Etobicoke eightplex dispute sparks resident backlash

A residential development project in Etobicoke has sparked a heated Etobicoke housing dispute between local residents and a developer seeking to double the number of units in a sprawling structure.

The building, located at 63 Station Rd. near Royal York Road and Mimico GO, was originally approved as a fourplex. However, the applicant is now requesting that the City of Toronto’s Committee of Adjustment permit eight units, claiming the change requires no major structural alterations.

Neighbours living adjacent to the site argue the request is an attempt to circumvent city bylaws. John Johnson, a local resident, stated that the community believes the developer intended to exceed the permitted limit from the beginning.

“The neighbourhood opinion is that they knew this all along and that they’ve decided to try to scam the system,” Johnson said.

Another resident, Carla Arcieri, told reporters that the project appeared designed from the outset to exceed permits, noting that bylaws are established for specific reasons and must be followed.

Developer cites housing needs in Etobicoke housing dispute

Blair Scorgie, the planning consultant for the applicant, maintains that the shift from four to eight units is a reaction to evolving market conditions and housing needs rather than a pre-planned workaround.

Scorgie asserted that the building’s “envelope” remains unchanged, noting that the proposal does not include adding a floor, increasing building depth, or reducing side-yard setbacks.

To comply with the different zoning requirements triggered by an eightplex, the applicant resubmitted plans addressing landscaping, waste facilities, bicycle storage, and parking.

According to Scorgie, both Transportation Services and Community Planning have reviewed the updated materials and indicated they have no concerns with the application.

Concerns over planning precedents

Opponents of the expansion argue that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for other Toronto neighbourhoods. Resident Duncan Farnan expressed concern that other property owners might apply for small-scale permits and then attempt to increase density mid-construction.

The Committee of Adjustment was scheduled to rule on the application this Thursday. However, the applicant has requested a deferral due to the level of community concern.

The developer has stated that if the deferral is granted, they will hold a formal, in-person consultation to speak with neighbours before the application returns to the committee.