Cottage owners stuck in paradise as market slams to a standstill

A bold new housing plan is quietly making waves in Scarborough. The proposal would tear down an aging low-rise commercial plaza at the corner of Lawrence Avenue East and Birchmount Road. In its place, a pair of buildings would go up, one 34 storeys tall and the other 11. They would sit on a shared six-storey base, creating a solid foundation that ties the project into the surrounding area.

If the plan moves ahead, it would bring 565 new rental units to the neighbourhood. There would be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in a modern design that adds more energy to what is now a quiet stretch. Transit access would be easy, with a 10-minute ride to Kennedy GO station or the subway.

The idea started back in September 2023 when the developer asked to change local zoning rules to allow for more height and density. After months of discussion with city staff, the plan shifted. By April 2024, it had changed from two mid-rise towers around 24 and 21 storeys to the current 34 and 11 storey design.

The project still has more steps to clear before construction can begin. City staff have asked for extra reports on things like stormwater, sewer service, and even checks for methane gas before removing a zoning hold. Once those reports are approved, the next step will be Site Plan Approval.

At the core of the plan is the goal of bringing hundreds of new rental homes to an area that is already close to transit and services. The buildings would also include ground-floor shops, indoor amenities, and a rooftop terrace to help make them more community-friendly.

But taller buildings can bring concerns. The developer explained that the 34-storey tower helps make up for space lost when the second tower was made shorter. Shadow studies were done to show there would be no serious effect on nearby homes or sidewalks. Still, when it came time to vote at community council, the motion ended in a tie, leaving the decision hanging for now.