January 2017 Update on Tall & Mid-Rise Developments

Unprecedented development and growth in the SERRA area are continuing with 12 large developments under construction and 6 in the approval or pre-approval stage, of which 3 have been appealed by the developers to the OMB. If all are completed, they will add about 6,500 residential units to the SERRA neighbourhood alone.

Please see our interactive map for development locations, including our picks (in red) for future, but not as yet proposed developments.

These developments tend to set precedent for neighbourhood encroachment; are frequently too tall and much too massive for the small lots under proposal for development, offer little regard for appropriate setbacks and green space, block sky views and create wind tunnels.

One particularly troublesome development application is at 18 Brownlow Ave (now appealed by the developer to the OMB, scheduled for July 31 and into early August, 2017).

Proposed Development at 18 Brownlow Ave

The developer has proposed 2 massive towers of 20 and 25 storeys on a complete city block fronting Soudan (between Redpath and Brownlow Avenues). The buildings are located on a very shallow property mostly only 100’ deep … 463 units will replace the current 16 residences. We need your help to fight this development!

18 Brownlow with its 25 storey tower at a height of ~ 290 feet (87 metres) will dwarf the adjacent 2 storey homes.  All of the immediate neighbours, including the condo tower/townhouses to the north, are opposed, and with SERRA coordination have registered at the OMB to oppose this development. Councillor Josh Matlow and the City are also strongly opposing this development. Effective opposition at the OMB involves hiring a municipal lawyer and urban planner at a significant cost. SERRA has been actively working to raise $25,000. Any financial support you can provide will be much appreciated.

PLEASE CLICK DONATION to contribute to the 18 BROWNLOW DEFENSE FUND and help us fight this development.

Activity is also occurring at the Davisville and Yonge intersection with the imminent construction of the Davis House condominium on Yonge between Belsize and Millwood, and discussions for a development at the NE corner of Davisville and Yonge (old LCBO site) next to the Davisville School. In the Davisville Apartment Neighbourhood there is a proposal for a 38-storey tower at the current site of the Sobeys store on Balliol.

Lastly, after lengthy negotiations with the developer, the originally proposed 9+ storey development on Bayview Ave. (between Soudan and Hillsdale Aves.) is now lower at 7 storeys with fewer units, less parking and a more street-friendly design, but it is still scheduled for a hearing at the OMB in early March.