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In this edition of the UTPro Instant Report, we shift our lens to Toronto's Ward 7 Humber River-Black Creek in North York, an area that is rapidly becoming a focal point for diverse developments. Roughly bordered by Steeles Avenue West to the north, Keele Street to the east, Highway 401 to the south, and the Humber River to the west, the ward is experiencing a surge in pre-construction projects. Many of them are strategically located to offer residents and businesses easy access to essential amenities and transit options, including the recent University Line 1 extension through York University to Vaughan, and the soon-to-open Finch West Line 6 LRT.
Our Custom Location Report for Ward 7 reveals a total of 36 projects in various stages of development: 24 in pre-construction, 2 under construction, and 10 that have been recently completed. The projects span a wide range of categories, from residential and commercial to institutional and public spaces. The area is a diverse mix of developments, including market-rate rentals, affordable housing, commercial retail spaces, and healthcare facilities.
The total number of new dwellings being tracked is an impressive 13,129, with a variety of unit types. The maximum height of the buildings planned in the area reaches up to 154.84m, with an average height of 45.2m. The gross floor area (GFA) is equally diverse, with significant allocations for both residential and commercial spaces.
One of the noteworthy recently completed projects is the Humber River Long Term Care Home. Located at 2111 Finch Avenue West, steps away from the Norfinch-Oakdale stop on the upcoming Line 6, this 6-storey facility was designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects for Humber River Hospital. The development, categorized under both Residential (Seniors Home) and Institutional (Health Care), offers 320 long-term care beds and aims to provide much-needed care capacity to the neighbourhood.
Currently under development is Casa Emery Village, a multi-phase project from Medallion Corporation. Located at 2345 Finch Ave West, a short walk away from the upcoming Emery stop. Designed by Arcadis — the Amsterdam-based global firm that acquired Toronto-based IBI Group in Fall 2022 — the project will eventually boast ten towers with heights ranging from 58.14m to 154.84m and storeys ranging from 20 to 55. The development offers a total of 2,237 units and includes a mix of affordable and market-rate rentals, commercial retail spaces, and public parks. Three buildings have been completed so far, with two more towers close to completion.
Among the projects in the planning phase is 470 Sentinel Road, a proposed mixed-use mostly residential rental development designed by Kirkor Architects Planners for Ranee Management, situated just north of the Sentinel stop on Line 6. The project consists of five infill buildings on an existing Tower-in-the-Park style campus with four buildings already on it, with heights ranging from 9.9m to 125.25m and 2 to 40 storeys. The development would offer a total of 1,720 new units, making it a significant addition to Toronto's York University Heights area.
Further insights into Ward 7 reveal an average Floor Space Index (FSI) of 2.59 and a total GFA of 1,102,905m². The area's median storey count stands at 9.0, indicating a trend towards mid-rise and high-rise developments. Residential rentals and condos account for a significant portion of the developments, while commercial retail and office spaces are also making their mark.
Toronto's Ward 7 has benefitted from the University Line 1 extension, offering increased transit options to the area. With a range of developments in various stages and categories, the area is set to experience significant growth and transformation, making it a prime location for both residents and businesses.
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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, with filters for Wards MLS Zones, and Custom Areas.
