By Rob Elbertsen

Although this development plan application is not within the Centennial community boundaries, many residents may have an interest in it. The property on Military Trail and Kingston Rd. has been vacant for many years. There have been two development applications for it: In 2006, the Ontario Municipal Board approved plans for a townhouse development consisting of 66 units. This development was never constructed. In April 2010, approval was granted for the construction of a four-storey, 160-unit retirement residence. Due to inactivity, this file was closed in 2014.

Last fall an application was submitted on behalf of Altree Developments to allow for the construction of two eight-storey residential buildings on the property. The Highland Creek Community Secondary Plan as well as the Zoning Bylaws for the area permit a maximum building height of six storeys.  This proposed project would have a total of 620 residential units, a 2 ½  level underground parking facility for 577 vehicles along with 466 bicycle parking spaces.       

In order to permit the proposed building development plan, the developer has requested several Official Plan amendments and rezoning applications, notably for excessive building height and density. In addition, other critical issues are to be resolved, such as:

  • Official Plan Conformity
  • Ravine and Natural Heritage Protection
  • Parkland
  • Tree Preservation
  • Archaeological Assessment
  • Traffic Volume

City Planning Division has authorized the scheduling of a community consultation meeting regarding this proposed development. Councillor Jennifer McKelvie is strongly encouraging residents to attend this community consultation meeting:

Date: Wednesday, April 22

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: St. Dunstan of Canterbury Church, 56 Lawson Rd.

Note: Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, this meeting may be postponed. If that happens, the CCRA will issue a notification via social media. Residents may also contact Councillor McKelvie’s office (416-338-3771) to confirm the meeting’s status.