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Leader Lane Developments, in partnership with Elm Developments, broke ground this month on 1156 The Queensway. Designed by Core Architects, the mid-rise will introduce 208 purpose-built rental units and commercial space to the northwest corner of The Queensway and Woolgar Avenue in South Etobicoke.
Following a successful minor variance approval in August, 2024, the project has undergone notable refinements, including adjustments to its height and massing to align with the local zoning and emerging Mid-Rise Building Design Guidelines. While the physical height of the building remains unchanged, revised zoning definitions reclassify the project as 11 storeys, reflecting the inclusion of townhome mezzanines and rooftop mechanical penthouse levels.
The minor variance and subsequent Site Plan Control application resolved key challenges related to setbacks, angular planes, and parking allocations, enabling family-friendly townhomes and inset balconies that surpass the City of Toronto’s Growing Up Guidelines. With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and modern urban living, 1156 The Queensway reflects Leader Lane’s commitment to shaping transit-connected communities.
Leader Lane specializes in sustainable, community-focused urban projects. Co-founded by Don Manlapaz and Mathieu Fleury, the company has decades of experience in planning, project management, and development finance, focusing on creating mid-rise infill developments. The company's track record includes a series of successful acquisitions across the Greater Toronto Area. The company employs a dual strategy, including replicable prototype models such as mass timber developments, along with bespoke, site-specific projects.
With 208 purpose-built rental units, 1156 The Queensway addresses the growing demand for housing options in Toronto, ranging from compact urban studios and one-bedroom suites to townhomes. The project allocates 17% of its suites as two-bedroom and 11% as three-bedroom units, paired with inset balconies to provide outdoor space for family-oriented homes. The building will feature a facade of glass and metal panels, intended to fit in with the architectural stylings of the Queensway corridor.
Amenities will include shared coworking areas, private call rooms, a fully equipped fitness gym, and a rooftop terrace. There will also be guest suites for visitors. The ground floor commercial space is designed to activate the streetscape, spanning 340m² at the corner of The Queensway and Nordin Avenue.
The project integrates a geothermal heating and cooling system, which has already secured its building permit. Further underlining Leader Lane’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive design, the development has achieved Rick Hansen Foundation Certification, recognizing its efforts to create spaces that are welcoming to people of all abilities.
Previously a Mercedes service centre and gas station, the site was classified as a brownfield. Leader Lane, in collaboration with Zanchin Automotive Group, addressed the environmental challenges posed through extensive subsurface remediation efforts. By leveraging as-of-right zoning policies and focusing on Site Plan Approval and minor variances, they streamlined the approvals process.
Construction, being managed by ELM Developments, is making steady progress, with demolition completed in September, and ground breaking earlier this month. Leader Lane’s time-compressed approach has streamlined progress, with shoring, piling, and partial soil excavation already underway. A building permit has been issued for the geothermal system, while the final construction permit application was submitted in November.
The development benefits from its proximity to TTC bus routes, connecting residents to Kipling and Islington stations on Bloor Line 2 and popular destinations like Sherway Gardens. For drivers, the Gardiner Expressway provides access to Downtown Toronto. Leader Lane has worked closely with local stakeholders and Councillor Amber Morley of Ward 3 to ensure the project complements the community.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress of 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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