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Northwestern Scarborough is under the investigative microscope today as we return with the next instalment of the UTPro Instant Report, our weekly series studying the trends of development hotspots across the GTA. Powered by the UrbanToronto Pro data service, the Instant Report is a powerful tool for analysis, and can be used to dig deep into the details of development taking place in any Wards, MLS Zones, or Custom Locations across the City.
This week’s Report zooms in on Ward 22, Scarborough-Agincourt, one of six different electoral wards in the expansive former Borough. Located in Scarborough's northwestern-most corner, Ward 22 is bordered by Victoria Park Avenue to the west, Steeles Avenue East to the north, Midland Avenue to the east, and Highway 410 to the south. With a growing population of high-rises sprouting up on both Sheppard and Finch avenues while an evolution in transit is promised for the future, Ward 22 is already experiencing a historic growth spurt, and will be subject to a continued push for greater density.
Our Ward Report came up with the largest list of developments we have seen in the last few weeks, identifying a total of 44 recent and current projects in Ward 22. That total breaks down to totals of 10 projects listed as recently completed, five projects currently under construction, and the remaining 29 projects operating in the planning and sales phases.
The most recent completion in the Ward is an 18-storey residential project dubbed East 3220 Condos, which wrapped up construction last year. The tower delivers a comfortable median in terms of both height and density, adding 234 new units while also providing a grade level retail space. Building proposals of similar typology are seeing high levels of approval on Sheppard Avenue, and should continue to proliferate in the coming years based on what we are seeing in the roster of proposals.
Among the projects under construction currently in the Ward is KSquare Condos, a more significant intensification project joining a high-rise node established over the last couple of decades. The two-tower development located just north of the 401 at Kennedy Road is a just to the west of Tridel's multi-tower Metrogate community development, delivering another 644 condo units to the former industrial to high-density residential community. With glazing nearing completion, the project’s contemporary massing, defined by rounded corners and continuous balconies, is making itself known among the neighbouring towers.
Finally, in the pre-construction stage, a transit infrastructure project provides some extra context to understand the full scope of the development boom being experienced in Ward 22, particularly along Sheppard Avenue. The improvements to Agincourt GO Station is just one aspect of the larger effort to improve service on GO Transit’s Stouffville Line, bringing new pedestrian and cycle infrastructure to the station while improving rail infrastructure to bolster Metrolinx’s commitment to delivering 15-minute, two-way, all-day service.
With the help of the accompanying statistics from our Ward Report, we can see that Ward 22 is an area that has been identified as one with a working blueprint for development. Looking at the details on height in the area's existing and proposed built form, the average height of about 46m suggests that delivering massive towers is taking a back seat to more medium scale development here. With the volume of applications though, the density is going to come, regardless of whether or not towers are offering 800 units.
As GO service continues to be improved, and the future Sheppard Avenue TTC expansion (whether it comes an LRT or an extension of the Sheppard Line 4 subway is still unclear) inches towards activation, developers are trying to stay ahead by getting projects in now.
To access the full data set from this or any UTPro Instant Report, with more stats as well as the full project list, you can purchase a report here! Stay tuned for next week’s instalment to learn more about why the UrbanToronto's Instant Report is one of the most valuable tools for staying informed on development in the GTA.
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As UrbanToronto continues to refine its role in the GTA development industry, our data services have evolved to become one of our defining elements and we want to share those capabilities with our community. The UrbanToronto Pro Instant Reports is just one of the ways our data can be applied to provide quick and convenient insights on the development trends of any area in the GTA. Using this advanced data resource, we are launching a new weekly series to highlight what the UT Pro Instant Reports provide and investigate the latest development trends by ward, by address, or by MLS zone.
