We would love to hear from you!

We have tried our best to organize the feedback received by theme. Please see click on themes below.

Design Partnership Community

Design

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: The traffic at the intersection of Weston and Lawrence is hazardous and dangerous for pedestrians. How will you address?

A: Our transportation consultant has provided a traffic analysis including recommendations to ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety. Our team is in the midst of communicating with the City of Toronto Transportation Services to implement all safety regulations as per the City’s policies. More updates will be provided once the City Approval is received.

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: What will the residential component of the development look like?

A: The design process kicked off in March 2020 and the first Official Plan Amendment and By-Law Zoning Amendment application was submitted on October 29, 2021. This first stage focuses on programmatic mix, height, and massing in preparation. Design details - such as materiality, fenestration patterns, etc - will be determined in the future detailed design stage through the Site Plan approval application process.

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: There is a need for a childcare centre.

A: The design team has reviewed and, due to site constraints, there are challenges in meeting Provincial requirements for a licensed daycare on site.

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: I am hoping you can make the development as environmentally friendly as possible with some state of the art green initiatives. Along with preserving our heritage, building good buildings this is what our community and the world needs.

A: We have included rooftop gardens, including agricultural plots, as part of the new development. We will continue to explore opportunities for green initiatives. In regards to preserving and adaptively reusing the heritage structures, we will be conserving and relocating the historic church and incorporating the bank building facades into the new podium. We are committed to city building and agree with your statement that this is what the community and world needs.

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Will there be an “underground element” (i.e. parking) for the project?

A: Yes, we have proposed five levels of underground parking.

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: As you are no doubt aware Frances (Nunziata) has led our local PSCC – Pedestrian Safety Cycling Committee, yielding considerable success. Are you committed to cycling connectivity (above & beyond the mandatory City parking spaces required?)

A: Yes, our proposal will deliver Toronto Green Standard Tier 1 bicycle parking targets. In addition, we are committed to supporting active transportation.

Date comment/feedback received: March 2, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: I believe slowly but surely our community is working towards bringing great initiatives to get people of all ages involved in a greater meaning together. If you take transit in our community whether it is during the morning or night to commute to school or work - you realize during your ride that not a lot of people "hang out" on the streets of the Mount Dennis or Weston Community (especially young people). Most people travel outside the community for majority of their day, and that's where I hope these future developments could be meaningful enough for the future of our community to unify and strengthen more community, to stay and embrace the community.

A: Our aim is to engage in place-making excellence and to support community initiatives. We hope that our redevelopment - which will include a larger worship space as well as new community and commercial spaces alongside residential units - will provide new opportunities for the community to spend time together on site. We continue to support community initiatives.

Date comment/feedback received: July 16, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: I have recently bought a condo in Weston and I would love to see this development focus on building condos instead of rental units. This will help create more ownership opportunities in the community. What is the planned tenure mix?

A: The project team is exploring the mix of tenures for the future buildings including condo ownership and rental. We have not advanced what the mix will be at this stage of the project but the proposed tenure mix will be shared with the community and stakeholders when available. The development will include condominium units. 

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Will affordable housing be included as part of this development? If so, will the units be deeply affordable?

A: The partnership acknowledges it is very important to provide a variety of different types and tenures of housing. We are early in the process but anticipate that the community benefits package, which may include affordable housing, will be identified through the municipal approvals process.

We look forward to working with community members, the Councillor, and the City of Toronto Staff in identifying those opportunities and starting those more focused conversations around affordable housing including how it can be delivered and supported.  

We recognize that the City of Toronto is exploring updating its definition of affordable housing. We look forward to reviewing as part of the larger discussion associated with the community benefits identified as part of this redevelopment.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Is this site subject to inclusionary zoning?

A: Our site is not subject to inclusionary zoning.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: What does “workforce housing” mean and why is your team exploring this concept?

A: Workforce housing are residential accommodations that are targeted towards a specific, location-based employment sector or employer.

