West end development applications stall at community council

Dennis Hanagan –

At its Jan. 22 meeting, Toronto and East York community council deferred two applications for zoning amendments with proposals to build residential buildings at 324-338 Richmond St. W. and 24 Mercer St.

In the Richmond St. case city planners say the proposal does not meet the city’s tall building guidelines.

Per city planning, “In particular the building does not meet the tower separation guidelines and the proposed height casts shadows onto Queen St. and the Queen St. heritage conservation district through the noon hour.”

The proposal calls for a 24-storey building with 295 condominium units and commercial space at street level. There would be five levels of underground parking for 131 vehicles and 223 bicycles.

On Mercer St., the city faces a proposal for a 21-storey residential building that would retain the façade of the current on-site 2 ½-storey building, erected in the late 1850s and listed for heritage preservation. It would have 27 units, four levels of underground accessory use, no vehicle parking, and space for 27 bicycles.

“The proposal represents over-development of the property,” says a city planning report. “The small size of the property makes it an inappropriate location for a tall building.”

The report adds the development would “overwhelm” the facade of the 1850s building—which might still receive full heritage designation.

“Its approval would set a negative precedent for future development that undermines the vision for this area of the city,” says the report.

However, in a letter to community council, Graeme McDonald (of Niche Architectural Inc., who also lives near the project site) praises the development.

“This project is a much needed, most welcomed, boutique lifestyle building that serves as a fine example of architecturally correct design and function,” he said, adding “It…creates employment opportunities in the neighbourhood.”

Community council deferred the Richmond St. project to its Feb. 26 meeting. The Mercer St. project is awaiting a report on the heritage value of the 1850s building.