Legal restrictions are binding rules that limit how a property may be used or developed, enforced by governments, regulatory bodies, or private agreements.
Why Legal Restrictions Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, legal restrictions influence everything from what type of home you can build to how a property can be modified or occupied. These restrictions may come from:
These constraints can limit renovations, additions, or commercial use, and may affect a property’s resale value. Buyers should investigate legal restrictions during due diligence, often through title searches, zoning checks, and municipal planning offices.
Ignoring or violating legal restrictions can lead to stop-work orders, fines, removal of unauthorized work, or legal disputes. Developers and homeowners must secure proper permits and approvals to stay compliant.
Understanding legal restrictions helps avoid surprises, plan appropriate renovations, and protect the long-term value of a property.
Example of Legal Restrictions
A buyer learns that their property falls within a heritage district, restricting exterior alterations without special municipal approval.
Budgeting in real estate refers to the process of forecasting and managing income and expenses associated with owning, operating, or developing a property.. more
Tenant improvements refer to custom modifications or build-outs made to a leased space to suit the tenant’s operational needs, often negotiated as. more
A rendering of the new W Calgary and JW Marriott Calgary. / Truman, Louson
This week, Calgary-based real estate developer Truman and hospitality giant Marriott International announced plans for a group of new hotels that are "poised to transform the hospitality landscape in Calgary and will debut as part of a dynamic mixed-use development ideally situated within the city's rapidly evolving Culture + Entertainment District."
The first is the 69-storey W Calgary that will include 157 guest rooms and 239 branded residences. Guests of the hotel will have access to amenities such as a 7,500 sq. ft AWAY Spa, 16,259 sq. ft of meeting space, the W brand's signature Living Room, expansive FIT studio, and a rooftop bar. Residents will also have access to the amenities, in addition to a dedicated private entrance. The W Calgary is expected to open in 2029.
The second is the adjacent 62-storey JW Marriott Calgary that will include 248 guest rooms and 120 branded residences, each of which will be "meticulously designed to embody the brand's world-class approach to well-being and luxury hospitality." Both guests and residents will have access to 32,500 sq. ft of meeting space, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, the brand's signature JW Market, a tranquil JW Garden, a curated retail area, and more. The JW Marriott is expected to open in 2030.
Both hotels are set for 232 15 Avenue SE, a corner site located at the intersection of 15 Avenue SE and Macleod Trail SE, directly across the street from Victoria Park / Stampede Station and the BMO Centre. The property is currently a large vacant lot being used as a parking lot, and has an assessed value of $9,590,000.
The announcement comes exactly a month after Truman and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) announced plans for a new 13-storey hotel with 320 guest rooms at the southeast corner of 17 Avenue SE and Macleod Trail SE, immediately south of BMO Centre. In this week's announcement, Truman said this hotel will be under Marriott's Autograph Collection Hotel brand and will include 15,000 sq. ft of meeting and event space, several restaurants, a lobby bar, coffee shop, rooftop lounge, leisure terrace, jacuzzi, swimming pool, outdoor bar, and fitness club. The Autograph Collection Hotel is expected to open in 2028.
An overview of the Calgary's Culture + Entertainment District and the forthcoming hotels. / Truman, Louson
Truman will be developing all three hotels with its joint venture partner Louson and the two new hotels announced this week are set to be two of Western Canada's tallest residential towers and will together "redefine luxury in the city, offering elevated living and travel experiences in the city."
HOTEL TIMELINE
The Autograph Collection Hotel is expected to open in 2028
The W Calgary is expected to open in 2029
The JW Marriott is expected to open in 2030
"We are incredibly excited to announce our newest hotel development right here in our hometown of Calgary," said Tony Trutina, Chief Operating Officer of Truman. "Truman and Louson, as Calgary-based and family-owned companies, have a deep commitment to this city, and we believe this project will be a significant catalyst for the local economy. Beyond creating numerous construction jobs, these hotels are expected to generate substantial long-term employment opportunities, boost tourism, and support local businesses through increased visitor spending. We are immensely proud to invest further in Calgary's future and contribute to its vibrant growth."
