Erin Hatfield – InsideToronto.com

A proposed development on Howard Park Avenue in Roncesvalles Village is just too big, neighbours say.

A collection of properties, mainly auto shops along Howard Park between Roncesvalles Avenue and Dundas St. W., is the site of a proposed 10-story development.

“The lust to maximize space has pushed it way out of proportion,” one neighbour said at a Nov. 28 community meeting held at High Park Baptist Church.

The meeting intended to inform residents about the development and get their feedback on the plans. On hand were City Planner Dan Nicholson, who hosted the meeting, Parkdale-High Park Councillor Gord Perks, who moderated, as well as the planning consultant, architect, legal council and transportation consultant hired by the property owners, the Ribeiro family who operate Triumph Development. Triumph is the same company that constructed the Roncesvalles Lofts at 15 Ritchie Ave.

Many in attendance also expressed concern over the building being entirely residential and asked consideration be given to having retail on the ground floor.

This development would require an amendment to the zoning bylaw as that area of Roncesvalles is zoned industrial and does not permit residential use.

The development would consist of two buildings, one with 104 units including 14 townhouses and a mix of bachelor, one- and two-bedroom condos on the upper floors and a second building with 96 units, including five two-storey townhomes.

“This is a large unusual site and a site we think is appropriate for more height,” said Roland Rom Colthoff, an architect with RAW Design.

In this area, the city has, through its Avenues and Mid-rise Buildings Guidelines, stated a building in this area should be no taller than six storeys.

Area Toronto District School Board Trustee Irene Atkinson said considering there are two-bedroom condos and town-homes, one could assume that some families may move into the proposed building.

“Where do you think they are going to go to school?” Atkinson said. “This school board district is in a crisis situation with regard to enrolment…there isn’t room for one student.”

Nicholson said following the meeting the application would be reviewed and commented on by city staff while taking into account comments made by residents. There will be a statutory public meeting on the development later on in the process.

Perks committed to setting up a working group of area residents and the city planner to talk to the developer about what kind of development residents would like to see.

“I am a very strong believer in making sure we get a good building for the neighbourhood,” Perks said. “The purpose of the building should be to make the neighbourhood better, not make the developer’s life better.”

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information – 416-388-1960

Laurin Jeffrey is a Toronto Realtor with Century 21 Regal Realty. He did not
write these articles, he just reproduces them here for people who are
interested in Toronto real estate. He does not work for any builders.
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