City Council to decide on heritage alteration and partial demolition at 1497 and 1501 Queen Street West for Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre expansion
Toronto City Council will consider approving an application under the Ontario Heritage Act to alter two designated heritage properties on Queen Street West and demolish some heritage attributes of the 1501 Queen Street West building. The project would allow Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre to expand with a new seven- to ten-storey mixed-use building behind partially retained historic facades, adding affordable housing and community services. Heritage Planning staff have recommended approval, saying the conservation strategy appropriately mitigates heritage impacts.
not yet heardToronto City Council · Wed, Jul 29You can weigh inProvince decides
Residents may depute at the council meeting or contact their ward councillor before the vote if they wish to comment on the heritage alteration and the proposed expansion of PARC.
Why is this story here?
Big deal at city hallThe decision permits partial demolition and reconstruction of a designated heritage building and authorizes entry into a heritage easement agreement. It is also tied to an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment, which together expand what is permitted on the site and constrain future flexibility. The alteration is permanent and difficult to reverse, and the easement runs with the land.Touches a narrow groupThe project affects residents and businesses in the Parkdale neighbourhood, particularly those who use or live in the area near Queen Street West and Beaty Avenue. The expansion of PARC and addition of affordable housing units serves a recognized group, but the immediate impact is localized to one block and one organization's operations.
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Official title: 1497 and 1501 Queen Street West - Alterations to Designated Heritage Properties and Demolition of Heritage Attributes on a Designated Heritage Property under Sections 33 and 34(1)1 of the Ontario Heritage Act and Authority to Enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement · meeting video