Proposed townhouses reduced in size after opposition in Mississauga

A proposed townhouse development in Mississauga is now a bit smaller after community comments.

Plans for a vacant property at 86 Thomas St. in Streetsville have been in the works for several years.

The first proposal in 2020 was for a four-storey high, 10-unit back-to-back townhouse development.

After comments from staff and the community, the property owner reduced the building height from four storeys to three storeys, according to a report to the city’s Planning and Development Committee.

In 2021, residents raised concerns about the height of the buildings. Google map photos show the property was previously home to a small, single-storey house.

The new proposal, for 10, three-storey, back-to-back townhomes will go to the committee on Nov. 25.

Other changes to the plans include the removal of road access onto Thomas Street and a larger landscaped buffer along the west property line. The size of concrete porch structures facing Thomas Street was reduced to improve the appearance of the street-facing façade and maintain compatibility with homes in the neighbourhood.

In 2021, the public also expressed concerns about many trees removed from the property. Photos show a previously treed lot. In 2017, forestry staff investigated and obtained a witness. In 2018, the matter went to trial but the witness did not appear and the charges were withdrawn.

A Google photo from 2016 shows many trees on the property.

After several revisions to the proposal, the developer has taken the plan to the Ontario Land Tribunal for approval due to a non-decision from the city. The tribunal adjudicates matters related to land use planning and can override municipal decisions.

Staff are waiting for confirmation from the developer on a few matters including adding noise-related warning clauses and school capacity levels in sales agreements, and that the addresses of the rear units will be associated with the existing condominium road on the adjacent property and the front units will be associated with Thomas Street.

However, staff are satisfied with the revisions to the plan and recommend city council approve the project.

The new development is in an appropriate location in a neighbourhood, adds to the range of housing the Streetsville and makes more efficient use of the subject property, the report states.

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

Lead rendering of the proposed townhouses: City of Mississauga submission