A proposed development on vacant space at the 7 Vanauley Street location of the YMCA has the potential to bring 31 new housing units for a vulnerable demographic to Toronto. The existing two-storey Wagner Green YMCA building, located in the Alexandra Park neighbourhood, would have a new six-storey building attached to it on a portion of the site currently used as parking and green space. 

The proposal consists of one building located on an L-shaped lot 1,247m² in area with 16.5 metres of frontage along Vanauley. The YMCA of Greater Toronto has submitted applications for both an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment. The building itself, designed by CMV Group architects, is proposed to be rectangular in shape and equipped with a number of amenities both interior and exterior. The exterior of the building would be panelled using mainly white aluminum but will also feature three accent colours at ground level. Remaining space around the building would be landscaped as a buffer between it and neighbouring residences to the east and west. 

The units would be used to help at-risk youth, aligning with the values of the Wagner Green YMCA which currently operates as an emergency shelter or drop-in centre for youth experiencing homelessness. This proposal presents a unique opportunity for potential residents to benefit from the services that the YMCA has to offer as well as the accessibility of the area. The YMCA feels the location is ideal as it is very close to retail, community services, and transit stations. Vanauley is only a short streetcar ride or a 14 minute walk to Osgoode station, which would greatly benefit  potential residents. 

According to the Planning Rationale submitted to the City, this development would contribute significantly to the City’s density targets as well as the establishment of a complete community. The physical appearance of the building was chosen strategically to fit in with the surrounding context of the site and would make a considerable contribution to the Alexandra Park neighbourhood and its youth.

You can learn more from our Database file for the project, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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