March 2015
Yonge St. and Sheppard Ave. is one of the most congested intersections in the city. Local residents struggle with traffic, congestion and safety issues. This situation is expected to worsen as more high-rise buildings are being constructed in the area.
Resident groups began to organize in 2012 to improve the road system. At that time hundreds of residents attended an information meeting to oppose a development at 4917 Yonge St. Hundreds more submitted signed documents in opposition to the development.
Last month the developer asked the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to grant an amendment to the Official Plan allowing them to increase in the size of their building. A resident group has made a submission requesting that the OMB deny this request.
This same issue came up at a recent North York Community Council public meeting with regard to redeveloping the Sheppard Centre and building a high-rise residential building. Resident groups did not oppose this development. They did reiterate concern about proceeding in the absence of solutions for increasing safety, congestion and traffic concerns.
At this meeting RioCan announced an approximately $7,000,000 Section 37 contribution. These funds are often used at the discretion of the local City Councillor.
