A proposal has been submitted by Oulahen Team Realty Inc for a 46-storey residential tower just west of Finch Station, within the North York City Centre area. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, the project envisions a tall-building development that delivers 636 condominium units on a relatively compact parcel of land. The site currently comprises a small cluster of low-rise houses (one to two stories).
The plan includes a five-storey podium at street level — fronting Finch Avenue West — with retail space and seven two-storey townhouse-style suites at grade, integrating mixed-use functions into the base of the tower. Above the podium rises the main tower, set to reach a height of approximately 159.7 metres.
Inside, the 636 suites would be split into 80 studios, 396 one-bedrooms, 96 two-bedrooms, and 64 three-bedrooms. Residents would have access to amenity spaces including 1,444 m² of indoor amenity area, and 470 m² of outdoor amenity terrace on top of the podium.
Parking and transportation amenities are also provided: three underground parking levels offering 154 spaces (145 for residents, 30 tandem, 9 visitor), and bicycle parking with 370 spaces (323 long-term, 45 short-term) plus two retail-use bike spots.
In sum, this proposal seeks to bring high-density vertical living within walking distance of one of North York’s major transit hubs, embedding both residential and retail elements in a mixed-use development.
Location & Transit Access
The site is located on Finch Avenue West, between Eldora Avenue and Greenview Avenue — only around 300 metres east of Finch Station, which translates to roughly a 4-minute walk. Finch Station serves as a major transit hub, connecting users to TTC Yonge Line 1 as well as multiple bus services (local and regional) including services from York Region Transit (YRT) and GO Transit.
In addition, the area stands to benefit from the planned extension of the Yonge Line 1 — the Yonge Line 1 North Subway Extension — which is expected to extend the subway northward, adding further connectivity for future residents.
For cyclists and pedestrians, the proposal site would also leverage existing and planned active-transportation infrastructure: a multi-use trail through nearby Hendon Park and bicycle lanes on Willowdale Avenue (approximately 1 km east) improve the walk/bike-friendliness of the area.
Thus, the project emphasizes transit-oriented development, reducing reliance on cars while offering dense housing close to major transit infrastructure.
Project Details & Building Features
- Gross Floor Area (GFA): ~ 38,881 m² of residential GFA, plus 311 m² of retail at ground level.
- Floor-to-site ratio (Floor Space Index): Approximately 15.27× relative to the 2,567 m² site footprint.
- Unit mix: 80 studios, 396 one-bedrooms, 96 two-bedrooms, 64 three-bedrooms (total 636 units).
- Amenity space: 1,444 m² indoor amenity floor on 5th floor; 470 m² outdoor terrace above podium level.
- Parking & bicycle storage: Three underground parking levels with 154 car spaces (145 residential, 30 tandem, 9 visitor); 370 bicycle parking spots (323 long-term, 45 short-term), plus 2 retail-use spots.
- Vertical circulation: Five elevators serving 636 units (~1 elevator per 127 units); high-speed motors expected to ensure efficient service.
The tower’s floor-plate is proposed at about 850 m² — slightly larger than the city’s 750 m² guideline for tall buildings — but recent planning practice appears to treat that guideline with more flexibility. The ground-level townhouse suites and retail aim to create a more pedestrian-friendly street interface, blending low-rise human scale with high-density living above.
Context: Why This Location Makes Sense
The stretch of Finch Avenue West and surrounding Yonge/Finch corridor has seen growing high-rise and mid-rise activity in recent years. Immediately around the proposed site are multiple other developments — both completed and proposed — indicating a broader pattern of densification in this part of North York.
Compared with the current low-rise, underutilized single-detached homes on the site, the proposed 46-storey tower would make much more intensive use of the land, aligning with urban planning goals for transit-oriented density.
Given the closeness to major transit hub — Finch Station — and the upcoming Yonge Line 1 extension, the project could attract people who value transit access, walkability, and urban convenience — reducing car dependency and promoting sustainable living.
From a housing supply perspective, the addition of 636 units in one development could contribute significantly to addressing rental/ownership demand in a high-demand part of Toronto.
Potential Impacts & Considerations
Such a dense, high-rise development inevitably shapes the urban fabric significantly. On the positive side, it could:
- Provide a large number of housing units close to transit, easing pressure on demand.
- Encourage sustainable transportation usage thanks to proximity to transit and cycling/walking infrastructure.
- Add retail and amenity space, adding vitality at street level.
- Support urban densification goals, helping reduce sprawl in suburban areas.
On the other hand, there are considerations that merit scrutiny:
- The tower’s floor-plate is somewhat larger than typical tall-building guidelines, which may raise concerns around shadowing, wind, or visual bulk from neighboring properties.
- The area will see increased density, which could stress existing local infrastructure — transit, pedestrian paths, green space, etc.
- Parking is limited relative to unit count (154 spaces for 636 units), meaning many residents might rely on transit — which is positive overall, but could be a challenge for those needing cars.
- Integration of the podium retail and townhouse base into the existing neighborhood fabric will require careful urban design, to avoid an abrupt clash between high-rise and low-rise surroundings.
Why This Matters: From Urban Planning to Residents
The 46-storey proposal near Finch Station exemplifies a trend increasingly seen in Toronto and other major cities: concentrating growth around transit hubs to achieve higher density, support public transit, ease housing shortages, and reduce urban sprawl.
For prospective residents, such a project offers the convenience of living within walking distance of a major transit hub, easy access to public transit (subway, regional buses), and a variety of housing types (studios to three-bedrooms), increasing the chance to accommodate singles, couples, small families, or downsizers.
For city planners and advocates of sustainable urban growth, developments like this one help meet density targets, reduce commuting emissions by promoting transit and active transportation, and make better use of underutilized inner-city land.
At the same time, this kind of densification — if not managed properly — can challenge neighborhood character, infrastructure, and livability. Hence, careful design, community engagement, and infrastructure upgrades are critical.
Conclusion
The proposed 46-storey condo tower near Finch Station represents a major shift in land use and density for the Finch Avenue West / North York City Centre area. With 636 units, retail and amenity spaces, and proximity to a major transit hub, the project aligns closely with transit-oriented development principles and broader urban densification goals.
If approved and built, it could offer a compelling living option for people seeking transit-convenient, vertical living — while contributing to alleviating housing demand in a high-pressure market. However, the increased density also raises important considerations around urban design, infrastructure, and neighborhood integration.
