490 University Ave
490 University Ave is in Kensington-Chinatown. A 64‑storey building with 704 homes and shops is under review 162 m away.
Data as of Nov 12, 2026 · Every item lists its source
- A public hearing on Oct 2 about a proposal to split the lot at 123 Edward St, 189 m away.
- A 64-storey building with 704 homes and shops is under review, 162 m away.
- Assaults, break-ins, robberies and thefts over $5,000 in Kensington-Chinatown were above the Toronto rate in 2025.
01What’s planned near 490 University Ave
7 planning proposals within 250 m (about a 3‑minute walk): five in progress and two decided recently. That's more than at 96% of Toronto addresses.
In progress
- 164-storey building with shops522 University Ave · 146 m awaySite plan: City review of the design and layout of a new building
City planners have been reviewing it since 2022. Residents can comment before a decision is made.
Site Plan Control application to permit a 64-storey mixed-use building, comprised of a 51-storey residential tower atop a 15-storey office podium. The proposal consists of a total of approximately 54,983 square metres of gross floor area,…File 22 192155 STE 11 SA · submitted Aug 17, 2022 · City record and how to comment - 264-storey building · 704 homes and shops505 University Ave · 162 m awaySite plan: City review of the design and layout of a new building704 homes
City planners have been reviewing it since 2022. Residents can comment before a decision is made.
The redevelopment proposes a 64-storey mixed-use building with a 12-storey office podium and is inclusive of four levels of below-grade parking with a total of 171 parking spaces. The redevelopment proposes 704 dwelling units, resulting…File 22 198151 STE 11 SA · submitted Aug 31, 2022 · City record and how to comment - 3Split the lot123 Edward St · 189 m awayCommittee of Adjustment · Consent: permission to split a lot or change property lines
A public hearing is set for Oct 2, 2027 at TBA. Neighbours can send comments or speak at the hearing.
To obtain consent to sever the property into two lots and to create new easements/rights-of-way.File B0057/26TEY · submitted Sep 13, 2026 · look it up on the City’s Application Information Centre
- 4Two towers, up to 72 storeys with shops123 Edward St · 239 m awaySite plan: City review of the design and layout of a new building
City planners have been reviewing it since 2022. Residents can comment before a decision is made.
Site Plan Approval for two 72-storey towers with a height of 228 metres to the top of the mechanical penthouse.A three-storey base podium connects the two towers. The existing 25-storey commercial office building on the southeast corner…File 22 162241 STE 11 SA · submitted Jun 14, 2022 · City record and how to comment - 5Site plan99 Gerrard St W · 245 m awaySite plan: City review of the design and layout of a new building
City planners have been reviewing it since September. Residents can comment before a decision is made.
Proposed interior alterations to repurpose the existing building to create 249 purpose built rental units.File 26 231153 STE 11 SA · submitted Sep 2, 2026 · City record and how to comment
Decided recently
- 6Consent292 Dundas St W · 162 m awayCommittee of Adjustment · Consent: permission to split a lot or change property lines
The Committee of Adjustment approved it on Apr 15, 2026.
To obtain consent to create new easements/rights-of-way.File B0010/26TEY · submitted Jan 26, 2026 · look it up on the City’s Application Information Centre - 764-storey building · 704 homes and shops505 University Ave · 162 m awayRezoning: a request to change the Official Plan or zoning so something new can be built704 homes
The Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly the OMB) approved it.
Official Plan Amendment application to permit a 64-storey mixed-use building, containing 704 dwelling units, 25,100 square metres of office and 600 square metres of retail gross floor area. A concurrent Zoning Amendment application for…File 24 118172 STE 11 OZ · submitted Feb 23, 2024 · City record and how to comment
Development Applications and Committee of Adjustment Applications, City of Toronto. A proposal that covers several addresses or City files is listed once. Inactive: the City’s file is still open but marked inactive. Decided: development files submitted in the last 4 years; Committee of Adjustment decisions in the last 2 years.
Noise permits nearby
- 481 University · 481 University Ave
Continuous concrete pour · EllisDonMay 28, 2026 to Jan 29, 2027 · 7 am to midnight
89 m away - Private event · 100 Queen St W
Amplified soundSat, Nov 28 · 6 to 11 pm
456 m away - Mayor's New Year Skate Party · 100 Queen St W
Amplified sound · in Multiple, see aboveSun, Jan 3 · 1 to 5 pm
456 m away - We Walk UHNITED · 201 Elizabeth St
Amplified soundSat, May 29 · 8 am to 12:30 pm
506 m away
City of Toronto Noise Exemption Permits: permits that let a site go past the noise bylaw’s limits for a set time (amplified sound for an event, construction outside normal hours, a concrete pour). Upcoming and current permits within 600 m. Events run by individuals show their name only for street parties, festivals and markets.
