The developer of a proposed development on Bronte Street South in Milton is looking for an amendment to its building’s application.
At the most recent Town Council meeting, there were two public meetings on developments. One of them concerned a proposed building set for the west side of Bronte Street South at the intersection with Barton Street.
A representative for the developer (Village Developments Inc. and Ornella Group Inc.) presented a case for increasing the maximum height of the building to nine storeys, as well as increase the maximum density to 354 units per hectare. Currently, 150 units per hectare and eight storeys is permitted in the Residential Office designation.
The Town Councillor for Ward 1, Kristina Tesser Derksen, says the Town needs to properly manage our rapid growth as we move forward.
She adds that a person on the street wouldn’t notice the difference between eight storeys and nine storeys; however, she hopes residents still offer their opinions on the proposed change in height and size.
At the proposed location, there are 15 residential townhouse units, and two detached dwellings that are currently vacant.
During the presentation, the representative pointed out while displaying a rendering of the building (see above) that it is planned to have a five-storey element that is tiered up to nine storeys.
Regarding a CN embankment behind the proposed location, Regional Councillor Colin Best asked about a noise wall or crash wall for the building. The representative said the plans currently have a crash wall on the far western edge of the property. It would be buffered by vehicular parking on the first few floors of the building, and the residential aspect of the building wouldn’t begin until 30-metres away from the embankment.
The Town Councillor for Ward 2, John Challinor, asked why the developer filed the proposal under its current height and units per hectare. The representative said that the designs were first made to mitigate impacts. That includes shadow impacts and separation distances that were required by the Milton Mid-Rise Guidelines. He then adds that the shift and increase is to bring more rental units to Milton and the GTA.
Regarding the rental units, Councillor Tesser Derksen asked during the meeting whether the units would be considered affordable housing. It was unclear if the units would be considered affordable, and the representative said they would take the question back to the developer for more clarification on the matter.
One resident, Cheryl McReavy-Jackson, called into the meeting to express their concerns. Councillor Tesser Derksen quickly discusses the call.
During the meeting, McReavy-Jackson said that her and her neighbours had concerns with the value of their houses decreasing. They live near the planned location and she said that when they currently look out, they would be looking at a potentially eight-nine storey building in their backyards. She expressed genuine concern as to how the building got to its current stage.
Councillor Tesser Derksen adds that any residents in Ward 1 who have any concerns with the potential building should reach out to both her and Councillor Best.
You can watch the full meeting from Monday, February 8th here.
The Staff Report on the proposed amendment can be found here.
