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NEWS
Davisville Avenue about to change in a big way The City of Toronto is moving ahead with plans to transform Davisville Avenue from Yonge Street to Mount Pleasant Road into a “Complete Street,” with installation expected to take place in 2025 and some work being done in 2026. According to the city, Complete Streets consider the needs and safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit users. The Davisville Complete Street project is still in its planning stage, but residents can likely expect expanded transportation options and balanced on-street parking and loading needs. They can also look out for more greenery and beautification options, like sidewalk cafés, street furniture and trees.
Josh Matlow
Consultation is planned for early 2025, and public feedback will be included in the proposed design. There is a lot happening on
Davisville Avenue, which will also be home to a stunning new community and aquatic centre in the coming years. And that means a lot more
foot traffic and bicycle traffic. “My vision for Davisville is a safe and beautiful street,” said Josh Matlow, city councillor. “One that is functional, one that is revitalized after years of construction.” Davisville Avenue is also highlighted in Toronto’s 2025– 2027 Cycling Network Plan Near-Term Implementation Program, so it’ll likely play an important part in expanding the city’s cycling infrastructure. It’ll be interesting to see how cycling lanes are included in this project after the provincial government introduced Bill 212, which includes new rules for bike lanes. — Nisean Lorde
| JANUARY 2025
The corner of Sheppard Avenue West and Keele Street will soon see more commercial spaces and affordable residential housing options. Recently, the Canada Lands Company (CLC) received approval on its draft plan for Phase 1 of the Arbo project, as part of the massive Downsview Lands development. With this approval, the CLC is one step closer to receiving all necessary municipal approvals, so it could sell or lease the development lands to builders who can bring this project to life. "It is very good news to get this development moving forward,” said James Pasternak, a North York city councillor. “This development will provide hundreds of affordable units, millions of dollars for a new community centre and new parks. It will provide badly needed housing for the area under the conditions of the Downsview Secondary Plan and local input.” Arbo will be a multi-block, 1,400-unit, mixed-use community consisting of commercial, retail and seniors’ amenities at Sheppard and Keele, includ14
© @arbodownsview
Next step for trailblazing North York project
Arbo development plan at Downsview Park
ing a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing units. “Canada Lands will begin working through the Conditions of the Draft Plan of Subdivision approval, including detailed engineering design of the public elements starting in 2025,” the CLC stated in a news release. “This will conclude with Subdivision Registration, which will finalize the blocks created by the Draft Plan approval and allow for transfer of ownership to the City and future builder partners.” Almost 20 acres of land is
being provided by the CLC to the City of Toronto for the woodlot and new city parks. A new east–west street will also be created to serve the three Phase 1 blocks of the development. Each block will be developed for housing at the Keele-Sheppard intersection, but Block 3B will be listed on the market as part of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s federal land initiative, so affordable housing will likely be available on this block. Amenities will include 450 metres of public street, which
will include much-needed bike paths and green infrastructure. The 11.9-acre natural heritage woodlot will be transferred to the city to be preserved, due to its ecological and heritage value. The area’s new residents will also enjoy an ecological park spanning 9.3 acres, as well as a 1.2-acre neighbourhood park. The Downsview Lands, spanning 644 acres, was previously home to a Canadian Forces base, the Downsview Airport and an airplane manufacturer. —NL
A rendering of the development at Yonge and York Mills
Massive condo will change face of Hogg’s Hollow Construction on the Yonge City Square Residences at 4050 Yonge St, near York Mills station, is set to begin. The Gupta Group (the developer) was joined by Ontario Premier Doug Ford last month to break ground on the project. “Yonge City Square is a reflection of our belief in Toronto’s potential as a world-class city. It’s about creating homes, opportunities and communities that elevate the way people live and connect,” said Dr. Steve Gupta. “We are proud to play a role in shaping the future of our city and the province of Ontario.” Due to construction, the entrance at York Mills station will be shut down for at least three years, but locals can expect a large mixed-use complex to be built at the parking lot alongside York Mills station — a 3.2-acre lot that commuters have parked at for years before accessing the York Mills Bus Terminal across the street. The expansive development will include two high-rise towers — 32 storeys and 14 storeys — with 700 units as well as groundlevel retail and commercial space. Yonge City Square borders the Don Valley Golf Course and offers views of the Don River. Unit prices will range from $660,000 to $4 million. Occupancy for Yonge City Square Residences is slated for spring 2028. —NL