Farhi Developments high rise overcomes heritage concerns
One of London’s oldest streetscapes could soon include one of the region’s tallest buildings.
On Monday, city hall’s Planning and Environment Committee considered a rezoning application by Farhi Developments to build a 40-storey high rise at 435-452 Ridout Street that would include 280 residential units, commercial, and office space.
The tower would be located immediately behind ‘Banker’s Row’, a series of yellow-brick buildings dating back to 1838 that originally housed five bank headquarters.
It’s one of four National Historic Sites in London.
The building would be next door to Eldon House (1834), the city’s oldest residence, and overlook Harris Park and the Forks of the Thames.
“Look at it from an objective point of view,” said Committee Chair Phil Squire. “I’m trying very hard to do that, while also understanding the concerns of the heritage community.”
More than fifty people submitted letters to the committee, objecting to the location and scale of the development.
“All the surface parking that is available downtown, to have the highest building developed on a flood plain and in a heritage district, makes me question (the proposal),” Councillor Anna Hopkins told her colleagues on the planning committee.
Farhi Developments maintains that all heritage concerns raised by the city have been addressed by the current design.
Councillor Steve Lehman emphasized that no historic buildings will be torn down, “The heritage properties will be protected, yes they will be close to new development.”
City staff recommend approval of the rezoning because the development meets the criteria laid out in The London Plan to encourage density downtown.
Despite the property’s proximity to the flood plain, the Upper Thames Valley Conservation Authority has also approved the building design, albeit with a number of conditions.
“To really effectively bring back our downtown and bring back the vibrancy that it used to have, means having people live downtown,” said Councillor Shawn Lewis.
Ultimately, the committee voted 4 to 1, Hopkins opposed, to support the rezoning.
Several councillors, including Squire, predicted another lengthy debate before city council makes a final decision on June 15.
“Matters that are very important to the city, which this is, will get a full vetting at council.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.