lifestyle
Minto and GWL plan 1,800 rental units, 39-story towers for High Park
New high-rise growth is spurring interest in small-space planting that strengthens neighborhood ties across the area.
How we reported this
Two major proposals by Minto and GWL Realty could add 1,800 rental units to High Park with towers up to 39 stories, though they are at least four years away from materializing. The projects include four towers ranging from 29 to 39 stories, according to city planning records.
The timing aligns with a broader shift toward compact living. High Park already has 26 new rental buildings in the pipeline or under construction. Residents in denser buildings are seeking ways to bring greenery into limited spaces while building connections with neighbors.
High-rises near Keele Station and Swansea Mews
Elysium Investments has proposed two additional towers of 41 and 39 stories at 26-36 Mountview Ave and 21-29 Oakmount Rd, adding over 870 rental units near Keele Station. Separate plans at the former Swansea Mews site call for towers of 20 and 35 stories that could deliver nearly 700 publicly owned rental homes. These sites sit within walking distance of existing homes where people already maintain container gardens on balconies and corridors.
Research on small-space growing shows that daily watering and monthly fertilizing help plants thrive in pots. Clay containers keep soil cooler than plastic in exposed locations. Checking for insects each morning prevents problems from spreading quickly in humid conditions. Plants that receive four to six hours of direct sun perform best, so placement matters on east- or south-facing ledges.
Practical steps drawn from shared experiences
Many residents report that trimming dead growth and removing damaged leaves keeps balconies tidy and encourages new blooms. Organic fertilizers reduce the need for chemical treatments, allowing some gardeners to harvest edible flowers or leaves safely. Support structures protect taller stems on windy days common in elevated locations.
High Park’s mix of established homes and upcoming towers creates opportunities for informal plant exchanges along corridors and in shared outdoor areas. Starting with compact vegetables such as kale or herbs fits the scale of most balconies. Consistent routines around watering, feeding and inspection build steady results even on higher floors.
Details on these approaches appear in a 2021 guide from 99.co that profiles balcony setups in dense urban settings. Local gardeners can adapt the same steps to the sunlight patterns and wind exposure found around Mountview Avenue and Oakmount Road.