New development plan replaces controversial Catholic nun project in Mississauga

A new development proposal has replaced a formerly controversial project for a large, multi-storey Catholic nun convent and senior’s apartment complex in Mississauga.

In 2020, the Carmelite Sisters of Canada presented plans for the complex on a piece of property they owned at 1720 Sherwood Forrest Circle, the southwest corner of Mississauga Road and Dundas Street West.

The site was occupied by a smaller convent and retirement home, but the retirement home ceased operations in 2015. The new plan included a six-storey complex consisting of 166 seniors’ apartments, 156 assisted living units and 26 convent units.

But both residents and councillors spoke out against the project saying there were many issues with access, size and character.

A sign was posted on the site notifying residents of the proposal. (Photo: Google Maps)

Argo Development Corporation purchased the approximately 4.63-hectare property from the Carmelite Sisters on July 21, 2023, according to city documents.

There was a virtual community meeting was held on July 26 last year on the new project proposal, and the plans were posted this month to the City of Mississauga development proposal page.

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The new development proposal from Sherwood Forrest Limited Partnership includes 56 detached homes on a private condominium road and a five-block subdivision with residential, open space and right-of-way widening on Mississauga Road.

The project would be a “compact, refined, high-quality residential development that seamlessly integrates and acts as a natural, logical extension of the surrounding established Sheridan community,” according to a report from Glen Schnarr & Associates Inc. to the city.

“It will positively contribute to the existing and planned context of the surrounding community, while also supporting Sheridan as a vibrant, complete community.”

The homes would be accessed from a private road network extending from Sherwood Forrest Circle. The homes are to be three-storeys high and organized around the private road networks and landscaped open spaces.

Comments from the public meeting last July indicated people were generally supportive of the new proposal compared to the six-storey complex.

There are no other public meeting dates posted yet for this proposal. For more information, see the city page here.