Regent Park density to increase 38%: public meeting June 10

Anthony Marcusa –

Proposed changes to the development plan for Regent Park have left residents of the surrounding neighbourhoods wondering what to expect.

TThe Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) held a meeting for Regent Park and Corktown residents on April 29.

It was a preview of the TCHC’s recent application to amend the official plan and zoning by-laws to increase allowable building height and increase the population and density of the revitalized Regent Park neighbourhood.

The meeting was called by the TCHC and was not the official city consultation. Pam McConnell was not in attendance and many residents complained about the lack of proper notice. Only three dozen people were in attendance.

The proposal will increase the total units in the area—bounded by Gerrard, River, Shuter and Parliament streets—by 38%, from 5,400 to 7,500 units. None of the additional 2,100 units will be allocated to affordable housing. Instead they will be sold at market rates for owner occupancy or as rentals.

The new units are projected to increase the area’s population from 12,500 to 17,000 people at completion.

The additional density will come from increased height: the revised plan asks for two 88-metre towers on Dundas and a 120 metre building on Parliament. The proposal also asks to increase the height restriction on the northern portions of River from 22 and 30 metres to 50 metres. While buildings do not exist there now, high rises in those locations were approved by the city years ago.

Residents were wary of the increased heights, arguing that the towers across from the revitalized park itself will block out the sun and create a trapped feeling.

Nearly everyone, however, agreed with the demolition of 14 Blevins. The old high rise and heritage building cannot to be retrofitted and will be replaced with a 60 metre tower.

Residents were also concerned that with so many new units being built, they would remain vacant or unsold. TCHC allayed those fears by stating that the Paintbox condos have been sold out, while One Park Place, still under construction, has sold 300 of 365 units.

The city will be holding the official community consultation on June 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas St. E.