Ontario’s housing minister is contemplating intervention to block a proposed rental development near the northern city limits of Toronto following objections from a pharmaceutical company. Sanofi Pasteur expressed concerns about a highrise project adjacent to its complex at the intersection of Steeles Ave. W. and Dufferin St., citing potential “national security” risks due to residents overlooking its vaccine research facilities. In response, Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation, and trades, has urged the housing minister to issue a minister’s zoning order (MZO) to restrict building heights on the property to 33 meters.
MZOs, typically used to expedite development processes, are now being considered to constrain the project, challenging the government’s housing expansion agenda. The developer, Tenblock, argues that the height limitation would jeopardize the viability of the project, emphasizing the necessity of market housing density to ensure financial sustainability. Despite claims of security concerns, the specific motivation behind the province’s actions remains unclear, with emphasis placed on averting potential delays to future expansions.
Tenblock, supported by a security expert, contests the validity of the security apprehensions raised and warns against the adverse precedent that an MZO could establish. The company stresses the need for constructive dialogue among involved parties. Sanofi declined an interview but acknowledged the province’s support for the life sciences sector. Responses from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister Rob Flack’s office are pending.
The proposed development seeks to replace an aging four-storey building with three interconnected towers, including a 39-storey structure, to accommodate over 800 new rental units. Despite facing objections from Sanofi Pasteur on security and noise concerns, city planning staff recommended project approval, which was later overturned by the city council. Tenblock is now appealing to the province’s land tribunal to proceed with the development.
An independent security assessment refuted claims of heightened security risks posed by the highrises, emphasizing existing viewing angles and mitigation measures available to safeguard sensitive operations. The developer highlights successful coexistence between current residents and the pharmaceutical complex over the years. Concerns about the project’s impact on existing tenants, the community, and housing development priorities have sparked debate among housing advocacy groups and stakeholders.
As the MZO proposal solicits public feedback, stakeholders voice apprehension over the potential implications for future developments in the region. The looming decision has raised concerns among other developers, like First Capital REIT, with a similar proposal in the vicinity, regarding the precedent set by regulatory interventions in urban development projects. The outcome of these deliberations will significantly impact the landscape of housing development in the region.
