Local residents protesting a Toronto City Council–approved midtown condo have rejected a $100,000 offer to walk away from an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) appeal. Stanley Knowles Housing Co-operative and the Avenue Road Eglinton Community Association (ARECA) are opposing the building, slated for the corner of Orchard View Boulevard and Duplex Avenue.
Ann King, board of directors chairperson for Stanley Knowles, confirmed that developer Orchard View Holdings recently made the conditional offer. The offer was “without prejudice,” meaning it cannot be used as ammunition against the developer during the Aug. 9 OMB hearing. King said it was her duty to bring the offer before members of the co-op, which is adjacent to the condo site. “They felt this development was not only a blight on this community, but it also opened the door to death by a thousand cuts by other developers,” she said.
Patrick Smyth, from ARECA, said while the condo received approval, the site plan still contravenes city building policies.
“We’re dealing with principles and policies that have been ironed out,” said Smyth. “We shouldn’t be selling them on the open market.” According to Smyth, the building would encroach on city-owned land. Additionally, the dense condo would be next to both tall commercial buildings and a residential area. According to city policy, such structures should be smaller and should act as transition pieces.
Mike Colle, MPP for the area, said he supports the local residents and their cause. “In most cases, people would take the money,” said Colle. “I commend the ratepayers; they stuck to their principles.”
According to real estate lawyer Jane Pepino, “without prejudice” offers happen all the time. “It’s very common for money to change hands, sometimes for good and valid reason.”
The developer’s lawyer, Adam Brown, said he couldn’t comment on without prejudice settlement discussions.