Request for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) to restrict building heights to protect a biomanufacturing campus in the City of Toronto

A Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO), 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, and prevails over the existing municipal zoning by-law to the extent there is any conflict.

The Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) has requested an MZO in order to safeguard the continued operational viability of Sanofi Pasteur Limited’s (Sanofi) manufacturing facilities and headquarters at 1755 Steeles Avenue West.

The MZO request proposes that all buildings and structures on the subject lands at 1875 Steeles Avenue West be limited to a maximum height of 33 metres.

In addition to the MZO, the ministry would be considering other planning tools that may be needed to protect the Sanofi facility from encroachment of non-employment uses and development on adjacent lands, given its strategic importance to Ontario, and would consult on those measures as appropriate.

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. In particular, any potential environmental risks, financial impacts on the municipality or implications for other approved developments and how these can be mitigated.