A significant new high-rise proposal has been submitted for a quiet pocket just east of Allen Road, at the corner of Benner Avenue and Stayner Avenue. Plans call for a 37-storey residential tower at 8–12 Benner Ave and 5 Stayner Ave which is a scale that would mark a notable shift for this low-rise neighbourhood.
While the height will naturally draw attention, the application positions the site as part of a broader evolution happening along the Marlee and Eglinton corridors. In recent years, several mid– and high-rise developments have been proposed along Marlee Avenue itself, gradually reshaping the scale and density of this stretch of the city and setting important context for why a project of this size is being contemplated here.
Where the Site Is Located
The development site spans multiple properties (8–12 Benner Ave & 5 Stayner Ave) along Benner Avenue and Stayner Avenue, immediately east of Allen Road. One of the defining characteristics of the site is its adjacency to Benner Park, which frames the eastern edge of the proposal and influences how the building is massed and stepped back.
Surrounding uses are predominantly low-rise residential, making the proposed scale a clear contrast to the existing neighbourhood fabric. At the same time, the site benefits from proximity to major north–south transportation infrastructure and established arterial roads.
What’s Being Proposed
At a high level, the application seeks approval for a 37-storey residential tower rising from a multi-storey podium. The proposal requires both Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Approval.
The building is organized with a defined podium that addresses the street and park edges, above which the tower element rises with stepbacks intended to reduce perceived mass at grade. Mechanical space is contained within a rooftop penthouse, set back from the main tower floorplate.
Building Height and Massing
The tower is proposed at approximately 116 metres in height, excluding the mechanical penthouse. The podium rises to roughly seven storeys before stepping back to accommodate the tower above.
Setbacks are incorporated along all property lines, with particular attention paid to the interface with Benner Park. The massing strategy is designed to balance the site’s compact footprint with the need for light, sky view, and separation from neighbouring low-rise homes.
Residential Units and Layout
The building is planned as a fully residential development, with a total of 418 dwelling units. The unit mix includes a range of one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bedroom, two-bedroom-plus-den, and three-bedroom suites.
Typical tower floors use a central corridor with suites organized around the perimeter, allowing most units access to natural light. Many suites are designed with balconies, while larger terrace spaces are concentrated at podium and setback levels.
Amenity Spaces
Resident amenities are distributed throughout the building, with both indoor and outdoor spaces provided. Indoor amenity areas are primarily located within the podium levels, while outdoor amenity spaces are arranged at grade, on podium roofs, and at upper-level terraces.
The relationship to Benner Park plays an important role here, with outdoor amenity areas oriented to take advantage of views and separation from neighbouring properties.
Parking, Loading, and Servicing
Vehicle parking is accommodated entirely below grade. A total of 17 vehicular parking spaces are proposed, alongside dedicated visitor and accessible parking.
Bicycle parking is a significant component of the transportation strategy, with nearly 500 bicycle spaces provided across long-term and short-term facilities. Loading, garbage, and servicing functions are consolidated and accessed from the street in a manner intended to minimize disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood according to the proposal.
Architectural Design
The project is designed by Quadrangle Architects. The architectural expression emphasizes a clear distinction between podium and tower elements, with consistent window patterns and a restrained material palette.
Bird-friendly glazing is incorporated into the façade design, particularly at lower levels, reflecting current City of Toronto standards. Stepbacks and setbacks are used to soften the building’s presence at grade and along the park edge.
Planning Context and Rationale
The planning rationale positions the site as appropriate for increased density due to its proximity to major transportation infrastructure and its location within an area identified for growth and intensification.
While the proposed height exceeds the prevailing built form in the immediate area, the application argues that the transition is managed through podium scale, setbacks, and separation distances. As with many tall building proposals in established neighbourhoods, this balance between city-building objectives and local context will be central to the review process.
What Happens Next
The application will move through the City’s review process, including circulation to internal departments and opportunities for community consultation. Revisions are common at this stage, and the proposal may evolve in response to feedback from City staff and local residents.
Why This Proposal Is Worth Watching
At 37 storeys, this project represents one of the more ambitious proposals in the immediate area. Its adjacency to parkland, proximity to major corridors, and scale relative to surrounding homes make it a closely watched application.
Whether approved as proposed or refined through the planning process, the development at 8–12 Benner Ave and 5 Stayner Ave is a clear signal that density pressures continue to move outward from Toronto’s major transit and arterial routes — even into traditionally low-rise pockets.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Yorkdale–Glen Park?
Planning applications like this one often act as an early indicator of how a neighbourhood may evolve — from future density and infrastructure investment to shifting buyer demand and long-term value.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply want a clearer picture of how changes like this could impact your property in the Yorkdale–Glen Park area, we’re always happy to talk it through. From low-rise homes to condos and future-facing opportunities, local context matters — especially when the neighbourhood is in transition.
Reach out any time to discuss what’s happening now and what may be coming next!
