A bold new 14-storey residential building has been proposed at 283 Sheppard West in Toronto’s Lansing-Westgate neighbourhood. The development, submitted by OTT Properties Inc and designed by RAW Design, reflects the ongoing transformation of the Sheppard West corridor toward denser and more transit-oriented living.
Located between Bathurst and Yonge Streets, the site currently houses five single-detached homes. The application calls for a podium-and-tower structure with thoughtful setbacks and stepbacks to better blend into the existing lower-rise context.
You can also check our blogs about Gateway Station Surrey Market Rental Towers: SCDC’s 4-Tower Plan Revealed and Proposed 17-Storey Rental Tower Near St. Clair West Station.
Project Details & Residential Mix
On a 0.2 hectare lot spanning 283 through 297 Sheppard Avenue, the proposal envisions 139 residential units with a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 7.8. The breakdown of unit types includes:
- 45 one-bedroom units
- 79 two-bedroom units
- 15 three-bedroom units
The total gross floor area is projected at 9,596 m². Vertical circulation will be supported by two elevators, roughly one per 70 units—designed for efficient access.
Amenity space is also part of the vision: 308 m² of indoor amenities (on the ground and second floors) and 248 m² of outdoor amenity areas, for a combined 556 m², along with an additional 200 m² for green roof space.
Parking and cycling are addressed with an underground/at-grade mix: 19 parking spaces for residents, 9 visitor spaces (including 3 surface spots), along with 90 long-term bike spots, 5 oversized long-term, and 10 short-term spaces.
Transit, Connectivity & Urban Context
Transit access is a strong plus: TTC bus stops are located within 100 m on both sides of 283 Sheppard West, linking the site to Sheppard-Yonge Station (about a 16-minute walk) and Bathurst Street for north–south connections. Future transit plans may further benefit the area, as Metrolinx studies a westward extension of the Sheppard subway line.
Cyclists are also supported: Sheppard Avenue West features dedicated bike lanes, and nearby multi-use trails connect through Earl Bales Park and along the Don River.
In terms of context, the Sheppard West corridor is already seeing intensification. Nearby proposals include a 6-storey building at 290 Sheppard West, 11-storey structures at 245 and 234 Sheppard West, and the 18-storey NorthCore Condos further east. To the west, mid-rise projects are also emerging, including 9 storeys at 307 Sheppard West and a multi-tower community at 325 Bogert Ave ranging from 21 to 27 storeys.
Design Strategy & Community Integration
To prevent abrupt transitions with adjacent low-rise housing, the proposal incorporates setbacks and stepbacks. The podium form aligns with Sheppard Avenue’s street wall, while taller portions recede toward the rear, softening the impact.
Although the development would not dedicate on-site parkland, the applicant proposes a cash-in-lieu contribution to the City instead. Landscaping and green roof space are intended to enhance environmental performance and soften the building’s massing.
The inclusion of ground-floor retail or mixed use is not explicitly detailed in the site description, but the design strategy emphasizes placemaking and creating a more vibrant street edge. The outdoor amenity areas and green roof further support resident experience and visual integration into the streetscape.
Final Thoughts
The proposed 14-storey development at 283 Sheppard West marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Lansing-Westgate neighbourhood and the broader Sheppard West corridor. By replacing modest single-family homes with a medium-density, transit-friendly structure, the project underscores the pressure—and opportunity—for intensification near major transit arterials.
Though ambitious, the proposal balances height and community context through thoughtful setbacks, stepbacks, and landscaped amenity integration. Its mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units provides housing diversity, suited to singles, couples, and families alike. Cycling and transit infrastructure, already present in the area, will support sustainable mobility for future residents.
As the City of Toronto reviews the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment applications, stakeholders — community groups, future residents, and planning staff — will be closely watching how the proposal adapts to feedback. If approved, 283 Sheppard West could become a benchmark for how mid-rise developments should knit into existing neighbourhood fabric: increasing density without overwhelming character, and strengthening connectivity with transit and active transportation routes.
For CondoTrend readers, this project is especially meaningful: developments like this signal where Toronto is heading in terms of infill, mid-rise renewal, and transit-aligned densification. Keeping an eye on these proposals helps you stay ahead in understanding where value might shift, which streets may see more growth, and which communities are positioned for change.
