Toronto Carpet Factory Zoning By-Law Amendment

A City of Toronto sign will soon be installed on the TCF property, as we have submitted a Zoning By-Law Amendment application to the City. We have submitted the application, along with our partners at Hullmark, to determine what could potentially be built – not necessarily what will be built – on the vacant land in the southeast corner of the campus. It was always envisioned that the southeast corner would have a new chapter! No construction is happening or imminent. Nothing at all will happen for 5 years or more. This is not a building permit or a construction plan.

The City’s Official Plan now allows a broader mix of uses in this area of Liberty Village. There’s a new secondary plan in the works called Liberty For All. As you know, the province is building a transit-oriented community around the Exhibition GO station which is bringing new development to the neighbourhood. We want to understand what these policy changes mean for the long-term potential of the site.

We have spent the last 30 years restoring and maintaining the property while dreaming of evolving and improving upon it by completing the block as originally intended, adding a mix of uses, providing significantly more green space, animating courtyards and laneways, and moving parking underground. The application envisions approximately 400,000 sf of space that includes residential units, a hotel, retail, office space and amenities like a fitness centre, enhanced meeting facilities, and roof decks. The concepts are shaped by the heritage character of the existing campus and are designed to complement what’s already here. And, more importantly, the concepts are merely exploratory. The application submission process dictates that we provide these detailed concepts.

We’ll be installing our own sign adjacent to the City’s to clarify what it really means. We want to be clear that nothing will be changing for 5 years or more.

We remain committed to the Toronto Carpet Factory as Liberty Village’s leading office accommodation. We’re committed to its preservation and our ongoing repair and maintenance program. Our focus will continue to be on providing customer service to our tenants as best we can. We are excited about the opportunities presented by the continued evolution of the neighbourhood, ensuring our voice is heard, and welcoming your input into the future of TCF.

FAQs

What does the sign on the property mean?

The City of Toronto requires a public notice sign whenever a zoning application is submitted. It’s a standard part of the process and doesn’t mean construction is happening or imminent.

What is a Zoning By-law Amendment?

It’s a formal application to determine what could potentially be built on a site. It establishes a development envelope, which outlines the parameters for height, density, and use. The amendment looks at what is possible, but it is not a building permit or a construction plan.

Why are you doing this now?

Recent changes from the city planning team now allow a broader mix of uses in this area, and the province’s transit-oriented community around Exhibition GO station is bringing new development to the neighbourhood. York Heritage Properties and Hullmark want to understand what these policy changes mean for the long-term potential of the site.

What is being proposed?

The application envisions a mixed-use addition of approximately 400,000 square feet on the vacant land in the southeast corner of the campus. This includes residential units, a hotel, retail space, amenities and office/employment space . The plan also includes underground parking spaces and bicycle parking. The design concepts, by architects Allies and Morrison, are shaped by the heritage character of the existing campus.

Will there be construction soon?

No. No construction is planned, and no building permit has been submitted. There are no anticipated changes to the Carpet Factory for five years or more. Building operations and parking arrangements will continue as usual.

What about parking, noise, and dust?

Because no construction is planned, there is nothing to mitigate at this time. If a project eventually proceeds, a Construction Management Plan would be prepared outlining specific measures for noise, dust, safety, parking, and traffic. We would work closely with tenants to minimize any inconvenience.

Does this affect my lease?

No. This zoning application has no impact on current leases. The Carpet Factory will continue to operate as it does today.

Will the community have a say?

Of course! The City of Toronto will conduct community consultation meetings as part of the review process.

Who can I contact with questions?

Please reach out to info@yorkheritage.com and a member of the team will get back to you.