From CBC News:
Yorkville towers get ok, despite objections they'll shade school
Last updated Apr 5 2006 01:24 PM EDT
CBC News
Toronto city councillors approved the construction of a luxury hotel-condominium after a lively debate that saw the hotel's CEO tell opponents there were benefits to living in the project's shadow.
"When you think about the realities of it, first of all you don't want your children in the sun all day long. It's the cause of cancer, in terms of sun," said Isadore Sharp, the founder and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
The hotel chain plans to build two towers – one going up 46 stories and the other rising 30 stories – at the corner of Yorkville Avenue and Bay Street. They'll house 254 hotel rooms and 230 condo units as well as a small park and a health club.
The project is slated to become the chain's flagship hotel. Developers originally proposed much higher buildings, with the tallest rising 205 metres, but they were forced to cut it to the current 179 metres.
Opponents objected to the development because it would cast a long shadow on much of the surrounding neighbourhood, including Jesse Ketchum School on Davenport Road.
The developers have offered to relocate the playground to an area that would receive more sunlight and offered funding to any group affected by shade.
But residents and parents whose children attend the school said no amount of money could replace sunlight.
"I love the Four Seasons and I like their hotels. I don't think it needs to be that high in view of the impact that it's going to be causing in the area," said Linda Chu, of the local ABC Residents Association.
Some local business owners from Yorkville were there to support the plan, saying those who oppose it weren't doing the area any favours.
"I'm disappointed in some of them. I think they're small minded," said Frank Luchetta, president of the high-end grocery chain, Pusateri's Fine Foods.
"They don't see the big picture. Toronto is a world class city that has the opportunity to have a world class Four Seasons five-star hotel that we should welcome."
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And Whistler said:
In fact, shadows should be welcomed as a way to cut down cases of melanoma in the city. 4 Seasons only had the best intentions when they decided to shield the children from the nasty sun.
Déjà vu?
AoD