If you’ve ever walked out of Glencairn Station and looked east toward Benner Park, you’ve likely noticed how low-rise and quiet this pocket still feels. That may be changing.
A significant purpose-built rental development has been proposed at 253–263 Viewmount Avenue and 12–18 Romar Crescent, immediately east of Allen Road and directly adjacent to Glencairn Station.
The application seeks to introduce two residential towers connected by a shared podium, along with a new public park expansion and a mid-block pedestrian connection. In total, 1,033 rental units are proposed on lands that today are designated Neighbourhoods.
The project is currently under review through a combined Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment process, marking one of the most substantial redevelopment proposals this immediate Glencairn pocket has seen to date.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- 36 and 39 storeys
- Four-storey base building with a seven-storey podium connection
- 1,033 purpose-built rental units
- 58,323 sq. m of total gross floor area
- FSI: 10.34
- 3,692 sq. m of amenity space (3.5 sq. m per unit)
- 565 sq. m parkland dedication expanding Benner Park
What’s Being Proposed
According to the Planning Rationale and supporting materials, the proposal consists of two residential towers rising 36 and 39 storeys, connected by a shared podium structure. The development would introduce 1,033 purpose-built rental apartments in a location directly beside Glencairn subway station.
The towers sit atop a four-storey base building, with a seven-storey podium element that helps frame the public realm and connect the two buildings internally.
The total proposed gross floor area is 58,323 square metres, resulting in a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 10.34. The application also proposes a landscaped public realm strategy that would see 41% of the net site area dedicated to landscaped open space, increasing to 46% when the parkland dedication is included.
A Transit-Oriented Location
The site sits immediately adjacent to Glencairn Station on Line 1 of the TTC subway system. City planning documents identify this area as appropriate for transit-supportive intensification, particularly given its proximity to higher-order transit and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT corridor to the south.
Toronto City Council approved the Glencairn Station Planning Study in June 2022, acknowledging the potential for a transition toward a higher-density, transit-oriented community in this pocket between Marlee Avenue and Allen Road.
The Planning Rationale notes that the current Neighbourhoods designation reflects historical development patterns that pre-date the adjacent subway infrastructure. The application proposes to redesignate the lands to Apartment Neighbourhoods and Parks in order to facilitate higher-density residential development consistent with Major Transit Station Area policy direction.
Built Form: Height, Massing & Separation
The proposed towers reach 36 and 39 storeys, creating variation in height and visual interest within the skyline. The tower floor plates measure approximately 800 square metres. While this exceeds the 750 square metre guideline referenced in the City’s Tall Building Guidelines, the proposal provides a 30-metre tower separation distance.
Each tower is stepped back three metres above the podium levels along Viewmount Avenue and Romar Crescent. The towers are also offset to help minimize shadow overlap and preserve views between buildings.
Public Realm & Park Expansion
Parkland Dedication
The proposal includes a 565 square metre parkland dedication that would expand Benner Park. This new open space would create a direct pedestrian and cycling connection into the existing park and onward to Glencairn Station.
The parkland dedication is proposed to be rezoned as Open Space through the Zoning By-law Amendment.
Pedestrian Priority Lane
A new private mid-block connection, referred to as a Pedestrian Priority Lane, would run north–south between Viewmount Avenue and Romar Crescent. The laneway is designed as a curbless space with a 6-metre pavement width and a 2.1-metre pedestrian clearway.
The main residential lobby entrance is located along this laneway, set back to provide seating and landscaped gathering areas. Servicing and loading are accommodated internally to limit impacts on the public streetscape.
Streetscape Improvements
The development proposes new sidewalks along Romar Crescent, which currently lacks pedestrian infrastructure. Viewmount Avenue would see improved boulevard conditions, including street trees, planting beds, and a 2.1-metre pedestrian clearway.
The combined landscaping strategy results in a significant proportion of the site being dedicated to open space.
Amenity Strategy
The proposal includes 3,692 square metres of amenity space, equating to 3.5 square metres per unit. Of this, 1.25 square metres per unit is indoor amenity space and 2.25 square metres per unit is outdoor shared space, not including private balconies.
Indoor amenities are distributed across multiple floors and include uses such as a pet spa, children’s play area, and resident lounges. Outdoor amenity spaces are located on various levels, including upper-floor terraces designed to receive sun exposure at different times of day.
Private balconies and terraces are provided throughout the building.
What This Means for the Glencairn Area
If approved, this proposal would introduce over 1,000 purpose-built rental units immediately adjacent to existing subway infrastructure. It would also formalize the transition of this pocket from low-rise residential to a higher-density, transit-supportive built form.
The application remains under review and will be evaluated against City policies, built form guidelines, and public feedback before any final decision is made.
Residents in the area can expect further consultation and refinement as the process moves forward.
If you live near Glencairn Station or are considering buying or selling in the surrounding neighbourhood, feel free to reach out for updates on how this and other proposals may shape the area.
