by Oliver von Bretten 
The ambitions of real estate developers to develop the tallest structures in Canada are growing.
With its approved height of 312 metres and 95 storeys, Pinnacle International’s SkyTower is a stunning element of the developer’s multi-tower development under development at 1 Yonge St. It would be Canada’s highest structure upon completion.
Pinnacle proposes upgrading the SkyTower’s height to 346 metres in the updated development proposal for the mixed-use project. It is around the level of the CN Tower’s viewing deck. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat does not consider Toronto’s CN Tower a building. Less than half its height is occupied space.
If Pinnacle International‘s new concept for the SkyTower becomes real, the condominium high-rise will become the first in Canada to surpass the 100-story mark. So this is because the updated floor count has increased to 105.
Other project modifications include increasing the height of the third-phase tower to 306 metres, or 92 storeys. Previously it allowed 263 metres or 80 storeys. Thus, the Pinnacle One Yonge development would have two “supertall” structures. (According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, supertall buildings reach at least 300 metres.)
Since its construction in 1975, Canada’s tallest structure has been the 298-metre-tall First Canadian Place (excluding its antenna). However, many new constructions may replace the landmark in the next few years.
The One is a 308-metre residential skyscraper by Mizrahi Developments. It is currently under construction at the southwest intersection of Yonge and Bloor Street West. Concord Adex is moving on with preparations for a residential skyscraper. It has a height of 299 metres at 383 Yonge Street, farther south.
The planning-rational report attached to the development application states the characteristic components of the Hariri Pontarini-designed tower remain the same. Moreover, the expansion in the tower’s height permits a more sleek and elongated appearance. Also, it preserves the distinctive and iconic features of the OMB-approved concept.
In addition to condominiums, the five-tower master-planned Pinnacle One Yonge complex has a new community recreation facility, offices, retail, economical and rental housing, and an upmarket hotel on the lower floors of the SkyTower. The first phase of the project, a 65-story condominium skyscraper named the Prestige at Pinnacle One Yonge, is scheduled to be completed this year.
The additional revisions to the two upcoming buildings by Pinnacle increase the total number of homes in the project by 248 to 3,123. The planning rationale made by Bousfields Inc. for Pinnacle states the planned population increase will increase transit ridership and take advantage of current and future transit developments at Union Station (the local transit hub), Queens Quay streetcar operations, and the upcoming Bayfront Light Rail Transit line.
The document concludes that from an urban design standpoint, the reconstruction of the site area is a chance to bring high-quality architecture and an aesthetically distinct iconic structure that will engage and excite the nearby public realm and contribute positively and dynamically to the City skyline.
