It’s been an uphill battle for Reserve Properties’ 109OZ project ever since it was first proposed, and it looks like things are about to get just that much tougher.

City council against 109OZ

According to InsideToronto.com, City council has decided to back the community’s stance against 109OZ. Planning staff have been instructed to continue working with 109OZ to come up with an agreement, but if one isn’t reached by the time they go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), the City will oppose the project. The OMB hearing will probably take place in November.

InsideToronto.com states that some of the main issues include height, massing, and amenity space. We have to say, we don’t necessarily understand the issues. 109OZ is only supposed to be six storeys. Sure, the street features mostly two- and three-storey buildings, but we think a six-storey boutique condo is a great benchmark for the neighbourhood.

As for massing, we think RAW Design came up with a beautiful building. The way the different levels are staggered gives the streetscape some life - And let’s be real - it would look way better than that autoshop that currently occupies the site.

And amenity space? We’re not even entirely sure why the community is concerned about amenity space that they won’t even be using. Perhaps someone could explain that point to us.

The potential of Ossington

Over the past few years, Ossington has become a hub of activity. New bars, pop-up shops, and trendy restaurants have been opening, and we think a modern boutique condo would suit the area. We can’t really think of why a six-storey condo with just under 90 units would cramp the neighbourhood’s style. Also, the 109OZ plans include retail/commercial space along the ground floor, so it will actually open up space for more great shops, cafes, or restaurants.

If 109OZ was approved and built, Ossington would be on its way to becoming one of the trendiest and most highly sought-after neighbourhoods in Toronto. Like we said, 109OZ would serve as a benchmark (and we know there are many people that won’t want to hear this), and it would open the door for more stylish residences.

We would understand the community’s aversion to 109OZ if it were some plain, uninteresting mid-rise apartment or office building - but that’s just not the case.

All images from 109OZ website.