On February 4th, Toronto City Council will be considering the approval of a 48-storey tower on the site of St. Luke's Church at the corner of Carlton and Sherbourne Streets.  That is four times the size of the 12-storey building approved in 2022.  This decision not only threatens the architectural integrity of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood but also disregards the cultural and historical significance of the surrounding area and the church premises themselves. 

Cabbagetown is considered to be North America's largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing. The proposed construction is a stark contrast to these low-rise, historical homes and puts at risk the very essence of what gives this neighbourhood its special character.   St. Luke's is part of the Cabbagetown Heritage Conservation District, which is meant to preserve "neighbourhood character" and require that development be "in context" with its surroundings.

St. Luke's has been an integral part of the surrounding community since the 1880s and has received official heritage designation in the 1970s in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.  The proposed tower would gut St. Luke's, leaving it a mere shell of itself with little of its heritage architecture left, while increasing both private and public transit congestion, strain existing infrastructure including area parking, increase wind speeds for pedestrians and cyclists using the Sherbourne Street bike lane, and block access to light and views for nearby residents.  It will also overwhelm pastoral Allan Gardens.  As a result, not only the aesthetics of the neighbourhood will be affected, but also the quality of life for its inhabitants. 

If this proposal is approved, it will set a precedent for further high-rise development.  And we will live with this building in our neighbourhood for decades to come.

You are invited to join in opposing the approval of this project.  We must protect the cultural heritage and human scale quality of Cabbagetown, Allan Gardens, and the rest of the surrounding community and remind City officials of the value of sustainable and respectful urban planning. Stand with us to advocate for thoughtful development that honours the past while responsibly planning for the future.

Please sign this petition to voice your opposition to the 48-storey tower planned for the St. Luke's Church site, to support the preservation of the adjacent community, and to show City Council that we call upon them to reject this development proposal at their February 4th meeting.

Many thanks to you, the supporters of this cause
We are sorry to announce that on February 4, 2026, Toronto City Council voted to accept the application to build the 48-storey tower at St. Luke's United Church.  This petition is now closed.