DEVELOPMENT
City of Toronto Planning Department – Development Website
View development projects and planning applications at www.toronto.ca/planning/development applications

PROPOSALS 

10-14 Prince Arthur Avenue

As at June 2010, no further details available.

Proposal:  8-9 storey terraced condominium.

See May 2009 Report for GYRA's April 2009 position statement to the Toronto Preservation Board.

On 23 April 2009 the Toronto Preservation Board concurred with Planning staff's recommendation that the application be refused.  Board member Councillor Adam Vaughan argued that HCD status has to be respected, and that other developers would plan similar projects in other HCD areas.  

GYRA position statement sent to Toronto & East York Community Council on 08 May 2009 stating the proposal is inconsistent with the scale of the physical and heritage characteristics of Prince Arthur Avenue, and, if approved, would compromise the integrity of the East Annex Heritage Conservation District, and will encourage developers to disregards HCD guidelines in other parts of the City. It was learned in December 2009 that the developer and opponents will enter into mediation to find an acceptable compromise.

                               
192A Bloor Street West "McDonald's" – Exhibit Definitive Residences
As at June 2010, no further details available.
Bazis International (21 Balmuto Street Crystal Blu 35-storey condo) will build on the site.  For details: www.bazisinternational.com


APPROVED DEVELOPMENTS

21 Avenue Road, Menkes, (Old Four Seasons)

For development details refer to February 2010 and May 2010 Report for GYRA OMB Participant's statement.

The OMB decision delivered on 18 May 2010 ruled in favour of the developer to construct a 127 and 133 metre condominium tower.  The OMB member wrote:

"I do not accept the arguments made by the Ontario Legislative Assembly (OLA) in relation to the Official Plan.  When I dissect those arguments and take into account the planning evidence of the Developer, I am quite satisfied that the proposed development is in conformity with the City OP.

 

There were four individuals who came forward on behalf of ratepayer groups.   They too were opposed to the proposal and supported the OLA position.  Essentially their evidence mirrored the evidence presented by the OLA.

 

When I review all of the evidence, and the Final Proposal approved by Council, I am simply not persuaded that City Council's decision in this matter was wrong.  That conclusion is further reinforced by the position adopted by the Minister of Culture in January of this year which cannot be overlooked.  In response to a Toronto Star editorial relating to the proposal and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Building, the Minister, stated in part:

 

'The buildings proposed for Avenue Road north of Bloor St are not the first, nor likely will they be the last.  Development of this vital portion of the City centre will be determined by the planning decisions of the City of Toronto.

 

The silhouette is not pristine nor is it imperative to the heritage preservation of the Legislative Building that it be so.  Viewshed is only one of many considerations in heritage preservation.  The Legislature is well defined by the boulevard of University Avenue for many blocks to the south and well protected by the parkland and open portion of University Avenue to the north.'

 

Based on the foregoing, the proposal in my view, is consistent with the PPS, does not offend any provisions of the Planning Act and conforms with the Growth Plan and City OP.  Accordingly the ZBA and OPA are hereby approved."

The decision was a huge disappointment to Speaker Steve Peters and to all the residents' associations who appeared at OMB in support of the OLA.   Mr Peters appealed to the Ontario Government to intervene to protect the viewshed.  NDP Leader Andrea Horwath joined in with the following question reported in Instant Hansard:

Heritage conservation – INSTANT HANSARD 

May 20, 2010

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is to the Acting Premier. Ontarians feel a very strong connection to Queen’s Park and this legislative building. They see this place as a reflection of democracy and a place that belongs to all of them. So why has the McGuinty government stood quietly by while the OMB approved a super high-rise condo development on Bloor Street, which will cast an ugly blight over the view of this historic Legislature?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky: Yes, that will go to the Minister of Tourism and Culture.

 Hon. Michael Chan: Thank you very much for the question. Our government is committed to protect heritage and heritage sites across the province. Speaker, let me read a statement here, through you, to the honourable member: “The primary Legislative building is a listed property and is not an Ontario Heritage Act-designated property. It is listed on the register of properties of cultural heritage value or interest maintained by Toronto, pursuant to section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act.” Since 2005 we have strengthened the Ontario Heritage Act and we believe the best decision will be local government’s, which is the municipal government.

 The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?

