Ledim Developments Ltd has submitted a bold proposal to the Town of Ajax, aiming to transform a largely vacant site at 154 Rossland Road East into a high-density, urban residential community. Designed by Romanov Romanov Architects, the project includes two 26-storey condominium towers that, once completed, would introduce 548 residential units to the Harwood-Salem neighbourhood, situated in Central Ajax. This development highlights a shift towards more urban forms of living in a traditionally suburban town, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges, particularly for those involved in the construction field.
Project Overview: 154 Rossland Road East
The proposal includes several key elements, including two high-rise towers connected by an eight-storey podium. These 26-storey towers would each reach 82.3 meters in height and be a significant addition to the skyline in this part of Ajax. The development, located on the north side of Rossland Road East, lies just east of Harwood Avenue North. Although the site is currently vacant, except for one low-rise residential building, it’s surrounded by mixed-use areas including commercial, institutional, and residential developments. Notably, the Pickering Christian School is situated directly to the east of the proposed site.
Urban Toronto reports that this project would require an Official Plan Amendment and a Zoning By-law Amendment to move forward. The current zoning, which designates the land for Prestige Employment use, would need to be shifted to High-Density Residential. The proposed zoning amendments would allow for a maximum density of 690 units per hectare, laying the foundation for the two towers and shared podium.
Key Details of the Development
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Towers and Unit Count:
- Two 26-storey towers, each reaching 82.3 meters.
- A total of 548 residential units shared between the north and south towers.
- A connected 8-storey podium.
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Zoning and Density:
- Proposal to rezone the land from Prestige Employment to High-Density Residential.
- The proposed zoning change allows for a maximum density of 690 units per hectare.
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Parking and Bicycle Provisions:
- A minimum of 411 parking spaces for residents, 44 visitor parking spaces.
- 329 bicycle parking spaces, promoting sustainable transportation options.
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Amenity Spaces:
- 1,096 square meters of indoor and outdoor amenity spaces.
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Affordable Housing:
- At least 28 units, or 5% of the total, would be designated as affordable housing, aligning with provincial housing policy.
Surrounding Area and Development Activity
The area around 154 Rossland Road East is already seeing various development projects, further contributing to Ajax’s evolving skyline. To the north, the five-storey Grandview Children’s Treatment Centre and the 12-storey Village of Millers Creek are currently under construction. East of the site, the multi-phased Castlefields Park development is proposed to include 14 buildings, ranging from 8 to 15 storeys, in addition to townhomes. Another significant development, located northeast at 250 Rossland Road East, features a four-tower project with heights of 18 and 25 storeys.
Nearby, the Parkland Ajax retirement residence stands completed to the southeast of the development site, contributing to the growing mid- and high-rise landscape in this suburban town.
Community Engagement
A key step in the approval process for this ambitious project will be the Statutory Public Meeting scheduled for Monday, October 21, at 1 PM. Held at the Council Chambers in Ajax Town Hall, this meeting will allow residents, stakeholders, and other interested parties to review and comment on the proposed amendments. Community input will be critical to shaping the future of this project, offering a chance for those in the construction and development industry to hear public concerns and adjust their plans accordingly.
Construction and Workforce Considerations
For the workers involved in the construction of this project, the sheer size of the development and its high-density nature present significant challenges and opportunities. High-rise residential construction requires specialized skills, particularly in areas like crane operation, high-rise concrete work, and façade installation. With the demand for amenities such as parking spaces and dedicated bicycle storage, the need for precision in both design and construction becomes even more pronounced.
Additionally, the project’s focus on sustainable transportation options, including bicycle parking and potential car-sharing or micro-transit services, could offer new avenues for skilled workers to contribute to environmentally conscious construction practices. The inclusion of affordable housing units adds another layer of social responsibility, allowing construction workers to feel that their work is contributing to broader community needs.
The two-tower project at 154 Rossland Road East represents a significant step towards urbanization for Ajax, signaling a shift from its traditionally low-rise suburban landscape to a more densely populated, urban environment. As the proposal moves forward, Ledim Developments Ltd and Romanov Romanov Architects are tasked with not only designing a sustainable and community-focused project but also ensuring that they meet the needs of residents, both current and future, while complying with provincial and municipal guidelines.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 154 Rossland Road East Residential Development - Ajax (0025100224)