"As Marriott continues to expand our hospitality options in Canada to meet the diverse needs of guests, owners and developers, W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary, and the Autograph Collection Hotel are poised to usher in an unparalleled level of hospitality to this high- energy city," added Paul Cahill, Chief Operating Officer, Canada, Marriott International. "We are thrilled to closely collaborate with Truman and Louson, whose combined passion and love for Calgary will be a perfect complement to the elevated service that guests have come to expect from the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio."
A rendering of the W Calgary and JW Marriott (left), Autograph Collection Hotel (centre), and all three hotels (right). / Truman, Louson
Calgary's Culture + Entertainment District
The new hotels continue the City of Calgary's efforts to solidify its Culture + Entertainment District, after the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) and Calgary Stampede unveiled a 20-year master-plan vision in 2018 to transform east Victoria Park into a vibrant high-density neighbourhood with over 4 million sq. ft of new mixed-use development and 8,000 new residents.
So far, the CMLC has invested more than $650 million into foundational infrastructure and city-building projects, including the completion of the $500 million expansion of the BMO Centre in June 2024. Since then, the 17 Avenue SE Extension and Victoria Park / Stampede Station Rebuild have also been completed.
"Our shared vision for The Culture + Entertainment District as a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood is coming to life, with more than $2B in city-building infrastructure and cultural destinations completed or underway," said Kate Thompson, President and CEO of CMLC in this week's announcement. "As we knew it would, our city's public investment in the C+E is now attracting significant private interest and investment, bringing forward the hotels, residences and commercial spaces envisioned in the master plan that will, critically, support the needs of meetings, conventions and major events taking place in The District."
According to the press release, that private investment will total to $1.47 billion from Truman and Louson, which will not only deliver over 700 premium hotel rooms and 360 branded residences, but also support over 9,100 jobs during construction and over 2,000 ongoing jobs after completion. Truman says it also expects the three projects to generate over $120 million in GDP from hotel operations, an additional $111 million from visitor spending, as well as $76 million in government revenue.
Ground-level rendering of 81-83 Isabella Street/Arcadis
If you find yourself on Isabella Street, between Church and Jarvis in downtown Toronto, you may walk by a heritage building known as The Merlan without even knowing it. Designed by Ontario’s own Norman Alexander Armstrong, the 49-unit, Edwardian Revival-style apartment building has occupied 81-83 Isabella Street for just shy of a century.
However, with The Merlan rising just three storeys, its location in Church-Wellesley Village stands to be better utilized. As such, site owner Akelius Canada Inc. is proposing the demolition of the existing apartment in favour of a residential tower rising 69 storeys — some 744 feet, inclusive of the mechanical penthouse. The heritage facades of The Merlan would be integrated into the new build through adaptive reuse, according to a planning report that went to the City in early June.
The report also says that a total gross floor area (GFA) of 496,582 sq. ft has been proposed, translating to a floor space index (FSI) of 31.5. The entirety of the GFA would be dedicated to residential uses, with 647 units planned, including nine studios, 315 one-bedrooms, 254 two-bedrooms, and 69 three-bedrooms. That translates to a precise 50% share of larger family-sized units “to meet the range of market demands and household needs.” The total unit count also includes 48 replacement rentals, all of which would be configured as one-bedrooms.
In terms of amenity space, a total of around 25,769 sq. ft has been proposed, and that would be split between a series of indoor amenity rooms, dedicated outdoor amenity terraces, and what’s being called a “sky garden.” Although the building would be served by only 29 short-term vehicle parking spaces, 711 bicycle parking spaces are planned within the mezzanine level.
Renderings prepared by Arcadis show a two-storey base with the retained heritage facades, topped with a 10-storey lower tower element and a 57-storey upper tower element. The heritage facades retained from The Merlan are meant to read primarily from Isabella Street.
Isabella Street has become a popular location in Toronto for intensification — likely because it runs through the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of the city, and also because it’s proximate to other high-traffic areas like the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). It’s also a short walk from Yonge Street. Other approved developments in the area include 69 storeys at 90-94 Isabella Street and 62 storeys at 88 Isabella Street. In addition, 135 Isabella is slated for a 69-storey tower, which KingSett Capital proposed in June 2023 — however, the firm has seemingly moved on from the project, as it was listed for sale by RBC Capital Markets Real Estate Group last fall.