We are exploring the concept of workforce housing because it creates a more stable local economy by ensuring the employees of local industries have access to housing in close proximity to their employment.  Also, because the site is immediately adjacent to the UPX Station, the site has direct and reliable access to Union Station and Pearson Airport, the two largest employment hubs in the GTA.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: There are a number of renters in Weston, will the project consider affordable ownership housing?

A: As noted above, the partnership acknowledges it is very important to provide a variety of different types and tenures of housing. We are open to exploring affordable ownership housing with the City, the community and other stakeholders as we collectively identify what the community benefits packages associated with this project could look like.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Based on the proposed range of uses, how much parking will be available on-site?

A: The number of parking spaces will be analyzed and determined through the development approvals process. Our Site Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment applications, submitted on December 22, 2022, includes 226 vehicular parking spaces and 939 bicycle parking spaces.

Since the proposed mix of uses and programs will not necessarily be used at the same time, we will also explore how parking can be appropriately and efficiency utilized ensuring that there is sufficient amount of parking to service the project needs.

In addition, our parking review will take into account that the site is next door to a major transit station.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: As far as parking is concerned for both residents and visitors, will there be underground parking provided?

A: Yes, we are anticipating there will be 5 levels of underground parking provided on site. It is important to note that the below grade parking garage to service this development can only exist west of the storm easement that runs through the site due to site constraints.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: I really like the idea of a pedestrianized street and public plaza, but will these places be cluttered with vehicular parking?

A: Our proposal does not contemplate any surface parking, beyond short term lay-bys for drop off and pick up. We have introduced a number of mitigation strategies to ensure that the woonerf, pedestrian mews and plaza area are quality spaces and pedestrian friendly such as bollards and a rolling curb.  

In regards to vehicle circulation, the site plan has accommodated an efficient pick-up/drop-off zone, loading and delivery, and clear access to the below grade parking garage. There are two short-term lay-bys are available for pick-ups/drop-offs and the remainder of the vehicular infrastructure is internalized within the new podium.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: What went into the decision to prominently feature a wood and glass material palette over brick, which is quite prominent in the current streetscape? The images we saw during the August 9th 2021 community meeting showed a great design that opens up the space and visually invites the community to come in!

A: The illustrative renderings that were shown at the August 9th, 2021 community meeting start to imagine what the buildings and public realm spaces could look like. We are early in the redevelopment process and have not fully advanced design details, including building materials. However, the massing and general look and feel have responded to the key objectives that have been identified over the last year and a half.

We will be sharing more design details as we advance the development approvals process with the City. As noted, we are early in the process. We hope to start the detailed design discussions, including building material selection, early next year.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: What are the timelines for the development?

A: We have outlined our proposed milestone schedule here.

However, these timelines are subject to a number of forces outside of our control (such as approval authorities providing timely comments on our formal application once it has been submitted).

Our milestone schedule will be updated as the project progresses and more information becomes available.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Do you anticipate art installations on site?

A: Yes! Our team is a big supporter of arts and culture and there will be art installations and other programming on site. It is anticipated that the project will also be subject to the City’s Percent for Public Art Program.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: It was mentioned during the virtual Community Meeting #2 on August 9, 2021 that the Weston GO/UP Express station entrance will be emphasized - on the plans there didn’t appear to be any sign of the station or an entrance. Can you clarify how the station entrance is being featured?

A: The organization of our proposal is premised on how we can enhance the entrance of the Weston UP Express/GO Station and provide better connections to the station through our site.  Our plaza area along Weston Road will connect to the transit station via a 10 m wide, weather protected, pedestrian mews which will be lined by activated ground floor community and commercial/retail uses and landscaping. In addition, a woonerf/pedestrian priority street, will open up the site and create stronger visual and physical links to the transit station.

During the subsequent stage of the approvals process, known as the Site Plan Approval (“SPA”) stage, we will begin to develop a way-finding and signage strategy.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Will the sidewalk be widened along Weston Road adjacent to the flat iron building (the former Scotia Bank)?

