A plan to build four high-rise towers just west of the Bronte GO station is being greeted with opposition by the Bronte Village Residents Association (BVRA).
The proposal, which would see the six-acre property at 2172 Wyecroft Rd redeveloped into four mixed-use towers ranging from 25 to 35 storeys in height, was revealed to local residents at a public information session last week.
Landowner Northbridge organized the meeting in advance of filing an official planning application, which is expected toward the end of this year or beginning of next year.
About half of the 1,708 proposed units will be one-bedroom units, but the company hasn’t yet decided if the buildings will be developed as rental apartments or condos.
Retail space, as well as commercial space that may be developed as a daycare, is planned for the ground floor.
The proposal calls for 1,385 parking spaces for residents, as well as 256 combined spaces for daycare, retail and visitors.
The BVRA, which has posted the slides from the company’s presentation on its website, calls the proposal “overdevelopment.”
It notes that Oakville’s official plan only allows for buildings from 5 to 20 storeys on the site.
“As a result of the degree the buildings exceed height regulations, the unit count will deliver approximately 2,400 people,” says the BVRA website.
“Oakville's planned Urban Structure for the Bronte GO area is a population of 4,555 people by 2051. This development alone would equal more than 50% of that number. That's over-development.”
The residents’ group also notes that the proposal includes no green space and would cover the property with buildings, paved plazas, parking lots and roads.
Describing the plan as “aggressive,” BVRA president Harry O’Shea says development of the Bronte GO area needs to balance increasing housing supply while also protecting the area’s livability for future residents. He favours a mix of low and mid-rise buildings for the community.
“We know development is coming, we know growth is coming, that’s not an issue. This is not NIMBY-ism by any stretch, but with certain planning tools we can ensure that the growth and the livability of the residents are appropriate.”
On behalf of the developer, planning consultant Bousfields said the proposal for the site would dedicate land toward a new public road, allowing up to four additional storeys above the allowed 20 on the property.
“In considering the site’s location next door to a higher-order transit station, we think that it is the right location to consider additional height in the context of a thoughtfully planned and delivered mixed-use development,” said a Bousfields spokesperson by email.
“We are early in the planning process and look forward to continued consultation with town staff and the local community as the plans progress.”