Dec 5th,2011
First Capital Realty, the owner of the Humbertown Shopping Centre, is making an application with the City of Toronto for an extensive redevelopment plan of the neighbourhood shopping centre. Here is some background on the shopping centre, the proposed development, current status and how you can get involved.
Background on Humbertown Shopping Centre
Built in the 1950s, Humbertown Shopping Centre is located near Dundas and Royal York. It features approximately 135,000 square feet and offers 500 above-ground parking spaces. As a neighbourhood shopping mall, it includes many popular retailers, financial and other services.
Background on First Capital’s development application
In May 2011, First Capital made a presentation to the Humber Valley Village Residents Association to inform us about their proposed development plans. At that meeting, they shared their vision, renderings and details about their intended plan.
Although the original application is being revised before it is filed with the City of Toronto (expected to happen in January 2012), the original application featured a complete and extensive redevelopment of the site for a mix of retail, commercial and residential uses.
Based on the information presented by First Capital in May 2011, the proposed development features:
- a 40% increase in retail space (from 111,000 square feet to 155,000 square feet)
- a 250% increase in office space (from 25,000 square feet to 87,000 square feet)
- an addition of 700 new condominium units (in 7 new residential condominium towers.)
- a 180% increase in parking (from 500 current above-ground spaces to 1,400 spaces, mostly underground)
Current situation and next steps
The board of HVVRA along with Gloria Lindsay-Luby will be meeting with First Capital to discuss their proposed and revised application. We have many questions about this proposed development. Here are just a few.
- Can the area support the additional car traffic, population, building density, etc?
- What is the expected population increase as a result of the new 700 condominiums units? Can the area schools and services accommodate these new residents?
- How will this extensive redevelopment change the character of the neighbourhood shopping centre and surrounding area?
- Does the proposed design feature the best in urban design, environmental sustainability and planning guidelines? Does it demonstrate innovation? Will it meet the standards that reflect the high-quality nature of our neighbourhood?
- Will there be open, green spaces (or a central square) so that pedestrians, families, children and shoppers can safely and comfortably enjoy the shopping mall’s features.
- How long is the constructed expected to last? What will be the impact on the community during construction?
What can you do?
The most important thing you can do is ensure that you’re aware of this issue and that your questions or concerns are raised. If you’re a member of our association, ensure that we have your e-mail address so we can send you updates on this issue.
Visit our website: www.hvvra.ca
Sign up to be a member: www.hvvra.ca- membership
See photos from proposed redevelopment: www.hvvra.ca – photo
Forward this email to friends, neighbours and anyone else you know from our community that is interested to hear about the developments.
If you’re not a member, now is the time to join the Humber Valley Village Residents Association. Membership is only $20 and in exchange, you will receive regular e-mail updates, support your community association and have a unified voice for Humber Valley Village.