Build Toronto, the city’s arms-length real estate agency, is one step closer to realizing its plans to transform the commuter parking lot on the northwest corner of Yonge Street and Wilson Avenue into a seven-storey office building. North York Community Council recently approved the required official plan and zoning bylaw amendments, which will go on to Toronto City Council for consideration this month.
The revised plans represent a reduction in height of one storey and the addition of one level of parking. Attached to the approvals is a $1.5 million cash contribution, which will go toward specific neighbourhood projects, including the improvement of the passenger pickup and drop-off area on Old York Mills Road.
“They’ve resolved a number of issues,” said local councillor Karen Stintz. Paul Baker, president of the South Armour Heights Residents’ Association, is satisfied that Build Toronto has responded to his group’s concerns about parking and traffic as well as the height of the building.
The neighbouring Ward 25 councillor, Jaye Robinson, voted against approval of the application. While she commended the agency for its outreach efforts, she cited a handful of outstanding issues raised by her residents.
Local resident Mitchell Shnier questions the conclusions of the traffic study. He does not believe the plans have made adequate allowances for on-site commuter parking and pickup and drop-off. “They came up with three options on how pickups and drop-offs could be done, and all three of them are ridiculous and unworkable,” he said.
Bruce Logan, Build Toronto’s director of communications and public affairs, said he thinks the agency has made some good progress.
“We certainly respect people’s continued concerns, but I think we have made a lot of changes in order to support that,” he said.
Build Toronto is actively searching for a lead tenant now that the Toronto Transit Commission has backed away.