Marble, columns and stairs
Sep 1, 2020

Westbank Projects Corp. proposed an extensive redevelopment in Toronto’s iconic Bloor West/Annex neighbourhood at the former location of the landmark Honest Ed’s Department Store.

The development has been planned as a mixed-use rental community and consists of five mixed-use buildings ranging from 13 to 26 storeys in height located at 581 Bloor Street West. The development will involve the restoration of numerous historic buildings as well as the creation of new public green spaces and will create 916 rental units and over 225,000 square feet of retail, offices and community uses.

The project is set to be one of the most sustainable new developments in Toronto, demonstrating leadership in sustainability and set a new precedent for intelligent city building. The project is targeting up to 50% lower GHG emissions in addition to the LEED Platinum Neighborhood and Toronto Green Standard heating, cooling and power to the area, through a unique district energy system.

McMillan assisted with the drafting and negotiation of construction management (CCDC 5A), stipulated price construction contracts (CCDC 17) and other associated contracts for Westbank’s Mirvish Village development (including the long-term energy services agreement). McMillan continues to provide the client with advice throughout construction and financing of the project. The team was led by Annik Forristal and Mike Richmond and included Kailey Sutton, Scott Martyn, Geza Banfai and David Ross.

McMillan’s National Construction Group (“MNCG”) is a highly integrated and coordinated inter-disciplinary industry practice group. The MNCG consists of 50 lawyers across Canada who deal with construction either exclusively or as part of their larger practices in their respective disciplines, which span almost all of McMillan’s departments. Our lawyers practice together without regard to office boundaries, seamlessly employing the right expertise and teams throughout the country to deliver superior client service in relation to all aspects of construction and for all players in the construction pyramid. The MNCG approaches construction, P3, and infrastructure projects as a single discipline. In addition, the MNCG employs a problem-solving approach that integrates both barrister and solicitor side thinking to yield more creative, comprehensive, and practical solutions to client challenges — whether on transactions, through dispute resolution processes, or otherwise managing risk.