A: Our application proposes maintaining the building in its existing location, where it is built to the property line. Since the sidewalk adjacent to it belongs to the City of Toronto, we do not have the opportunity to widen the sidewalk there without impacting the existing historic building. That said, our team has setback the balance of the proposed buildings along Weston Road so that the sidewalk areas, where possible, can be widened. We are committed to create an improved and safe streetscape and intend to raise this issue with the City through the development approvals process and identify potential strategies.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: I noticed that the illustrative renderings showed curbside box planters. Would like to encourage the design team to review the Green Streets TO's standards and consider integrated bioswales along Lawrence Ave. and permeable pavers for the proposed woonerf.

A: Through the design process, our team will examine opportunities to respond to the Green Streets TO's standards, including permeable pavement materials. 

Please note that the curbside box planters shown on the renderings was for illustrative purposes only since we have not yet initiated our detailed design/project review phase.

As our design evolves, we will explore we may address these green standards.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Could this development include a swimming pool?

A: A full size gym, multi purpose worship/performance space and other community service programming are the current priorities established by the WPBC. At this time we are not exploring the inclusion of a swimming pool as part of this development proposal.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: How will you ensure that the woonerf is not used as a short cut between Lawrence Avenue and Weston Road?

A: With the assistance of BA Group we will implement strategies to ensure that the woonerf is not a through street for vehicles and will remain primarily pedestrian.

The City of Toronto Staff will be reviewing the issue as part of our application and will be working collaboratively with us to ensure the safety and correct function of the woonerf.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: How will seniors, especially their access, be accommodated on site?

A: Seniors are an important part of every community. This development will be designed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontario with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) in order to ensure universal accessibility for all community members.

We will be designing the Weston Park development project to support a variety of activities, uses, and user groups on the site.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: I like the concept, but I wish the towers were taller and more iconic like the Marilyn Monroe buildings in Mississauga. How will you ensure that this development stands out, and even win architectural awards?

A: We have engaged a pair of award winning firms – SvN Architects and Giannone Petricone Architects – to design the project.

Furthermore, we have engaged the award-winning PMA Architects as our landscape architects.

It is still very early days in the design process but we will ensure design and architectural excellence. We recognize that this is a very important corner in the Weston Village community and that our project should aim to exceed expectations.

We believe that this all-star team of design consultants will deliver excellence and we have made that expectation clear to them.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Could the height of the towers be reduced by spreading some of the density across the podium level? The tower heights seem too high.

A: The site has a number of unique constraints and objectives that result in the requirement of the two towers to make the proposed development viable. We want to ensure that the base building feels welcoming and inviting for those walking on the sidewalk and sitting in our future plaza area. We believe that an increase in the base building height may impact the type of environment that we want to create.

In our Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment application submitted October 29, 2021 we have included a Sun/Shadow Study by Urban Strategies Inc., dated October 2021, and a Pedestrian Wind Study prepared by Gradient Wind dated October 20, 2021. These reports are available for your review here and will be on the City of Toronto Development Application Portal shortly.

We believe that the proposed tower form fits with the existing urban landscape and responds to both Provincial and municipal growth targets. We are also motivated to ensure sufficient density to create a vibrancy on the site and ensure that our diverse community programming can be realized and supported.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Where will shoppers and residents park? How will you stop GO and UPX passengers from using up spaces?

A: Residents and visitors will park within our below grade parking garage. Our Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment application, submitted on October 29, 2021, includes 237 vehicular parking spaces and 542 bicycle parking spaces. This detailed in the Transportation Report prepared by BA Group, dated October 27, 2021, which is available for your review here and is available on the City of Toronto Development Application Portal.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Will a rooftop park be considered as park of the proposed development?

A: Our project site does not have sufficient area to create a public park due to such site constraints as the existing storm easement. That said, we will be providing a number of publicly accessible green spaces throughout our project, including on the podium levels. Our development will be meeting the City’s requirement for public park. We will be sharing our landscape concept with the community when the preliminary design is complete.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: How will the original church structure be protected throughout the development?

A: We are proposing to protect the original church building throughout the development project led by a team of experienced consultants and contractors.