 Ms. Andrea Horwath: Last fall, the NDP urged the Ministers of Culture and of Municipal Affairs to take some action on this very serious issue. While the Speaker’s office and individual members spoke out against the development, the McGuinty government refused—refused—to even participate in the Ontario Municipal Board hearing. New Democrats are prepared, at this moment, to support legislation to protect the view and heritage of Ontario’s Legislature. We all know that a heritage building includes the views and the vistas of any said property. What we’re prepared to do includes consenting to legislation that would have swift passage in this Legislature, if the government is prepared to bring such a bill forward. My question is simple: Is the McGuinty government prepared, finally, to do the right thing and—

 The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Minister?

 Hon. Michael Chan: Thank you for the question. Again, we believe the municipality is in the best position to make decisions about local heritage sites. Let me repeat: This is why in 2005 we strengthened the Ontario Heritage Act: to hand these municipalities the tools they need to protect heritage sites in their community. We believe this is the best decision and this is why we strengthened the act in 2005.

 The latest news from Queen's Park is that New Democrat Rosario Marchese will introduce a private member's bill that would overrule the OMB decision. 

One Bloor (1 Bloor Street East)

In March 2010 Great Gulf Homes launched the sale of units in their 65-storey, 690-unit condominium tower to buyers who purchased in the former Bazis project.

The concourse, ground floor and second floor levels of the podium will feature a total of 100,000 square feet of retail space fronting Bloor and Yonge Streets.  A retail lined interior pedestrian walkway will link Yonge Street to the TTC subway entrance at 33 Bloor Street East at ground level.

The podium will feature residential units with large terraces on levels 3 thru 6.  Some of level 6 and all of level 7 will house the spa recreation club.

The building's dramatic exterior features balconies which run in sweeping curves up the tower.  The fritted glass balconies give way to expose floor-to-ceiling curtainwall windows in a flowing band on each side.

Suites will feature 9-foot ceilings and Cecconi Simone designed cabinetry in gourmet kitchens and luxurious bathrooms.  The suites are grouped in four sections:

Podium   Floors 3 to 6

Silver   Floors 8 thru 38 with 12 units per floor

Gold   Floors 39 thru 59 with 10 units per floor

Platinum  Floors 60 thru 65 with 6 units per floor

 Source: One Bloor East website

Cumberland Terrace, Oxford Properties, 2 Bloor Street West

In February 2010 City Council approved the following application:

YONGE TOWER: A 36-storey, 125.3 metres including mechanical penthouse, 196 unit, apartment building at the corner of Yonge and Cumberland Streets, with floor plate size ranging from 523 to 604 square metres.

CUMBERLAND TOWER (Balmuto Vista View): A 48-storey, 162.0 metres including mechanical penthouse, 340 unit, apartment building located mid-block on Cumberland Street, with floor plate size ranging from 671 to 978 square metres.

PODIUM BUILDING: The two towers will rise from a seven-storey 24.4 metre podium building, which will include commercial space at street level and four levels of parking above and 20 "rooftop villas" at the corner of By and Cumberland Streets.  The podium will also include rooftop gardens and outdoor amenity space for residents.

PARKING: The parking levels will be screened by architectural and "green wall" elements to conceal the parking use from pedestrians.  Access to residents' parking will be roughly midway along the south side of Cumberland.  Loading and servicing areas are proposed to be located within the interior of the block, to be accessed  by the existing Mayfair Mews Lane. 

SECTION 37 COMMUNITY BENEFIT: The contribution of $500,000.00 will be dedicated to the Bloor-Yorkville BIA's Bloor Street Transformation Project.

 Source: Toronto Planning Staff Report 25/01/2010

The 28-storey condominium building, including a 4-storey podium, 166 units and 165 parking spots in five underground levels, accessible from McMurrich Street, was approved by City Council in October 2009.  Section 37 Agreement secured:

• $550,000.00 be paid prior to the issuance of the first above-grade permit towards the Greater Yorkville Residents' Association (GYRA) Yorkville Greening Initiative
• $15,000.00 to be paid prior to the issuance of the first above-grade permit towards the Yorkville Lending Library's Centenary Project
• $335,000.00 to be paid prior to the issues of the first above-grade permit towards capital improvements at Budd Sugarman Park and Ramsden Park

Milan Condominiums 815 Church Street
37-storey mainly glass building with 322 units.  One-bedroom 577-682 sq ft, Two-bedroom 777-907 sq ft, Two-bedroom + Den ranging from 802-1,319 sq ft and 3-Bedroom 1,192 sq ft.   $389,000 for 577 sq ft to $724,900 for 998 sq ft.   The Milan Club fitness and entertainment centre includes weight and fitness room aerobics room, indoor pool, saunas, home theatre, card room, billiards room and library.   Fees 42 cents per sq ft + hydro.  About 35% sold.  

