Planning Committee Approves High-Rise Development Over Heritage Concerns

UPDATE: In a controversial decision that is shaking the Hyde Park community, the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) has just announced its approval for a high-rise development at the site of Crossings Pub, rejecting important heritage preservation recommendations. This decision, made on Wednesday, allows for the construction of two towering apartment buildings at 1269 Hyde Park Rd., despite strong local opposition.

The PEC dismissed city staff’s recommendations, which had advocated for granting heritage designation to the Victorian-era house. A pair of reports indicated that the building meets three of the nine criteria necessary for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis emphasized that the house was not prioritized for protection on a recent list by the Community Advisory Committee on Planning.

“This was not one of them,” Lewis stated, highlighting the ongoing debate over the building’s significance. Local residents, however, are voicing their concerns. Coun. Corrine Rahman expressed her disbelief, stating, “This is an iconic building. It has a lot of significance to the community, and I can’t imagine the landscape without it.”

The meeting took a decisive turn as the PEC voted to refuse the heritage designation, paving the way for the developers to proceed with their plans. Coun. Steve Lehman noted that, while the developers are not obligated to keep elements of the original structure, they have shown a willingness to create a commemoration that might incorporate features from the historic building.

Currently, Crossings Pub continues to operate within the landmark structure. Notably, the developer has yet to apply for a demolition permit, raising questions about the future of the site.

This decision is particularly impactful as it highlights the ongoing struggle between urban development and heritage conservation in Ontario. The community’s response is expected to intensify as residents grapple with the implications of these high-rise apartments on the character of Hyde Park.

NEXT: Community members are urged to attend upcoming meetings to voice their opinions and influence future decisions regarding heritage preservation in the area. As the situation develops, more updates will follow on this contentious issue.