The plan to turn the current TTC commuter parking lot on the northwest corner of Yonge Street and Wilson Avenue into an office complex is on hold pending a comprehensive traffic report, commissioned by the city.
In July 2010, Build Toronto announced plans to transform the surface-level parking lot into an eight-storey, mixed-use office building, one that might end up housing the TTC headquarters. But after a recent community consultation meeting, the proposal is hanging in limbo.
Paul Baker, president of the South Armour Heights Residents Association, said one of the main issues with the development is traffic. He fears the area might become gridlocked with extra traffic created by the office complex.
“We don’t want it to become like Yonge and Sheppard,” he said. “It’s a nightmare up there.” He said the lot is currently an easy place for commuters to come off the 401.
John Andreevski, senior planner for the city of Toronto, echoes the concerns about parking availability and said Build Toronto needs to include a revised traffic report before the proposal goes any further.
The report needs to explore whether the remaining parking supply is sufficient for an office complex of that size — and for a location so close to the subway — and whether there is enough entrance and exit space.
Bruce Logan, director of communications and public affairs for Build Toronto, said part of their revised site plan includes an extra level of parking in the complex and they continue to work closely with the city on the issue.
“The only thing I can say for sure,” said Andreevski, “is that it’s a bit of a waiting game right now.”