237, 249 and 251-253 Victoria Street; Official Plan Amendment application; approval recommended

housing

237, 249 and 251-253 Victoria Street; Official Plan Amendment application; approval recommended

City staff recommend approval of an Official Plan Amendment to permit a 24-storey mixed-use building with 256 dwelling units and 416 square metres of non-residential space at 237 Victoria Street. The application also secures a block plan through a Site and Area Specific Policy for the larger 237-253 Victoria Street properties, setting tower location, height limits, and setback requirements. Ronald McDonald House, which has operated on the site for years, would continue as part of the proposal.

not yet heardToronto City Council · Wed, Jul 29

Who did what

Councillor Dianne Saxe (Ward 11, University-Rosedale) movedMoved approval of the application

From the floor

“The proposal conserves and thoughtfully respects the heritage base building while introducing three towers on the site, 65, 96, and 75 stories. This vertically integrates new housing, retail spaces, child care, and a boutique hotel, and also includes the 100% replacement flora area for existing rental units totaling 260 rental replacement units.”GWL Realty Advisors, the applicant

“Staff have reviewed the proposal, including the potential impacts on sewer capacity, TTC infrastructure, and are satisfied that the technical studies submitted with the application demonstrate that these impacts can be appropriately accommodated.”City staff

“You've heard the deputants loud and clear about the enormous crowding in the area. Why do you think there is adequate infrastructure in this area to support so many new people when it's already very crowded?”A councillor

The journey

Wed, Jul 8 · Toronto and East York Community Council · adopted

Wed, Jul 29 · Toronto City Council · not yet heard

Decision

Approved by committee. Moved by Councillor Saxe. All those in favor; motion carried.

On video

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Why is this story here?

Big deal at city hallThe decision locks in zoning and Official Plan policy for a large downtown mixed-use site, with permanent setbacks and tower placement constraints that will shape the site for decades. The loss of 210 existing rental units (replaced with 216) and the alteration of the College Park Heritage building are significant. Hard to reverse without serious cost and political capital.Felt nowThe proposal directly affects residents of the site (those being displaced), workers who use the Ronald McDonald House facilities, transit users at College Station (already crowded per deputants), and nearby residents in a high-density downtown area. The infrastructure strain, schools, transit, water, touches multiple groups now.

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Official title: 237, 249 and 251-253 Victoria Street - Official Plan Amendment Application - Decision Report - Approval · meeting video