A document leaked to the Substandard appears to be a confidential development plan for Port Dalhousie. Titled “A New Look for an Old Port,” the artist’s conception of the initiative suggests a radical departure from the current Secondary Plan. While that plan, adopted by the City in 2018, limited building height to six stories (since doubled to 12 to accommodate current upscale condo developments), the new scheme seems to anticipate condo buildings of 20 stories or more.
Despite our best efforts, the intrepid SubStandard reporting team has been unable to confirm the veracity of the document. However, we did reach one city staffer who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity as, like everyone else at city hall, he/she is not authorized to speak to anyone on issues of public interest or concern unless they are members of the Ontario Homebuilders Association.
“I cannot confirm or deny,” the contact said over the phone, his/her voice distorted to avoid identification. “But I will say we have been most gratified by the response to our latest award-winning CIP program. When developers heard we were pouring millions of dollars into subsidizing construction of high-end condos, the phone has been ringing off the proverbial hook.”
The leaked report is still in an early draft, so many of the details are vague, but there was enthusiasm for the ongoing efforts to privatize Lakeside and Sunset Beach Parks. “As high rises replace ramshackle single homes,” the report reads, “and Lakeside Park use is restricted to condo residents, we anticipate that the poor and shiftless will be entirely eliminated from Port Dalhousie by 2030.”
When asked about this new vision for Port Dalhousie, the staffer commented (garbled), “
“Look, we are just targeting those rich Torontonians who desire the lifestyle and convenience of resort-style living within a luxurious, impeccably-designed property. It only makes economic sense, right? I mean they pay way more taxes. Plus, we should get some really cool restaurants out of it.”
As always, we will keep you posted.
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