Requesting a modification to…

Requesting a modification to OPA 591 to permit the conversion of the lands at 17 Leslie Street from General Employment to Mixed Use. The site is currently occupied by a supermarket, a restaurant and surface parking. It is de facto already converted - under the existing designation, the establishment of new large retail uses like a supermarket would not be permitted. Employment designation is generally aimed at protecting lands for space extensive employment uses like manufacturing and warehousing. This site will never develop as such. The supermarket serves the surrounding residential community to the north and west.

The conversion of the site satisfies the criteria in 2.2.5.9 of the Growth Plan. As such, the conversion of 17 Leslie is in conformity with the policies of the Growth Plan.

A planning analysis of the property has been undertaken. It concludes that more than 70,000 square metres of residential development could be accommodated in a mixed use concept that would also continue to have a supermarket on site. The result would be more than 1,000 residential units of new housing supply. Increasing the supply of housing is a priority for the province. This conversion is appropriate planning and would deliver such an increase in housing supply.