After hitting a nearly 25-year high in May, active listings in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) only grew over the course of June, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board's (TRREB), as tariff-related economic uncertainty continued to win out over improved affordability.
With many still wary about jumping off the sidelines, the region posted a mere 6,243 sales last month, essentially unchanged from May and 2.4% below June 2024's sales, according to TRREB's June Market Watch report. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, however, sales did edge up month over month, following two months of consecutive increases in April and May.
Recent data points towards signs of life in a market that has been effectively paralyzed by economic uncertainty since February — a condition TRREB Chief Information Officer Jason Mercer hopes to see remedied by things like a US-Canada trade agreement and improved borrowing costs.
“A firm trade deal with the United States accompanied by an end to cross-border sabre rattling would go a long way to alleviating a weakened economy and improving consumer confidence," he said. "On top of this, two additional interest rate cuts would make monthly mortgage payments more comfortable for average GTA households. This could strengthen the momentum experienced over the last few months and provide some support for selling prices."
While sales stalled in June, active listings had hit 31,603 by the end of the month, up from 30,964 in May. This represents a 30.8% year-over-year increase from the 24,169 listings recorded in June 2024 and puts active listings at the highest the metric has been since at least August 2002, which is when TRREB changed its reports to reflect new and active listing counts as of the end of each month.
After steadily rising from 12,066 in February to 21,819 in May, new listings added in June ticked back down to 19,839, which, coupled with an increase in seasonally-adjusted sales, reflects the "tightening trend experienced during the spring," reads the report.
Despite the slight uptick in sales, GTA home prices continued to slide in June as buyers enjoyed increased leverage due to high inventory. Compared to last year, the MLS Home Price Index Composite benchmark was down by 5.5% and the average selling price was down 5.4% at $1,101,691. The latter metric also fell month over month from $1,120,879 in May — by close to $20,000.
“The GTA housing market continued to show signs of recovery in June. With more listings available, buyers are taking advantage of increased choice and negotiating discounts off asking prices," said TTREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule. "Combined with lower borrowing costs compared to a year ago, homeownership is becoming a more attainable goal for many households in 2025."
A recent report from RBC found that owning a home in Canada is the most affordable it's been in three years, with some of the largest price decreases seen in Toronto over Q1-2025. Still, homes in the city and in other uber-expensive cities like Vancouver remain well out of reach for many buyers.
"Pressure is coming off ownership costs, but progress — while material — has been insufficient to make a real difference," says the report.
Residential buildings in Vancouver. / Shutterstock
Is the worst of the real estate market downturn over now? The answer to that question may be a "yes," according to Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR), who said in their statistics release this morning that "After a turbulent first half of the year, home sales registered on the MLS across Metro Vancouver are showing emerging signs of a recovery."
In June, the Greater Vancouver region recorded a total of 2,181 home sales, which is 9.8% below the 2,418 recorded in June 2024 and 25.8% below the 10-year June average of 2,940. While last month's totals are still down, GVR says the decline has been halved from the previous month, a silver lining that could be a sign of improvement to come.
On the supply side, 6,315 new listings came online last month, which is 10.3% higher than the 5,723 added in June 2024 and 12.7% higher than the 10-year June average of 5,604.
Including that new batch of listings, the total amount of active listings in the Greater Vancouver real estate market is now up to 17,561, which is 23.8% higher than the 14,182 after June 2024 and 43.7% higher than the 10-year average of 12,223.
Supply is still significantly higher than demand, thus prices are continuing to cool off, with the composite residential benchmark price now at $1,173,100, which represents a decrease of 0.3% from May 2025 and a decrease of 2.8% from June 2024.
By residential property type, the benchmark price is now $1,994,500 for single-detached homes, $1,103,900 for attached homes, and $748,400 for condominiums. All three represent decreases between 0.1% and 1.2% from May 2025 and decreases between 3.0% and 3.2% compared to June 2024.
