An approved tall and thin 46-storey Yorkville condo tower at the southwest corner of Yonge and Scollard currently occupied by a charming vape store is adding an additional three storeys in addition to minor parking space changes. 

The development application dates back eight years to 2016 when the developer originally proposed a 59-storey condominium tower. The city and local residents pushed back against the height of the building and after a long process involving the city and the Ontario Municipal Board, the application was approved for 46 storeys. 

“Since the filing of the by-law amendment application in 2016, the context of approved and proposed building heights in the surrounding area and the City’s requirements with respect to parking have changed, while the demand for housing continues,” read a letter from the developer included in the new development application. “In light of these changes, the Owner sought variances to accommodate three additional residential storeys in the building along with a requested variance to eliminate the visitor parking requirements applicable to the Property.”

Like many other development companies with approved applications, a request for three additional storeys has been made by Cityzen Development Group and Greybrook Realty Partners. It was approved at a committee of adjustment hearing late in 2023, which is all that was required.

“The committee of adjustment process is typically faster than a zoning bylaw amendment,” said Oren Tamir, Toronto’s acting director of community planning. “The decision is made by the Committee of Adjustment and there is public notice for that. The public can provide input and comments at the committee directly. It is a public process. There is room for public input.”

In 2016, the original Cityzen Development Group application was teemed too top heavy and tall for such a small piece of land. 

“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,” said Kristyn Wong-Tam, who was the city councillor for the community at the time. 

The local residents’ group, Greater Yorkville Residents Association, called the development “ill-conceived.”