Council going against the planning department's recommendations does occasionally happen. Development contributions usually plays a role. (i.e. fear of losing an appeal at the OMB) I don't have a definite answer though.
Charles Street to St Mary Street west of Bay is already very dense, and the building to be demolished adds to the neighbourhood.
This project is the last straw. I could almost live with losing the last shred of a downtown view if it were anyone other than a religious body monetizing valuable land that was donated to them. I hope their new accommodations and amenities are satisfying.
Wow, this thread is a total throwback. I still remember years ago when it originally emerged and attending the community consultation meeting for this, when Bistro 990 and the Sutton Place Hotel (in that form) were still around.
Before I post from the Cover Letter........... a reminder that USMC is short hand for the University of St. Michael's College and not the United States Marine Corps! LOL