Canadian company VIVA Retirement Communities hopes a zoning by-law amendment proposal will be approved to make way for an eight-storey rental retirement building and a seven-storey condominium for seniors in the Leaside community of Toronto, Ont. The buildings, which would consist of 175 units and 109 units, respectively, would be located at 146-150 Laird Dr.

If approved, the community, designed by Toronto architectural firm Raw Design, would include independent and assisted living suites, 183 underground parking spaces, the preservation of a heritage building, and over 253,048 square feet of total floor space. The two buildings would be linked by a three-storey walkway.

Currently, the City of Toronto permits residential buildings including nursing homes, residential care facilities, retirement homes and apartment buildings at a maximum height of 12.2 metres in the area.

If the by-law amendment is passed, the project will be developed in two phases with the rental component being constructed first.