Abby Russchen –
St. James Town’s community square at the northwest corner of Wellesley and Parliament Streets is set to undergo significant renovations in an effort to revitalize the area.
Greatwise Developments wants to construct three new buildings with a total of 1,109 units: a 58-storey mixed-use condo with 741 units, a 21-storey rental building of 287 units and a nine-storey rental building with 81 units. The new units are not considered affordable, and will be more expensive than existing units in the square.
Plans also include several new community and outdoor amenities, including a dog park, a fitness centre, a children’s play area and green spaces.
If City Council approves the project, construction could start in about 18 months.
St. James Town is already the largest high-rise community in Canada. At a public consultation on June 17, community members raised concerns about the development proposal.
“I’m not a fan of the towers,” said long-time Wellesley Parliament Square resident Desmond Christopher, describing the 58-storey proposal as an eyesore.
The project will create disruptions for existing tenants, according to Mike Dror of Bousfields Inc., the community planning firm behind the development. He concedes that the area will become much busier, but says “a lot of benefits will come from the redevelopment.”
The new infrastructure will require demolition of the Food Basics store on Wellesley and the New World Coin Laundry on Parliament, both to eventually be replaced.
“We will suffer for two years while it’s being built,” said a disgruntled resident about the grocery store closing.
Four apartment units in 240 Wellesley are set to be demolished to make way for the new grocery store. Residents in those units can choose to live in the new building while paying the same monthly rent.
Other existing tenants in the complex can remain where they are without rent increases, though some units are set to be renovated and upgraded at 650 Parliament, as well as 238, 240, 260 and 280 Wellesley. Renovations will cover basic maintenance with additional patios and balconies.
Councillor Chris Moise attended the June 17 meeting and told the bridge that he recognizes the developmental pressure and active density in St. James Town, but says he’s focused on “revitalizing the existing space to take care of existing tenants.”
Greatwise Developments owns the site of the proposed project. “This is not a city-led initiative by any means,” according to city planner Stephan Posikira. But the city wants to ensure existing tenants benefit by keeping them at the forefront of discussions.
Walisson Augusto-Ferreira, a resident of 10 years at 650 Parliament, said he hopes the development will happen “as long as existing residents’ opinions are on the table.” He thinks many of the proposed plans, such as the new community centre and green spaces, should improve quality of life.
Dror agreed that residents have “valid concerns,” which have already been discussed by City Planning and the development team.