Our heritage consultants at ERA Architects have a breadth of experience in protecting historic buildings including before, during, and after their relocation. Entuitive Structural Engineers have reviewed the feasibility of relocating the church and confirmed it can be accomplished through conventional methods. You can read their structural feasibility review in ERA’s Heritage Impact Assessment dated 27, 2021 here or on the City of Toronto Development Application Portal.

Further along in the design process, during the Site Plan Approval (“SPA”) phase, the heritage consultants will prepare a Conservation Plan that will detail how the building will be protected including a set of detailed drawings.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Is there existing sufficient infrastructure to support the proposed development?

A: Based on our preliminary review there is sufficient servicing to support our redevelopment. That said, the City will identify requirements, if needed, to upgrade infrastructure to support the project.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: What will be the wind impacts of this proposed development?

A: Our wind consultant, Gradient Wind Engineers, has prepared a Pedestrian Level Wind Study, dated October 20, 2021, which is available for your review here and on the City of Toronto Development Application Portal.

Our design team has been working with them to mitigate the effects of any potential wind impacts.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: What are the anticipated shadow impacts of this proposed development?

A: Our design team has prepared a Sun/Shadow Study, dated October 2021, which is available for your review here and on the City of Toronto Development Application Portal.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: What kind of night-time activities and security measures will you be taking to discourage loitering and ensure a safe and welcoming environment?

A: It is our ambition to create a centre for the community, which would include safe spaces and encourage gathering in a way that is not considered loitering.

We will have security measures and anti-crime design moves in place, which will be detailed further along in the design process. Furthermore, we anticipate a mix of commercial uses, community uses, and foot traffic of the residents that will keep the site animated after regular working hours.

We will be reviewing our proposed development with the Police 12th Division in order to collect their feedback in a special session dedicated to this topic.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Will you integrate a Weston sign into the former bank building at the corner of Weston & Lawrence?

A: We have not gotten to the detailed design stage, where items like signage will be discussed and confirmed with the design team. This will happen in the subsequent Site Plan Approval (“SPA”) stage. There will likely be opportunities for signage, including in the form of larger murals within the development. We’re looking forward to getting to that design stage!

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Is there a demand for performance space on this site? Wouldn’t office or retail space be a better use given the adjacent community space in Weston Lions and Artscape?

A: The Weston Park Baptist Church, one of the two members in the partnership redeveloping this site, requires a larger sanctuary space for worship. There is also additional demand from other congregations for this worship space.

The sanctuary will double as a performance hall for different kinds of events. This unique worship/performance space is being designed to accommodate numerous types of activities. The partnership strongly believes will support the community at large.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: The proposed plan is good because it prioritizes community involvement and tries to engage with actual end users of project. However, I am concerned that the scale of the project may alienate end users of the project, and make most residents strangers to one another. Will the scale of the project alienate end users?

A: The proposed scale of the development is consistent with Provincial and City policies for growth around transit infrastructure, and most importantly enables us to create vibrant, welcoming spaces for the Weston Village community to enjoy. We strongly believe that community begins with repeated social interactions between those who live and work in Weston. Our carefully designed public realm, WPBC programming and connectivity will create a 'Centre for the Community', an atmosphere where people are encouraged to freely and comfortably interact.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: While I love the proposed shape of the towers, I am concerned that all of the existing and proposed towers in Weston will detract from an animated, pedestrian-friendly main street.

A: Increased density is a key factor to successfully animating main streets in any city because it is typically the local residents who are the pedestrians walking on the main street and are the strong customer base for local businesses.  

The intent of the podium and public realm design within our site is to create a safe, welcoming environment for community gathering. The site will be animated by a wide variety of uses and users.

Our proposed development seeks to raise the bar for how buildings should respond to main street conditions and create a quality pedestrian environment in Weston Village.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: I like the shape and am not concerned about the height as long as the podium is low and streetscape is minimally impacted. Why was the decision made to place the taller tower at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue and Weston Road and the shorter tower closer to the Weston GO/UPX station?

