A recent survey commissioned by the Leaside Property Owners’ Association (LPOA) showed the majority of local respondents feel the development proposed for 939 Eglinton Ave. E. is inappropriate.

The proposal for the southwest corner of Brentcliffe Road and Eglinton Avenue East consists of seven towers ranging between six and 34 storeys. It includes residential, retail and office space, with 1,639 parking spaces spread across four levels of underground parking. The site sits across from the area’s landmark piano shop, Robert Lowrey Piano Experts.

Although residents of the long-established community fear the increased density will bring with it unbearable traffic and congestion, the developer insists the proposal is within the realm of City of Toronto expectations.

Steve Diamond, president and CEO of DiamondCorp, noted that city planners had clearly explained that the site is in an area where they “expect taller buildings.”

Approximately 25 per cent of Leaside took part in the recent survey, or 2,169 respondents. Of those responses, 92 per cent felt anything over 11 storeys would be inappropriate for the site.

“People would be fine with a mid-rise,” noted Paddy Duncan, a board member of the LPOA and author of the study. “Three years ago we told them it’s too big, too dense and that we have grave concerns … then they came back with an even larger proposal.”

However Diamond insisted that they have “listened and made changes to [their] plans.” 

But Duncan isn’t convinced. “They’re not listening to the residents. We have no confidence.”  

The community fears the development will lead to a complete makeover of Leaside, and Ward 26 councillor Jon Burnside agrees. 

“Do I think it’s a good thing? No. It’s the hand we’ve been dealt,” he said, with reference to the city’s identification of the area being ripe for high-rise development. 

Meanwhile, Diamond is resolute: “While we know we can’t satisfy everyone’s vision for the redevelopment, we feel confident that we are striking the right balance.”