193-unit townhouse project may alter northwest London neighborhood

A massive townhouse development in northwest London may help with London’s housing needs, but the fight is on to maintain the sense of community in a rapidly growing area, said one city politician.

A 193-unit townhouse development proposed for 1875 Dalmagarry Rd. was before the city’s planning and environment committee meeting Monday, but it is one among several proposals near Wonderland and Fanshawe Park roads, said Ward 7 Coun. Corrine Rahman.

“It fits with the character of the neighborhood very well. There are existing townhomes across the street,” and would be located behind a Walmart, she said.

“But it is one of several projects coming forward in the ward and we need to consider it from a holistic perspective.”

The area may also see a 17-storey residential tower, proposed for Gainsborough Road, and other townhouse and mid-rise developments on Gainsborough, as the north London area is getting a lot of attention from builders.

“There is a need to address housing but there is a lot of building and it puts pressure on parks and roads and schools. It is important we keep buffer areas and enhance parks nearby,” she said.

“It is a beautiful neighbourhood. There are so many amenities. We want to protect that.”

Rahman will raise with city staff how to enhance Coronation and Blackacres parks in the area, she said.

“They could use enhancements. Dalmagarry is a busy road, a busy corridor. We need to address these concerns as we build out this community.”

The city committee voted to support the plan Monday with an amendment from Ward 11 Coun. Skylar Franke to add bicycle parking to the development.

The 193 units to be built by York Developments would be three-storeys, divided among 46 townhouse buildings. The three hectare site is formerly farm land, on the south side of Dalmagarry.

There is a woodlot to the west, single detached homes and townhouse units to the east and other single-family homes located near the site.

Ward 8 Coun. Steve Lehman, chairperson of the planning committee, agrees it fits with the neighbourhood, but also is an important step toward the city’s goal of building 47,000 homes in 10 years.

“It fits right in with our discussions on intensification. It is a substantial development and we welcome more housing,” said Lehman.

“This is very much a high-growth area. The northwest is pretty built out.”

City staff threw its support behind the proposal, recommending approval and saying the project is appropriate for the site and permitted under zoning.

But some neighborhood residents questioned the development and its impact on traffic.

“I am concerned about the 26 units that will be backing cars directly out onto Dalmagarry which is already a very busy through road with traffic cutting through from Gainsborough to Walmart/Fanshawe, increasing safety concerns,” read a letter from resident Kathryn McDonald, who also expressed concern about the style of the development, height of units and walkways through the site.

“My biggest concern is about the busy traffic of that roundabout which provides access to these units. Due to the Walmart right beside Dalmagarry Road, the traffic in this roundabout has been very busy and crazy sometimes,” stated another letter from Jia Cheng.

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