Some express doubt, but council approves Farhi's 40-storey tower
London’s most Historic streetscape will be getting a modern addition.
A rezoning application by Farhi Developments for a 40-storey high rise at 435-451 Ridout Street (including 280 residential units, commercial, and office space) faced little opposition on city council.
“The key to revitalizing our downtown is getting the residential critical mass that creates a true neighbourhood,” argued Councillor Shawn Lewis.
Heritage advocates had opposed the location tucked immediately behind three Victorian buildings known as ‘Bankers Row’, one of London’s four National Historic Sites.
The new building would also be next door to Eldon House, the city’s oldest home, and overlook both the Forks of the Thames and Harris Park.
“There are ways and means to bring in the new where the old already exists,” assured Councillor Maureen Cassidy.
Councillor Jesse Helmer added, “Overall, the proposal is a good one, and retaining the heritage buildings that are along Ridout.”
In their report, city staff recommend approval of the rezoning because it conforms to the policies contained in The London Plan.
City staff also recommend bonus zoning which permit the additional height and density on the property in exchange for several concessions by Farhi Developments including:
- Exceptional building design
- Four levels of underground parking
- Minimum 12 affordable residential units will be created at 80 percent average market rent (5 percent of the 280 total units)
Council approved the rezoning request, but several politicians expressed doubts in Farhi Developments’ commitment to build in London.
“I don’t have a lot of faith that this building will ever be built.” Said Councillor Stephen Turner. “I say to the applicant— prove me wrong.”
“We shouldn’t be saying that about one developer or another, because they all make their own decisions,” countered Councillor Phil Squire, Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee. “That being said, this is a huge opportunity for Mr Farhi to develop what will be a landmark property in London.”
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has set a number of floodplain-related conditions that must be met before construction can proceed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.