Paula Virany's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by Cairns Deleway on
Engage East Harbour
6 months, 2 weeks ago
Supported a comment by David V on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 2 weeks ago
David V
While I agree, a grocery store is not going to 'inject life' into this future world-class development. It will certainly be convenient and important, but it is galleries, venues, museums or lake cultural anchors, sports, shopping, bars etc that will inject life here. These social anchors will draw a crows past 5pm and inject more of a work/live balance in toronto
While I agree, a grocery store is not going to 'inject life' into this future world-class development. It will certainly be convenient and important, but it is galleries, venues, museums or lake cultural anchors, sports, shopping, bars etc that will inject life here. These social anchors will draw a crows past 5pm and inject more of a work/live balance in toronto
Supported a comment by Claire McLeod on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 2 weeks ago
Claire McLeod
A mix of small locally owned businesses are key!
A mix of small locally owned businesses are key!
Supported a comment by Jason Paris on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 2 weeks ago
Jason Paris
Cadillac Fairview just doesn't get it. Saving the soap factory would at least be a gesture that they understand why people want this area (THEIR AREA) to be successful.
Cadillac Fairview just doesn't get it. Saving the soap factory would at least be a gesture that they understand why people want this area (THEIR AREA) to be successful.
Supported a comment by GERRY BROWN on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 2 weeks ago
GERRY BROWN
The project moved in the wrong direction when Cadillac Fairview bought it.
The project moved in the wrong direction when Cadillac Fairview bought it.
Supported a comment by Roger B. on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 2 weeks ago
Roger B.
I'm going to be unpopular and NIMBY... but I just moved from living beside a Toronto housing project and it did nothing but bring down the value of the area. No cultural, social, economic contributions... just noise, unkept homes, frequent fire alarms, etc. etc. Homelessness (and under housing) is a serious problem in TO. IF EH is planning to become residential (which I'm not thrilled about) and IF they are going to include affordable housing (which ethically is probably the right thing to do)... there should be a LOT of attention paid to make sure that it's done in a balanced/mixed way and doesn't become a blight on the Leslieville/Riverdale area.
I'm going to be unpopular and NIMBY... but I just moved from living beside a Toronto housing project and it did nothing but bring down the value of the area. No cultural, social, economic contributions... just noise, unkept homes, frequent fire alarms, etc. etc. Homelessness (and under housing) is a serious problem in TO. IF EH is planning to become residential (which I'm not thrilled about) and IF they are going to include affordable housing (which ethically is probably the right thing to do)... there should be a LOT of attention paid to make sure that it's done in a balanced/mixed way and doesn't become a blight on the Leslieville/Riverdale area.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
7 months, 3 weeks ago
There are social housing units in East Harbour, and all the so-called "Subway Communities." You can google the amounts.
Supported a comment by Tony Whitaker on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Tony Whitaker
Paul, you are right to be concerned. Look forward to another Hotel BnB just like Cadillac Fairview’s ICE Condos at York & Bremner.
Paul, you are right to be concerned. Look forward to another Hotel BnB just like Cadillac Fairview’s ICE Condos at York & Bremner.
Supported a comment by Rob Hatton on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Rob Hatton
Good luck. Province under Ford did a secret deal - no info on what we get, or he gets.
Good luck. Province under Ford did a secret deal - no info on what we get, or he gets.
Supported a comment by Paul Klaassen on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Paul Klaassen
I'm frankly a little surprised that First Gulf or Great Gulf (whichever it was) was able to negotiate with the city and province for the billions in infrastructure changes based on the jobs that would come from the commercial development, then sell the property to a developer who changes the plan without those concessions needing to be renegotiated. Furthermore, I'm disappointed that we are planning to build at the heights being planned. The neighbourhood has condominium projects capping out at around 15 stories and this will dwarf all of those, changing the character in an unpleasing way. I can only hope that there is consideration given to adding value to the neighbourhood by providing spaces appropriate to businesses like grocery stores, dry cleaners, restaurants, cafes, medical and dental offices, bicycle stores and other such day to day necessities.
I'm frankly a little surprised that First Gulf or Great Gulf (whichever it was) was able to negotiate with the city and province for the billions in infrastructure changes based on the jobs that would come from the commercial development, then sell the property to a developer who changes the plan without those concessions needing to be renegotiated. Furthermore, I'm disappointed that we are planning to build at the heights being planned. The neighbourhood has condominium projects capping out at around 15 stories and this will dwarf all of those, changing the character in an unpleasing way. I can only hope that there is consideration given to adding value to the neighbourhood by providing spaces appropriate to businesses like grocery stores, dry cleaners, restaurants, cafes, medical and dental offices, bicycle stores and other such day to day necessities.
