Plan to build more high rise rental units in Davisville irks some

TORONTO – A plan to build more high rise rental units in the booming Yonge and Davisville area of Toronto is getting a cold shoulder from existing residents who are worried their neighbourhood could turn into a concrete canyon.

Shiplake Management Company wants to replace rental townhouse units, which they own, and turn them into 14 and 30 storey buildings with a total of 522 units.

“We build much of the rental stock that’s in the community today and it is their continued commitment to provide purposeful rental housing that’s professionally managed,” said Maurice Wager of Shiplake Management Company.

Most of the buildings in the neighbourhood were constructed in the 60’s and there hasn’t been that much rental space built since then.

Still, some in the community are concerned not just about park space, but more congestion and shadows from taller structures.

The area currently has no shortage of other buildings, however many are buying condos in the city as investment properties and renting.

The city councillor for the neighbourhood has been trying to find ways to compromise and believes less is more.

“That’s a bit much, bit too dense, it’s not healthy,” said Josh Matlow.

So far, the process of construction has been delayed and is now expected to be debated at city hall next month.