Tribunal approves conversion of vacant industrial site to residential, finding the area has transitioned to mixed-use.
The appellant sought to convert a 2.57-hectare vacant industrial site from an Employment designation to a Residential designation to permit a development comprising townhouses, mid-rise apartments, and a retirement home.
The City of Toronto opposed the conversion, arguing the site should be protected for long-term employment uses.
The Tribunal allowed the appeal in part, finding that the surrounding area had already transitioned significantly away from traditional employment uses toward retail and residential functions.
The Tribunal concluded that the proposed conversion satisfied the criteria under the 2006 Growth Plan, as there was a reasonable need for the conversion, it would not adversely affect the viability of the broader employment area, and the site was not required for long-term employment purposes.
An Interim Order was issued approving the conversion, with directions for the parties to finalize the site-specific Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments.
OLTOntario Land TribunalDec 7, 2021
