Concerns & Solutions

Current Development Issues

In the summer of 2005, a Planning Application was submitted for the property at 48 Abell Street. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing building and build a series of buildings in its place, including a 3-story live-work building, a 25-story residential condominium building, and a 19-story affordable rental housing building. Underground parking is proposed.

At the same time, a Planning Application was submitted for a 25 story building at 1171 Queen Street West (the Gibson Textile building).

There is also a complex of townhouses curently under construction between 48 Abell and the railyards. The sales office for these units, a three-storey plywood structure, was built on the Woolfit's parking lot without a building permit. The builders received a stop work order, which they ignored. Despite repeatedly flouting the law, they did eventually receive a permit for this structure.

CBC Radio has reported on this development, and the conflicts it is causing for our community.

On 15 November, Community Council voted in favour of a Zoning Review for the West Queen West Triangle Area (background). This means further delays to the proposed condo towers which would seriously alter the character of the neighbourhood, to the detriment of current residents.

Here are the recommendations approved by Council:

It is recommended that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division, be requested:
(1)     to undertake a zoning review of lands generally located west of Dovercourt Road, south of Queen Street West and north of the Canadian National railway corridor as identified on Attachment 1, including;
    (a)     a review of heritage resources;
    (b)     with the Executive Director of Technical Services, a review of municipal infrastructure;
    (c)     a review of community services and facilities;
    (d)     with the Executive Director of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, a review of the impact of proposed development on the area’s local arts community and other employment in the area; and
    (e)     with the Executive Director of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, a review of parks and recreation facilities;
(2)     to initiate a community consultation process as part of this review; and
(3)     to report in the 2nd quarter of 2006 on a comprehensive rezoning for the area generally located south of Queen Street West, west of Dovercourt Road and north of the rail corridor.

If you would like to have input on these projects, you can make your views known by sending a fax to 416-392-1330 or by writing Gary Wright, Director, Community Planning, South District, City Planning Division, Toronto City Hall, 18th Floor, East Tower, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto M5H 2N2

For further information about both of these proposals, please contact Elise Hug, Planner, at 416-392-0758. She seems very open to and interested in residents' comments and concerns.

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