Recap: Council Public Meeting - October 28 - Yonge & Bernard
- Marian
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
Council Public Meeting Tuesday October 28, 2025 at 6pm.
View Meeting Agenda: Agenda
Watch Meeting: Meeting Video
Recap:
🏙️ NEC Inc. proposes a major high-density mixed-use development at Young Street and Bernard Avenue with buildings up to 33 stories.
🌿 The application seeks removal of an open space overlay protecting natural heritage features and floodplains along a nearby channel.
🛑 Council expresses concern that the application is premature due to incomplete technical studies and unresolved infrastructure conditions.
🚧 The “holding” provision designed to ensure infrastructure readiness has not yet been satisfied, making removal premature.
🍔 Conflict noted between the proposed development and an existing McDonald’s lease extension, which is under appeal.
⚖️ The site’s zoning and development plans have been previously litigated at the Ontario Land Tribunal, raising concerns about revisiting settled issues.
🗳️ Council votes to refer all comments back to staff for detailed review, reflecting the need for more comprehensive information before decisions.
On the Agenda:
Development Overview
Phase 1 (current proposal)
Two towers: 18 and 24 storeys, total 632 residential units.
A new private road will connect Yonge Street and Bernard Avenue.
Includes a small public square/urban park behind one of the towers.
Phase 2 (future phase)
Two additional towers: 20 and 33 storeys, total 782 units.
Housing and Affordability
Building A: 290 rental units
Building B: 342 condos
About 35% of units expected to be affordable, meeting city policy.
5–6% of units will have three bedrooms.
City & Agency Review
City departments and external agencies (e.g. TRCA, York Region, utilities, school boards) are reviewing.
Key staff concerns:
Tower design slightly exceeds floorplate limits (may cause shadow/wind impacts).
Need confirmation of angular plane compliance.
Open space and road layout may need revision.
Phase 2 density could exceed plan limits.
Policy Alignment
Fits within the Yonge & Bernard Key Development Area Secondary Plan, which encourages tall, mixed-use, transit-oriented buildings along Yonge Street.
The proposal aligns with York Region’s plan for growth near the Bernard Bus Rapid Transit Station (PMTSA 44).
What’s Next
This report is for information only — no decisions yet.
A future recommendation report will return to Council after full review.
Public Comments: The public may submit written correspondence regarding agenda matters by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca. Written correspondence must be submitted by 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments submitted will be provided to all Members of Council, considered as public information and noted in the public record.
Delegations: No prior registration is required to make an in-person Delegation, but is encouraged. Prior registration is required should the public intend to make an electronic delegation by video conference or telephone. Applications to appear as a delegation must be submitted by 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca or by using the on-line application form found on Richmondhill.ca. The Office of the Clerk will provide instructions on appearing as a delegation.
