The Proposal
The Vision
We are envisioning a new future for 2451 Danforth Avenue. With only a short walk from the Main Street Subway and the Danforth GO Stations, the site provides an opportunity to introduce a range of new housing and retail options, while continuing to be home to an urban-format grocery store that will serve new and existing residents.
We are proposing two mixed-use buildings (13 and 35 storeys) connected by a 2-storey podium with retail at-grade. 620 residential units will be provided in a mix of studio to 3-bedroom units to create more housing options for the neighbourhood and will include affordable housing units.
Sobeys holds a long-term lease on the site, and it will be many years before redevelopment can occur. A planning application is being submitted now is to be prudent about the long-term future of the site.
Guiding Principles
Reintegrated Retail
Opportunity for an urban-format grocery store space to enable a grocery operator to return to the site, while also allowing for smaller-scale retail units to increase the diversity of services onsite for the community.
Guiding Principles
Dynamic Public Realm
Maintaining an anchor grocery store and introducing new retail options will offer a convenient pedestrian-accessible shopping experience near transit and bike lanes. A new publicly accessible open space (POPS), widened sidewalks, unique facade setbacks along Danforth Avenue, and new landscaping will further enhance the pedestrian experience for both residents and visitors.
Guiding Principles
Transit-Supported Housing Options
The redevelopment aims to serve a wide demographic by introducing new residential units in a range of types and sizes. The 620 new homes will include affordable units and a significant portion of larger units designed for families, providing diverse housing options. Its location near public transit and bicycle routes allow for new residents and visitors to prioritize active transportation options.
Guiding Principles
Distinct Design
This proposal emphasizes East End Danforth’s high-street retail history by creating a distinct pedestrian-scale 2-storey podium that is reminiscent of the walk-up buildings lining Danforth today. The unique tower and mid-rise residential components promote visual interest in the skyline and allow for transition down towards the neighbourhood to the south. The design will incorporate diverse masonry, colors and finishes and a variety of playful setbacks at the podium level, to create visual variety and distinguish the different retail spaces.
Current Site
The site is located at the southeast corner of Danforth Avenue and Westlake Avenue in the East End Danforth neighbourhood. Currently, it includes a single-storey grocery store with a surface parking lot located at either side of the building.
Current Site
The site is located at the southeast corner of Danforth Avenue and Westlake Avenue in the East End Danforth neighbourhood. Currently, it includes a single-storey grocery store with a surface parking lot located at either side of the building.
Current Site
The site is located at the southeast corner of Danforth Avenue and Westlake Avenue in the East End Danforth neighbourhood. Currently, it includes a single-storey grocery store with a surface parking lot located at either side of the building.
Proposal Highlights
Timeline:
Milestones in the Development Review Process
The development application process involves many key milestones. Check back here to stay up to date on where we are in the process and ways to get involved.
November 2024
Communications with Community Groups
November 2024
Letters to Surrounding Neighbours
November 2024
Application Submission
March 20, 2025
Community Consultation Meeting
Documents
Project Materials
Several reports go into the making of one development application, and there are a number of consultants involved that are part of the team. Below, you will find all of our submission materials, including architectural plans.
Planning
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is currently at the site?
Currently, the site is made up of a single-storey Sobeys grocery store and surface parking lots.
What is the future vision for this site?
We are proposing to establish land use permissions for two mixed-use buildings (13 and 35 storeys) connected by a 2-storey podium that will feature retail and publicly accessible open space at grade. The proposal will include a total of 620 residential units in a range of types and sizes.
Will a replacement grocery store be included in the development?
Yes. First Capital is a long-term owner and operator of its commercial properties and is committed to creating vibrant spaces for retail and services to thrive. We understand that a grocery store is a key service for the community at this location. The proposal is designed to provide ample space to allow a grocery store to return to the site with access to below-grade commercial parking.
What banner will the future grocery store be?
Recognizing the key service that Sobeys provides on the site, First Capital is working to create a viable grocery store space as part of the redevelopment. Given the early stage in the process, a specific operator will be determined later in the process.
What is the timing for redevelopment of the site? Will this grocery store be closed for construction at the same time as the nearby Valu-Mart?
First Capital will be working with the existing grocer as part of the future redevelopment of the site. As a retail developer, owner and operator, we understand the value that our retailers provide for people in the neighbourhood. Part of our vision for the site is to continue to provide excellent shops and services that best serve the needs of the community. We are early in the planning process, and Sobeys holds a long-term lease on the property. For these reasons it will be many years before redevelopment occurs on the site.
Will there be public space for the community to use?
Yes. Publicly accessible open space will be located on the eastern part of the site, located off Danforth Avenue. This space may include a patio area associated with the at-grade retail that will wrap around the north and east sides of the building and help to activate the space. Design and programming will be refined and determined throughout the process.
Is affordable housing included in the proposal?
Yes. First Capital understands the need for affordable housing in the community and is proposing 13 affordable housing units. More details on these units will be available through the planning process.
How do you intend to address concerns about pedestrian safety?
The site is currently served by three vehicular access points, two of which are located on Danforth Avenue. By maintaining a single point of vehicle access from Westlake Avenue only, the proposal provides for a continuous sidewalk along Danforth Avenue that will improve pedestrian movement, site circulation and safety for cyclists.
What are the planning application milestones?
The application for this proposal was submitted in November 2024 to the City of Toronto for their review, and a Community Consultation Meeting will be held on March 20, 2025. We are early in the process, and it will be some time before a decision is reached by City Council. All necessary approvals are required before construction, and there is no plan to redevelop the site in the short and medium-term as Sobeys holds a long-term lease. We are committed to sharing the latest information as we proceed through this process.
How can I get involved?
Visit the Contact Us page to give us your feedback on the project and to ask questions.
Contact Us
We want to hear from you
Interested in learning more or providing your feedback on the proposal? Please get in touch with us through the form below and a member of the project team will get back to you.