02Street work near 490 University Ave
4 City road or sidewalk projects are planned within 500 m. The closest: road repairs on Foster Pl, near Elizabeth St, Q1 to Q4 2027.
Source: City of Toronto Road Reconstruction, Road Resurfacing and Sidewalk Construction programs (planned work within 500 m), and Utility Cut Permits. Dates are the City’s plan and can move. “Carried over” means the work was due earlier and is still listed.
03Safety near 490 University Ave
Police recorded 304 major crimes within 500 m of this address from Oct 2025 to Sep 2026. That's more than at 98% of Toronto addresses. The table compares the neighbourhood's rates with Toronto's.
Kensington-Chinatown compared with Toronto · rate per 100,000 residents, 2025
| Major crime | Near this addresswithin 500 m, last 12 months | Compared with the Toronto rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thefts over $5,000 | 11 near this address | 261% higher219 vs 61 per 100,000 | |
| Assaults | 213 near this address | 163% higher2,018 vs 768 per 100,000 | |
| Robberies | 12 near this address | 146% higher193 vs 79 per 100,000 | |
| Break-ins | 55 near this address | 134% higher443 vs 190 per 100,000 | |
| Car thefts | 13 near this address | 47% lower118 vs 225 per 100,000 |
Source: Toronto Police Service Public Safety Data Portal, Major Crime Indicators (Oct 5, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026) and Neighbourhood Crime Rates. Reported incidents only; police place each incident at the nearest intersection. Five-year trends for Kensington-Chinatown
Traffic safety
4 collisions killed or seriously injured someone within 500 m since 2021; 3 involved pedestrians. Most were on Beverley St and Grange Ave. Kensington-Chinatown has more of these collisions per resident than most neighbourhoods.
- Beverley St at Grange Ave · Pedestrian, seriously injured · Nov 24, 2025 · 441 m
- 525 Elm St · Pedestrian, seriously injured · Aug 10, 2022 · 209 m
- University Ave at Elm St · Driver, seriously injured · Jul 15, 2022 · 119 m
- Gerrard St W at Elizabeth St · Pedestrian, seriously injured · Apr 16, 2022 · 417 m
Source: Toronto Police Service, collisions in which someone was killed or seriously injured (since 2021, within 500 m); City of Toronto School Safety Zones and Traffic Calming Database.
Other crimes near this address
| Last 12 months | Within 500 m | Kensington-Chinatown, per 100,000 residents | Compared with other neighbourhoods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shootings and firearm discharges | 2 | 28 | Higher than most |
| Bicycle thefts | 37 | 442 | Higher than most |
| Thefts from vehicles | 41 | 944 | Higher than most |
Toronto Police Service: Shootings and Firearm Discharges, Bicycle Thefts and Theft From Motor Vehicle, June 2025 to June 2026. Police place each incident at the nearest intersection.
04Getting around from 490 University Ave
The nearest subway station is St Patrick Station (Line 1), about a 1‑minute walk (0.1 km). Within a 5‑minute walk there are 7 TTC stops served by the 505 streetcar and the 13 bus, with about 1,476 departures on a typical weekday. The nearest GO train station is Union Station GO, 1.3 km away, with 354 train stops on a weekday.
Source: TTC · Line 1 · about 1 min walk
Source: GO Transit · 354 train stops on a weekday
TTC and GO Transit schedules for a typical weekday (Nov 18, 2026). Walking times are estimates. Bike Share Toronto station data; City of Toronto Cycling Network and Permit Parking Areas.
How reliable are your routes?
| Route | Delays reported | Per 1,000 trips | Compared with other TTC routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 505 | 1,492 | 8.7 | more than most routes |
| 13 | 154 | 4.1 | about typical |
TTC Bus and Streetcar Delay Data, September 2025 to September 2026: incidents the TTC logged as delaying service. Per 1,000 trips uses each route’s weekday schedule, so busy routes aren’t penalized for running more vehicles. A typical route: 4.0.
Charging and bike parking
- EV charging: 91 Elizabeth St
City-run (On-Street): 2 Level 2 ports. Next: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St W, 511 m.388 m - Indoor bike station: City Hall
Secure parking for 300 bikes.511 m
City of Toronto: City-operated EV charging stations (private chargers aren’t included); indoor bike stations, shown within 1.5 km.
05Schools and child care near 490 University Ave
The closest public and Catholic schools. They may not be the ones assigned to this address; check with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) or Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).
Elementary schools
Share of Grade 6 students meeting the provincial standard. Toronto: 87% reading, 54% math.
