Controversial residential tower extended lifeline by councillors
CTV
An application to build a 22-storey high rise behind Richmond Row may get one more chance.
On Monday, the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) recommended the rezoning application be referred back to civic administration for further consultation with York Developments.
In the report to PEC, city planners recommended council refuse the rezoning application that would permit a 22-storey student-oriented residential building at the southeast corner of Ann and St. George streets.
Coun. Shawn Lewis warned colleagues that granting heritage designation to the Victorian-era Kent Brewery and associated brewer’s house might jeopardize future development of the property.
“Our neighbourhoods can’t become trapped like flies in amber. We need to let them evolve and grow,” said Lewis.
“How much are we restricted by designating this? My understanding is we are not,” said Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan after asking several questions of city planners.
“We should take a pause when we see recommendations for refusal,” warned Coun. Stephen Turner. “Understand what’s behind that (recommendation) is months, and months, and months of work.”
