HCV Common Gathering Space Survey Results as of Feb 13th 2021 survey still open. go to home page www.myhighlandcreek.org

Comments in support of Location #1 (near Village centre):
-“Far better right in the Village where everyone can see it and away from the traffic on Kingston Rd/ Hwy 2.”
-“Parkettes are best situated where there is walking traffic to promote increased use . Having a parkette in the centre of the Village is far more logical to attract park users than having it located down a side street.”
 -“Having the park closer to the village will truly benefit the community. It would be a gathering place for people coming to shop. It will also be more visible and will help more people discover it.” With it further south on Morrish many people will not see it. We should focus on what is best to bring in a village feel.”
-“Long time in coming — let’s get it done squarely in the middle where it belongs. Visible to all the residents.”
 - a park in the centre of the village makes the most sense as a community meeting place and central hub.”  
 -“A Village Piazza! Fabulous for Highland Creek Village Restoration. I would like to see the village brought to a beautiful walk through space with a fountain centerpeice, beautiful landscaping, benches, bandstand for music, create a meeting space to place the neighbourhood on the map as a destination worth visiting, supports the community and the businesses.
  -“It would be ideal to build a park in a location that is easily accessible and not overshadowed by future mid-rise developments.”        
"i  lik ideas the HCCA has developed for the village. Having a central gazebo and community park would be a wonderful addition to the revitalization of the village. It could have the same charm and appeal as does Unionville and Markham. The current Morrish parkette is not central enough or visible from the commercial center of HC village. It is not located in an attractive area either. I've lived in the area for 11 years and have never been interested in visiting the Morrish parkette even though I shop and visit the village multiple times per week. Let's make the village the centre of our community again.”    
 -“With location #1 it would be closer to the main part of the village and I would like to see all the area around park and plazas walking area only.”    
 -“I feel we should go with what Highland Creekers have put forward and not go with what a developer wants. Option 2 would eventually be surrounded by condos and not considered as safe for our children. Having the park at option #1 would help the village stores that are close by and be more associated with the Village than the condo site.”  
 -“Swapping parcels of land (the Bill Yarn/Awan group proposal) makes the most sense for the greater Highland Creek community. The Altree development proposal - which absolutely should not be the "8 story" proposal - will largely only benefit the residents of whatever development takes place at 1625 Military Trail and 6000 Kingston Rd. Moreover, Altree's Section 37 community benefits should be limited to the specific lands it plans to develop and not appropriate an adjacent piece of land of facilitate the delivery of those benefits!!!
-“I think that the location in the heart of the village would see greater use and bring more business to the shops as well.”
-“Why enhance a parkette that rarely used anyway?”
-“Advantages of Location#1: a) Center of village b) People can gather to meet and shop c) Location close to restaurants and coffee shops d) Location #2 too close to condo e) Location #2 difficult to be used for public events as it could be too noisy for the residents of the condo f) Most likely to be used by the tenants of the condo rather than the community.”
-“Location #2 is removed from the village centre, is difficult to access and is surrounded by industrial businesses.”
-“Having lived in the Highland Creek area for the past 20 years, it has been a privilege to enjoy its quiet charm, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It was a pleasure to shop locally especially when one has gotten to know the local business owners, and proprietors over the years. Any changes to the "village" needs to better what is already in place. I believe Location #1 would be used greatly than location #2. This is the first time, I hear of a parkette, on Morrish road.”
-“Having the park closer to the village will truly benefit the community. It would be a gathering place for people coming to shop. It will also be more visible and will help more people discover it. With it further south on Morrish many people will not see it. We should focus on what is best to bring in a village feel.“
-“Location one would keep our beautiful village a village and increase traffic to the business. Planting of native flowers and trees along with plenty of benches and water features, water fountains for people and dogs. Bicycle fix-it station and raised gardens.”
-“The selection of location #1 allows for green space to permanently be in the heart of the Village. While the other location may ultimately be larger, in due course it will be surrounded and over-shadowed by future development and likely unused (as is the case for the existing Morrish Parkette). “
“Location #1 Awesome idea!!! It’s a great way to build community and provide much-needed aesthetics to the area.”
