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August 25, 2021

Ontario government reaches deal to stop demolition of 2 historic Toronto foundry buildings

Ontario government and City of Toronto officials have announced an agreement that will see two historic buildings on the downtown foundry site largely saved and reused.

Months after a public consultation was held by the provincial government in response to a groundswell of opposition to the demolition of the buildings on the Dominion Wheel and Foundries Company property, located on Eastern Avenue near Cherry Street in Toronto’s West Don Lands, officials said they received more than 430 submissions that showed “strong interest” in the heritage of the site, support for affordable housing, and a desire for community space.

message posted on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Friday afternoon said that feedback was shared with an unnamed heritage expert. It was ultimately decided the entire building envelope and the southern facade of the 1939 machine shop on Palace Street as well as much of the interior of the so-called cleaning room (referred to as the foundry) as that expert called those features the “most significant.”

As part of the agreement contained in a heritage impact assessment, the province will secure the property and halt most demolition-related activities until it’s sold off. Renderings contained in the document show high-rises coming out of the two properties set to be saved.

The sale of the property has largely been shrouded in secrecy and it’s unclear who exactly Ontario government officials have been in negotiations with. Also, the final plan for the site hasn’t been revealed. However, an Ontario government website said there will be 264 “affordable” units for families.

Global News has repeatedly asked for additional information on the sale of the property for months after documents in October said there were lengthy negotiations with an unnamed entity.

Keep reading on Global News


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