680-688sheppard.ca

THE VISION
THE SITE
THE PROPOSAL
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
TIMELINE
APPLICATION MATERIALS
FAQS
CONTACT US
TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES

The Vision

Our vision is to add a 22-storey residential building with 487 residential units, which includes 35 rental replacement units for existing residents.
The building will also feature a daycare space, public realm improvements along the north side of Sheppard Avenue East, and a new 747m² public park.

The Site

The property is on the north side of Sheppard Avenue East, just west of Bessarion TTC Station.

There are currently two 3 1/2 storey residential buildings on the site:

• 680 Sheppard Avenue East is a vacant co-op residential building

• 688 Sheppard Avenue East is a 35-unit residential rental building

The neighbourhood includes many community facilities and amenities, including the future Bessarion Community Centre which will be located just to the east of the site and will include a childcare centre and a Toronto Public Library branch. The Community Centre is currently under construction and slated to open in 2022.

Ground Floor View

Bessarion Community Centre (currently under construction)

All renderings are artist’s concept. Bessarion Community Centre Image Courtesy of City of Toronto.

Guiding Principles

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Public Park & Open Space

We’re proposing a new 747m² public park, located on the eastern edge of the site with access from Sheppard Avenue East. This park will enhance the recreational enjoyment for all residents in the neighbourhood, and connect to a 750m² publicly-accessible open space to the north to provide additional area for outdoor activities, and a transition from the proposal to neighbouring buildings.

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New Housing Options

The building would add new housing to an area with significant public transit options. A mix of unit sizes and creation of a daycare space would help to support a range of tenures, and the new building would include 35 rental replacement units for the current tenants of 688 Sheppard Avenue East.

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Transit Oriented Development

This project has excellent access to rapid transit: it is located on the Sheppard subway line, within walking distance of Bessarion (250 metres) and Bayview (650 metres) TTC subway station. This site is currently underused and providing housing opportunities for people wanting to live near transit helps to reinforce the investment in public infrastructure.

What We've Heard

Since our first application submission in November 2019, we’ve received feedback about the proposal for 680-688 Sheppard. We’ve heard about the concern of shadow impact and building height, the importance for amenities like the daycare space, and desire for more public space for recreation.

We recently resubmitted our application in June 2021, and our updated proposal includes several changes to reflect the comments we’ve received from both the public and City Staff.

Key changes in the 2021 resubmission include:

Where are we in the process?

This timeline includes milestones and upcoming opportunities to engage regarding the proposal. We will continue to update this timeline as the project progresses through the planning process. The application is currently under review by City Planning staff. We have met with several stakeholders in the area and look forward to meeting with the wider community. Our intention is to continue conversations with these stakeholders, including the Ward Councillor, community groups, and broader community members, to collect feedback.

Please note that all City and community meetings are being postponed due to COVID-19 public health protocol.
During this time, we are committed to sharing information online. Please continue to check here for the latest information as it becomes available.

Application Materials

From the time an application is submitted to the possibility of Toronto City Council approving it, there are many parts to a redevelopment proposal. Here is where you will find all of our application materials, reports and comments from City Staff, as well as any materials used to present our project to the community.

SUBMISSION ONE

SUBMISSION TWO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is currently on the subject site?

The site is currently occupied by two 3 1/2 storey residential buildings. 680 Sheppard Avenue East is a vacant co-op residential building. 688 Sheppard Avenue East is a 35 unit residential rental building which is currently occupied.

What are you proposing for the site?

We are proposing a 22-storey residential building, which will include a daycare space and 487 residential units, 35 of which will be rental replacement units for current tenants of 688 Sheppard Avenue East.

How many children will the daycare space accommodate?

We are proposing daycare space at ground level which would include 62 daycare spaces.

What other improvements will you make to the site?

Our proposal includes the introduction of a 747m² public park that will run parallel to the proposed building on the eastern edge of the site. We are also proposing 750m² of publicly accessible open space, which will connect to the public park and greatly increase space for recreation.

What will happen to current tenants of 688 Sheppard Avenue East?

Our proposal includes 35 rental replacement units for the current units. We will follow the City of Toronto’s Rental Replacement Polciies, which grants current tenants (at the time of application submission) the right to return to a rental replacement unit in the new development. A preliminary meeting with current tenants has taken place and further meetings will be arranged throughout the process.

What is the timing for this project?

The original application for this proposal was submitted to the City of Toronto for their review in 2019. Since then, several changes to the application have occurred as a result of the review process, and the proposal was updated and resubmitted in June 2021. The next step in the process will be to submit a Site Plan Application. No construction will take place before all necessary approvals are received.

How can I get involved?

Please fill out the contact form below to send us your thoughts and questions about the project.

About Tribute Communities

Tribute Communities is an award-winning builder with over 35 years experience who have built more than 30,000 homes and condominiums across the GTA. Tribute consistently creates unique high-rise and low-rise communities that are always above industry standards for excellence and design. The company has an outstanding reputation that has been recognized with many top industry awards.