Massive 9 tower development that would bring 4,690 units to Mississauga rejected

A massive development proposal that would have brought 4,690 units to vacant land in Mississauga was rejected.

The proposal for five pieces of vacant land in the Hurontario Street and Eglinton Avenue East area would bring nine towers and a townhouse development.

The 21-acre property covers land at 4615 Hurontario Street, 25, 35, 55, 105 and 110 Elia Avenue and 136 Eglinton Avenue East, south of Eglinton Avenue East and east of Hurontario Street.

Owner, The Elia Corporation, proposed eight apartment buildings, ranging in height from 28 to 42 storeys with ground floor commercial space, one 45-storey mixed-use building and eight blocks of townhouses containing 120 dwellings. A total of 4,690 units was proposed.

While intensification and growth are encouraged for land near transit — this property is near a future LRT stop — the permitted height for this property is 25 storeys, said city planner Adam Lucus.

“The sheer size and scope is staggering,” said Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac at the city’s Planning and Development committee meeting on May 8.

The application for the project was initially submitted in August 2021 and discussed in January of 2022. But the owner has taken the proposal to the Ontario Land Tribunal on the basis of the city’s non-decision. A hearing is scheduled for March 2024.

Many residents came forward to speak against the proposal during past public meetings. Concerns ranged from traffic congestion, parking, and a lack of infrastructure to support the influx of new residents.

This “massive” development would impact the community with increased density impacting schools and traffic, one resident told the committee on May 8.

Lucas said a major concern is the shadow the tall buildings would cast on the neighbouring homes. And the proposal does not meet the city’s standards for sun shadow studies.

The committee voted in favour of opposing the current development proposal and supporting staff at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing.

But there is hope the city and developer could reach an agreement before the March 2024 hearing.

Peter Smith of Bousfields, who prepared the application on behalf of the owner, said he hopes to work with staff to avoid a hearing. And Kovac said he would like the owner to “meet the community halfway” and come up with a more acceptable proposal.

For more information see the planning report here.