Bayview/Broadway high-rise

The Gupta Group recently applied to build a 25-storey mixed-used building on the southeast corner of Bayview and Broadway. The building would have 288 units; fewer than 25% would be 2+ bedrooms. More information is on Urban Toronto.

The LRA intends to oppose this application, which will dwarf the surroundings, particularly as it sits on top of a hill, and which has inadequate multi-bedroom units.

To be clear, the LRA can support sensible development, such as the Sunnybrook Plaza redevelopment (16 storeys), where developers show that they are working within the municipal planning framework and with neighbourhoods to reach outcomes that balance the need to accommodate new residents with locally appropriate scale and design. But this high-rise, as well as Metrolinx's rumoured high-rise at Bayview and Eglinton, do not qualify.

As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or comments about this development application.

Planning

Garden suites

The City is closing comments on November 30 regarding garden suites. The City wants to expand housing options in the City's neighbourhoods by permitting detached housing units in yards, subject to zoning requirements such as height and setbacks. All residents are encouraged to read the materials and to respond to the (one-question) survey.
 

Developments and construction

The LRA actively monitors and participates in major development applications. These include:

• Leaside Station (possible Metrolinx high-rise)
• 1466-1500 Bayview
• 1710-1736 Bayview
• 1837 Bayview
• 26 Brentcliffe
• 943-963 Eglinton
• 126-134 Laird
• 922 Millwood
• 70 Wicksteed
• 154 Wicksteed

• 1408-1420 Bayview
• 1674-1684 Bayview
• 660 Eglinton
• 815 Eglinton
• 939 Eglinton
• 146-150 Laird
• 220 McRae
• Eglinton Crosstown retaining wall construction bordering Thursfield

Community

Traffic Management Plan

The City has postponed its planned town hall on the Leaside Traffic Management Plan, which was tentatively scheduled for December 13. The LRA is pushing for this event to be held as early as possible in the new year, given ongoing concerns with driving quality, vehicle speeds, and vehicle volumes in Leaside.
 

East Toronto railpath

City Council endorsed Councillor Mike Layton's motion to evaluate the possibility of buying the GO Transit Don Branch from Metrolinx. This disused rail line runs from the GO Transit Bala Subdivision (i.e. the GO tracks in the Don Valley) near Riverdale Farm, north to the CP North Toronto subdivision (i.e. the heavy rail line on Leaside's southern border). This includes the "half-mile" bridge spanning Bayview Avenue and the Don Valley near the Evergreen Brickworks.

If purchased, the line would be converted into an active transportation trail (e.g. walking, cycling). The LRA supports all initiatives to enhance access to, and use of, local parkland, and opposes Metrolinx's plans for the Don Valley which include a diesel train storage facility, diesel train parking, and a parking lot.

For a detailed map of all rail lines in Canada, check out the RAC Canadian Rail Atlas.

Membership matters

2022 annual memberships

Please support the LRA by purchasing a membership for 2022. We are a nonprofit organization, and the board of directors is composed of volunteers. An individual membership costs $30 (+$1 for online payments). You can pay by e-transfer, credit card, Paypal, or cheque.
 

Email subscription

If you were forwarded this email, you can join our mailing list. It's free, we send about one email per month, and you can unsubscribe at any time.