Market Analysis
According to the latest GVR statistics, the sales-to-active-listings ratio is now at 12.8%. A ratio of 12% or lower is considered a buyers' market and a ratio of 20% or higher is considered a sellers' market. By residential property type, the ratio is now 9.9% for single-detached homes, 16.9% for attached homes, and 13.9% for condos.
"On a trended basis, signs are emerging that sales activity is rounding the corner after a challenging first half to the year, with the year-over-year decline in sales in June halving the decline we saw in May," said Greater Vancouver Realtors' Director of Economics and Data Analytics Andrew Lis. "If this momentum continues, it may not be long before sales are up year-over-year, which would mark a shift toward a market with more demand than the unusually low demand we've seen so far this year."
"As home sales regain their footing, inventory levels aren't building as quickly as we've seen lately," added Lis. "Most market segments remain in balanced market conditions, which has generally kept prices trending sideways since the start of the year. With over 17,000 listings on the market right now, and with mortgage rates down around two per cent since last summer, buyers are enjoying some of the most favourable conditions seen in years."
Those favourable conditions for buyers may get another boost on July 30, when the Bank of Canada is scheduled to make its next interest rate announcement.
The 31-storey Elysée being planned for 5655 Cambie Street in Vancouver. / NSDA Architects, Polygon
The last remaining corner site at the prominent intersection of W 41st Avenue and Cambie Street now has development plans attached to it, according to a new rezoning application published by the City of Vancouver on July 2.
The subject site of the proposal is 5635-5655 Cambie Street and 511 W 41st Avenue, which is together one legal parcel with an address of 5655 Cambie Street. The property is currently occupied by a three-storey office building known as Oakridge Place that was constructed in 1962 and a surface parking lot. The building's major tenant is TD Bank.
As first reported by STOREYS in April, the property was acquired by Vancouver-based real estate developer Polygon Homes, who is also currently developing a 27-storey project called Claridge House at the southeast corner of the intersection, giving Polygon two of the four corner sites. (The other two are Oakridge Park by QuadReal and Westbank, and a mixed-use building by PCI Developments and TD Greystone Asset Management.)
BC Assessment values the property — in an assessment dated back to July 1, 2024 — at $49,438,200 and Polygon is seeking to rezone the site from C-1 (Commercial) to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development).
The 5655 Cambie Street site at the northeast corner of W 41st Avenue and Cambie Street in Vancouver. / NSDA Architects, Polygon
For the site, Polygon has proposed a 31-storey tower, inclusive of a five-storey podium, that would reach a maximum height of 305 ft and a proposed density of 8.93 FSR. Polygon has confirmed that the project will be named Elysée — presumably a nod to the Palais de l'Élysée, the official residence of the President of France.
The building would house 176 strata units, split between 39 one-bedroom units, 118 two-bedroom units, and 19 three-bedroom units. Average unit sizes range from 534 to 590 sq. ft for one-bedroom units, 878 to 1,084 sq. ft for two-bedroom units, and 1,297 to 1,424 sq. ft for three-bedroom units.
The 27-storey residential component will sit atop a five-level building podium that will house 50,788 sq. ft of office space, 11,480 sq. ft of retail space, and 6,995 sq. ft of daycare space. Much of the residential amenity space will also be housed in the podium. A total of 266 vehicle parking spaces and 448 bicycle parking spaces will be provided in a five-level underground parkade.
Renderings of the commercial building podium for Elysee. / NSDA Architects, Polygon
Renderings of the commercial building podium for Elysee. / NSDA Architects, Polygon
"This proposal aims to enhance the high-density, transit-oriented Oakridge Municipal Town Centre (MTC), contributing to the development of a vibrant urban hub," said Polygon and NSDA Architects, the architect of the project, in their rezoning application. "By supporting the ongoing implementation of the Cambie Corridor Plan, the project program will introduce opportunities for increased community activity and diversity within the neighbourhood."
"The proposal includes ground-oriented commercial spaces, a podium comprised of three stories of dedicated office space, a childcare facility as well as a market residential tower component," they added. "Its location offers convenient access to an array of parks, schools, existing and planned community facilities, and urban amenities. Future development adjacent to the project site is earmarked for the provision of an Outdoor Public Plaza. Situated within walking distance of the Canada Line SkyTrain and multiple bus routes along 41st Avenue, the site supports sustainable, transit-focused living."
