The Swansea Area Ratepayers Association (SARA) relies on the generosity of its members through donations, supporting memberships, and an annual fundraiser, with no other source of funding.
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About SARA
The SARA Executive is composed of dedicated volunteers who provide leadership and direction to the Association.
SWANSEA MEWS RETURNING RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS DESERVE BETTER FROM THE CITY!
The city’s proposal for redevelopment on the Mews site CONTINUES to FAIL to address concerns of returning residents and community members.
Many members of the community spoke at the Planning and Housing Committee Meeting on Feb. 26th. See video recording below
The Swansea Mews Rezoning proposal was passed, it will now go before City council on March 11th. Please voice your concerns with all city council members. More contact information will be provided.
Meeting comments made by Councilors and Planners:
- City claimed all units are affordable: 100,000 people on affordable housing waitlist-only 154 units will be RGI the other 600 -700 will be market value. Market value is not affordable housing. RGI is affordable housing and coop is more affordable than rental.
- City claimed there was public consultation: the consultations were unilateral without considering returning residents or community concerns.
- City claimed they can build a 35 story building above a 2.46m water table. How? No details provided.
🏛️ Committee of Adjustments
Swansea is a highly desirable neighbourhood, attracting developers eager to maximize profits. Many development applications presented to the Committee of Adjustments (COA) seek to push zoning bylaws beyond reasonable limits—often aiming for oversized homes or dense apartments on small lots.
This puts constant pressure on our community’s character and livability due to increased building heights and floor space.
🌿 SARA Commitment: SARA is deeply committed to protecting Swansea’s unique identity and quality of life. We actively monitor every minor variance application that comes before the COA. When appeals take place, we also advocate at the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) and the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).
💡 Our Role: We advocate strongly and responsibly on behalf of Swansea residents, ensuring development is appropriate, respectful of community values, and enhances—rather than undermines—our neighbourhood.
🏘️ Community Projects
🏠 Housing and Development
Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON)
Monitoring provincial proposals for laneway houses, garden suites, and multiplexes.
SARA Action: We monitor developments, engage with policymakers, and advocate for community interests to ensure responsible and balanced growth.
🏢 Major Streets Intensification
Townhouses and small apartments along major streets can create more housing and foster walkable communities.
SARA Action: We analyze policy impacts, inform neighbours, and advocate for sustainable, community-focused intensification.
📑 Site Plan Approval Speed-up
Streamlining development approvals to reduce delays and costs.
SARA Action: We track approvals, support transparency, and ensure developments meet community standards.
📝 Pre-Application Consultations (PAC)
Developers meet with City staff before formal submission.
SARA Action: We participate in or review PAC processes, provide input on behalf of neighbours, and raise community concerns early.
🏗️ Swansea Mews Update (2026)
City Planning has advanced a multi-tower redevelopment of Swansea Mews without meaningful community consultation.
SARA Action: Monitoring the project and advocating for proper consultation and compliance with the Swansea Secondary Plan.
🏙️ City Planning and Policy
📘 Official Plan for Toronto (Our Plan Toronto)
Guides city growth for the next 30 years, covering land use, housing, employment, parks, and services.
SARA Action: We review and provide feedback on planning initiatives, educate neighbours, and ensure policies consider local community interests.
⚖️ Zoning By-law Simplification & Modernization
Updates to reduce confusion, align regulations, and modernize land-use rules.
SARA Action: We monitor zoning changes, engage with city staff, and advocate for clarity and fairness in local regulations.
🌳 Official Plan Amendment 528 (OPA 528)
Allows limited exceptions to selling or repurposing City-owned parks and green spaces.
SARA Action: We track proposed amendments, inform neighbours of potential impacts, and advocate to protect public green spaces.
🪧 Swansea Heritage Signs
🪧 Swansea Heritage Signs
Plaques highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Swansea locations.
SARA Action: We promote heritage awareness, support preservation initiatives, and engage the community in celebrating local history.
🎉 Swansea Town Hall Centennial
Celebrating 100 years with community partnerships and fundraising.
SARA Action: We coordinate community events, support fundraising, and encourage neighbour participation to celebrate local heritage.
🚦 Streets and Public Consultations
🚸 Avenue Study City Consultation
Focus on safety, mobility, and streetscape improvements along Avenue Road.
SARA Action: We attend consultations, collect community feedback, and advocate for safe, accessible, and neighbour-friendly street improvements.
🛍️ Bloor Street West Avenue Study
Guides development while maintaining the Bloor West Village character.
SARA Action: We monitor study progress, represent local interests, and advocate for balanced growth while preserving community character.