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As Metrolinx continues to expand Toronto's transit infrastructure with the construction of Ontario Line 3, more Transit-Oriented Communities (TOCs) are being planned to take advantage of the increased mobility each stations provides. UrbanToronto has already shed light on several TOC initiatives along the new line, including Eastern Avenue, Thorncliffe Park, Pape, and Gerrard-Carlaw South. The spotlight now turns to the Cosburn TOC, where the west side of Pape Avenue is to be redeveloped for one block north and south of a new station at Cosburn.
Currently occupied by an array of 2 to 3-storey commercial mixed-use buildings, the existing structures house a variety of local businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, commercial services, and offices, with residential units situated above.
Reflective of the vibrant Pape Village's main street character, these structures are built up to the front lot line, showcasing a pattern of narrow retail frontages.
The proposed Cosburn TOC, designed by SvN for Infrastructure Ontario, consists of an assembly of 8 properties at 1002 through 1028 Pape Avenue, spanning 3,225m² in area to the south of Cosburn, and 13 properties at 1030 through 1052 Pape Avenue, spanning 3,669m² in area to the north of it.
A 28-storey mixed-use building with a six-storey base is envisioned for the North site. It would introduce 300 residential units plus 517m² of retail space at ground level. The total Gross Floor Area (GFA) is projected at 22,367m², with 21,850m² of residential GFA. The building's design features a station headhouse, retail units, and POPS to enhance the public realm. In addition, the site's massing includes setbacks and step-backs in line with the neighbourhood's scale and sunlight access. There would be 1,296m² of indoor and 522m² of outdoor amenities, as well as three elevators for a ratio of one elevator for every 100 units, indicating acceptable wait-times on average.
For the South site, a 29-storey mixed-use structure is proposed, encompassing 323 residential units plus 1,691m² of retail space. The design has a GFA of 25,183m², with a residential GFA of 23,492m². This building also emphasizes a connection with the public through its design, including POPS and retail plazas. Like the North, the South site's design incorporates a 5-storey base to align with the urban fabric, while three elevators would result in a ratio of approximately one elevator for every 108 units, indicating longer wait times. Indoor amenitiy space of 755m² is proposed plus 559m² outdoors.
One of the elements putting the T in the TOC proposal is the absence of dedicated resident parking. An allocation, however, of 14 motor vehicle spaces is meant to support retail functions. Bicycle parking, in accordance with City of Toronto requirements, results in 668 long-term and 88 short-term spots.
As well as the new Ontario Lien 3 subway, TTC buses ply both Cosburn and Pape avenues, and Danforth Line 2 will only be one subway stop to the south.
Nearby development proposals to the west include the 24-storey and 25-storey buildings at 5 and 26 Cosburn Avenue respectively, along with mid-rise developments along Broadview Avenue, such as 10-storey and 11-storey structures at 1099 and 1132 Broadview Avenue. To the south, the Pape TOC proposes towers ranging from 7 to 29 storeys, while the adjacent 656 Danforth Avenue calls for 49 storeys.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, 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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