York Mills and Leslie Update
In late 2021, Minto Apartment REIT (MAR) in conjunction with Minto Communities will begin construction of a new 2-level underground parking garage, 4 townhouse blocks with 192 units and an amenity building with an indoor swimming pool to be shared with the existing apartment towers. The property will offer a wide variety two and three-bedroom townhomes, with a thoughtful and modern amenity package developed to suit the needs of the community.
FAQs
Why is Minto Apartment REIT (MAR) building these townhomes at York Mills and Leslie?
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.
What is the scope of the new development?
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.
Will the outdoor areas remain the same?
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.
When will the residents see the plans?
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.
When will construction potentially begin and what is the duration?
- 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.
Will the privacy of area residents be impacted?
The proposed concept is intended to meet the City’s zoning requirements and design guidelines with respect to solar access and privacy.
How will you address noise, traffic, and pollution during the construction process?
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.
When the development is complete, how will the area support the influx of traffic with the additional apartments?
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.
There seems to be opposition in the community to this development. How does Minto feel about that?
As part of our planning process, MAR met with LYM residents, neighbours and City of Toronto officials in full transparency of our initial development plans, accepted feedback and made adjustments where necessary to help mitigate any opposition. We find there are more people who are pro-development of the space than there are opposed.
Why take away from the neighbourhood charm with development?
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.
Will there be any additional amenities added to the site?
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
Will parking still be available for residents and visitors?
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.