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In this week's instalment of the UTPro Instant Report, we set our sights on Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest, a vibrant and evolving community on the eastern side of Toronto. With a population exceeding 110,000 as of the 2016 census, this ward is home to a diverse range of residents, reflecting Toronto's multicultural fabric. The ward is bordered by Eglinton Avenue East to the north, Markham Road to the east, Lake Ontario to the south, and Victoria Park Avenue to the west.
Ward 20 has a 56% visible minority population, surpassing the city-wide average of 51%. This rich diversity contributes to the unique character of the ward. While the city has seen a significant surge in the construction of apartments in buildings with five or more storeys, Scarborough Southwest has a lower proportion of such developments, with only 6% built since 2001, compared to the city-wide figure of 26%.
The ward boasts a mix of project statuses, with 66 in pre-construction, 12 under construction, and 11 that have been completed in recent years. These developments collectively offer a total of 23,130 dwellings, catering to a wide range of housing needs. The impressive number of pre-construction projects are in part a response to the coming of the Eglinton Line 5 Crosstown LRT, while the ward is also well served by many buses, Danforth Line 2, and the GO Lakeshore East line.
One of the notable projects that reached completion recently is Merge Condos, named for its location where Kingston Road melds with Danforth Avenue. From LCH Developments and designed by RAW, this 12-storey condo adds a modern touch to the rapidly densifying Kingston Road strip through the area. Completed in 2023, the development features 180 residential units and stands 39.3m, enhancing the area's residential offerings and contributing to its ongoing transformation.
Currently under construction, The Manderley Condominiums look to be another valuable addition to the ward's housing options. Situated at the northwest corner of Kingston Road and Manderley Drive in Birch Cliff, this 12-storey mixed-use condo building is designed by Arcadis for Nova Ridge Development. With a height of 34m and a total of 198 units, it aims to provide both residential and retail spaces, further enriching the Birch Cliff neighbourhood.
Looking ahead, the proposed development at 685 Warden Avenue is set to redefine the skyline near Warden station. Being developed by Choice Properties REIT and designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, this ambitious project envisions six mixed-use residential buildings, ranging from 13 to 36 storeys and with a maximum height of 117.9m. The development site, conveniently located a short walk from Warden subway station, promises to offer a mix of housing options, commercial spaces, and proximity to parks like Firvalley Woods and Warden Woods.
The development statistics underscore the dynamic growth within Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest. With an average Floor Space Index (FSI) of 3.52 and a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 2,014,932m², of which over 88% is residential, the ward is experiencing a remarkable transformation. The projects' heights vary, with a maximum of 52 storeys and a median of 6 storeys, contributing to the diverse mix of mid-rises and high-rises.
As Ward 20 continues to evolve, these developments play a crucial role in meeting the housing needs of its residents and enhancing the community's overall quality of life. Scarborough Southwest's unique cultural diversity, combined with its ongoing urban development, positions it as a dynamic and exciting part of Toronto's east-end landscape.
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