Supported a comment by Randy Timmins on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Randy Timmins
Historic preservation and utilization f existing buildings and infrastructure should be a primary theme. The demolition of anything old is a rampant theme in Toronto — including th East Harbour project — and it is beginning to erode the city’s character. Virtually all world-class cities have managed to integrate heritage structures with new architect designs. And it is important to say that when I speak of ‘heritage’ it takes a more meaningful commitment than simply preserving a facade….which s better than nothing but has been proven to be a politically astute form of appeasing developers
Historic preservation and utilization f existing buildings and infrastructure should be a primary theme. The demolition of anything old is a rampant theme in Toronto — including th East Harbour project — and it is beginning to erode the city’s character. Virtually all world-class cities have managed to integrate heritage structures with new architect designs. And it is important to say that when I speak of ‘heritage’ it takes a more meaningful commitment than simply preserving a facade….which s better than nothing but has been proven to be a politically astute form of appeasing developers
Supported a comment by Rob Hatton on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Rob Hatton
blame our provincial government, which has taken usurped planning powers from the city near any transit expansion.
blame our provincial government, which has taken usurped planning powers from the city near any transit expansion.
Supported a comment by Siphe A on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Siphe A
I agree, I wasn’t very impressed with the prospect of more glassy buildings. They all looks aesthetically displeasing.
I agree, I wasn’t very impressed with the prospect of more glassy buildings. They all looks aesthetically displeasing.
Supported a comment by Tyler Kruspe on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Tyler Kruspe
A variation in height restrictions rather than what is currently proposed. Looks like it is solely corporate development driven and not an architectural landmark that it should be. A neighborhood needs to be more than just condo glass towers.
A variation in height restrictions rather than what is currently proposed. Looks like it is solely corporate development driven and not an architectural landmark that it should be. A neighborhood needs to be more than just condo glass towers.
Supported a comment by Keith M on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Keith M
Preservation of Unilever site or incorporation of heritage warehouse buildings into design. Preserve elements of the unilever site in design for sure. Go back to plan to tear down Gardiner East and build a wide Lakeshore Promenade most definitely!
Preservation of Unilever site or incorporation of heritage warehouse buildings into design. Preserve elements of the unilever site in design for sure. Go back to plan to tear down Gardiner East and build a wide Lakeshore Promenade most definitely!
Commented on Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
The 95 story tower is called Pinnacle. It's going in at 1 Yonge Street. It is not part of East Harbour -- just a point of clarification I assume you know this however some people might be confused. All the best :)
Supported a comment by Lucile N on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Lucile N
Keeping a height restrictions and making this a walkable more human size neighbourhood
Keeping a height restrictions and making this a walkable more human size neighbourhood
Supported a comment by Chuck Cooper on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Chuck Cooper
A blend is needed. Housing, employment, commerce and recreation, as well as an integrated transportation hub. This will be a destination location and I hope all aspects are addressed.
A blend is needed. Housing, employment, commerce and recreation, as well as an integrated transportation hub. This will be a destination location and I hope all aspects are addressed.
Supported a comment by Joe Tamaho on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Joe Tamaho
Agree. I also think we need affordable spaces for local entrepreneurs who want to start their own business, startup, restaurant, etc.
Agree. I also think we need affordable spaces for local entrepreneurs who want to start their own business, startup, restaurant, etc.
Supported a comment by Chris Barker on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Chris Barker
There’s definitely not enough priority on protecting / retaining heritage structures. In most cases, a wall or 2 are kept and soon there won’t be anything left to show what Toronto was. In addition, many of the businesses lost as the buildings they’re in get demolished, can’t afford to relocate and pay the higher rent in new buildings
There’s definitely not enough priority on protecting / retaining heritage structures. In most cases, a wall or 2 are kept and soon there won’t be anything left to show what Toronto was. In addition, many of the businesses lost as the buildings they’re in get demolished, can’t afford to relocate and pay the higher rent in new buildings
Supported a comment by Joe Tamaho on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Joe Tamaho
Provide subsidised below-market spaces for musicians and artists. The majority of us cannot afford commercial space in Toronto and this is needed.
