Locals lose it after new tower approved in condo-packed Toronto neighbourhood

A newly approved rental tower in Toronto's Liberty Village neighbourhood has some locals fuming, which is notable resistance from a community where most residents are already residing in high-rises.

The ambitious 44-storey rental tower from Collecdev-Markee Developments and Shiplake will rise from the retained heritage base of the almost-century-old Liberty Storage Warehouse building at 80 Lynn Williams Street.

Planned development at the site sparked resistance from locals almost immediately following the project's October 2023 submission with City planners.

A petition seeking to stop the development states that "Liberty Village is known for its unique blend of residential and commercial spaces nestled within historic buildings. However, the current density in Liberty Village has reached its limit."

The latest news came when the project was approved by City council in September, setting off a new wave of dissent from area residents.

Great!!! Because Toronto needs another empty tower. What is wrong with City Council?

— HeartofDanielle (@DanielleRa60149) September 12, 2024

A September 12 post in a local Facebook community group slams the approval, writing, "80 Lynn Williams; Well it's official, Liberty just got worse."

"New 43 storey building is going ahead as planned," the post continues, warning, "I guess everyone at 125 Western Battery better start enjoying the age of darkness since we won't get sunlight anymore."

One Facebook user writes, "This 43 storey tower will create shade throughout LV. Wind tunnelling and more traffic. Our city councillor didn't stop this but instead approved it. Remember to vote next election…"

The same user went on to argue that, even with the tower's minimal parking component, "The safety of the children in LV is also a concern" due to Ubers and deliveries along a school bus route.

Another summed up the approval as "devastating."

One user claims, "They need to build a bridge if they are going to add another 1,000 people to a side street."

While many locals expressed anger over the approval, others vocally supported the decision.

"We are in a housing crisis," writes another user, adding, "this is how you get out of a housing crisis, by building more housing."

"I do agree that infrastructure needs to be improved," the post continues, arguing that "housing will not and cannot stop, [and] the only way to push it forward is with infrastructure keeping pace."

The irony of people in high-rises complaining about a new high-rise wasn't lost on all locals, like one person who asked, "didn't most of us move here because Liberty is an awesome place to live?"

"Now we're all living in buildings that someone probably complained about when they went up. Let's make room for the new neighbours!"