[Rogue2016]

Given the cloud this project's been under, it's worth noting that it had been a horrific butcher job upon HCD properties (and a row w/some significance in Toronto architectural lore: the original location of Ballenford Books was here)--shaving off the lower gables and basically reconfiguring the whole frontage into a cartoon of the original Victorian row. So it's very much possible that some of the "without proper permits" murmurs re the property had to do with the disregard for heritage elements--and given *everything*, the social-media speculation of this being some kind of insurance-fraud racket would make absolute sense.

Look at the above (pre-fire) photos in this thread--the before vs the after--is that a *good* thing?!

Some homes in ‘suspicious’ Yorkville fire had unresolved building permit violations, records show​

Some homes in ‘suspicious’ Yorkville fire had unresolved building permit violations, records show

Some of the homes involved in what police are calling a ‘suspicious’ three-alarm fire in Toronto’s Yorkville area on Wednesday morning had unsolved building permit violations, records show.

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[adma]

Some homes in ‘suspicious’ Yorkville fire had unresolved building permit violations, records show​

Some homes in ‘suspicious’ Yorkville fire had unresolved building permit violations, records show

Some of the homes involved in what police are calling a ‘suspicious’ three-alarm fire in Toronto’s Yorkville area on Wednesday morning had unsolved building permit violations, records show.

www.ctvnews.ca

"Last May, several of the affected properties were issued violation orders for major interior alterations and exterior construction, including, but not limited to, façade changes without the benefit of building permits."

Yup, I thought so.

And particularly as the property falls under this jurisdiction...

https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8e62-CityPlanning_Yorkville-Hazelton-HCD.pdf

 

[Northern Light]

Some homes in ‘suspicious’ Yorkville fire had unresolved building permit violations, records show​

Some homes in ‘suspicious’ Yorkville fire had unresolved building permit violations, records show

Some of the homes involved in what police are calling a ‘suspicious’ three-alarm fire in Toronto’s Yorkville area on Wednesday morning had unsolved building permit violations, records show.

www.ctvnews.ca

I would note that on post number 1 in this thread, I raised concerns about the absence of proper permits here.

I think I had presumed that with so many industry watchers on UT, someone would have flagged a violation and I myself didn't follow up.

Subsequently I have become more proactive on these types of things.

 

[adma]

Given the "facade changes" and everything, from a heritage standpoint the fire was more karmic than anything--that is, if it wasn't a, er, "setup", which would make it an act of borderline criminality. (And I've checked out some Reddit threads that alluded to the developer having a chequered history)

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

Update: They seem to be sifting through/removing what's left here.

 

[AlbertC]

Excerpt from Reddit:

https://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/1j43xms/3_alarm_fire_on_scollard_430am

 

[ADRM]

The two Victorian semis to the east of the site are possibly also beyond repair. What a disaster.

Fire reached to the buildings across the street, just in behind the 80-100 Yorkville drive court. Could have been a true disaster.

 

[Northern Light]

The City needs to be aggressive here. No rezoning at all, unless and until the heritage is completely reconstructed, as-was, except for required by code.

***

That should have been the take on the fire at Yonge/Gould, the demo by neglect at Jarvis/Shuter and any fire anywhere near a Lamb development proposal.

 

[christiesplits]

Fire reached to the buildings across the street, just in behind the 80-100 Yorkville drive court. Could have been a true disaster.

Indeed. Probably helped that the Yorkville fire station is around the corner.

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

...and any fire anywhere near a Lamb development proposal.

...if that is so, that would suggest a pattern that should be a red flagged for a criminal investigation as well. And IMO.

 

[Ciarlandini]

From the day after, shots from behind in the soccer field.

 

[christiesplits]

Today.

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

Since this sad state has been bumped, is there any plans for this site? Or will this be left to rot like it is for the ages?

 

[adma]

Since this sad state has been bumped, is there any plans for this site? Or will this be left to rot like it is for the ages?

I presume in this case that if things are in apparent suspended animation, it's pending an investigation or other such legalistics.

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

I presume in this case that if things are in apparent suspended animation, it's pending an investigation or other such legalistics.

I guess I was wondering what will happen this all after all the legalistic are said and done. But it may be the case where no one really knows…

…I suspect though that those involved with this project took a huge loss and would like to sell the site tto more capable hands. But beyond that…./shrug. And a tombstone to remind us what was there. /sigh