Many of us have seen the transformations taking place along Dufferin Avenue, with an increase in development, residential and business interests. The first signs of change to the Dufferin landscape are most visible where it intersects with Lawrence Avenue West where a new, multi-phase, mixed-use condominium complex will provide a city park and daycare for the area.
Affectionately known as “Middle Italy,” this area of midtown Toronto is fast becoming an attractive option for new business and residents. Villa Charities and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) recently announced a joint development project to serve the educational, cultural and recreational needs of the neighbourhood.
The first phase of this $50 million redevelopment project will include construction of a new school for Dante Alighieri with a shared theatre, dance studios and expanded fitness and music facilities in a redesigned Columbus Centre.
The construction of this state-of-the-art centre is the largest and only co-development project of this magnitude currently underway in North America. The final complex will also house an art gallery, daycare and parish.
This impressive joint venture will help serve Toronto’s burgeoning performance and arts communities both near and far. And with governments investing less in our communities, these types of private-public partnerships are a viable way for us to achieve our shared goals.
These positive changes coming to Dufferin, along with my efforts to secure a Dufferin Avenue Study, will ensure that residents have a say in the types of changes they want to see.