The City has struck a deal at the Ontario Municipal Board to set the height of towers on the Sunnybrook Plaza redevelopment at 11 and 16 floors. This is a reduction from the 13 and 19 floors originally proposed by plaza owner RioCan Inc. A letter sent to neighbours of the plaza by the Leaside Property Owners Association (LPOA) which was also a party to the negotiation, says that concessions were won from the original plan that improve the height, massing, density and design of the proposal. In the letter, LPOA co-president Geoff Kettel says: “Our objectives were to reduce height, and density, and improve the buildings’ design, setbacks angular planes, to create a simpler, more distinctive building profile and minimal shadowing. The final height reduces the originally proposed 19 and 13 storeys to 16 and 11 storeys, with a less massive appearance. Setbacks were introduced at the 5th storey instead of the 8th. The visual impact is considerably improved”
OUTDOOR AMENITIES
The agreement retains some surface parking for cars and bicycles with the main parking underground. It appears that RioCan has agreed to ongoing discussion about landscaping and the viability of trees. A study to detect potential flooding at this site, which sits above a former creek, has indicated the plan is not likely to cause local floods. The final configuration of traffic apparently remains a work in progress. The LPOA says: “We continue to have concerns regarding impact on local residents from diverting traffic and site-related traffic patterns. These are matters which fall under City (not RioCan) jurisdiction, and LPOA intends to work for traffic solutions to protect residential streets.” The settlement provides $2.7 million for community purposes. LPOA says Jon Burnside (Ward 26) has expressed an interest in these funds going towards the cost of a community centre to serve North Leaside. According to the settlement, there will be a minimum of 4000 square metres of non-residential gross floor area assigned for commercial/office uses.