“Parkettes are best situated where there is walking traffic to promote increased use . Having a parkette in the centre of the Village is far more logical to attract park users than having it located down a side street.”
“Location 1 is closer the the flow of pedestrian flow along Old Kingston Rd.”
“#1 is very central equally accessible by all, also it would provide an esthetically pleasing addition to our village, act as a central common.”
-“Location # 2 will be come the washroom for all the dogs living in the over crowded condo development!”
-“central location feels best for a common area and would be the focal point in a safer way given the traffic that abuts Location #2”
-“Location #1 provides a central area for community meeting ground - versus the 2nd location which has higher traffic flow.”
-“It will encourage the “main” street to be more people friendly”
-“This location is closer to the small businesses and would provide additional activities i.e. dining, shopping, window shopping, etc.”
-“It is much closer to where the people will be and will be a much more effective meeting place” “Far better right in the Village where everyone can see it and away from the traffic on Kingston Rd/ Hwy 2.Sounds like Nirvana to us! “
-“Better in the middle for access and aethetics. Benches, greenery, small playground for kids “
-“it would renew the interest in the centre of the Village”
-“ People can access to this area easily and they know exactly the location is.”
-“We need to revitalize this area so families can go for walks and perhaps grab an ice cream and just socialize with other neighbours. -“The park should include a piazza where we could walk around and enjoy.”
-”I think having the park in the village would be better. It would become a gathering place for everyone and centrally located.” 
-“It would be ideal to build a park in a location that is easily accessible and not overshadowed by future mid-rise developments.”
Comments in support of Location #2 (at pre-existing Morrish Parkette):
-“Of the two, it makes most sense to care for the existing parkette. We also have the large Highland Creek Park on Ellesmere that shouldn't be forgotten as a community space.”
-“Number two has more of a park-like look."
-“Park at location # 1 can be dangerous for park goers especially children. Too exposed to traffic. Too much commercial including pub on the east side.” 
-”Location #2 Only that it has been an underutilized area/amenity.”
-”Given the illustrations, it seems that this location would be more suitable for a park rather than put it in the midst of the businesses near location 1.”
 -”Utilize and enhance existing parkette”
 -”As there will be an increase in number of residents in the village, it makes sense to have a larger parcel of land. Altree's proposal to put benches, play structures etc are positives, and developers plan to expand the parkette so that it connects to the south portion of Military Trail. Real estate value will increase with this development and with that as has happened auto body shops and the like depart. Having a green gateway to the village will encourage those passing to pause and stay awhile. 363 Old Kingston Rd. was to have been developed years ago! It has sat unused for years, blocked so could not even be used for parking. The Moorish Parkette is already there. Please lets use it. “-”It would be much quieter and safer for kids”
Amenities ideas:
“Benches, greenery, small playground for kids.” -“Native plant enhancement, sitting area”  -“Some seating areas with shade.” -“A water feature i.e. fountain, benches, trees, flowers and plants” -“Lots of gazebos, picnic tables and benches, maybe a mini playground and water park for the kids, a stage shell for spring, summer and fall community performances and for a permanent gathering place for the Heritage parade”- “Please consider paved stones, playground area, ample seating.”-”Please consider European piazzas or west donlands park in Toronto for inspiration.” -“A scenic fountain would be nice, and a water fountain to drink from as well.” -“Benches to sit. Trees. A nice place To Meet people and grab a coffee and a chat.” -“Planting of native flowers and trees along with plenty of benches and water features, water fountains for people and dogs. Bicycle fix-it station and raised gardens.”-“Please do not remove any trees and/or wild areas. If possible, instead of lawns and bushes that need to be trimmed, consider planting pollinator bushes that don't need any maintenance. Lastly, perhaps a set of swings or something for the younger members.”- “A scenic fountain would be nice, and a water fountain to drink from as well.”- “Would be nice to get a kids play area similar to the kew gardens playground - which includes a jungle gym, a wading pool/splash pad , water fountain /spray area etc.” - “Would be nice to have seating to enjoy coffee and conversations (post covid); facilitate farmers markets” - “Benches to sit. Trees” -”Would love to see a small performance stage area/gazebo for concerts and events. Maybe a nice feature like a water fountain as well? Also a flex use area for things like farmers markets, community events, festivals, etc. “-’. Clock tower, possibly a splash pad/fountain, a few paths that could become a skating rink in winter. Flower beds, attractive shrubs, a few shade trees”- “Two park amenities would be wonderful. New one and existing.”
 

