26-storey condo approved despite Burlington objections

An Ontario body that adjudicates planning disputes has ruled in favour of a developer that wants to build a 26-storey condo in Burlington.

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) agreed with Renimmob Properties Limited that the planned complex at 535 to 551 Brant St. is appropriate for the site which is located just north of downtown. It currently is home to several small retail stores between Victoria St. and Caroline St.

The development will go ahead despite objections from the City of Burlington which wanted the building to rise to just 17 floors based on its vision for growth in the area. The No Frills plaza is not part of the project.

Start date for the project has not been announced but when complete the building will house 259 residential units with commercial buildings on the lower level. Further, there will be room for 226 parking spaces for cars and 88 for bicycles. The vehicular entrance will be from John St.

While Burlington did not oppose the concept of the building, it argued before the tribunal that the location was not appropriate for a 26-storey building and that the ground-level plans did not encourage “a sense of place” for Brant St. envisioned by the City.

In making its decision, however, the OLT ruled in favour of the developer’s proposal after agreeing that the site is suitable for such intensification and density and fits with the Ontario government’s call for growth in urban areas.

(Street view concept of the building)