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Momentous plans to build a multi-tower, mixed-use community at the South Etobicoke site of the former Christie's Cookies plant have evolved. An Official Plan Amendment application for the 11-hectare property was submitted by landowners First Capital Realty and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in October, 2019, showcasing a skyscraping new neighbourhood masterplanned by London-based Allies and Morrison along with Toronto-based Urban Strategies. Following feedback from the public and City staff, rezoning and Draft Plan of Subdivision applications have also now been formally submitted, with several revisions made to the multi-faceted development in the midst of another round of public engagement.
The fundamental vision established in the October, 2019 submission has been maintained. An integrated transit hub centred around a new Park Lawn GO Station remains a signature element of the proposal, with a network of open spaces and urban squares providing recreational spaces amid a forest of 15 towers 16 to 70 storeys tall. The revised master plan doubles the size of the proposed public park, tweaks the heights of several buildings, and makes accommodations for two new elementary schools.
The footprint of the proposed 0.5-hectare public park, to be located near the northern edge of the property, has been enlarged to one hectare. Buildings positioned to the north will shield the park from the noise and pollution of the Gardiner Expressway. Envisioned as an all-season area hosting a diversity of open spaces, the park will be complemented by a number of other green spaces on adjacent blocks. The new master plan assigns a total of 38,508 m² as open space, representing a 10.6 percent increase from the original proposal.
The block abutting the park to the north has been cited as a potential school location, with direct access to shared play spaces being provided within the public park. Other outdoor amenities for children would be located on the podium levels of the buildings on this block. The school block is being planned as part of the development's third phase.
Enlarging the public park required reconfiguration of the central 'loop road' linked to Lake Shore Boulevard West and a corresponding reduction in the size of the central galleria block, where a covered retail-lined pedestrian street is planned. The public park and galleria function as the "dual heart" of the project, providing two main focal points for leisure. To ensure space for TTC bus bays along Park Lawn at the northwest corner, the proposed street connecting Park Lawn to the loop road will now be pedestrianized.
Addressing City staff comments concerning potential shadowing on the proposed public park, the massing of the buildings fronting Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Boulevard West has been adjusted, shifting residential floor space to other areas of the site by enlarging the average residential tower floor plate from 750 to 800 m². Towers hugging the Gardiner Expressway at the north end of the site have been given a height boost. A minimum 30-metre tower separation distance is maintained throughout the site.
The revised master plan proposes additional office spaces, including a new office component to be located within the central galleria block. Compared to the initial 41,900 m² office program, the updated master plan calls for a total of 64,392 m² of office space.
While the applications are assessed by City staff, First Capital is inviting the public to participate and submit questions in a virtual open house for the proposed Park Lawn GO Station, to be developed in partnership with Metrolinx. The transit hub is slated to occupy both sides of Park Lawn Road where the Lakeshore West rail corridor crosses it. A Transit Project Assessment Process will be completed as required under the Environmental Assessment Act. Participants are encouraged to watch the virtual presentation to learn about how the station will tie into the rest of the community. Questions and comments will be accepted until Monday, July 20.
Additional information about the proposal and more images can be found in our Database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment below.
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| Related Companies: | Adamson Associates Architects, First Capital, Grounded Engineering Inc., Tarra Engineering & Structural Consultants Inc, Urban Strategies Inc., VIP Condos Toronto |
