Ontario’s housing minister is contemplating intervening to halt a proposed rental development on the outskirts of Toronto following objections raised by a pharmaceutical company. Sanofi Pasteur raised concerns over a high-rise project adjacent to its complex, citing potential national security risks due to residents having a view of its vaccine research facilities. Now, Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation, and trades, has urged the housing minister to issue a minister’s zoning order (MZO) to restrict building heights at the location to 33 meters, which is approximately 10 stories.
MZOs, typically used to expedite development projects, are being considered in this case to constrain the construction of hundreds of rental units. The developer, Tenblock, argues that the height limitation would render the project financially unviable as it requires market housing density to support its feasibility. The concerns over national security implications remain unclear, with the province mentioning the MZO as a measure to prevent delays in future expansions without further elaboration.
Sanofi has not granted an interview but expressed appreciation for the province’s support to the life sciences sector. The ongoing dispute over the development dates back several years, with the proposed project aiming to replace an aging four-story building with three interconnected towers, including a 39-story structure. Despite objections from Sanofi, city planning staff recommended project approval, leading Tenblock to appeal to the provincial land tribunal.
A hired security expert disputes the security fears raised by Sanofi, highlighting existing viewing angles and techniques to mitigate risks. The potential MZO has drawn criticism from housing advocacy groups, expressing concerns over its implications for future developments. The uncertainty surrounding the project outcome has also raised apprehensions among other developers in the area, such as First Capital REIT, awaiting a council decision on their own residential project.