A new 11-storey mixed-use development in 琉璃神社鈥檚 South Pandosy neighbourhood got the green light from city council, but not without push back over its height.

The project, at 2602-2696 Pandosy Street (Southgate Centre), will bring 85 residential units and five commercial spaces to the area. But councillors Ron Cannan and Gord Lovegrove weren鈥檛 sold on the scale of the building.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 see the need to go to 11 storeys in this particular location, and I don鈥檛 think it fits within the form and character of the neighbourhood,鈥� Cannan said, pointing to council鈥檚 previous cautious approach to increasing building heights in the area.

Lovegrove agreed, raising concerns about the shadows the high rise would cast on its neighbours.

鈥淚 look at the rendering that shows the shading on adjacent properties, and that concerns me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 have to agree with Coun. Cannan, I can鈥檛 support this because of the height and the shading as a result of that.鈥�

City staff noted that given the narrow shape of the lot, it would be difficult to build anything without some impact from shadows.

Deputy Mayor Luke Stack, however, backed the project.

鈥淲hen I look at the architectural design of this building and the location of it, to me, it is a good fit,鈥� he said, adding that South Pandosy鈥檚 vision for height has evolved over time. 

鈥淭hat vision at the time was totally appropriate. The world has shifted a bit, now we see construction where taller buildings are the norm.鈥�

Council approved the development permit, with Cannan and Lovegrove opposed.