The approaching completion of the Crosstown LRT—targeted to enter service by the end of 2021—is fostering waves of redevelopment proposals in the neighbourhoods across Toronto that the line will serve. Among these, Scarborough’s ‘Golden Mile’ is expected to transition from its current big box retail focus into a mixed-use community, the subject of the ongoing Golden Mile Secondary Plan Study, initiated by the City in 2016.

Now, another new proposal submitted to the City seeks an Official Plan Amendment to bring a high-density complex to the Golden Mile at 1960 Eglinton Avenue East, aligning with the study’s aim to encourage both residential and non-residential growth within the area. 

Site of the proposed development, image via submission to City of Toronto

The proposal pertains to a 4.6-hectare property located at the northeast corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Warden Avenue, currently home to an expansive two-storey industrial facility for Cosmetica Laboratories. Cosmetica's IBI Group-designed master plan seeks to redevelop their property with five high-rise residential towers ranging in height from 30 to 45 storeys, a six-storey industrial building that would serve as Cosmetica's new expanded home, as well as Privately Owned Publicly accessible Spaces (POPS) and a large on-site park that would be dedicated to the City. 

Looking north to 1960 Eglinton East, image via submission to City of Toronto

A site-wide total gross floor area (GFA) of 245,101 m² is proposed, consisting primarily of residential space, with 183,800 m² representing roughly 75% of the total GFA. The residential space would result in up to 2,600 units, of which the tenure, unit mix, and affordability will be considered as the proposal evolves through the planning process. In addition to the significant residential component, 61,320 m² of non-residential GFA would significantly increase the amount of employment space that currently exists on the site.

Looking east to 1960 Eglinton East, image via submission to City of Toronto

These primarily residential towers would be built as two blocks with frontages on Eglinton Avenue East and a new east-west public street running between Eglinton Avenue East and Ashtonbee Road, to be known as Golden Mile Boulevard. A third block would be positioned to the north across Golden Mile Boulevard, which would contain the new industrial building serving Cosmetica. The design of these towers is still in a preliminary state, with the current models only representing massing, and to receive their exterior expressions later in the planning process.

Looking northwest to 1960 Eglinton East, image via submission to City of Toronto

The new public spaces in the community would include a central square on Block 1 to exist as a POPS, while a much larger 2,471 m² on-site parkland dedication is planned to the immediate east of the new industrial building on Block 3.

Looking southeast over 1960 Eglinton East, industrial mid-rise on left, image via submission to City of Toronto

This significant proposal would be built just across Warden Avenue to the east of where two other massive developments were tabled last year; a 23-building complex planned at 1900 Eglinton East and a 21-tower plan at 1920 Eglinton East.