A proposal to significantly alter a 139-year-old church in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood has sparked debate, pitting preservation concerns against the urgent need for affordable housing.
Heritage Building Faces Major Changes
St. Luke’s United Church, a city-designated heritage building since 1976 located on Sherbourne Street at Carleton Street, is at the center of the controversy. The current owner, a developer named Kindred Works, intends to demolish all but three walls of the structure and construct a 48-storey apartment tower in its place. This plan represents a substantial shift from a previously proposed 12-storey building, according to retired heritage planner Paul Dilse, a 40-year resident of the area.
Both the original and revised plans involve the demolition of most of the church, including parts of the roof and two towers, leaving only three walls standing. Dilse expressed concern, stating, “It’s a landmark property; it’s a significant part of a protected heritage area…All that’s going to be left is three walls.”
Concerns Over Process and Priorities
Adam Wynne, of the Toronto and East York Community Preservation Panel, and Dilse have raised concerns that the revised plans are moving forward without proper consultation with the Toronto Preservation Board (TPB), whose approval is required for alterations to heritage buildings. While the TPB was consulted on the initial 12-storey proposal, it was not consulted on the current 48-storey plan.
Affordable Housing as a Key Factor
Despite the concerns, the project has gained support from some local officials. City Councillor Chris Moise acknowledged initial reservations but highlighted a key benefit: “The new application will have 30 per cent affordable housing, which is a positive.” This emphasis on affordability is echoed by Mark Richardson, technical lead of HousingNowTO, who argued in a letter to councillors that prioritizing affordable housing may require re-evaluating the emphasis on preserving heritage properties.
Kindred Works maintains that it is following the proper procedures and is working to preserve aspects of the church’s history, including retaining two original towers and rebuilding a portion of the south wall. The interior space is planned to be repurposed as a public gathering area, according to Katie Ungard, Kindred’s community engagement manager. The developer stated the project expanded to 48 stories following pandemic-era changes allowing for increased housing density.
What’s Next?
The Toronto Preservation Board received a report from city staff regarding the project on Thursday and is scheduled to discuss the proposal at its meeting on Monday. A final decision on the application is expected to be made by city council early next month. It is possible the TPB will request modifications to the plan to better preserve the heritage elements of the church. Alternatively, city council could approve the current proposal, prioritizing the creation of affordable housing units. A third possibility is that the application could be delayed or rejected, requiring Kindred Works to submit a revised plan that addresses the concerns raised by preservation advocates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current plan for St. Luke’s United Church?
The current plan involves demolishing all but three walls of the 139-year-old church and constructing a 48-storey apartment tower on the site.
Why is there opposition to the plan?
Opponents, including heritage advocates, are concerned about the loss of a significant heritage building and the potential impact on the character of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood.
What is the argument in favor of the plan?
Proponents argue that the project will create much-needed affordable housing, with 30 per cent of the 440 rental units designated as affordable.
How do you think cities should balance the need for new housing with the preservation of historical buildings?