A: We believe that the taller building at the intersection of Weston and Lawrence celebrates this important corner and creates a strong composition between the two taller elements. We have designed this project from the ground up and have made significant efforts to create vibrant and pedestrian scaled streetscape.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: How will the traffic from the underground parking flow to and from Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue?

A: We are proposing two access points, one off of Weston Road and one off of Lawrence Avenue.

The vehicle circulation pattern is detailed in the Transportation Report prepared by BA Group, dated October 27, 2021, which is available for your review here and will be available on the City of Toronto Development Application Portal shortly.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: The feature stairs proposed inside the lobby of the WPBC community space do not appear to be universally accessible. How will universal accessibility be achieved in the design of this space?

A: This is a very good question. It is our practice to create welcoming spaces that meet or exceed the Ontario Building Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”).

Similar to the feature stairs design in the Four Seasons Opera House on University Avenue in Toronto, there will be an elevator bank within the lobby that will provide access to the mezzanine. Universally accessible seating and wheelchair spaces will be provided at both the mezzanine and ground floor in order to create inclusive gathering spaces. These details will be further refined in the subsequent Site Plan Application (“SPA”) stage.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Will universal washrooms be included throughout the development?

A: The Ontario Building Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) sets out the requirements to achieve universal accessibility. Our design team will ensure the proposed development meets these requirements, including the provision of universal washrooms.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Have the architects considered universal accessibility in the design for the sanctuary/performance hall, including the congregation/audience seating and access to the stage?

A: Yes, we have tested several scenarios for different types of seating and how universal accessibility can be achieved in the sanctuary/performance hall. These details are typically determined in the subsequent Site Plan Application (“SPA”) stage, but we have been advancing this work to ensure that the community spaces welcome and function for all community members.    

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Will there be rent-geared-to-income apartments?

A: The Partnership acknowledges it is very important to provide a variety of different types and tenures of housing. We are early in the process but anticipate that the community benefits package, which may include affordable housing, will be identified through the municipal approvals process.

We look forward to working with community members, the Councillor, and the City of Toronto Staff in identifying those opportunities and starting those more focused conversations around the proposed community benefits associated with this project.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Will the condo units have any accessibility features?

A: All residential units, including condo and rental,  will meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”). We have not yet confirmed the tenure of the residential units but anticipate that both condo and rental will be provided as part of this project.  Those details will be determined in the subsequent Site Plan Application (“SPA”) stage.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: How will the proposed development deter graffiti?

A: The Weston Park Project is envisioned to include high pedestrian traffic, public art programming, strong commercial activity and regular building maintenance, which will assist in deterring graffiti. 

Furthermore, the design team will be examining a number of strategies including employing anti-graffiti coating once we get to the subsequent Site Plan Application (“SPA”) stage.

Partnership

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Could there be a link to the West Toronto Rail Path?

A: This request falls within the purview of Metrolinx. That said, the development team would welcome and support the extension of the West Toronto Rail Path to Weston and will actively engage in that dialogue.

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Could a YMCA be included in the redevelopment?

A: Once we are further along in the design process and have a plan that the YMCA can respond to, we will set up a meeting to discuss the potential opportunity of having a YMCA on the site.

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Would integrating the YMCA into the church structure be possible (i.e keep space as a “Shared Use Integrated Element”) – maybe YMCA not being open to public Sunday mornings?

A: Our design team has included significant recreation and gathering space as part of the community hub on-site, including a full sized gymnasium. We hope to review concept design with the YMCA and other potential tenants.

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: You may want to integrate with the Santa Claus Parade event going forward? We also have a vibrant annual NNO - (Neighbours Night Out) summer event.

A: We have been supporting the Santa Claus Parade for the past two years as well as two Buskerfests. In 2019, we contributed towards the refreshments for the Neighbours Night Out. We are sponsoring Weston Winterfest 2021. We're happy to participate in these great community events!

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Would a partnership with Weston Lions Arena be possible?

A: We will be looking to improve the connection and way-finding between our site and the Arena. There may be opportunities to work together in the future.

