After reading through numerous forum posts and speaking with current residents, it's clear that 36 Lisgar is a textbook example of what can go wrong in a condo development. While the price point might initially attract first-time buyers or investors, the list of ongoing and unresolved issues makes this a risky and frustrating place to live — and an even riskier investment.
📍 Location: 3/10
Situated in the heart of Liberty Village, the location has its perks: trendy restaurants, cafes, and proximity to downtown Toronto. However, the neighborhood was never designed to handle the density of new high-rise developments. As a result, traffic congestion is a daily nightmare, often showing up as deep red on Google Maps during rush hours. Getting in and out of the area can be a major hassle.
🏗️ Building & Developer History: 2/10
The building was developed by Urbancorp, a now-bankrupt Toronto-based developer known for cutting corners. The developer went under before the project was fully completed, leaving behind over $3 million in unpaid construction liens. Legal battles are still ongoing, and there's little hope for resolution anytime soon. Tarion warranty coverage has also been difficult to access, leaving many unit owners without proper recourse for repairs or defects.
There was also a $1 million lawsuit tied to the building, further adding to concerns about the legal and financial health of the property.
💰 Financial Concerns: 2/10
One of the most significant red flags is that CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) has blacklisted the building due to the developer's bankruptcy and unresolved liens. This means buyers must put down at least 20% to qualify for a mortgage — a major barrier for first-time buyers who typically aim for 5–15% down. This severely limits the pool of potential future buyers, negatively impacting resale value.
Additionally, the building faces a $850,000 annual charge related to a problematic geothermal heating system, which is passed on to condo owners through a $200/month special levy — on top of already high monthly maintenance fees that can exceed $700 per month for some units.
🛠️ Maintenance & Quality Issues: 2/10
Despite being only a few years old, the building already shows signs of poor construction quality:
- Water leaks
- Balconies falling apart
- Finishes and trims detaching from walls
- Unsafe rooftop terraces on the 7th and 9th floors, now sealed off by the city and overgrown with weeds — an eyesore and a safety hazard.
A fire on the 7th floor before which caused extensive damage, triggering sprinklers all the way down to the ground floor. Contaminated water damaged multiple units, and black ash reached as high as the 11th floor. Many units are still undergoing repairs, and health risks remain.
Air conditioning units are frequently breaking down due to poor installation, leaving owners with costly repair bills.
🧱 Layout & Design: 3/10
The building was clearly designed with investors and short-term renters in mind, featuring cramped 2-bedroom units that are more suited for roommates than families. Hallways are narrow and inefficient, wasting valuable square footage. Layouts are awkward and impractical for long-term living.
👥 Lifestyle & Neighbors: 4/10
The resident demographic is largely young professionals and students, which leads to a vibrant but sometimes disruptive atmosphere. Frequent parties, loud music, and littered hallways are common complaints. While not every tenant is problematic, the high renter-to-owner ratio contributes to a lack of care and accountability in the building.
Security is also a concern, with reports of break-ins, thefts from cars, and even a double homicide in the past. Frequent false fire alarms disrupt sleep and daily life.
🚨 Bottom Line: DO NOT BUY
While the low price tag might be tempting, especially for investors or first-time buyers, the mountain of unresolved issues far outweigh any short-term savings. From ongoing legal battles, unaffordable maintenance fees, CMHC restrictions, poor construction quality, and a toxic living environment, 36 Lisgar is a textbook case of why you should avoid condos built by Urbancorp at all costs.
If you're considering purchasing here, do your homework — and unless you're prepared to deal with constant headaches, expensive repairs, and a difficult resale market, look elsewhere.
Final Verdict: 3/10 – Avoid This Building Like the Plague
You're paying for a condo, not a full-time headache.