1625 Military Trail/6000 Kingston rd *Images from submissions to City of Toronto

Links to Application Details with City of Toronto
Application Details
Altree Developments Amendment Proposal
Altree Developments Shadow Study
Highland Creek Community Secondary Plan
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1625-military-trail_meeting-invitation.pdf
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  Download file above to register and attend the community consultation November 3rd, 2020

OR  Click HERE TO REGISTER

Community Consultation Meeting and Open House
Re: Condo proposal for 1625 Military Trail and 6000 Kingston Rd. Highland Creek
Virtual consultation:  November 3, 2020,  7 pm– 8:30 pm
The City of Toronto has received an application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit construction of two 8-story residential buildings on the northwest corner of Military Trail and Kingston Road.  The city invites you to participate in a virtual discussion about the proposal. The meeting will be online and phone-in only. 
Additionally, the builder, Altree Developments, is hosting two open houses to detail the project, allowing residents to attend in person, ask questions and submit feedback forms as part of the City consultation process.  Physical distancing measures will be in place. 
Open Houses: 
Wednesday October 28,  6:30 to 8:30 pm
Wednesday November 11, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
382 Old Kingston Road in Highland Creek.

Residents can send questions or comments any time to City Planner Sophie Knowles via email at Sophie.Knowles@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-396-4157.

    July 2020 the Highland Creek Community Association conducted the Highland Creek Development Survey, 431 responded to the survey answering Yes or No to 6 questions. Out of the 431 respondents, 207 left comments.                                                Below are the questions, percentages, and select comments.

Results of the Highland Creek Development Survey
On June 13th, 2020, the Highland Creek Community Association (HCCA) launched an online survey to gauge how  local residents feel about upcoming property developments in the neighbourhood.  In particular, the survey centered around the proposed development of twin eight-storey condominiums (by Altree Developments) along the Highland Creek ravine at Military Trail and Old Kingston Rd. Environmental and traffic concerns, among others, stood out to the HCCA, and we were keen to hear how residents felt as well. Over a span of seven weeks, 431 respondents offered their opinions and feedback on our survey. The results revealed the majority of respondents to be unsupportive of developments that detract from the heritage nature of the community.  Under ordinary circumstances, public consultations would be held throughout the planning process, to ensure that residents are informed of development plans, and can readily provide constructive feedback. The HCCA is concerned that the COVID-19 lockdown is being exploited to fast-track important decisions, decisions that may irreversibly impact residents without their say.   The percentages below the survey question  represent the proportion of respondents who answered Yes or No to the corresponding  questions.                                                    
Do you feel that an 8-storey building is too high  for  this community?
Yes: 91.2%    No: 8.8%
 Are you concerned with the traffic impacts of this proposal?                                        Yes: 87.9%     No: 12.1%
Should a decision on this proposal be put on hold until we can  gather for a public meeting? 
Yes: 84.5%     No: 15.5%
Should a strong supply of larger units be included to accommodate seniors who want to sell their single family homes and remain in the community?                          Yes: 90.6%     No: 9.4%
Are you concerned that this proposal will create a concentration of student housing and change the fabric of  our community?    
Yes: 84.9%     No: 15.1%
The City planning rules in Highland Creek  Village allow for a maximum of six-storey tall buildings. The developer is seeking an exemption to this rule in order to build two eight-storey condo buildings. Do you believe the City planner should enforce the six-storey rule and disallow the construction of eight-storey buildings?
Yes: 91.2%     No: 8.8%

