On Monday, April 25, 2022, an appeal by Alston Properties for a height variance to build a 123.5-foot infill project at 127 Bannatyne Avenue was heard at the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development Heritage and Downtown Development (SPC PDHDD). Last year, the SPC PDHDD committee agreed that the maximum allowable height of a building in the Exchange District area would be 110 feet.

The Exchange District is a National Historic Site of Canada, recognized for its “harmonious representation of one or more styles or constructions, building types, or periods that have a sense of history.” As a result, bylaws have been created to protect the historic integrity and characteristics of the area, including how tall new buildings can be.

After debating the issue at length, the Alston Properties appeal was left to a tie. Councillor Santos and Lukes voted in favour of the project going forward with the height variance above what the current bylaw allows for while Councillor Klein and Gilroy voted against the appeal. With a tie, the appeal cannot move forward and the Alston Properties infill project at 127 Bannatyne Ave. must follow the height variance set by the Exchange District building bylaws.

To learn more, check out the Residents of the Exchange District website.