Toronto's Planning and Housing Committee on Thursday considered staff feasibility work on the long-discussed redevelopment of the Danforth Garage, the former Toronto Transit Commission bus depot at 1627 Danforth Avenue in Coxwell.
Concept proposals would convert the heritage-listed site into a mix of municipal office space, community uses and affordable housing, with potential cultural and child-care space at street level. Committee members heard the project remains unfunded and that further design work is required before a council decision.
Local councillor Brad Bradford and area community groups have pushed for several years to redevelop the site, which has stood largely vacant since the TTC vacated the garage. Heritage Toronto last year listed several buildings on the property as significant for their inter-war industrial architecture.
Staff said any redevelopment would need to be coordinated with the city's broader budget and capital plan. Mayor Olivia Chow's office has signalled support for a mixed-use approach but has not committed funds in the current budget.
Separately, the federal government this week confirmed more than $86 million in funding for 271 affordable rental units as part of Regent Park Phase 4A. Average resale prices in Toronto rose 0.4 per cent month-on-month in March to $1,022,874, still 7.9 per cent below year-ago levels.
A revised design brief for Danforth Garage is expected back at committee before year-end.