A 59-storey development proposed for the Yorkville neighbourhood has been rejected by Toronto City Council due to concerns over the building’s height and density raised by both city staff and local residents.

On Oct. 5, city council refused the application by the Cityzen Development Group for 874–878 Yonge St. and 3–11 Scollard St. 

The tower would increase the density on the site from 3 to 37.5. The initial plan also called for the Frank Stollery Parkette to be transformed into a bowl-type structure.
Ward 27 councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam supported the decision to refuse the proposal.

“It’s just the wrong site. That tower is sitting too heavy and too forceful down on this tiny piece of land in the middle of Yorkville, and it just doesn’t work,” she said.

Several residents voiced their concerns at the community consultation on Sept. 26. 

Members of the Greater Yorkville Residents Association (GYRA) argued the tower was too tall and skinny and lacked setbacks on its north and south faces.

Michael R. Landry, president of GYRA, said, although the group is against the proposal, it is not anti-development. 

“What we are against is ill-conceived development, which we believe describes the Yonge and Scollard building as it is currently proposed.” 

Following the community consultation, the developer reduced the height of the tower by 50 metres and removed the parkette, but the plan was still refused.

“I heard loud and clear from the local community that they did not want that tower in that location. It’s an easy decision,” said Wong Tam.

Wong-Tam said there has been no word of an appeal from the developer.

“They best not waste their time or money, or even our time and money, if they don’t have an application that’s a lot smaller and more modest,” she said. 

Cityzen Development Group did not respond to requests for comment by press time.