An East York intersection could soon see a dramatic change in scale with a development application submitted for 793–797 O’Connor Drive. Designed by Studio JCI for 2027708 Ontario Limited, a 16-storey condominium is proposed to rise at the southeast corner of O’Connor Drive and St Clair Avenue East. It would introduce condominium units and retail space to the low-rise O’Connor-Parkview neighbourhood.

Looking southeast to 797 O'Connor Drive, designed by Studio JCI for 2027708 Ontario Limited

The immediate area has no comparable precedents, with larger developments only found closer to the major transit lines. Four TTC bus routes converge at the intersection, offering access to Danforth Line 2 and the upcoming Eglinton Line 5, both over 2km to the south and north, respectively.  

Spanning 2,654m² across two parcels at 793 and 797 O’Connor Drive, the site forms an irregular lot. Currently, 793 O’Connor contains a vacant detached home in deteriorating condition, with its rear yard sloping into a treed ravine that forms part of a designated natural heritage area. The proposed development is set back from the long-term stable top-of-slope, with a 10m buffer established through a Ravine Stewardship Plan prepared by Urban Forest Associates.

Looking southeast from St Clair Avenue East and O'Connor Drive to the current site, image retrieved from Google Maps

Surrounding context is varied, including low-rise commercial buildings and residential neighbourhoods to the north and west, and the Taylor-Massey Creek and parkland primarily to the south. Though the intersection is a designated transit corridor in the Official Plan, the immediate context remains low-scale.

Elevate Planning & Project Management has submitted Official Plan and Rezoning applications to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developer. Rising to a height of 55.53m, the building would introduce 219 condominium units atop a 4- to 6-storey podium that wraps the site’s O’Connor and St Clair frontages. Total Gross Floor Area is proposed at 16,145m², with 15,936m² dedicated to residential use and 209m² allocated to street-facing retail space, split into two commercial bays. The overall density yields a Floor Space Index of 6.20 times lot coverage.

Site plan, designed by Studio JCI for 2027708 Ontario Limited

Indoor and outdoor amenities are planned across the second floor and rooftop levels, offering 581m² indoors and 314m² outdoors. The building would be served by two elevators, equating to approximately one for every 110 units, a ratio that would necessitate high-speed motors for adequate response times. Nearly 45% of the units are planned as two- and three-bedroom suites, in response to family-sized housing demand.

A two-level underground garage would provide 31 vehicular parking spaces for residents, 15 for visitors, and 8 for retail. The proposal also includes 197 long-term and 44 short-term bicycle parking spots.

Ground floor plan, designed by Studio JCI for 2027708 Ontario Limited

The site has direct access to four TTC bus routes, with stops located around the O’Connor and St Clair intersection. The surrounding street network also offers connections to cycling routes and Don Valley Parkway interchanges.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

While the immediate context around the site remains low-rise, gradual intensification is underway in the broader area. Northeast of the site, a 10-storey building is proposed at 968 O’Connor. Larger-scale developments are concentrated closer to Lines 2 and 5, as well as west of the Don Valley Parkway. Further southeast, on the other side of the river, Bela Square is wrapping up construction at 35 storeys with a proposed 40-storey second phase. West of the Don Valley, the Thorncliffe Park Transit-Oriented Community linked to th Ontario Line plans six towers from 13 to 56 storeys.

Looking northwest to 797 O'Connor Drive, designed by Studio JCI for 2027708 Ontario Limited

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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UrbanToronto has a research service, UTPro, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe — from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

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