Although a rezoning application has been submitted, it's unlikely that the project will be proceeding in the near future, as a result of the challenges the presale market continues to face.
Renderings of the commercial building podium for Elysee. / NSDA Architects, Polygon
Renderings of the 31-storey Elysee proposed for 5655 Cambie Street in Vancouver. / NSDA Architects, Polygon
According to the rezoning application, the daycare facility will have a capacity of 69 children and Polygon will be delivering the facility turnkey to the City of Vancouver as their community amenity contribution (CAC) for the project.
The City of Vancouver received the rezoning application on March 18 and will be hosting the Q&A period for Polygon's proposal from Wednesday, July 16 to Tuesday, July 29.
Immediately north of this Polygon site is the large BC Liquor Store at 5555 Cambie Street, which was listed for sale earlier this year by Colliers and could presumably accommodate another high-rise tower.
Rendering of the Toronto Coach Terminal redevelopment/Studio Gang, architects–Alliance
Toronto City Council met for its June session last week, and members signed off on over a dozen housing proposals (and refused just one). Among the standout projects were the redevelopment of the city’s historic coach terminal and a massive master plan proposed for the site of Cineplex Cinemas Queensway.
Collectively, the approved developments are expected to add almost 10,000 new housing units to the city, and will hopefully play a part in Toronto reaching its target of 285,000 new homes by 2030. According to the Province, the city fell short of its 2024 goal of 23,750 housing starts, recording just 20,999 new units. Still, Toronto was awarded $67.2 million through the Building Faster Fund in early June for reaching 88% of its target for the year.
There remains plenty of motivation to move new housing projects through the early planning stages and into actual construction — particularly the skyscrapers and master plans, which stand to usher in the most density. With that in mind, here’s a look at the six high-rise proposals that got the green light from Council in June.
In January 2023, the Ontario Land Tribunal approved a change to the land-use designation for 1025 The Queensway from employment to mixed use area, essentially paving the way for a major development proposal that would come over a year later, in May 2024. The (hotly contested) proposal from New Queensway Inc. calls for the demolition of the Cineplex Cinemas Queensway in favour of a 12-building master plan with heights ranging from seven to 46 storeys. Across the ten tallest buildings, 4,077 residential units are planned, including affordable units. In addition, the redevelopment would bring a public park and daycare to the site.
Rendering of 3406-3434 Weston Road/ICON Architects
Zoning approvals for a 12-storey mixed-use building with 270 residential units at 3406-3434 Weston Road were granted by City Council in March 2015, however, that rendition of the plans didn’t end up coming to fruition. More recently, in May 2024, Pinemount Developments filed plans for a two-tower mixed-use building — a 35-storey south tower and 39-storey north tower — connected by a seven-storey podium. The development is set to include 832 residential units as well as retail/commercial space at grade.
Redevelopment plans for the site at 13-21 John Street were initially proposed in October 2022, but at that time, the application extended to include properties at 36-38 South Station Street. The most recent iteration of the proposal, which comes from Devron Developments, positions the South Station Street properties as an “off-site in-kind Community Benefits Charge” contribution. On the remainder of the site, it calls for a 42-storey mixed-use building with 540 residential units and non-residential gross floor area along the John Street frontage.
Rendering of 604-610 Bay and 130 Elizabeth streets/Studio Gang, architects–Alliance
In October 2019, the City identified 610 Bay Street as one of eight sites with the potential to be optimized through CreateTO's ModernTO initiative, and in November 2024, Kilmer Group and Tricon Residential (Kilmer-Tricon) were selected as the team that would take over the redevelopment of 604-610 Bay and the adjacent 130 Elizabeth Street. Notably, 610 Bay is home to the now-decommissioned Toronto Coach Terminal, and as such, careful thought has gone into the redevelopment plans. Those call for 43- and 16-storey towers containing 858 purpose-built rental units (245 of which would be affordable), and exterior design inspired by the sky, earth, and Art Deco style of the historic Coach Terminal. In addition, a paramedic services facility, retail space, and office space have all been planned.
