In this edition of the UTPro Instant Report, we turn our attention to Ward 25 Scarborough Rouge Park, a vibrant and diverse community at the eastern extent of Toronto. The area is roughly bordered by Steeles Avenue to the north, Scarborough-Pickering Townline to the east, Lake Ontario to the south, and Neilson Road or Morningside Avenue to the west. It is characterized by its large households, with 40% housing four people or more, as well as visible minorities making up 72% of the population. The area is home to the University of Toronto's growing Scarborough campus, reflecting the emerging growth of the area as a whole.

Map view of Ward 25, image from UTPro Instant Report

Currently, the development landscape in Ward 25 is bustling with activity, featuring 24 projects in pre-construction, 12 under construction, and 4 recently completed. These developments are set to bring a total of 4,341 new dwelling units to the area, catering to a diverse range of housing needs. The mix of residential types includes condominiums, affordable rentals, and student dorms, with growth spurred by not only the university campus, but also GO Transit's Lakeshore East line and the major thoroughfares of Highway 401 and Kingston Road.

Summary of proposals in Ward 25, image from UTPro Instant Report

One of the recently completed projects is the University of Toronto's UTSC Student Residence, designed by Core Architects. Located at 3300 Ellesmere Road, this 9-storey development offers 313 units of student housing, contributing to the ongoing expansion of the university's Scarborough campus. This project is a part of a series of developments at the site, including the  UTSC Instructional Centre and Environmental Science and Chemistry buildings completed over the last few years, as well as the planned Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health, and the under-construction Indigenous House.

Looking northeast to the U of T's UTSC Student Residence, image by Ed Skira

Under construction to the southeast of UTSC, Highland Commons is located at 1625 Military Trail. Currently in the foundational stage, the development is set to stand as two 8-storey condominiums from Altree Developments, ad designed by Kohn Partnership Architects. Located near the intersection of Military Trail and Kingston Road, this project will bring 539 units to the Port Union neighbourhood, further enriching the residential fabric of the area.

Foundational construction work at Highland Commons, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

Looking ahead, 255 Morningside is an ambitious pre-construction project by First Capital, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects. Situated at the northeast corner of Morningside Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East in West Hill, this mixed-use development will feature 28 and 18-storey towers, providing 523 units of condominium housing along with retail spaces, contributing to the region's urban intensification. They are just the first phase of towers that will replace a suburban plaza. 

Rendering of 255 Morningside, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for First Capital

The report's statistics provide valuable insights into the future of Ward 25. With an average building height of 17.4m and a maximum of 98.5m, the developments range from low to high-rise, with a slow trend towards greater urban density. The total Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 502,652m², with institutional GFA making up 9.4%, points to the scale of development, with a diverse mix of housing for residents and students.

GFA breakdown for Ward 25, image from UTPro Instant Report

Ward 25 Scarborough Rouge Park is undergoing a transformation reflecting Toronto's broader urban development trends and student housing needs. With numerous developments in the pipeline, the ward is evolving is emblematic of the growth and expansion of the city's east.

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As UrbanToronto continues to refine its role in the GTA development industry, our data services have evolved to become one of our defining elements and we want to share those capabilities with our community. The UrbanToronto Pro Instant Reports is just one of the ways our data can be applied to provide quick and convenient insights on the development trends of any area in the GTA, with filters for Wards MLS Zones, and Custom Areas.