A local psychiatrist accused of running a clinic out of her residence without appropriate zoning has been denied a permit to continue practising from her home.
Earlier in the spring, at least one neighbour voiced concerns about Dr. Mary McLean’s practice, which he believed was causing unnecessary traffic on Saintfield Avenue, a residential street near Lawrence Avenue East and The Bridle Path.
“Patients start coming at 7:30 a.m.,” one neighbour, who didn’t want his name used, told the Post previously. “They come on weekends and holidays. It’s just non-stop traffic.”
At the time, McLean denied the traffic claim and said her practice was not disruptive
“There’s just the one cab every hour,” she said. “Long-term neighbours say it doesn’t affect them at all, and they’re not concerned.”
McLean applied for a minor variance, and the matter was addressed at a City of Toronto, North York Panel, Committee of Adjustment meeting in September, where her application was denied.
McLean’s husband, James McLean, said they have yet to receive written notice of the committee’s decision.
“My understanding is that there is a period of roughly two weeks, during which you can decide whether or not to appeal,” he said. “But until we have received that notification, we are unable to comment.”
Prosecution against the practice is currently being initiated by the city, but Jackie Arsenault, acting supervisor with the City of Toronto Licensing and Standards Committee, said charges may or may not be laid.
“The officer is compiling information and evidence to forward to our office,” she said. “Only once it’s been reviewed, will we decide whether or not to press charges. Charges may or may not be warranted.”