Rendering of 3434 Lawrence Avenue East/BDP Quadrangle via First Capital REIT
First Capital REIT submitted a rezoning application for 3434 Lawrence Avenue East back in December 2021 to permit the construction of two L-shaped development blocks with two buildings on each. At that time, the plans called for building heights between eight and 29 storeys, however, the current rendition of the plans call for heights between 10 to 23 storeys with 855 apartment units across the towers. Also included in the plans is a public parkland dedication, ground-floor retail space, and a new public street.
Rendering of 1251-1311 Yonge Street/BDP Quadrangle
The first iteration of redevelopment plans for 1255-1311 Yonge Street came in 2022, when a proposal to construct an 11-storey mixed-use building with retail and office spaces was submitted to the City. A revised application was then submitted in October 2024 — this time with the inclusion of 1251 Yonge. This version of the proposal, which comes from an entity known as 1303 Yonge (ARH) Developments Ltd., includes a two-tower development with heights of 43 and 47 storeys, at-grade retail space, and on-site parkland dedication. For its residential part, the plans call for 832 units.
In the heart of Cabbagetown, on one of the neighbourhood’s most picturesque, tree-lined blocks, this stately Victorian exudes historic charm — with an added touch of Canadian star quality.
Thoughtfully redesigned and maintained by Canadian actress and broadcaster Shauna MacDonald — known for memorable roles in Trailer Park Boys, These Arms of Mine, and This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and for her celebrated tenure as a CBC Radio One announcer — 451 Sackville Street, listed for $1,935,000, offers a rare chance to own a fully restored residence that seamlessly blends architectural heritage, timeless craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.
Designed as two distinct, self-contained suites, the home is as versatile as it is beautiful — ideal for multigenerational living, rental income, dedicated work-from-home space, or simply an expansive personal residence that exudes unique character and style.
The main-floor residence blends timeless elegance with modern comfort: towering ceilings, classic crown mouldings, spacious rooms, and a wood-burning fireplace create a warm, refined living space. The tranquil bedroom opens to a private, fenced garden oasis with a deck and stone terrace — perfect for pets, morning coffee, or dinner under the stars. The lower level features a sleek updated bathroom and a custom-built wardrobe room, offering abundant storage without compromising on style.
Upstairs, a distinctive two-level residence brims with natural light and sophistication. The loft-like primary bedroom is complemented by a second bedroom, while the open-concept kitchen and dining area invite both lively gatherings and everyday ease.
The lush garden retreat off the main-floor suite is a hidden gem. It’s intimate yet expansive, with stonework, greenery, and room to dine or daydream — all just steps from the city core. It’s the kind of outdoor space that transforms a home from simply beautiful to deeply livable.
Each unit is equipped with its own bathroom, air-conditioning, furnace, and hydro meter, ensuring independence and comfort across all seasons.
Meanwhile, outside, the best of Cabbagetown is just steps away. Whether it’s picking up provisions from gourmet staple Daniel et Daniel, browsing Parliament Street’s mix of cafés and shops, or wandering east to Riverdale Park and its beloved farm, markets, and trails, this location offers an immersive slice of Toronto life with deep community roots.
An ideal blend of character, craftsmanship, and flexibility — with a touch of Canadian star power — this home serves a truly rare and refined offering in one of the city’s most cherished neighbourhoods.
From Etobicoke to Scarborough, unassuming parcels of land across the Greater Toronto Area are constantly being eyed up and targeted for housing development by the region's (and country's) array of industrious builders and developers. And, as the City sees a steady stream of building applications, STOREYS is right there waiting to sift through architectural plans and planning rationales for the best and biggest (and coolest!) coming up across the region.
Each month brings something different, from affordable housing to multi-tower luxury condos — but here are six stand-out submissions that were on our radar in the month of June.
