From Leiper's Newsletter. I'm usually in agreement with him, but not on this one. Sure it's a little taller than what is ideal on a traditional main street, but this is a gateway site. The building across the street meets zoning, but it's a giant blockbuster with no real interest. The massing of this one, the unique design and the respect for the old theatre elevates it beyond most projects of its size.
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Minto Parkdale/Wellington appeal
It's a bit complicated, but I wanted to pass on that I've prevailed upon the City's legal team to file a request for review to the Ontario Land Tribunal's decision in favour of Minto at 1186 Wellington. There's no consideration for reversing the OLT's decision, but I was dismayed at the paucity of details in the written order. From my and others' perspective, the decision simply re-iterated the arguments for and against the re-zoning and there's no discernible rationale as to why it found in favour of Minto. Win or lose, politicians and staff need to understand what the OLT is thinking when it looks at an appeal; its guidance is critical to establishing the lens through which we look at development review applications. My hope is that the review's outcome will be a more comprehensive rationale for the tribunal's decision. There is, I understand, jurisprudence that speaks specifically to the requirement to do more than "outline the evidence and argument and then state the tribunal's conclusion". Work on finalizing the site plan will continue while the Tribunal reviews the decision. In the meantime, indication from Minto is that they'll be undertaking work over the next several months to get ready to build. Preparations including demolition could occur through spring and summer prior to the beginning of excavation in 2025. The overall build would likely be completed if that schedule holds in summer of 2028.
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