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Tridel, a company that bills itself as Canada's leader in condominium development, is laying the groundwork to redevelop the Old Mill Pontiac car dealership lot and the adjacent office building, just west of the corner of Bloor Street West and Jane Street.

A legal agreement between Tridel and the property owner is not final, according to Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) Councillor Bill Saundercook, but the developer has initiated a community consultation process this summer.

"There has been no application submitted to the city yet," Saundercook said. "They're just trying to get themselves ready. We don't want to give the impression to the public that this project is too far down the pipe."

A couple of meetings have been held over the past two months between Tridel and spokespeople from local residents, business and ratepayer groups, who are members of a working group. The developer has hired consultant Jennifer Keesmaat of Office for Urbanism, which undertook a Bloor West Village Design study three years ago. The next informal session, said Saundercook, is Sept. 4 with subsequent meetings into October.

"We're still a ways away from an official public meeting. There are no drawings yet for people to evaluate," Saundercook assured.

The buildings surrounding the Old Mill dealership are low-rise. Saundercook said he would be surprised if Tridel attempted to build anything dramatically different than what the neighbourhood already has.

"They're starting the process early," said the local councillor of Tridel. "They're looking for feedback from the community."

A Tridel representative could not be reached by Villager deadline.

Tridel has set up a website specifically geared towards the Old Mill project. For further information, visit www.2500bloor.ca