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Select comments from survey respondents:
“I’m concerned about traffic access from the west into the development, and increased traffic and speeding along Military Trail, which continues to be a problem.”-
“Senior rental apartments are needed desperately in the area and definitely not units under 1000 square feet. [There] needs to be one- or two-bedroom units for older adults who love the area and wish to stay.”-
“As a young single person who loves this community, it is exhausting to be constantly excluded and pushed. This type of housing is exactly what Highland Creek needs to support ALL people to be a part of our community.”-
“The community doesn't have the infrastructure to support a higher density.”-
“Too many empty stores and would like to see revitalization in the village…We need to bring in population density so stores in the village can survive.”-
“We need growth in Highland Creek but not at the expense of our unique & beautiful community.”-
“I oppose the proposed amendment requests from Altree Dev. 6 storey buildings building at 1625 military trail /6000 kingston rd. I oppose an increase to the allowable density of 2.0. I want City Council and City planners please focus on restoring our heritage village and neighbourhood. Get rid of the single family dwellings used for car lots. Get rid of the polluting automotive business. Take Care of the neighbourhood and taxpaying residents that live in Highland Creek versus using this neighborhood to support UTSC.”-
“Need to get more people moving to highland creek to support community and businesses. But, not at expense of increasing the height of allowable buildings, which will also set a precedent that we don’t want “-
“This sort of massive high density development is completely out of character for the community, and the local infrastructure is ill equip to support it. Shoebox style apartments barely larger than a hotel room in a community of single family homes is a bad fit.“-
“More density in the community is actually beneficial for the area. It creates more affordable housing and is a better use of limited space. It will also revive the decaying and under used village.“ -
“There is very little green space left in the highland creek area. Whenever there is development going on it really disturbs the wild life in the area. There is a very noticeable amount of traffic in the area since we moved here in 1998. Even the residential houses are being rented out to students and the streets are being used as a parking lot all night. With a three hour parking limit in the area, this is not being unforced. There is also many commercial vehicles parking over night in the area and very little if any bylaw enforcement being done about it. You call 311 about it and you get attitude sometimes.”-
“I think 8 storey’s is max but not higher. I support the idea and do not worry that it will have any negative effect on our beloved neighborhood. We need to preserve the past but embrace the future! Hopefully we can get more stores and shops in the village to go with the added people. Perhaps a small supermarket again. Let's move Highland Creek into the future and have a space that is viable to all.“-
“This development is not in the character of the highland creek community. It will lead to air pollution, noise pollution, and damage to the local ecosystem. Furthermore, this condominium will likely be exploited as investment properties for speculators targeting students of the university, which will contribute to even greater unaffordability in the area in the medium and long terms.”-
“We are experiencing a boarding house for students in our neighbourhood and the lack of care of this dwelling. We have lived here for 43 years and we were attracted to this community because of the stores and services in the village, the parks and trails close by, the walkable streets--a great family neighbourhood. Over the last 10 years we have seen many changes--infilling of empty space everywhere. We would love to have the opportunity to stay in the community as we get older as we have three of our four children and grandchildren living in the community!”-
“Until those who live within 1000 metres of the development can see what it fully entails and then have time to discuss possible compromises I would be against this proposal as per my understanding of it.“-
“I think having a survey that involves the entire community is a great idea. However, I feel like this question by little biased towards negatives feedback. I am excited to have new growth in Highland Creek. I do hope that as well plan with consideration to all age groups and races. Definitely having a section for seniors should be considered. I think the builder should also consider adding some beautification to Highland Creek as a contribution to having an eight story building. there should be a mix of luxury units with more basic for others to afford. I also think that a pedestrian bridge across from the condo unit to Colonel Danforth Trail would be ideal. Thank you for the opportunity for my input.“-
“The developer knew the 6 storey regulation but went ahead & changed their original proposal. I believe they think they enough influence with the city to have their way. This is all about $$$. We need growth in HC but not at the expense of our unique & beautiful community.“-
“By allowing the changes to take place the highland creek area will continuously change and would not be the home we know it to be. It would have major impacts on ecosystems and wildlife. “-
“Don't let the developer change the City's planning rule"-