Provide subsidised below-market spaces for musicians and artists. The majority of us cannot afford commercial space in Toronto and this is needed.
Supported a comment by Jason Paris on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Jason Paris
The fact that CF can't do this and won't do this says everything. They aren't building a successful neighbourhood, they are taking the path of least resistance.
The fact that CF can't do this and won't do this says everything. They aren't building a successful neighbourhood, they are taking the path of least resistance.
Supported a comment by Matthew Hill on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Matthew Hill
Hi, project will be stronger if the hertage industrial elements ofthe soap factory and the associated building just east of the soap factory are retained. You want a mix of new and old buildings. Clearing the site of these buildings will make the development a lot less interesting. Retaining the industrial heritage buildings will make the project stronger by creating visual interest.
Hi, project will be stronger if the hertage industrial elements ofthe soap factory and the associated building just east of the soap factory are retained. You want a mix of new and old buildings. Clearing the site of these buildings will make the development a lot less interesting. Retaining the industrial heritage buildings will make the project stronger by creating visual interest.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Will there be enough doctors and hospital beds? Is anyone taking care of the 200 to 250,000 new people the Feds are bringing into Toronto via immigration each year? I know they want 1.5 million nationally in the next 3 years. Are we building the infrastructure? Schools? etc.
Supported a comment by Roger B. on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Roger B.
When did residential get introduced? I thought this was a commercial project?!? As a near by resident I'm concerned about the number of people (and infrastructure thereof) in the area. I specifically moved away from King West towards Leslieville for a quieter/calmer vibe. the commercial EH I thought would be OK as it represented 'day time' traffic... but if you've got 1000's of more residents... will there be extra TTC, crosswalks, parks, dog-parks, etc. etc. etc. To address demand.
When did residential get introduced? I thought this was a commercial project?!? As a near by resident I'm concerned about the number of people (and infrastructure thereof) in the area. I specifically moved away from King West towards Leslieville for a quieter/calmer vibe. the commercial EH I thought would be OK as it represented 'day time' traffic... but if you've got 1000's of more residents... will there be extra TTC, crosswalks, parks, dog-parks, etc. etc. etc. To address demand.
Supported a comment by david m on
Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
david m
the soap factory building must be preserved and incorporated into new architecture
the soap factory building must be preserved and incorporated into new architecture
Commented on Engage East Harbour
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Someone who lives close by
Commented on Engage East Harbour
8 months ago
The destruction of the Unilever Soap Factory has made this site much uglier and robbed it of its initial charm before Cadillac Fairview brought the project. Government officials talk about the Manhattanization of Toronto. But Manhattan has old brownstones, historic museums (the Frick, the Met, and simple things like the Meat Packing District) that give Manhattan a feeling of history, character and soul. It is a sad failure that the Unilever Soap Factory is not being kept in the design in some way -- even if it is just a facade that is kept. The original plans had charm. Cadillac Fairview's plans lack design and instead have a lot of cement. I understand that Cadillac Fairview wants to maximize profit -- that's okay -- I believe in the free market. But if we continue to build without history and charm will we achieve the Manhattanization of Toronto? Or the Calcutta-ization of Toronto? Even modern Kolkata is 40% slum. Don't throw out history. It is the author of the charm and soul of a city. Shame on Cadillac-Fairview.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
8 months ago
Someone who lives close by
Supported a comment by Tyler Walker on
Engage East Harbour
8 months, 3 weeks ago
Tyler Walker
At ground level you have made efforts to keep with the aesthetic of neighbourhood. i.e. Red brick and industrial. But with this project as well as metrolinx Ontario line, we are loosing a signification amount of our untouched green space that acts as the backdrop of our neighbourhood. It is what makes this such a wonderful area to live in the city no glass towers and green space. The world is getting warmer, plant twice as many trees, even if it is on the roofs of train stations and buildings and don't go as high with the glass tower. Use red brick (not grey) higher like 88 colgate ave. Downtown of the east is not what is wanted we have a down town, lets keep it there. People in this neighbourhood don't want to live downtown. We don't like the feel of it there when it comes to our home life. We want to live in a quiet, not too modern (no glass and grey), family oriented, green community. Would love to see further effort made to tie this community into the riverside, leslieville, don valley at every level not just the first 6 stories. It currently will stick out like sore thumb with our current skyline and neighbourhood feel. Complete outlier, please bring more options to the table as this could be an exciting development as opposed to another the the neighbour dreads.
