Condo high rises continue to proliferate in Toronto.

Four-Tower Project Proposed for Toronto Suburb

A four-tower complex has been proposed in the Toronto suburb of Vaughan, Canada, Urban Toronto reported in October. The proposal, for a site near a subway terminus at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) known as Block 3, envisions a large-scale, mixed-use development of four condominium high rises housing 1,800 units, plus ground-level retail, restaurants and new public spaces. The towers would rise on either side of a central, retail-lined walkway that opens onto a courtyard. The west side of the project would include 45- and 24-story mixed-use towers with 524 and 341 residential units, respectively, plus commercial space. The east side would mirror the west, but with 50- and 29-stories with 574 and 361 units, respectively, with commercial space. Podiums ranging from two to six stories would be topped with green roofs and outdoor amenities. Developer QuadReal Property Group submitted its plans, designed by IBI Group, to the Vaughan planning department.

LRT Expansion in Ottawa Prompting Tower Construction

Light-rail transit (LRT) expansion in Ottawa is prompting construction of tall towers, including a trio of 59-, 55- and 50-story structures by Trinity Development Group Inc. at the future Gladstone LRT station in the Hintonburg neighborhood, Yahoo News reported. Trinity is also building the capital city’s future tallest building — a 65-story structure — one station down. Redevelopment of the 1-million-sq.-ft., three-tower site, previously reported by The Globe and Mail as 900 Albert Street, includes an old bread factory housing artist studios. Local representatives are pushing for the new plan to include affordable artist space and affordable housing to help solidify Hintonburg’s reputation as an arts mecca.

Finishing Touches Going on Downtown Toronto Condo Tower

In October, CenterCourt Development’s nearly 40-story condominium tower at 411 Church Street in downtown Toronto was headed toward imminent topping out at 400 ft., UrbanToronto.ca reported. IBI Group designed the structure with distinctive white honeycomb-like cells that will form balconies up the north and south façades. Under construction since early 2017, the building’s mechanical penthouse was taking shape in October and is now likely complete. 411 Church contains 575 units and is sold out.

Towers Would Bring Housing to London in Tight Rental Market

A pair of proposed developments would bring nearly 750 new residential units to London, Ontario, in a rental market with 2% vacancy, CBC News reported. Paramount Development Inc. wants to build two 24-story towers with 480 units at 809 Dundas Street in Old East Village, while York Developments is planning a 30-story, 266-unit tower at 131 King Street east of Budweiser Gardens. London City Planner John Fleming said the developments would help revitalize the downtown core. Both developers will be allowed to build at greater heights in exchange for public benefits that include 41 parking spots, an art project and affordable housing.