Densification
Please take note of several key developments relating to densification in and around Leaside.
Garden Suites. The City enacted a bylaw change in February to allow the construction of garden suites throughout Toronto as of right (i.e. no need for a variance):
- A garden suite can occupy 20% of a lot and be two storeys plus basement. That's approximately the size of an original Leaside home.
- In the view of the LRA, this bylaw change was made without sufficient consultation and will allow for construction that is too large and intrusive for many lots.
- You can read more about garden suites on the website of the new "Building Better Neighbourhoods" association.
- This group has launched a letter-writing campaign supporting changes to the bylaw, including size limits and greater tree protection.
- As a call to action, you can send a letter to the Mayor and Councillors expressing your views.
1779-1787 Bayview Ave. The LRA is becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of high-rise construction to the southeast of Bayview and Eglinton:
- As previously reported, 1787 Bayview (Leaside Station entrance) is vastly overbuilt for a transit entrance and is structurally designed to support a large tower -- see the photo above.
- Also as previously reported, 1783-1785 Bayview (first quadruplex south of the station) has had its tenants evicted. Two weeks ago, the heritage consultants for Metrolinx released a draft report [PDF, 139 pages] stating that the building had no heritage value. The LRA has written to critique this report including its own assessment reaching a different conclusion about the building's heritage value.
- At 1779-1781 Bayview (second quadruplex south of the station), which is owned by a developer, we continue to ask the City to designate it under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The LRA reiterates its position: we oppose the construction of high-rises on Bayview, favouring instead appropriate development along arterials. Above all, we support reforming and optimizing local planning processes and oppose provincially-imposed Minister's Zoning Orders (which can override local planning processes), barring extraordinary circumstances with province-wide implications.
943-963 Eglinton Ave E high-rise. The City is hosting an online public consultation on Monday, April 4, 6.30-8pm, about the proposed redevelopment of the site on the southeast of Eglinton and Brentcliffe. Four towers ranging from 16 to 28 storeys would contain 1,279 units. You can read the consultation notice (PDF), read the application, and register for the consultation here.
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