A proposed condo development in Toronto's The Beaches neighbourhood has stirred significant concern among local residents regarding its potential impact on the area's unique ecosystem. Residents fear that the construction of an 11-storey condominium could threaten the delicate balance of trees and wildlife in the ravine area, which is considered a treasured part of the city.
Sheila Dunn from the Protect Our Ravines initiative expressed her worries, stating, “We’re risking a treasured and unique ecosystem in an area of the city that has very few areas like this… Once it’s gone, it’s gone. I think it’s definitely a threat from this.” The development is planned for a site located at the corner of Kingston Road and Beech Avenue, adjacent to the scenic Glen Stewart Ravine, making it an area of particular concern for environmentalists and residents alike.
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford has reported that he has received feedback from hundreds of constituents who oppose the development. He emphasized the community’s desire to preserve the ecological integrity of the ravine, affirming, “That was always my position, that was the city’s position, and that remains true today.” This commitment to environmental preservation is juxtaposed with the reality of the proposed construction, which includes 99 housing units and retail space at the ground level.
The developer's original plan in 2015 called for a seven-storey building, but after nearly a decade of adjustments, they are now pushing for an 11-storey structure. This height exceeds the five-storey maximum currently permitted in the area and raises alarms about the building's proximity to the ravine, which also violates existing regulations. Dunn further warned that approving this project could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging further developments that would disrupt the natural landscape and potentially create a "wall of condos" along the ravine's northern border.
The new proposal was submitted to the city in late 2022, but progress has been slow. In 2024, Gabriele Homes Limited sought the intervention of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) due to what they termed the “failure of City Council to make decisions on the revised applications.” This has added another layer of complexity to the situation as the city grapples with the implications of the proposed development.
With the Toronto City Council set to vote on the proposal soon, details regarding the project's status remain murky. Dunn highlighted the uncertainty, noting, “We really don’t know anything; I think that’s the concern.” Adding to the frustration, discussions between the city and the developer are being conducted confidentially and are kept from the public eye. Bradford acknowledged the challenges surrounding the process, stating, “It’s a pretty typical process because you want both parties to be able to negotiate and have those conversations in good faith. It’s a standard process, but I can tell you it’s frustrating.” He recognized the community's desire for clarity on the project's direction, which is currently shrouded in secrecy.
As the proposed development threatens to demolish existing homes and alter the landscape around the ravine, residents and local officials alike remain anxious about the outcomes of the ongoing negotiations and the implications they may have on the community and environment.
