May 24, 2012

Communication is the key

Yonge-Eg Centre’s future up for discussion June 11

KAREN STINTZ Ward 16 Councillor

KAREN STINTZ Ward 16 Councillor

IT IS A vibrant mix of shopping, big business, entertainment and sough-after residential homes. And with a subway stop that lets thousands of people in and out of its doors every day, a recent promise of $4.6 billion for the proposed Eglinton-Crosstown LRT and an expected transformation of the vacant TTC bus yard around the corner, Yonge and Eglinton is poised for continued and significant growth.

It’s an exciting time for people who live, work and play in the area. But to retain its destination status in the city, residents want to see the area developed in a way that enhances the characteristics that make it so desirable.

In order to manage the projected growth, guidelines were created to ensure the area is developed in a way that is compatible with the adjacent residential areas. Earlier this year, city planners unveiled the “Yonge Eglinton Urban Design Guidelines.” The guidelines create a grand vision for the area. They will also act as a useful tool to evaluate development applications.

On Feb. 20, RioCan, the current owners of the Yonge Eglinton Centre, submitted a rezoning application to amend existing zoning bylaws to permit construction of five and seven storeys on its office towers. In addition, the application, if approved, would enable them to enclose a portion of the open space to permit three storeys of additional retail space.

The northwest corner of Yonge and Eglinton is important to all stakeholders involved in this application. All parties want to see it enhanced. It is important that dialogue remains open throughout this process and that the final outcome best serves this vibrant part of Toronto. A public meeting will be held on June 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre in the multipurpose room.

This article appears in the June 2009 issue of Post City Magazines