News
December 04, 2010
Mimico Tree Lighting Ceremony
OMB okays massive project; Alderwood residents shocked to see 990 condos get green light City council rejected the 4-building, highrise development last February
South Etobicoke residents responded with shock yesterday when a four-tower condominium development they thought they killed was given the go-ahead by the Ontario Municipal Board.
The four “Sherway Gardens” condominiums will soon rise 19 to 32 storeys near the Sherway Gardens shopping mall at Highway 427 and the Queen Elizabeth Way, given the board’s decision that it will have “no negative impact” on the nearby community.
“We’re dumbfounded,” said local resident Gregory Wowchuk. “The decision appears to have given the developer absolutely everything he asked for.”
Toronto City Council voted against the 990-unit project last February, after vociferous protest from the residents of Alderwood, who live on the south side of the QEW from the proposed towers, which will be built on the northwest corner of Evans Ave. and Sherway Gate where a vacant Sheridan Nurseries building currently sits.
Alderwood residents were worried the buildings would be an eyesore and bring more traffic into their neighbourhood. They also complained the buildings would crowd local schools, contribute to pollution and burden area grocery stores.
They had pushed for a smaller, less dense set of buildings, such as townhouses, a community centre or housing for seniors.
“I’m very, very disappointed,” said Councillor Mark Grimes (Ward 6, Etobicoke-Lakeshore), who fought against the buildings at council. “This is another case of the community getting screwed by the bogeymen at the OMB.”
However, Peter Milczyn (Ward 5, Etobicoke-Lakeshore) said the towers, together with 250 square metres of commercial space, will draw some much-needed new residents and businesses to the community, as well as new and improved parklands.
The developers agreed to spend an extra $500,000 in developing a local park, and committed $400,000 to improving the nearby Etobicoke Valley Trail.
Sherway Gate will start marketing the condominiums immediately, said company lawyer Steve Diamond.
“There’s nothing further standing in the way,” he said yesterday.
Credit: Toronto Star