At ground level you have made efforts to keep with the aesthetic of neighbourhood. i.e. Red brick and industrial. But with this project as well as metrolinx Ontario line, we are loosing a signification amount of our untouched green space that acts as the backdrop of our neighbourhood. It is what makes this such a wonderful area to live in the city no glass towers and green space. The world is getting warmer, plant twice as many trees, even if it is on the roofs of train stations and buildings and don't go as high with the glass tower. Use red brick (not grey) higher like 88 colgate ave. Downtown of the east is not what is wanted we have a down town, lets keep it there. People in this neighbourhood don't want to live downtown. We don't like the feel of it there when it comes to our home life. We want to live in a quiet, not too modern (no glass and grey), family oriented, green community. Would love to see further effort made to tie this community into the riverside, leslieville, don valley at every level not just the first 6 stories. It currently will stick out like sore thumb with our current skyline and neighbourhood feel. Complete outlier, please bring more options to the table as this could be an exciting development as opposed to another the the neighbour dreads.
Supported a comment by Stefan R on
Engage East Harbour
8 months, 3 weeks ago
Stefan R
Retaining heritage structures.
Retaining heritage structures.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 4 months ago
Is it the Manhattanization of Toronto or the Strip Mall-ization of Toronto?
Cadillac-Fairview's plan is to destroy all heritage buildings on the site. It would be illegal for them to do that, however the Ford government passed legislation that allows destruction of heritage buildings via MZO's (a very aggressive, undemocratic approach.) It led to public demonstrations when the government moved to destroy the Foundries Building. Luckily demonstrators stopped that.
There are three beautiful old brick buildings on the East Harbour site. They are the Unilever building, 433 Eastern and the old Consumers' Gas company building at 419 Eastern. These buildings must be kept intact or incorporated into the new design. It is the history of a city that gives it character, charm and ultimately liveability.
Policy makers often explain that Toronto is going through “Manhattanization” i.e. it is becoming a large, dense city. This is accurate, however one of the reasons that NYC is so fantastic is that it's FULL of gorgeous historical buildings, such as the old brownstones (many are now condos) Greenwich Village, the Meat Packing district etc. All these add beauty and charm to NYC.
If Toronto keeps levelling all its heritage buildings this will not be Manhattanization. It will be a soulless mess.
Can Cadillac Fairview serve our great city and country and keep the heritage buildings? Isn’t that their civic duty?
Will these buildings be left intact or be incorporated into the design? As lobbies, parts of buildings or facades?
Cadillac-Fairview's plan is to destroy all heritage buildings on the site. It would be illegal for them to do that, however the Ford government passed legislation that allows destruction of heritage buildings via MZO's (a very aggressive, undemocratic approach.) It led to public demonstrations when the government moved to destroy the Foundries Building. Luckily demonstrators stopped that.
There are three beautiful old brick buildings on the East Harbour site. They are the Unilever building, 433 Eastern and the old Consumers' Gas company building at 419 Eastern. These buildings must be kept intact or incorporated into the new design. It is the history of a city that gives it character, charm and ultimately liveability.
Policy makers often explain that Toronto is going through “Manhattanization” i.e. it is becoming a large, dense city. This is accurate, however one of the reasons that NYC is so fantastic is that it's FULL of gorgeous historical buildings, such as the old brownstones (many are now condos) Greenwich Village, the Meat Packing district etc. All these add beauty and charm to NYC.
If Toronto keeps levelling all its heritage buildings this will not be Manhattanization. It will be a soulless mess.
Can Cadillac Fairview serve our great city and country and keep the heritage buildings? Isn’t that their civic duty?
Will these buildings be left intact or be incorporated into the design? As lobbies, parts of buildings or facades?
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Built Form & Sustainability
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Someone who lives close by
Followed Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Maybe something emulating Borough market in London can exist at east harbour station (as borough is also underneath a junction of a railroad). The marketplace could be underneath the Ontario line overpass and be an all-in -one marketplace of greenery, arts, clothing, music, and food! There are many smaller format retailers selling vintage clothing and doing pop-up markets in the summer with mixed fare such as live music, food events and cultural events. Many of these organizers are on social media and connecting to young audiences, but we also see many pop-up events catering to everyone in the summer in areas like vacant parking lots. This kind of contribution would create a vibrant public realm/walkable district and also be a contribution to the community.