and track;
5. THAT discussions be held with the City of Toronto Parking Authority to inquire as to the possibility of incorporating the neighbouring surface parking lot into the facility rebuild project;
6. THAT the new replacement facility be a stand-alone school site and not part of a residential development; and
7. THAT the development agreement be brought back to Trustees for approval at an appropriate time.
Approval was received for this item, so the original recommendation plus these amendments will go the Supervisor for his consideration.
Jan 23, 2003
Shelley Laskin sent out the following letter to all grade 8 parents in Ward 11:
Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 8 students:
Re: North Toronto Collegiate Institute Rebuild Project
As you may have heard, the Toronto District School Board Facilities staff presented their report TDSB SCHOOL FACILITIES REVITALIZATION MASTER PLAN (SFRMP) at a trustee's meeting on 9 January 2003. Within that report is a recommendation to Supervisor Paul Christie to approve a plan to rebuild North Toronto Collegiate Institute as a joint-use project with the French Catholic District School Board and a developer. The proposed date for completion of the project is September 2006.
The new secondary school would have a capacity of l200 for North Toronto C.I. and 500 pupil spaces for the French Catholic Board. The total cost is estimated at $34M with the TDSB's share at $l4M. The reason this school has been chosen for replacement is its location on the Yonge St. corridor and on the subway line. There is a critical need for secondary pupil places in the former North York, a need for underground parking in the area and the French Catholic Board's need for a new secondary school to serve students in the area.
As you consider all the options available to your child to continue their educational experience in TDSB schools, please know that the excellent education opportunities that North Toronto C.I. currently provides WILL CONTINUE at the current site through the duration of the rebuild. Furthermore, the Board has committed to maintain the current building through the construction period. Please disregard any rumours to the contrary.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding any one of the great schools in our area, do not hesitate to call me. Please note the deadline for optional attendance is February 3, 2003.
A more thorough analysis of the SFRMP is available on my page on the Board website www.tdsb.on.ca or for complete details see Report No. 09/02/l57.
Jan 14, 2003
At the School Council Meeting and the Staff Meeting the following day, Trustee Shelley Laskin presented the rationale behind the rebuild proposal and reminded us that the proposal goes for approval on January 29th. At this stage the proposal is a "recommendation" to the Supervisor (Christie). Currently, the proposal (recommendation) is for a 1700 pupil place facility shared by the TDSB (NT 1200 students) and French Catholic DSB (500 students). NTCI would NOT close at any time. Students would move from the existing building to the new building upon completion. No portion of the site will be sold. Green space should not be decreased. Other details on the nature of the development are unknown. Trustee Laskin emphasized that condo or retail use are not currently in the works and that no developer/partner has been selected at this time.
Other interesting facts - NTCI's physical plant was ranked among the 31 worst in the TDSB (along with Northern Secondary). There is no funding for capital projects from the Ministry of Education; money for this project is from the sale and lease of TDSB properties such as 155 College St.
This recommendation will be discussed at the next Ward Forum on Tuesday, January 28 at 7:15 in West Prep Jr PS. Trustee Laskin is looking forward to hearing our comments and taking them to the trustee meeting on January 29th.
Jan. 8, 2003
A Toronto Star article states that the TDSB is recommending "Levelling North Toronto Collegiate, near Yonge St. and Eglinton Ave., and replacing it with a joint-use facility that would be shared with the French Catholic District School Board. Although Penny wouldn't comment on the specifics of the plan, she admitted the property located near the subway line is prime real estate ripe for development. Earlier media reports suggested North Toronto students would move into the lower levels of a condo or office development on that land and a French Catholic school would be built where the playing field stands. The total cost of that venture would be about $34 million with $14 million coming out of the board's budget. The new facility would be open in September, 2006."
November 21, 2002
A Globe and Mail article reports that the TDSB "is considering joining forces with a commercial developer to rebuild a high school because it can't afford to repair the existing structure."
Read the full article by clicking here
North Toronto High School was founded in 1910 and was originally housed in the North Toronto Town Hall
The present school, North Toronto Collegiate Institute, was completed in 1912 (the same year that the town of North Toronto became part of the City of Toronto). Notice that it is 2 stories. (Plans for the 100th anniversary of the school are already underway.)
A third story was soon added. Other additions include the math (east) wing, and later in the 60's the west wing, consisting of the science rooms, cafeteria and auditorium.
Here are 2 recent pictures of the school (Nov 19) and an aerial view of the school from the 70's. The boarding was installed several years ago over concern of falling concrete. Last year camera crews from CTV had a tour of the school and documented some of the problems.
More pictures from the school's past can be seen on the 90th Anniversary pages linked from the Alumni (Foundation) page.
Nov 19, 2002
Principal, Ashley Waltman, announced to teachers, students and parents of the rebuild project. We were informed that the new school would be completed by September 2006 on the Broadway side and the existing school would remain open until June 2006. Staff was informed of these plans on Monday, Nov 18. Students were informed during morning announcements on Tuesday, November 19th and parents on Tuesday at the School Council Meeting and by our e-mail notification system.
All information on this page has been entered by Mark Kinoshita (NT staff & grad '82) Courtesy of www.ntci.on.ca
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