New plan for 284 apartments on Laird Dr.

A rezoning application for two buildings with a total of 284 apartments on the west side of 146-150 Laird Dr., between McRae Dr. and Markham Ave., has been submitted to the city.

City planner Guy Matthew says the application was filed by of Bousfields Inc., a Toronto-based land-use planning firm, on behalf of Viva Retirement Communities, a Canadian-owned and operated company with five locations currently open and a sixth on the way.

Its application calls for two mid-rise buildings with almost 24,000 square metres of gross floor area. 

The first to be built would be an eight-storey rental retirement facility with 175 units including some assisted living on the more southerly portion of the property.

The second phase would see a seven-storey seniors’ condominium with 109 units at the northern end of the property where Golden Griddle is currently located. The two would be connected by a three-storey atrium.

The existing two-storey building at 150 Laird is a heritage property built in 1928 to house the offices of Durant Motors Limited. Viva plans to retain a portion of the existing structure.

The building at 146 Laird, although similar in appearance, is not listed in the city’s heritage directory. Its fate is unknown.

The rezoning application is under review.