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Have any retailers shown interest in moving into any of the retail space or is it too early to engage with them at this point?

A: Our team has had interest from a number of retailers, but at this point it is too early to advance those discussions. Curating the correct retail mix to serve the users on site and wider community, and ensure the viability of those retailers, is of paramount importance to us.

We have protected for a number of different uses and potential user groups in our preliminary design so we will have flexibility when it comes time to make those decisions. We have also designed the ground floor to accommodate generous floor to ceiling heights (upwards of 5m) to ensure a high quality and flexible retail/commercial environment.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: How will the project be financed, including the public spaces along with the architecturally stunning buildings and beautiful design elements?

A: This is a private development by Castlepoint Weston Park Limited Partnership, a joint development between Castlepoint Numa and the Weston Park Baptist Church. Profits from the development will be reinvested to support the cost of the WPBC programming spaces and public elements of the project. We will be seeking traditional bank financing for the construction of the development.

While the public spaces, including the plaza and pedestrian mews will remain privately owned, they are being designed to welcome the public to the site.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Is there an opportunity for existing Weston retailers to relocate into the new commercial spaces being proposed as part of this development?

A: Yes, there will be an opportunity for existing Weston retailers to relocate into the new commercial spaces as part of the development. We are still very early on in our process and will not be confirming any tenancy until later in the process.

Community

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: We want to see the redevelopment reflect the diversity and newer residents and all the demographics of the area.

A: We will continue to consult the community early and often throughout the redevelopment process in order to ensure we capture your feedback and infuse the development with multiculturalism.

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Heard ‘No developer wants to come to Weston” at a recent public statutory meeting so asking Castlepoint to articulate "Why Weston"?

A: In our opinion, it is an honour to work in any community, and we view all our projects as legacy projects to be proud of (none of our projects are "cookie cutter"). Our CEO, Alfredo Romano, grew up nearby and as a Downsview Beaver played hockey here in Weston. Besides Alfredo's personal fondness for the community, the recent Metrolinx investment in the Weston UP Express station has connected the community to the core and to the airport, which opens up new, exciting opportunities to support a critical concentration of people and businesses at Weston and build on the great outdoor spaces already existing in the neighbourhood.

Date comment/feedback received: February 24, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: What does the Castlepoint team bring to us for the community?

A: Our redevelopment will improve the quality of the public realm on the site including access and way finding to the Weston UP Express station. Our motto is to engage early and often, so we will be communicating with community frequently throughout the design process. Through our development, we will creating new residences, new places of business, new POPS, and community spaces.

Date comment/feedback received: February 26, 2020
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Make a timely “Early Effort” to collaborate with us to leverage Metrolinx “encouraging taking steps to integrate Cycling infrastructure” along the rail corridor (or in close proximity – i.e. integrate along area “roads”).

A: It may be helpful to meet with the Friends of the West Toronto Railpath to explore how they helped create the multi-use path further south along the rail corridor. We are supportive of the creation of a similar amenity in this area.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: The project is in my view in a neighbourhood that faces challenges – has this been taken into consideration?

A: We recognize that portions of Weston have not experienced as much investment and community activations as others. As a result, there are certain challenges to improving the quality of these areas. We believe that our project will be an agent to create a positive change.

Our continued aspiration is that a high standard of architectural excellence and overall quality of this development coupled with the influx of new businesses and residents will assist in transforming this important corner and create a safe and vibrant environment.

Date comment/feedback received: August 14, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Will this proposed development be contributing to the improvement of community amenities beyond the site boundaries (i.e. Weston lions park, the rink, swimming pool)?

A: Our development will be providing cash-in-lieu of parkland. We expect that these funds will be used for the improvement of local amenities, including Weston Lions Park, but the final decision will be up to the City of Toronto.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: I am concerned that the proposed community spaces, including the performance hall, will be underutilized. How will you safeguard against this?

A: Castlepoint Numa and Weston Park Baptist Church have designed the community spaces with flexibility in mind to ensure that they are practical and utilized. We will work to ensure that the spaces are appropriately animated.