Secondary schools
Share of students who passed the Grade 10 literacy test on their first try. Toronto: 84%.
The red tick on each bar is the Toronto average. Private schools within 1 km: Cornerstone Preparatory School - Main Campus, Ronald Mcdonald House, Braemar College Private Secondary School, The Ymca Academy Secondary School. Source: Ontario Ministry of Education (2026), EQAO results.
Within 500 m (about a 6‑minute walk): eight licensed child care centres and no EarlyON centres.
Last health inspection Sep 28, 2026: pass.
Last health inspection Jan 21, 2026: pass.
Last health inspection Jan 23, 2026: pass.
Source: City of Toronto Licensed Child Care Centres, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and ChildCareSafe (Toronto Public Health inspections).
06Parks, trees and libraries near 490 University Ave
There are 5 parks, 2 playgrounds and 1 community centre within 500 m. The nearest pool is Harrison Pool, 478 m away.
Parks and community centres within 500 m
- Gallery Park · 129 McCaul St E · 197 m
- McCaul-Orde Parkette · 235 Mc Caul St · 392 m
- Grange Park · dog off-leash area, picnic site, playground, washroom · 26 Grange Rd · 396 m
- Larry Sefton Park · 500 Bay St · 444 m
- Toronto City Hall · 100 Queen St W · 452 m
Pools, courts and more
Also nearby
Source: City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Facilities, Registered Programs and Drop-In Programs, Tennis Courts, Outdoor and Indoor Ice Rinks, Washroom Facilities, Off-Leash Areas, Street Tree Data; Toronto Public Health SwimSafe and Beach Water Quality; Toronto Public Library branches.
Park space
Park projects nearby
- New Park on Dundas Street West
A new park is coming to 129 McCaul St as part of the Relic Linear Park System. Learn more about the project and how you can get involved.In progress · 204 m - New Park on St. Patrick Street
A new park is coming to 234 Simcoe St as part of the Relic Linear Park System. Learn more about the project and how you can get involved.In progress · 210 m - New Park at 229 Richmond Street West
A new 2,600m2 park is coming to 229 Richmond St. W. The park site is currently leased to a restaurant and used as an outdoor patio.In progress · 681 m - New Park at 105 Spadina Avenue
A new 1,000 m2 park is coming to 105 Spadina Ave., at the southeast corner of Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street.In progress · 1.1 km - New Park at 114 Church Street
A new park is coming to 114 Church St. Learn more about the project and how you can get involved.In progress · 1.1 km
City of Toronto: Green Spaces (parks, natural areas and conservation land; hydro corridors, golf courses, cemeteries and road verges aren’t counted); Park and Recreation Facility Projects within 1.5 km.
07The building at 490 University Ave
No building permits, building orders, by-law investigations, heritage listing or short-term rental registrations on record for 490 University Ave.
The lot
Measured from the City’s property boundary map. It’s compiled from records of varying age, so treat these as approximate; a survey is the legal measure.
Green roof and solar permits
No green roof or solar hot water permits at this address. Within 500 m: 8 with a green roof.
City of Toronto Building Permits: Green Roofs, and Solar Hot Water Heaters.
08What can be built at 490 University Ave
This lot isn’t covered by the citywide zoning by-law (569-2013). It is still under a former municipal by-law from before amalgamation, which the City’s map shows in grey.
Special areas
Source: City of Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013 (zone, height and lot coverage overlays), Heritage Conservation Districts, Major Transit Station Areas, Secondary Plans and Archaeological Potential. This is a summary, not a zoning review. Read the by-law and see the City’s map.
09Around the block
Stays of less than 28 days, like Airbnb. That's more than at 96% of Toronto addresses.
Houses that rent individual rooms with shared kitchens or bathrooms. The City licenses them to enforce safety standards.
Kuya's Vape (vape shop), The University Club of Toronto (entertainment venue), Tim Hortons (restaurant or bar), and 21 more.
148,152,154 St. Patrick Street and 75 Mc Caul Street (304 m), 532-570 Bay Street (424 m), 10 Stephanie Street (429 m).
Homes in City-backed affordable housing projects that are approved or under way.
