Item - 2021.NY25.10

North York Community Council directed that:

1. Staff schedule a community consultation meeting for the application located at 1350 Sheppard Avenue West (Downsview Lands Secondary Plan, William Baker District) together with the Ward Councillor.

2. Notice for the community consultation meeting be given to landowners and residents the area bounded by Grandravine Drive to the north, Downsview Dells Park to the west, Downsview Park Boulevard to the south and Sheppard Avenue West to the east, and to additional residents, institutions and owners to be determined in consultation with the Ward Councillor, with any additional mailing costs to be borne by the applicant.

3. The Acting Director, North York Community Planning:

a. During the planning review process, explore the potential of leveraging the City-owned lands located north of the William Baker neighbourhood study area, between Tuscan Gate Rd. and Keele Street, into a publicly accessible multipurpose active-transportation corridor, designated as Open Space/Parkland.

b. Explore the potential integration of a road connection extending northwards from the proposed EA Approved Transit Road Alignment and newly proposed Street C, to St. Regis Crescent.

c. Collaborate with Canada Lands Corporation and private organizations to introduce a complete senior community/village facility, committed to the provision of affordable rental and affordable ownership units as well as accessible retail, wrap-around and primary medical care services, within Phase 1 of the William Baker District proposal.

d. Work with Canada Lands Corporation to resolve the numerous parkland/open space dedication, tree preservation, natural heritage and ravine protection issues identified by Planning, Ravine and Natural Feature Protection, and Urban Forestry staff, in consultation with Indigenous Lands Stewardship Circle, within the William Baker woodlot, before a Final Report is submitted to North York Community Council.

e. Further engage Canada Lands Corporation, Toronto District School Board/Toronto Lands Corporation and Toronto Catholic District School Board to consider highlighted student capacity issues and the building of new schools within the Downsview Area Secondary Plan boundaries.

f. Work with Canada Lands Corporation to explore a potential partnership with the neighbouring Downsview Long Term Care Centre to be part of the seniors village within the William Baker District lands.

This report provides information and identifies a preliminary set of issues regarding the application located at 1350 Sheppard Avenue West (Downsview Secondary Plan, William Baker District).  

These applications propose the development of the existing open space lands by creating a planning framework through a district plan  to support a new neighbourhood within the William Baker District of the Downsview Area Secondary Plan.

The lands would be developed over phases with new development blocks and roads that would include a broad range and mix of uses, including new parks and open spaces, built forms, densities, housing and unit types and tenures, including affordable and senior's options. The development would be supported by existing transit as well as existing and planned community services and facilities.

In addition to the district plan for the entire site, the first phase of development initiated by these Zoning By-law Amendment and Plan of Subdivision applications, proposes the creation of 13 subdivision blocks with 1,400 new residential units.  This first phase of development located at the south end of the site along the Sheppard Avenue West and Keele Street frontages includes a mix of tall, mid-rise and low-rise residential and mixed use blocks ranging in height from 4 to 20 storeys.

Phase 1 incorporates the existing woodlot natural feature, provides for additional green space buffering around the woodlot feature as well as for a new park and  pedestrian pedestrian/cycling bridge to provide a link to Downsview Park to the south. The proposal also contemplates mixed use and commercial developments that will create a neighbourhood focus and gateway to the community at the Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West intersection.

The application also includes the creation of a new east-west street to serve the proposed Phase 1 development blocks, and which would run between Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West. 

Staff are currently reviewing the application. It has been circulated to all appropriate agencies and City divisions for comment. Staff will proceed to schedule a community consultation meeting for the application with the Ward Councillor.