As participants in the 49-storey tower appeal case before the Ontario Land Tribunal, we prepared a nine-page illustrated position statement before the scheduled September hearing. The document has six key “Asks”:

1. Make a very significant cut to the height and massing of this building
The proposal does not meet provincial and municipal policies and guidelines to “fit in with the existing neighbourhood” and “create appropriate transition” to the surrounding area. Existing plans can already provide significant intensification, and the proposal is far beyond what would be appropriate for the Pape Station area,

2. Provide more appropriate housing, both market value and affordable
The neighbourhood needs decently-sized units that people and families can afford, rather than units for investors.

3. Include improvements to the streetscape and public realm
The podium is far out of proportion to the historical and cultural heritage buildings across the street. People will need more room to walk, there won’t be enough trees, and even the developers’ consultants predict uncomfortable wind effects.

4. Respect and enhance the lively character of Danforth and Pape Avenues
The area is celebrated for its vibrant street life and character – but this massive project would be an interruption and reduce the retail, service, and restaurant spaces from six to two.

5. Make serious commitments to the environment and sustainability
The proposals for this project are minimum “green building” measures for tall buildings. But in our climate crisis, high towers themselves are inherently questionable.

6. Don’t set a hugely inappropriate precedent for the future of the Danforth
Del Boca Vista’s Block Context Plan envisions at least six more tall buildings being built along Pape and Danforth near their site.  Other lands are being assembled – and developers are watching what happens with this appeal. Approval of this project could have devastating impacts for the City-adopted plan for low- to mid-rise intensification here. 

 We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions. Please send them to admin@danforthrad.ca

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