There's almost ZERO chance that the 2019 approved zoning density limits of 11-16 storeys are still viable in Fall 2022 given the increase in Construction-Costs & Interest Rates...
The last thing that we saw in PRINT from the City has any details on the WILSON sites (Block 1 & 2) - is the "Concept 2 Keys" update from June 2022 which showed the sites with a
RED status -
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There is no question in my mind, that the most pressing need here is for CMHC to step in and offer a sub-market, at-cost mortgage, directly or by way of guarantees.
That's not to suggest we can't revisit density on some of these sites, but in the best of all worlds that delays projects that will have to go, at the very least, though a C of A process, but more likely re-doing the ZBA all over again.
On some of the most under utilized sites that may be worth the hassle; but in a City short of housing and affordable housing in particular, I would not want to see projects delayed en masse.
One we'll recall, btw, you and I need to do drinks sometime to discuss whether this model is/was the right one in the first place.
I have always expressed my doubts about a process I feel under-delivers, on excessive timeliness, if everything goes perfect. So far, we're not merely far from perfect, we're at zero ground broken. Making the entire project (all of Housing Now) as conceived look very suspect.
(to be clear, I'm pro affordable housing on each and every one of these sites, I'm questioning the delivery model)