The Weston Park Baptist Church is working with consultants in order to understand the requirements of managing, operating and animating the community spaces that will be ultimately under their ownership. More information will be shared with the community as it becomes available.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: How will you ensure that the property management company upholds the vision for the site? How will tenants be selected?

A: We anticipate that the commercial spaces will be a long-term asset for the Castlepoint Weston Park Limited Partnership (composed of Castlepoint Numa and Weston Park Baptist Church). The Partnership will not hire a property management group that is not “on board” with our ethos, since they are to represent the values of the Partnership and uphold our high standards.

Furthermore, the Weston Park Baptist Church, which has been a community steward for over a hundred years, will be active on site in their new spaces ensuring that a high standard of quality is met.

We are still determining the residential unit complement on the site, including the mix of condominium and rental units. We will be reviewing protocols for rental unit tenancy later in the process.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: How will transit users who drive to the adjacent Weston UP Express/GO Station access the parking in this new development?

A: Parking to support the GO/UPX station will continue to be provided on the Metrolinx site. Over the last few years, a small portion of the project site has been leased to Metrolinx, which will now be redeveloped as part of the Weston Park project. Metrolinx will support their parking needs on their own lands.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: I am concerned about cyclist safety along Lawrence Avenue. Would it be possible to calm (slow) down the traffic along Lawrence Avenue in order to ensure safe cyclist access to the site?

A: Pedestrian and cyclist safety is of the utmost importance to us.

This is detailed in the Transportation Report prepared by BA Group, dated October 27, 2021, which is available for your review here and will be available on the City of Toronto Development Application Portal shortly

In terms of slowing down the traffic along Lawrence Avenue, ultimately, that is at the discretion of the City of Toronto.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Could there be a new pedestrian crossing of Weston Road to Bellevue Avenue incorporated as part of this development?

A: This is a fantastic suggestion, and we would certainly support its implementation. However, it is at the discretion of the City of Toronto but we intend to discuss it with City Staff as part of our approvals process.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Will this development affect rental rates for nearby low- income families?

A: We are proposing a mix of both rental and condo ownership for the buildings, which will ensure a variety of access for different incomes.

The Toronto Community Housing rental units are subject to different qualifying criteria and formulas for calculating rent, and these will not be impacted by our development.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Are there any negative impacts on the Humber River Conservation Area anticipated? If so, how will they be addressed and eliminated?

A: The Toronto Region Conservation Authority (“TRCA”) regulates the Humber River Conservation Area. We do not anticipate any negative impacts on the Humber River Conservation Area; however, the TRCA may review our application in detail through the municipal approvals process.

Date comment/feedback received: August 19, 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Resolved

Q: Will a Community Benefits Framework be applied at the site?

A: The City of Toronto is in the stage of developing and testing the Community Benefits Framework.
For more information about this program, please see: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer- service/long-term-vision-plans-and- strategies/community-benefits-framework/

Date comment/feedback received: September 2 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: Weston Village is underserved in regards to grocery stores. Could this development include a grocery store?

A: We believe food and food vendors are a key cornerstone of a successful community. We have not confirmed the commercial tenant program/mix at this time. We intend to ensure that this development supports a “complete community”, which includes access to fresh foods.

Date comment/feedback received: September 2 2021
Status of comment/feedback: Ongoing

Q: The BIA has a clock tower that has served as the "centre" of Weston for ages. I would think that incorporating the clock tower might be a good idea to pay homage to the Old Weston. Weston is also known for the CCM and penny farthing bicycle. A retail place where people could purchase and repair their bicycles, as well as learn about the history would be something that I would like to see. This could also tie into the City of Toronto's Vision Zero program that promotes safe cycling, and more use of bicycles.

A: Thank you for these suggestions.

We are open to having a conversation with the BIA about the clock tower in its current location and any improvements proposed.   

We have been investigating how to honor and integrate the rich cyclist history of Weston, including CCM, on site. These details will be determined subsequent Site Plan Application (“SPA”) stage. We believe that cycling is an important part of the history of Weston and we want to celebrate it as part of this project.