Contested affordable housing development returns for approvals in Mississauga

An affordable housing development that has faced opposition in Mississauga returns for consideration next week.

Indwell Community Homes, a Christian charity that builds affordable housing, has proposed a four-storey, 51-unit affordable apartment building for a vacant lot at 1639 Lakeshore Rd. W. There is commercial space planned for the ground floor.

The project has sparked opposition from area residents who raised concerns about a loss of retail space, parking and community safety. In a petition launched on change.org, the group said they are concerned about the location and the lack of community consultation.

The project received funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Peel Region and hopes to open in 2025.

Indwell hit a snag in July when the City of Mississauga’s Committee of Adjustment didn’t approve a request for reducing parking.

However, the reduced parking considerations are returning to the upcoming Planning and Development Committee meeting on Oct. 7.

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In July, the Committee of Adjustment approved minor variances related to the building height, setbacks, bicycle parking requirements and setbacks to the adjacent Greenlands zone. But the committee had concerns about a reduced number of parking spaces stating there wouldn’t be enough parking for the building’s residents.

The zoning bylaw requires a total of 41 parking spaces for this development and 17 parking spaces are planned for the site, which leaves a shortfall of 24 parking spaces. In July, Josh Neubauer, a planner with Urban Strategies said the residents in affordable housing typically don’t have vehicles.

City staff recommend the planning committee approve the reduced number of parking through a Payment-in-Lieu of Parking application, a report to the Planning and Development Committee states.

A fee of $246,432.00 is required for payment-in-lieu program, the report states.

A rendering shows the proposed development.

In July, Neubauer said the development is needed in the community.

“It’s going to be a four-storey building replacing a long-standing vacant lot…and it is delivering housing at an affordability level that’s urgently needed in a current housing crisis,” said Neubauer.

For more information see the Planning and Development Committee agenda here.

Lead photo of 1639 Lakeshore Rd. W.: Google Maps