Projects

One Bloor West (formerly The One)

Reaching new heights at Toronto’s most prominent intersection.

The ask: Bousfields was retained by the previous and current Owners to assist with securing the planning approvals for Canada’s first supertall building, located at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Bloor Street.

Collaborator
Foster & Partners
Core Architects
The Planning Partnership
GBCA
BA Group
RJC Engineers
Client
Tridel
(previously Mizrahi Developments)
Location
1 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Tags:

  • Planning
  • Urban Design

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Team Members

Partner

Partner

Partner, Urban Design

Images

Source: Tridel
Source: Tridel
Source: Tridel

The Challenge

Bousfields led the planning approvals for the supertall mixed-use tower that occupies a landmark site at Yonge and Bloor, Toronto’s most prominent intersection. While the approved building was under construction, the Owner sought to increase the building’s height and residential density while enhancing its architectural design and introducing a new arts-focused program. The proposal required navigating a complex planning and approvals process while addressing comments related to shadow impacts, wind conditions, transit capacity, infrastructure, and compatibility with the surrounding Bloor-Yorkville context. The goal was to demonstrate that additional height could be accommodated while mitigating impacts on the public realm, nearby parks, schools, and the surrounding community.

Our Solution

Bousfields led the planning and urban design strategy for the original and subsequent rezoning applications and the eventual settlement discussions with City staff and stakeholders. Our team prepared the planning rationale, coordinated technical studies, and provided expert planning evidence supporting the proposal. Through extensive collaboration and negotiation, the project evolved from the original approval of 85 storeys into a refined 91-storey mixed-use tower featuring retail, hotel, residential and cultural uses. Bousfields demonstrated that the proposal represented appropriate transit-oriented intensification while meeting applicable provincial and municipal planning objectives.

The Outcome

The updated 91-storey proposal received the support of Toronto City Council through a negotiated settlement and advanced to the Ontario Land Tribunal with City endorsement. Although only constructed to the originally approved height of 85 storeys (308.6 metres), One Bloor West is still Canada’s first supertall building and the tallest building in the Bloor-Yorkville district, which reinforces the role of the Yonge-Bloor intersection as one of Toronto’s key growth nodes, delivering new housing, employment opportunities, cultural programming, and an iconic addition to the city’s skyline.

One Bloor West (formerly The One)

Tridel (previously Mizrahi Developments)

Address: 1 Bloor Street West, Toronto

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David Huynh

Partner

Planning
416-947-9744x242
dhuynh@bousfields.ca

David has extensive experience in obtaining development approvals (Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, Site Plan Approval, Plan of Subdivision, Plan of Condominium, Consent and Minor Variance), project coordination and management, undertaking reports and studies (Planning and Urban Design Rationales, Segment Studies, Block Context Plans, Housing Issues Reports) and associated research assignments, as well as providing expert planning witness at the Ontario Land Tribunal and presenting to Council, Committees and the general public.

In line with Bousfields Inc.’s collaborative approach, David works to build strong relationships with clients, consultants, community members and municipal staff to work towards solutions and positive outcomes.

Specializing in land use planning matters, he has been involved in a number of intensification and infill projects, as well as greenfield projects, throughout Toronto and the GTA. These projects include residential, commercial, office, institutional and mixed-use developments.

David joined Bousfields Inc. in 2004 as a full-time planner and became a partner in 2015. David earned an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree from the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo (2002). David is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner in Ontario.

Projects Include:

221 Sterling Road

Transforming a former industrial site into a transit-supportive community.

65 Agnes Street

Advancing transit-oriented growth in Downtown Mississauga.

Peter Smith

Partner

Planning
416-947-9744x212
psmith@bousfields.ca

Peter is one of the leading urban planning practitioners in the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, having graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1979 with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Urban and Regional Planning). 

Over the ensuing four decades (and counting), Peter has developed a particular expertise in leading the planning approvals for some of the most complicated and highest profile developments in the Province and, in particular, in the Downtown Toronto area. As well, he has undertaken planning policy studies for the Province and municipalities throughout Ontario and has spoken at numerous conferences and events regarding the need for properly balanced and integrated policy initiatives.

He has been recognized as an experienced professional witness before the Ontario Land Tribunal and the Courts on numerous occasions and has developed a strong reputation for analytical thinking, professionalism and integrity. Peter is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and is a Registered Professional Planner.

Projects Include:

45 La Rose Avenue

Supporting intensification through thoughtful infill development.

1 Front

Planning for growth. Building on history.

Tom Kasprzak

Partner, Urban Design

Design
416-947-9744x235
tkasprzak@bousfields.ca

Tom is an urban design partner with a wealth of experience on a wide range of projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area. During his career, he has been focused on urban intensification that promotes excellence in design. Tom’s creative approach and analytical skills have led to a number of successful, award winning projects and establish a proven track record for delivering built developments. He has also lead multi disciplinary teams on complex files including community and neighbourhood plans.  Tom regularly appears as an expert witness at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Tom is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and is a Registered Professional Planner in the Province of Ontario. He is also an Associate member of the Ontario Association of Architects and a LEED Accredited professional. His past experience includes architectural design locally and abroad.

Projects Include: