Community responds to Cawthra Square development

In  May 2023, BV Realty Partners proposed to demolish the houses from 2 to 12 Cawthra Square and to redevelop the site with a 45-storey residential tower, including a 3-storey podium.  The proposal is for 488 residential units.

On January 18, 2024, a Community Consultation was held. Community members had many objections to the project.  CWNA Board members attended the meeting and have submitted a written response to the proposal. 

Among the concerns raised:
 - Height: The current buildings in and around the project are low rise. Even if  one concedes that the site could be developed at a greater height it should be  consistent with buildings to the south that are in the 20-storey range, rather than the proposed 45 storeys. 
-  Community benefits: Those outlined are vague and sometimes debatable as to how they qualify as "benefits" (ie a public easement on the west side of the property;  a walkway to Montieth Street).  
-  Transportation: The street is a dead end, only 1 1/2 lanes wide and the sidewalks are narrow. Despite underground parking for service vehicles, the potential for vehicles blocking the street and sidewalks is very high.  
- Parks and Trees: the building will create shadow over Barbara Hall Park; the park will experience overuse from increased foot and bicycle traffic; 15 trees will be removed on the building site. 
Heritage: The City has listed 6-12 Cawthra Square on the Heritage Register. The Heritage Study should be resubmitted and at least the facades of the listed
buildings should be saved. 

A copy of the full CWNA response to the development can be downloaded here. 

You can review the development application documentation, including the architectural plans, the block context plan and the shadow study by clicking "Supporting Documentation" at the Development Application Information Centre page for this application.