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Stalled LRT Plan Might Throw Cold Water on Bayside

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Sales are approaching 80% for Aqualina, the first tower in Tridel's Bayside inner-harbour waterfront community. As a result, construction—originally planned to start in August 2014—is now moving up to next spring. At only 13 storeys, Aqualina will suit its eastern waterfront setting, and the 363 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites will have balconies that will be angled to maximize lake views. Prices will range from $331,500 for a 576-square-foot junior one-bedroom to $1,196,500 for a 1432-square-foot, 3-bedroom suite. Amenities include a rooftop infinity pool and a screening room with a wacky mural. Now that the proposed waterfront LRT line is on hold, though, will there still be enough interest in the East Bayfront to drive the rest of the project? Bayside is being promoted as a mixed-income, accessible community with at least 20% affordable rental units, and the LRT was an important component in its planning. As it stands, the Sherbourne bus and the new streetcar line down Cherry Street are the only TTC options close to Bayside's location (a proposed extension of the Bay Street bus route, to Queen's Quay and Sherbourne, is on hold).

The Bayside plan, with its extensive green space and community gathering areas, was seen as a great example of the kind of development that should be welcomed and encouraged in Toronto. If there's no way for lower-income tenants to get to work and school, though, is that vision sustainable?

Grand Opening for Aqualina Condos [Condo.ca]
Transit Vision Drowns on Toronto's Waterfront [Metro[
Progress Accelerating at Bayside by Hines and Tridel [UrbanToronto]