Rushden Station

The Challenge

The project required a multi-disciplinary response to site and area opportunities and constraints, including: rail safety and structural challenges associated with constructing immediately adjacent to the Danforth GO Transit station; coordination with adjacent landowners to secure public infrastructure improvements identified through the City-initiated Main Street Planning Study such as new public parks and open spaces, new public roads, servicing upgrades, affordable housing and other community amenities; consideration of emerging planning and policy contexts.

Our Solution

Bousfields has been involved since 2015, providing strategic planning and urban design advice to the past and current owners of the site to unlock development potential and fully optimize an underutilized site; navigate key policy and design considerations associated with developing on lands that are immediately adjacent to the Danforth GO Transit station and associated rail corridor; plan for a new emerging community, and ensuring the necessary community amenities and infrastructure are provided.

Throughout Phase 1, Bousfields collaborated with City staff and area residents, as well as participated in extensive mediation hearings with adjacent landowners, all in an effort to resolve issues identified through the City-initiated Main Street Planning Study and site-specific rezoning application process.

Bousfields continued to work closely with City staff throughout the new application process for Phase 2.

The Outcome

Bousfields led and supported the planning application processes to obtain the zoning by-law amendments permitting the redevelopment of the site for a mixed-use development. In December 2021, we provided planning evidence to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in support of a settlement with the City for four residential towers with heights of 29, 39, and 37 storeys in Phase 1, and a 17-storey building in Phase 2.

In December 2024, a new application submission was made for Phase 2. In December 2025, a zoning by-law amendment permitting a 40-storey building in Phase 2 was approved by City Council.

At full-build: all four buildings will be provided as purpose-built rentals; a range of household types and sizes will be accommodated for, in proximity to the Danforth GO Transit station; amenities available to the residents of the development include a pool, a pet-spa, a gym and yoga room, a coworking space and a childcare and pre-school facility; and ground floor retail is offered through the development.

At full-build: all four buildings will be provided as purpose-built rentals; a range of household types and sizes will be accommodated for, in proximity to the Danforth GO Transit station; amenities available to the residents of the development include a pool, a pet-spa, a gym and yoga room, a coworking space and a childcare and pre-school facility; and ground floor retail is offered through the development.

The approved projects contribute to the development of a new complete community, forming a part of the master plan for the Main Street Planning Study Area. Other aspects of this master planned community secured by the development includes the provision of a new on-site public park, a privately-owned publicly accessible open space (POPS), as well as community benefits including on-site affordable housing units and financial contributions towards a new community centre.

Phase 1 is currently under construction.