Great Gulf appeals to OMB over Lombard St. plans

Dennis Hanagan –

It appears the city is ready to go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to oppose a condo tower proposed for Richmond St. E. and Victoria.

But if the OMB approves the plan then the city wants the board to withhold its final order until arrangements can be made with the developer to pay for community benefits under Section 37 of the Planning Act.

Great Gulf’s Twenty Lombard condo proposal draws fire.

Great Gulf Homes is proposing a 50-storey tower taking over 20-26 Lombard and 25 Richmond. It would have 689 units and 285 underground parking spaces. There would be 468 1-bedroom units and 218 2-bedrooms. Ground level retail is planned for Richmond, Victoria and Lombard.

But city planners don’t like the height being proposed.

“The proposed development is too tall … and according to the Downtown Tall Buildings Vision and Performance Standard Design Guidelines may be appropriate to be in a height range of 20-35 storeys,” said a planning staff report to the August meeting of Toronto and East York Community Council.

“The proposed height and density is an indication of overdevelopment of the site,” staff said.

According to staff, Great Gulf’s argument is that the site is close to the Financial District where building heights can be 45 storeys and taller.

The 4-storey buildings at 26 Lombard were designated as heritage properties by city council in September 1982. Great Gulf’s intention is to retain and restore them.

Community council is recommending to city council that staff attend the OMB hearing when Great Gulf seeks to get a zoning amendment.