The Ossington Avenue Debate

One of the most interesting and polarizing topics in the Toronto real estate game is how to balance the needs of the city versus the needs of the locals in a specific area. As a city, we are growing, and we need to find that balance between the happiness of the locals and the accommodation of about 100,000 new residents each year.

This brings us to the story of Ossington Avenue. A small group of locals are fighting tooth and nail against a developer who is looking to replace an old auto shop with a new boutique condo. Some of the issues the group has presented? The height, the massing, shadowing, etc. — the typical complaints you normally encounter in the fight against a condo development.

Marcus Gee of The Globe and Mail wrote a very striking piece recently, explaining why he feels that the project is a winner for Ossington.

"The residents insist they’re not NIMBYs. In fact, the label makes them hopping mad.

They say they understand the need for urban intensification. They just think this particular building is the wrong size in the wrong place.

But if a busy street with a bus line in a changing neighbourhood in the heart of the city isn’t the place for a little more density, where is?"

Not every local is against the proposal  Recently, a story on OssingtonVillage.com explained why the project at 109 Ossington should move forward, and stated that those against the project do not comprise the majority of the neighbourhood.

"Whether the developers of 109 Ossington and Motif succeed or fail should be on the success of their business plan, not on whether we decide to legislate or lobby them out of our community.

We believe the small six story development would be a strong addition to the neighbourhood, bringing more invested residents downtown to an area where the housing market prices are out of reach of what many who want to live here can afford."

At the end of the day, it’s a fascinating discussion. Should we be listening to the loud minority? Or should we do what the majority thinks is best?

What role should a local councillor play? Their primary goal is to be re-elected, so do they act in the best interest of Toronto’s long-term vision?

Please, feel free to comment below.