A proposal from Infrastructure Ontario is set to introduce nearly 2,400 housing units at the Whitby GO station site.
An Infrastructure Ontario development plan revealed to the public on Wednesday evening will bring six residential towers – the tallest reaching 45 storeys – and almost 2,400 homes to enhance the town’s southern skyline.
The Whitby GO Transit-Oriented Community initiative aims to provide new housing options, job opportunities, and accessible public spaces near Whitby’s transit hub situated on the south side of Highway 401, with all units having direct access to the Lakeshore East Line.
John Taglieri, a Director with Infrastructure Ontario, along with Neil Loewen from Urban Planner Urban Strategies, answered questions during a well-attended virtual open house on Wednesday. Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy also joined in.
Roy expressed her pleasure seeing so many residents engaged in the discussion and acknowledged some concerns voiced by locals but stressed that this project is led by Infrastructure Ontario – not the Town of Whitby.
“Residents are voicing concerns about density, increased traffic, loss of commuter parking capacity, and how this project could impact the overall character of the area. I am continuing to advocate for this proposal to follow the standard Planning Act process, including a statutory public meeting and council approval,” she said. “This is not a Town of Whitby project – it’s important to share feedback with Infrastructure Ontario.”
This project is part of several proposals under the Transit-Oriented Community program aimed at creating “vibrant, mixed-use communities that will bring more housing (including affordable housing options), jobs, retail, public amenities and entertainment within a short distance of transit stations.”
These communities are planned along four subway projects in the province as well as GO Transit and Light Rail Transit sites.
The ambitious aim of the Transit-Oriented Communities program is to:
Increase transit ridership and lessen traffic congestion Boost housing supply (including affordable housing) and create jobs Stimulate economic growth through significant projects Provide retail and community amenities (for instance, community centres) close to public transport stations Offset construction costs for stations, saving taxpayers money
The proposal was first submitted to the town on June 29 before Wednesday’s open house. An online survey https://www. infrastructureontario. ca/…/whitby-go…/)will be available until August 21st; after completing public engagement in December, Infrastructure Ontario plans to resubmit their plan.
The Whitby project aims for intensification at the GO Station site for this mixed-use community with an expected minimum density target of 150 residents and jobs combined per hectare.
Block A will feature two towers comprising 833 homes along with a landscaped plaza and covered walkway linking between the GO Station pick-up/drop-off area and pedestrian bridge. Block B will offer another 677 homes while Block C will add yet another 843 homes. The standout aspect of Block D will be a half-acre public park.
This initiative will also include a network of both public and private pathways plus a new east-west road connecting Byron Street South with South Service Road leading into the GO station.
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The Whitby project aims for intensification at the GO Station site for this mixed-use community with an expected minimum density target of 150 residents and jobs combined per hectare.
Block A will feature two towers comprising 833 homes along with a landscaped plaza and covered walkway linking between the GO Station pick-up/drop-off area and pedestrian bridge. Block B will offer another 677 homes while Block C will add yet another 843 homes. The standout aspect of Block D will be a half-acre public park.
This initiative will also include a network of both public and private pathways plus a new east-west road connecting Byron Street South with South Service Road leading into the GO station.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 50,278 Votes
All Time: 1,460,463 Votes
4128 VOTES
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