Location: 490 to 534 Lawrence Avenue West and 3090 to 3114 Bathurst Street in Englemount-Lawrence
After over 70 years in operation, Toronto’s Lawrence Plaza is slated for a major transformation in the form of an eight-building master-planned development with heights ranging from six to 40 storeys. The ambitious project would take place in six phases and replace the historic plaza, delivering 127,331 sq. ft of non-residential GFA, including a daycare, 2,107,649 sq. ft of residential GFA, including 2,693 new homes, and a 42,985-sq.-ft public park.
Renderings from Diamond Schmitt and information from the planning materials indicate that the community will have an emphasis on pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and European-inspired built forms. The mixed-use community would be located at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue and Bathurst Street, bringing residents and workers within walking distance of Lawrence West subway station on Line 1.
Location: 2720–2734 Danforth Avenue in East End-Danforth
All the rage these days is the 'missing middle' — a movement exemplified by this proposal for a two- to eight-storey purpose-built rental development in East Danforth. The project is the first in a five-building missing middle portfolio being launched by Collecdev-Markee in order to provide a wider range of housing options for Torontonians. The development would incorporate a two-storey heritage structure with retail at grade, alongside a four- and eight-storey residential component which would provide 64 rental units. Designs from Batay-Csorba Architects showcase a charming red rick exterior and a unique interior courtyard where residents would be able to gather.
All proposals included in the portfolio will prioritize innovation and progressive planning with pre-fabricated modular mass timber construction, a minimum of 10% affordable housing, no vehicular parking or below-grade components, and proximity to rapid transit, amenities, and retail services.
Developer: 1001081495 Ontario Inc. and 1001081493 Ontario Inc.
Location: 36-40 Avondale Road in North York
This eye-catching tower has been proposed within walking distance of Sheppard-Yonge subway station on Line 1, where it would replace three one- to two-storey single-detached homes. Plans envision a 49-storey tower designed by DIALOG that would contain 504 new condo units.
The surrounding area is poised for intensified growth, being a Protected Major Transit Station Area, but current zoning on the site limits building heights to 65-metre single-family detached dwellings. If approved, the successful Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications would allow for the construction of the 166.5-metre tower.
Location: 614 Danforth Road in Clairlea-Birchmount
Just down the street from the Scarborough GO station could soon be a 33-storey mixed-use development slated to deliver 380 new housing units and 3,465 sq. ft of retail space to the Clairlea-Birchmount neighbourhood, with designs by BDP Quadrangle.
Currently, the site is occupied by a single-storey auto body shop and the surrounding area is defined by low-rise residential and commercial buildings. However, at least five larger developments have been proposed directly east of the subject site that are in line with the intensified development encouraged for Protected Major Transit Station Areas, like the one surrounding Scarborough GO.
41-47 Hendon Avenue/Arcadis, 41H Development Limited Partnership
Developer: 41H Development Limited Partnership
Location: 41-47 Hendon Avenue in Newtonbrook West
This North York address, which is currently occupied by four one-storey detached homes, could soon be redeveloped with a 38-storey purpose-built rental building, designed by Arcadis, that would bring 399 rental units and 518 sq. ft of retail space within walking distance of higher-order transit.
Located just northwest of the Yonge Street and Finch Avenue West intersection, the proposed development would sit around 980 feet east of the Finch subway station on Line 1, which is a Major Transit Hub, and within close proximity to many other surface transit routes along Yonge Street. On top of that, the area is set to see continued growth and is already home to a wealth of amenities including retail, community facilities, dining, entertainment, and more.
Location: 429 Lake Shore Boulevard East in St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands
Last, but certainly not least, plans have been filed for a massive four block, 14-building master-planned community that could one day transform Toronto's eastern waterfront. The community would contain building heights ranging from mid-rise to 53 storeys, 4,994 total housing units, 146,378 sq. ft of non-residential space, 24,756 sq. ft of publicly accessible open space, a 46,618-sq.-ft 'Water’s Edge Promenade and Park', and a number of mid-block connections to the waterfront.
The community, featuring architectural designs from architects—Alliance and Cobe Architecture, and urban planning from SvN Architects + Planners, would be located along the Keating Channel at the intersection of the future Queen's Quay East extension and Cherry Street, with the four development blocks oriented in the northeast and west and southeast and west corners of the intersection.