St Basil's Schoolhouse 34-38 Hazelton Avenue
An application for "a partial 7-storey, 30 unit condominium building that includes the alteration of the existing designated schoolhouse building with the introduction of a new addition to the rear and partially above the retained building façade" was approved by City Council in October 2009. The Section 37 Agreement will provide $175,000.00 to be used in streetscape and park improvements in the Yorkville neighbourhood.  

The St. Thomas: 100-110 Charles Street West and 4, 6 & 8 St Thomas Street
A 47-unit single and bi-level condominium residence, ranging from, 2,000 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft, with prices starting at $2 million.   Amenities include a private dining room, a lounge, indoor pool and yoga studio. For details:  www.minto.com .  A source learned from the sales office that construction plans are on hold.  

One St Thomas
A GYRA source learned plans for the construction of townhouses on the site of the Sultan Street former sales office are on hold.


UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The Florian, the Residences of Upper Yorkville, 76-100 Davenport Road
50% sold. Construction financing in place.  21-storeys combining a tower and curving 4-storey podium.  Occupancy Spring 2011.  83 suites priced from $1 million to over $3 million, ranging from 743 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet.  Condo fees estimated at 69-cents sq ft.  Amenities include 24-hour concierge, valet parking, wine club with individual professional wine storage and private tasting room, indoor pool, fully equipped state-of-the art exercise facilities, party room with full service kitchen, and 4th floor rooftop garden with summer bar. For additional details: www.theflorian.com

Four Seasons Private Residences, Yorkville Avenue
The 55-storey West Residence will house a 253-room Four Seasons Hotel on the first 20 floors, and around 100 private residences above.  The 25-storey East Residence will contain around 100 private residences. For details see www.yorkvilleresidences.com

The sidewalk and curb lane on the south side of Scollard Street, and the sidewalk and curb lane on the east side of Bay Street, between Scollard and Yorkville is closed to facilitate construction staging area for a period of 50 months starting May 2008 to July 2012.

Museum House 206 Bloor St West
19-storeys with 26 units.  ½ floor suites priced from $1.8 million to $2.3 million, full-floor suites from $5.9 million and penthouse suites $10 million.     Private access elevator to each suite with separate service elevator.   24/7 personal concierge and parking valet.    Amenities include fitness centre, entertainment/boardroom with catering kitchen and outdoor terrace, and a fully furnished guest suite with private terrace. Fees 93 cents per sq ft + hydro and heat.  Occupancy 2010.  

130 Bloor Street West
Construction of the 6-storey residential condominium units, being built over the top of the existing 14-storey mixed use building, has resulted in the closure of one lane on Cumberland Street for several months.

Crystal Blu 21 Balmuto Street
The 130-unit building includes three penthouses from $1.3 Million to over $4 Million, ranging in size from 1,599 to 2,210 square feet, and most will be two bedroom-plus-den. One penthouse will be 4,000 square feet and take up the entire top floor.  All with private elevator access, working fireplaces, two parking spots, and two storage lockers.

Suites feature 10-foot ceilings and "magnificent views of the city" and range in size from 760 to 3,500 square-feet, and priced from $399,900 to the mid-$800,000s. All have balconies and/or terraces. Amenities: club party room, separate dining room, gym, yoga studio and an outdoor pool on a landscaped terrace.  For details see www.crystalblucondos.com .

77 Charles Street West
Construction underway.  The amenities include 24-hour concierge, valet parking, boardroom and exercise facilities. Kintore College will occupy the first four floors and 50 suites on eighteen floors, from 1,200 to 4,448 sq.ft. from $1.2 million to $6 million.  The 6,000 sq.ft. penthouses have yet to be priced. To date, about 18 suites have been sold, mainly to Rosedale and Forest Hill empty nesters.  Parking spot included and sometimes two spots depending on the suite.  For details:  www.77charles.com

One Bedford at Bloor
32-storey with 262 units: One-bedroom 652 sq ft, One-bedroom + Den 659 sq ft, Two-Bedroom 1,015 sq ft, Two-bedroom + Den 1,112 sq ft,  Two-bedroom + Family Room 1,521 sq ft, Two-Bedroom + Family Room + Den 2,200 sq ft.  Fees 48 cents per sq ft + hydro. 

The Uptown Residences Balmuto Street
48-storey art-deco condominium, with suites starting around $900,000.  Amenities include the comprehensive 10,000 sq-ft Uptown Club – a fully equipped exercise room, yoga/aerobics room, Pilates area, steam rooms, virtual golf and multi-media theatre.  The Metropolitan Lounge with bar, kitchen and terraced garden patio will overlook downtown Toronto.