Residents packed into council chambers to oppose an intensification plan for a property in Mississauga.
The development is proposed for 4100 Ponytrail Dr. and 1850 Rathburn Rd. E. in the northeast area of the city, at the border with Etobicoke, according to a report submitted to the City of Mississauga.
The property owners would like to build three 20-storey apartment buildings containing 695 units. Two 18-storey apartment buildings already occupy the property and will remain on the site. A 25-storey building was previously approved by the Committee of Adjustment.
An aerial photo shows the existing buildings at 4100 Ponytrail Dr. and 1850 Rathburn Rd. E. Photo: City of Mississauga
Property owner, Chelsea on the Green I Limited Partnership, submitted the development proposal to the city in June. The project requires an Official Plan amendment to proceed.
In August, Ward 3 Coun. Chris Fonseca said she had heard concerns from community members, and she agreed that adding multiple highrise towers to an already-dense site creates severe cumulative impacts on traffic, local infrastructure and neighbourhood character.
A rendering shows the new highrise buildings next to the existing buildings at 4100 Ponytrail Dr. and 1850 Rathburn Rd. E. Rendering: City of Mississauga submission
Residents of the existing buildings and other community members came out to the Sept. 21 City of Mississauga Planning and Development Committee meeting.
Residents raised concerns about the water and sewer capacity, pedestrian safety, shadow, setbacks, parking and increased traffic.
Community member and realtor Michael Cahill said he is concerned about the level of intensification. He asked council to refuse the application.
“This is not good planning; in my opinion, this is insanity,” said Cahill.
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Resident Robert Miller said the existing buildings provide 385 rental homes and must be retained. He asked for a commitment to keep those buildings for 20 years.
“Existing tenants must not become the afterthought while the rest of the property is being intensified,” said Miller.
He added that the new buildings would result in a loss of privacy and open green space.
A rendering shows the new development looking northeast from the intersection of the Chechalk and Shaver Trails. Rendering: City of Mississauga submission
Fonseca agreed with the residents.
“I think this is totally irresponsible,” Fonseca said. “This flies in the face of our Official Plan.”
She added that the community was devastated by flooding in 2013, mainly caused by runoff. She noted the property is not in a growth area, and it’s not near major transit.
Squeezing 4,000 people on the property is not smart or responsible growth and development, Fonseca said. She asked the property owners to meet with existing building residents to discuss retaining the buildings and maintaining those buildings.
No decisions were made on the application as the city planning staff said they needed the developer to address several issues including the height and massing, density, site layout, zoning performance standards, and clarification on technical matters related to feasibility.
For more information, see the meeting and reports here.
Lead rendering: City of Mississauga submission
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