Controversial residential towers rejected by Brampton council

Councillors have rejected a controversial residential development in Brampton after nearly 100 residents spoke out against it.

Two multi-storey residential apartments of 12 and 14 storeys were proposed for 1857 Queen St. W. in Brampton.

The proposal from the Rotary Club of Brampton Glen Community Centre spurred opposition over concerns with traffic, transit infrastructure and natural heritage.

Residents also said it wasn’t clear who the units were being built for.

The development could be 332 units for seniors, a care home or 250 units for families with children, said Brampton resident Anthony Mason at the Feb. 13 Planning and Development meeting.

“They didn’t actually know what they wanted to do with these two tower blocks,” Mason said.

Mason raised concerns about the capacity at the local schools, which are already using portables to deal with overcrowding.

City staff recommended the proposal be approved but councillors agreed with the resident concerns. The Planning and Development Committee voted to reject the proposal.

Michael Cara, legal council for the Rotary Club of Brampton Glen Community Centre, asked council to reverse that decision on March 1.

“Rotary is a not-for-profit organization that has worked in good faith with city staff for multiple years on this project,” Cara said.

They spent time and money working on the proposal.

“Ignoring the advice given by staff and refusing my client’s applications will put them in a position where they are forced to file appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal,” said Cara.

The current building at 1857 Queen St. W. Photo via Google Maps

This has serious impacts on Rotary’s ability to work on charitable projects in Brampton as it will cost more money to fight the decision.

He asked councillors to follow the advice of staff and approve the application.

But council voted in favour of rejecting the development.

Another development in the same area, at 1879 Queen St. W., was also a huge concern for area residents. This proposal, for nine single-detached homes, 39 street townhouses, one condo townhouse block and a 12-storey apartment building, was approved.