The Old Orchard Grove Residents Association (OOGRA) has been revitalized after a 17-storey condominium development at 228 Wilson Ave. spurred some concerns about possible intensification south of Wilson.
The 2013 rezoning of Wilson Avenue, which allows for more development between Avenue Road and Bathurst Street, came to residents’ attention during discussions concerning the new condominium. And for residents, an increase in development means an increase in traffic and congestion — something that is already an existing problem in the area.
“It is actually quite disheartening to see,” said Deborah Ylanko, a member of OOGRA’s board of directors.
The proposed building, which also includes four two-storey townhouses fronting Wilson, was recently approved by Toronto City Council under the condition that a working group would be established to ensure it would not cause any adverse effects to the low-density, residential neighbourhood nearby.
After being inactive for approximately seven years, the OOGRA, which covers the area from Avenue to Bathurst between Wilson and Lawrence Avenue West, was called into action. The group had a turnout of about 50 to 60 people at a Nov. 26 meeting and established a new board of directors.
Former councillor of Ward 16 Karen Stintz does not feel that the development is precedent setting for the south side because of its location and large lot size. However, according to Deborah Ylanko, Stintz did put forth a motion for a working group to be assembled before her term ended. New councillor Christin Greb is set to take it over.
“With respect to the project at 228 Wilson Ave., I will be forming a working group comprised of members from the local community. We will meet directly with the developer and with city planning experts,” said Christin Greb.“The working group will allow the community to provide their input on the site plan and on how they want the city to invest the Section 37 funds [payments to the community in exchange for increases in development height and density] that have been secured from the developer.”
The councillor will be seeking input from both the OOGRA and the South Armour Heights Residents’ Association.
According to John Anbreevski, City of Toronto senior planner for North York district, the working group will commence in early 2015.