A proposed seniors residence, which would bring 134 units to Vicotira, must clear another hurdle.
The Norwood Group is proposing building a six-storey, 134 unit seniors residence to the rear and side of the existing Mount St. Angela building, which is a heritage-designated structure, on Burdett Avenue.
The project would demolish the existing 1912 addition at the rear of the Angela College building to make way for a new building, including a three-storey glazed curtain wall, which will link the Mount St. Angela building to the south end of the new addition to the Cartreff residence at 913 Burdett Ave.
It will also link to a five-storey wing on the east side of the complex to provide a transparent, neutral backdrop to the heritage buildings.
The project does propose to maintain portions of the existing north brick wall to contain the main dining area for residents.
The proposal that was approved by the city’s advisory design panel, however, was unanimously rejected by the heritage advisory committee.
Councillors voted to send the proposal back to both committees to review it jointly.
“This project is controversial, there are significant views about it in the neighbourhood, a number of people feel that the density being put on the site in return for the heritage conservation is too much,” said Coun. Geoff Young.
“Anything we can do to resolve some of those issues is probably worth while since clearly as it moves forward, there will continue to be rigorous debate about the project.”