York Mills and Leslie Update

MAR has had long-term plans to develop the property to its full potential for many years in response to the shortage of housing in GTA. MAR had received city zoning approval in 2011. MAR recognizes that not everyone wishes to live downtown and this family-oriented and low-density neighbourhood in East York offers a community that people want to call home. That is important to us. 

Four townhouse blocks with 192 units, of which 160 will be two-bedroom and 32 will be three-bedroom. The shared amenity building will include many modern and convenient spaces and features for tenant use. 

Due to the construction work needed over the course of the project, certain lawns, landscaping features, and a number of trees will need to be removed temporarily or in select instances permanently. With the end of construction, a full landscaping and reforestation plan will be rolled out. We have worked closely with the City of Toronto bylaw officials and professional arborists and landscapers to ensure the final plan returns and enhances the property to a better-than-current state. 

Plans have been approved by the City and a website is hosted for residents with relevant details and plans that will be periodically updated. Please email us with any questions or concerns at [email protected] At this time, the Resident Service Centre is closed in the interests of the safety of our residents and staff. As soon as plans are finalized, they will be posted on this website and when possible, renderings will be made available in building common spaces or notice boards. 

• Phase 1 – Preconditioning construction will begin in Fall 2021 and will take approximately 3-4 months.
• Phase 2 – Demolition of existing parking garages in Winter 2022 will take approximately 4-5 months.
• Phase 3 – Underground Parking construction will begin in Winter 2022 and will take approximately 18 months.
• Phase 4 – The building of the townhouses will begin in summer 2023 and will take an estimated 16 months.
• Phase 5 – The first occupancy will begin in summer 2024 through 2025 and will be by townhouse block and expected to take 11 months.

The proposed concept is intended to meet the City’s zoning requirements and design guidelines with respect to solar access and privacy.

Naturally, noise, large machinery, dust and dirt are part of any building process. The Minto team has an outstanding reputation and protocols in place to reduce the impact on the community and current residents in its projects. A construction mitigation plan has been developed to minimize the impact of construction on the surrounding neighbourhood and current residents. If at any time reasonable enjoyment of residents is directly impacted, Minto Apartment REIT will provide appropriate notice and where possible, provide quiet spaces for residents who need it.

A traffic study was commissioned as part of the development (and approved by the City of Toronto). During construction, your MAR team will work closely with our construction team to minimize inconvenience and manage traffic flow.

Quite the contrary. The new townhomes are low density and low rise and will balance the footprint of the community while enhancing the enclosed green space and shared spaces for all. When complete, the new landscaping will complement the existing neighbourhood look and feel, and integrate with existing parklands adjacent to the community.

Yes. The new building will have amenities including an indoor pool, fitness facilities. MAR is currently finalizing plans to update current amenity spaces in existing buildings. Updates and designs will be shared on the website when finalized

During Phase 2, the replacement of existing parking garages and carports will require the temporary relocation of some residents and visitor parking. Two temporary parking structures will be erected with a minimum of 397 temporary parking spaces provided at all times. Residents will be contacted directly a week in advance if their space is being relocated. Upon completion, there will be two levels of underground parking (644 spaces) and adequate above-ground parking (44 spaces) available, of which 12 will be committed as barrier-free and accessible parking spaces.

All residents may be impacted in some way, but primarily those on the ground floor of 17 Farmstead and 740 & 750 York Mills Road will notice safety hoarding/fencing beginning with Phase 1 of the development. Although they will have some obstructed views, this is necessary for their safety and security, and that of our construction team. Traffic flow to the garage may be reduced or restricted due to occasional equipment movements and vehicles. 

At this point, we don’t anticipate any residents will be displaced, and if there are inconveniences made as a result of construction or noise, calming areas and respites will be made away from the construction zones. 

As owner and landlord, Minto Apartments is not required to provide rent abatements or discounts when creating community and property improvements. We will support our residents and make every effort to mitigate any construction-related disruption through detailed planning. All Tenancies remain in effect and there will be no changes to these leases or rental fees. 

Yes, due to the destruction of parking structures and excavation of ground level parking for construction of underground 2-level parking, residents will be reassigned to temporary parking on-site.

Protective overhead hoarding and fencing will be erected throughout the community as needed for the safety and protection of residents, staff, and the general public.

There will be sufficient parking to accommodate the needs of all residents of the community, as required by municipal bylaw and the intention is to increase the overall number of usable parking spaces per unit. Plus, by moving parking to a two-level underground structure residents and guests will no longer have to brave the elements and will enjoy greater security than above ground parking.

Access for construction vehicles for each phase will be planned as follows: 

• Phase 1 – Tree removal and site preparation at the south entrance off of York Mills
• Phase 2 – Demolition of existing parking.
• During Construction: The two garages at 740 and 750 can be accessed from the south of York Mills. Once the garage demolition starts on the north side of the property, access will be off Farmstead Road
• Phase 3 – Excavation & Construction: Access through Farmstead
• Once Structure is Built: Access through Farmstead Road

No parking will be taken away. Resident and visitor parking will be temporarily relocated to other areas within the community and in fact, there will be more parking spaces once construction is completed.

The construction will take 48 months.

The current school bus pick-up/drop-off location will remain the same except in the rarest circumstances. We will update the website and post appropriate notice in the buildings advising of any changes.

Unfortunately, no. MAR is under no obligation to alter or release residents from their tenancy agreement. We’ve acted according to the Residential Tenancies Act in providing sufficient notice of the development to new and existing residents.

The new townhomes are only three storey (TBC) and will have minimum impact on lower floor views. Overall, the new units, new landscaping and new underground parking will enhance the overall curb appeal of the community from the street and on-site.

You would need to go through the normal leasing process, but it’s definitely something for residents to consider. These new low rise townhomes will have updated and modern finishes, energy-efficient appliances and easier access to the outdoors.

The pre-leasing date is not confirmed at this time. Please visit our website to register for the latest updates. There will also be a pre-leasing announcement sent out to residents before it goes out to the general public.