All new business licences in Kensington-Chinatown (24)
- Kuya's Vape · Vape shop · 167 Augusta Ave · 1008 m · licensed Dec 1, 2026
- The University Club of Toronto · Entertainment venue · 380 University Ave · 245 m · licensed Nov 3, 2026
- Tim Hortons · Restaurant or bar · 700 University Ave · 452 m · licensed Oct 30, 2026
- Qing Shu Hot Pot (Dt) · Restaurant or bar · 442 Dundas St W · 572 m · licensed Oct 29, 2026
- Green Drip · Restaurant or bar · 283 College St · 982 m · licensed Oct 28, 2026
- Sultans Mediterranean Grill · Take-out or food shop · 700 University Ave · 452 m · licensed Oct 22, 2026
- Tres Piggies · Take-out or food shop · 72 Kensington Ave · 949 m · licensed Oct 17, 2026
- C2y Hair Salon · Salon or personal services · 222 Spadina Ave · 850 m · licensed Oct 15, 2026
- Papparoti Café & Bakery · Restaurant or bar · 202 Queen St W · 518 m · licensed Oct 11, 2026
- Ba Ngoai-Vietnamese Home Kitchen · Restaurant or bar · 47 Baldwin St · 382 m · licensed Oct 9, 2026
- Hattendo · Restaurant or bar · 13 Baldwin St · 308 m · licensed Oct 6, 2026
- Hup · Restaurant or bar · 285 College St · 986 m · licensed Oct 5, 2026
Affordable housing projects within 500 m (2)
| Address | Stage | Affordable homes | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 Dundas St W | Rezoning approved | 34 | 72 m |
| 610 Bay St | Under construction | 210 | 389 m |
Source: Affordable Housing Pipeline, Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion applications, Short Term Rentals Registration, Multi-Tenant (Rooming) House Licences, Business Licences and Permits (storefront types; owners’ personal names are never shown), POPS, and Daily Shelter Occupancy (Nov 10, 2026). Confidential shelter locations are not published.
Traffic on your street
City of Toronto Transportation Services: speed, volume and classification counts since 2016.
Parking tickets on this block
1,132 tickets in 2025 on University Ave between numbers 440 and 540: 487 for stopping where it’s not allowed, 345 for parking near a fire hydrant.
City of Toronto Parking Tickets, 2025. Placed by the street address the officer recorded.
Main street business area
Queen Street West BIA, about 390 m away. Business Improvement Areas are local business associations that run street events and improvements.
City of Toronto Business Improvement Areas, within 400 m.
What neighbours report to 311
In the last 12 months, 1,098 service requests came from postal area M5G, which includes 490 University Ave. The most common:
| Property standards | 71 | |
| Illegal dumping | 65 | |
| Public spaces complaint | 63 | |
| Injured wildlife | 51 | |
| Damaged sidewalks | 47 | |
| Street furniture request | 41 |
City of Toronto 311 Service Requests, October 2025 to October 2026. 311 publishes only the first three characters of the postal code, so this covers the wider postal area. Counts reflect how often people call as well as how often problems happen.
10Risks and environment at 490 University Ave
Source: TRCA Regulation mapping 2025
Source: Non Regulated Lead Sample · 2 tests, Jun 17, 2014 to Apr 17, 2015
TRCA mapping is for screening, not site-specific decisions. Lead results are voluntary samples from homes in the postal area, not this address.
11The neighbourhood: Kensington-Chinatown
Kensington-Chinatown had 18,120 residents in 2021. The median household income was $62,000, lower than the typical Toronto neighbourhood ($85,000). 68% of households rent (typical neighbourhood: 46%). 44% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 24% of workers commuted by transit and 50% walked or cycled (typical neighbourhood: 26% and 5%). The most common first languages other than English and French are Mandarin (12.7%), Cantonese (10.9%) and Spanish (2.2%). Source: 2021 Census; the next census was taken in 2026.
Rents aren't published for single neighbourhoods. Across central Toronto (the old City of Toronto, before the 1998 amalgamation), a two-bedroom in a purpose-built rental building averaged $2,457 a month in October 2025, up 6% from a year earlier. The Toronto average was $2,055. The vacancy rate was 3.2%. These averages include long-term tenants; new listings usually cost more.
| Average rent, October 2025 | Central Toronto | Change in a year | Toronto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,526 | +2% | $1,499 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,914 | +4% | $1,763 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,457 | +6% | $2,055 |
| 3 bedrooms or more | $3,195 | 0% | $2,361 |
Source: CMHC, Rental Market Survey (October 2025), purpose-built rental apartments, central Toronto (the old City of Toronto, before the 1998 amalgamation). CMHC doesn’t publish rents for single neighbourhoods. Adapted by My Address in Toronto.
How Kensington-Chinatown compares with the rest of Toronto →Handy info
Councillor: Dianne Saxe, Ward 11 University-Rosedale · Councillor_Saxe@toronto.ca · 416-392-4009
Source: Solid Waste Collection Schedule; City of Toronto elected officials, as of Nov 12, 2026.
Archive photos from near this address: myaddressintoronto.com/address/490-university-ave#sec-history
