Thanks to UrbanToronto Forum member, Travis, for bringing it to our attention about a major change to the 7-storey condo development that was planned for the site at 1040 Islington Avenue in Etobicoke. 

Google Maps image of the 1040 Islington site near Norseman Street in Etobicoke

Developer, Mantella Corporation alongside Page+Steele architects has decided to scrap their initial proposal of creating 1,400 condo units and opted for the building of 250 3-storey town-houses to fill 3.7 acres at the corner of Islington Avenue and Norseman Street. The development plan also includes underground parking for the town-home residents, as well as a new public road to connect Islington and Norseman Street to help ease the expected increase in traffic to the area. 

Premier Fitness was the original tenants of 1040 Islington, now to be the home of 250 townhomes, image by drum118

Site of 1040 Islington cleared for construction of 250 townhomes, image by UT Forum member, drum118

TD Bank located next to the 1040 Islington site for the proposed 250 townhomes, image by drum118

Mantella billboard stands on 1040 Islington Avenue, image by UT Forum member, drum118

Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor, Peter Milczyn accredited the planning process, as well as residents' NIMBY-attitude in helping to create the change. Mantella's lawyer told Milczyn, "we found the market was not there for a series of apartment buildings," and that "the neighbours did not welcome that kind of built form in the neighbourhood."

Although Councillor Milczyn and his residents are not welcoming of high-density vertical development, Etobicoke North Councillor, Doug Ford, wants more of it to his ward, in typical Ford fashion being quoted saying, "I'd encourage all developers to come up to Rexdale. We're open for business."  

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