Condos and Schools?

By Lucas on Oct 05, 2012

There is no secret that Toronto is struggling to keep up with the maintenance of its schools. Despite dedicated development fees coming in from each condo unit that is approved by the city, we seem to be struggling with simply maintaining the minimum standards for our students. One prime example of this issue is at Davisville Public School, where they are in dire need of repairs, ones that the city cannot afford (for some reason).

Last month, InsideToronto.com reported that local counsellor Josh Matlow met with both locals and the school board, where the idea was presented that perhaps partnering with a developer could solve the issues they have. The initial idea would see two condominium towers developed on the site, from eight to 30 storeys. Although the plans are in preliminary stages, it seems like a smart idea. One of the issues that the TDSC would have to work with would be the official plan, which sees the area as a “neighbourhood,” which specifies that buildings stay below four storeys.

This wouldn’t be the first time we have seen condos and schools meshed together in one development. Our friends over at Tridel have recently teamed up with the Toronto District School Board to build the new North Toronto Collegiate, which sits at the foot of their twin tower development, The Republic. At North Toronto Collegiate, students have some of the best tools available in a new school, such as wireless internet and a full sized athletic field, as well as some of the most modern classrooms and labs in the city.

Seems like a perfect fit to us. We continue to help build up and develop some underused pockets of the city, while also providing something that we rarely see – a brand new school! The project is a perfect example of what developers and the City can do when they put their minds together.

What are your thoughts on schools and condos being combined? What should be done with Davisville Public School?

Comment below.

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