Controversial condo development in Woodbridge heritage district heading to OMB
Council rejects proposal for seven-storey, 119-unit building
YorkRegion.com
Sept. 12, 2016
By Adam Martin-Robbins
The fate of a controversial condominium project in Woodbridge’s historic village core now rests with the Ontario Municipal Board.
Councillors voted last week to reject a proposed seven-storey, 119-unit building at the corner of Woodbridge Avenue and Wallace Street - an area designated for heritage protection where two heritage homes currently stand - despite a planning staff recommendation to support the project.
Christopher Tanzola, lawyer for proponents Cityzen Development Group and Fernbrook Homes, has yet to respond to a request for comment.
But area residents are pleased.
“We’re very happy with the decision that was rendered (by council). They’re finally listening to us,” said Maria Verna, president of the Village of Woodbridge Ratepayers Association.
Council’s move to reject the proposed development came after several residents, who’ve opposed the development for nearly two years, spoke out.
Among their concerns are the leveling of the hilly site, the removal of several large trees and the plan to relocate portions of Dr. Peter McLean House (built in 1893) and Thomas Frazier Wallace House (built in 1875) to the edge of the property.
They’ve also argued the building would overshadow the historic homes and add far too much traffic to already congested roads.
They’re hopeful a technical report by a heritage expert will bolster their case at the OMB.
In a memo to the city, the heritage consultant recommends:
- Leaving the Wallace House in its original location
- Increasing the space between the new building and the heritage homes
- Keeping the McLean House intact rather than removing the “tail”
- Reducing the height to six storeys or pulling back the seventh storey
- Taking steps to preserve the rolling topography.
“We’re looking for an application that meets the needs of the community, that is four-storeys, that has a compatible design, that takes into consideration the recommendations of the technical report,” Verna said.
Woodbridge West Councillor Tony Carella acknowledged that report might help the residents, but he said it’s nearly impossible to predict the outcome of an OMB hearing.
“I have no idea (what will happen) because the OMB is a crapshoot,” he said.
A pre-hearing is slated to get underway Tuesday, Sept. 13.
