![]() ![]() It’s no secret housing in Toronto is expensive and in short supply. ![]() One thing is for sure: Toronto needs more housing and more height is the best way to get there. It could be through more mid-rise buildings or one-storey additions on existing homes. Height shouldn’t be avoided altogether, though – we just need to think creatively about how to best incorporate more height throughout the city. Most tall buildings are also quite narrow, which means they cast thin shadows that move quickly throughout the day.īeyond shadows, many are skeptical of height because they believe tall buildings only belong in certain areas, like near highways or in the downtown core – and there is some truth to this.įor example, a 40-storey building might make sense at Yonge and Bloor, but that doesn’t mean it makes sense everywhere in Toronto. New buildings must ensure surrounding sidewalks get at least five hours of direct sunlight a day. Plus, the City of Toronto has design guidelines for shadow impacts. A couple of extra storeys isn’t going to drastically change the way we experience the public realm.Ĭompared to shadows, wind has a much greater influence, but can be studied and mitigated through good building design. Shadows are a tangible and fair concern, but building height can have less of an impact on shadowing than you might think.įor one, even low-rise buildings or single-family homes cast long shadows during winter months. One of the most common objections to taller buildings is shadows. ![]() Upset neighbours will argue at community meetings and petition local councillors for something as insignificant as two-storey height reductions.īut, what if I told you that height wasn’t the problem? Here’s why. New tall buildings are cause for alarm among some community members, whether it’s a 15-storey building being proposed or one that will stand 40 storeys. Listen in on nearly any public meeting for a new development and I can almost guarantee that somebody will complain about height. ![]()
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