The emerging residential tower community in Leaside East (from Laird to Brentcliffe on the south side of Eglinton) received another tall tower application recently. This one, for 39 storeys, is proposed for the northwest corner of Vanderhoof and Brentcliffe, the first on lands intended by the City’s Laird in Focus plan to function as “transition” between the high-density residential development along Eglinton and the Business Park. This was felt to be suitable for low- or mid-rise office development, not tall residential, because of the potential incompatibility of residential and industrial uses, and because of such things as noise, smells, and traffic.
The application for official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendment was submitted to the City in December 2024, and a community consultation meeting was held on May 13.
Official Plan Amendment No. 450 was adopted for the Laird in Focus Area as part of the City’s land use planning in anticipation of the construction of the Eglinton LRT. A key planning direction was to concentrate new development on former industrial lands east of the Laird Station and to minimize development pressures on surrounding “Neighbourhood” and “Employment Lands.”
In the development of Amendment 450, the block bounded by Eglinton, Laird, Vanderhoof and Brentcliffe was divided into two: the upper two-thirds were re-designated to Mixed Use and viewed as suitable for high-rise development while the lower one-third remained as Employment Lands, suitable for low- to mid-rise “employment buildings.” Unfortunately, the City allowed a conversion of the parcel to Mixed Use from Employment Lands, along with refusals of five other applications for conversion of parcels located in the Business Park.
But does it fit?
The proposed 39-storey residential structure is completely out of character with the City’s original vision for the site. With the massive amount of tall building development being permitted in the upper two-thirds of Block A, there will be a need for office and other employment generating activity, not more tall residential buildings.
A tall residential building on the site would be precedent setting, and other property owners along the north side of Vanderhoof over to Laird are likely to seek similar approvals, resulting in a complete abandonment of needed employment-generating development.
And with over 100 south-facing residential units in a tall tower abutting the Employment Lands, this situation could unwittingly create the potential for conflict over environmental, noise and other issues.
What’s next?
The community consultation was held on May 13, and a staff report will go to North York Community Council and to City Council (dates not known at the time of submission). The Leaside Residents Association (LRA) has already submitted a letter to City Planning expressing its strong opposition (full disclosure: I am LRA co-president). If you’re concerned, contact Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin’s office.
The LRA appreciates the input of board member Doug Obright for his expert assistance in responding to this application.
