Toronto’s housing landscape is evolving, and Wilson Heights is at the centre of it all. With the recent approval of revised plans for the Toronto Wilson Heights ‘Housing Now’ site, the city has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling affordability while redefining urban living. The updated blueprint promises to bring modernised housing solutions to one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, setting a precedent for future developments. As the city moves forward with this ambitious project, Wilson Heights is poised to become a symbol of Toronto’s vision for inclusive and progressive housing.
Progress on Housing Now Development at Wilson Heights
The multi-phase development at 50 Wilson Heights Boulevard is making significant strides as part of the City of Toronto’s ambitious Housing Now initiative. This project is designed to provide a balanced mix of affordable and market-rate housing strategically located near key transit hubs on city-owned land. Aiming to address Toronto’s pressing housing needs, the initiative transforms Wilson Heights into a transit-oriented community.
Two Site Plan Approval applications were submitted earlier for portions of the expansive 8-acre property east of Wilson station. This development is spearheaded by CreateTO, a city agency, as part of a broader plan to revitalise the area. The site, which once served as surface parking lots when Wilson station marked the northern terminus of the subway line, is now poised for a new lease on life. As progress continues, this initiative is set to redefine housing possibilities in one of Toronto’s most promising neighbourhoods.
Revamped Development Plans for Wilson Heights Community
The project, envisioned by KIRKOR Architects and Planners, features two blocks with unique developments. Block 1 is being developed by Tridel, while Block 2 is led by Greenwin. Significant updates have been made to the original plans submitted in 2021. Block 1’s tower height has been reduced from 12 to 10 storeys, and Block 2’s three towers have been increased from 16 to 17 storeys each. Additionally, planned office space for Block 1 has been removed due to a post-pandemic decline in demand. Situated on an expansive 8-acre site in Toronto Wilson Heights, the property lies north of Wilson Avenue, between Allen Road and Wilson Heights Boulevard in North York’s Clanton Park neighbourhood.
Currently functioning as a TTC commuter parking lot, the site directly connects to Wilson subway station on University Line 1 via a pedestrian tunnel and bus roadway. The surrounding area is transforming rapidly, with significant developments planned, including a large-scale redevelopment project at Yorkdale Mall. This initiative is set to redefine the urban landscape in Wilson Heights.
Changes to Wilson Heights Housing Now Proposal
The 2021 proposal for Toronto Wilson Heights envisioned a multi-phase development combining residential, commercial, and institutional elements, including affordable and market-rate housing, office spaces, retail outlets, and community facilities. Recent Site Plan Approval applications have significantly refined these plans.
Block 1, located near Allen Road and Wilson Avenue, is now planned as a 10-storey mixed-use building with 209 condominium units and a Gross Floor Area (GFA) primarily allocated for residential and retail use. The updated design has a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 3.87 and includes indoor and outdoor amenities on the first floor. Office space originally planned for the first three floors has been removed, reducing the GFA from 19,247m² to 15,281m². Each tower will have three elevators, ensuring minimal wait times. Block 1 offers an elevator-to-unit ratio of 1:70, while Block 2’s ratio is 1:85. Both blocks will share a two-level underground parking garage, with Block 1 providing 155 spaces and Block 2 offering 377. An additional 99 visitor parking spaces and reserved spots for a community centre and nursery are included.
Cyclist-friendly infrastructure includes 163 long-term and 40 short-term bicycle spaces in Block 1, six for retail use, 532 long-term and 56 short-term spaces in Block 2, and 23 for non-residents near Wilson Heights Boulevard. These updates streamline the development while prioritising convenience and sustainability. Plans for Blocks 3 through 8 focus on developing the northern section of the site, introducing an extended blend of residential, commercial, and institutional spaces to enhance the community.
Surrounding Developments and Proposals Near Wilson Heights
The surrounding area is crowded with various developments and proposals. To the west, a 10-storey building at 3621 Dufferin Street is currently under construction, while to the east, the 12-storey Nordic Condos are taking shape. The Express Condominiums on the Subway are rising south of the site, featuring three towers ranging from 13 to 16 storeys, alongside a proposed 34-storey tower at 2 Tippett Road. The most ambitious project nearby is the multi-phase redevelopment of Yorkdale Shopping Centre, located across Highway 401 and Allen Road, which plans to introduce 26 buildings, including two towering structures reaching up to 50 storeys.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of Toronto Wilson Heights is more than just a housing project. It represents a bold vision to reimagine city living in one of the area’s most promising neighbourhoods. With well-designed mixed-use buildings and a strong emphasis on accessibility and sustainability, this initiative sets the foundation for a future where affordable housing and transit-oriented development work together. “Our vision for Toronto is to see families live, work and thrive without having to worry about securing affordable rents, accessing transit or finding childcare or green spaces for kids to play,” Mayor Olivia Chow said at the Wilson Heights ground-breaking ceremony, held in late November 2024. “This transit-oriented community brings all of these elements together, creating a sensible and replicable model for city-building.”
As surrounding developments continue to shape the skyline, this project is a testament to Toronto’s dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive communities. With each phase of progress, Wilson Heights Boulevard is transforming into a hub of opportunity, growth, and modern urban living. This is not merely a development but a bold vision of a city embracing change, with Wilson Heights leading the charge.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Wilson Heights 'Housing Now' site?
The Wilson Heights 'Housing Now' site is a multi-phase development in Toronto aimed at creating affordable and market-rate housing near transit hubs as part of the city’s Housing Now initiative.
Where is the Wilson Heights development located?
The development is located at 50 Wilson Heights Boulevard, in the North York area of Toronto, near Wilson Avenue, Allen Road, and the Wilson subway station.
What changes were made in the revised plans for the Wilson Heights site?
Key changes include adjustments to building heights, the removal of planned office space from Block 1, and an updated design for Blocks 1 and 2. Block 1 is now a 10-storey mixed-use building, and Block 2 features three towers increased to 17 storeys each.
Who is leading the development of Wilson Heights?
The project is being developed by Tridel (Block 1) and Greenwin (Block 2), with oversight from CreateTO, a city agency responsible for managing the redevelopment.
What amenities are included in the Wilson Heights plans?
The development will feature indoor and outdoor amenities for residents, bicycle parking spaces, retail spaces, and shared underground parking. It also prioritises accessibility with direct connectivity to the Wilson subway station.
