We are lawyers the owners…

We are lawyers the owners and managers of various lands in the Yonge and St. Clair area of the City of Toronto. These lands are within Site and Area Specific Policy area 721 (in this case a Major Transit Station Area) established by Toronto Official Plan Amendment 570. The amendment is now before the Minister for his consideration.

We are requesting that the Minister modify the minimum density mapping applicable to the lands in site and area specific policy 721 in Official Plan. Amendment 570 to reflect higher minimum densities, reflective of existing buildings, existing planning approvals and active development application.

We are requesting that the policies applicable to Site and Area Specific Policy 721 be modified to include a policy providing relief from a Toronto Official Plan Policy 3.5.1.9 that requires replacement, or an increase, in office uses when redevelopment takes place introducing residential uses. This policy applies in mixed-use areas within 500 metres of a subway station. With the post-COVID economy having significantly changed demand for office space, this office replacement policy effectively serves to block any new residential housing supply from being delivered, as replacement office space is simply not viable.

We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a comment on this proposal.