Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue residents recognize that the area is one in transition, and they’re welcoming the major developments that are under construction, according to at least one homeowners’ association. However, they’re worried about whether existing transit and infrastructure can support the increased density and how increased density is contributing to worsening congestion in the area, particularly at Highway 401.
Already approved and under construction are Emerald Park and the Hullmark Centre. Emerald Park, located one street south of Sheppard Avenue on the west side of Yonge Street, will feature two condos, at 30 and 40 storeys atop a four-level base with commercial uses on the first three levels. The Hullmark Centre will be located right across the street on Yonge. The mixed-use development will include residential and commercial uses in 35- and 45-storey towers atop a five-storey podium as well as ground-floor retail.
In the pipeline, there’s an application to build a 34-storey residential building and townhouses at 90 Sheppard Ave. E.
Cathy Cronin, president of the West Lansing Homeowners Association, said, although local residents are pleased with the changes ahead — and especially the street-level retail coming to the area — that traffic, transit and infrastructure are continuing concerns.
“I think, when you look at this particular area, the density is quite significant and will be increasing to a greater extent, without the transit to support it,” Cronin said.
Local councillor John Filion said the most critical piece in addressing congestion in the area will be to make it easier for drivers travelling southbound on Yonge Street to get onto the eastbound Highway 401 ramp, which is currently the subject of a feasibility study.
“The current system there is totally inadequate,” Filion said.
The continuation of the Sheppard subway might be part of the puzzle, but only in the absence of further development, he explained.