Request for a Minister's Zoning Order for affordable housing and mixed-use development in the City of Toronto

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is consulting on a request for a Minister’s Zoning Order that does not meet the intake thresholds set out in the Zoning Order Framework.

A Minister’s Zoning Order, made pursuant to clause 47(1)(a) of the Planning Act, regulates the use of land and the erection, location and use of any building or structure on the land.

The Ministry is in receipt of a request for a Minister’s Zoning Order to facilitate approximately 1,314 units of affordable and attainable housing, and 564 units of market housing, within four residential towers (ranging from 30 to 42 storeys) at 1635 Lawrence Avenue West in the City of Toronto.

The subject lands are approximately 1.4 hectares and are located at the south side of Lawrence Avenue West, at the southwest corner of its intersection with Black Creek Drive. The subject lands are currently occupied by a multi-tenant commercial plaza.

If made, the requested Minister’s Zoning Order would permit:

• Four residential towers ranging from 30 to 42 storeys
• Other uses such as parking garages, temporary sales offices, and non-residential buildings
• Modifications to a wide variety of technical zoning requirements ranging from maximum interior floor areas for certain permitted uses, to minimum heights for the first floor of some buildings.

To help ensure decisions are made in a transparent manner and support government priorities, the Ministry is seeking feedback on whether this request should be considered and any additional information that may help inform a decision.