Residents face hurdles in fight against huge condo development in Mississauga

A huge, 966-unit development could take another step forward this month, despite ongoing opposition from residents.

The three-tower condo development, planned for 189 Dundas St. W. in Cooksville, has been in the works for several years. The developer, Augend 189 Dundas West Village Properties Ltd., submitted an application to the city in June 2021. A vacant car sales business is currently on the property.

The project went to the Ontario Land Tribunal in 2023, but has been delayed. A merit hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24, according to the tribunal’s website. The tribunal can override municipal decisions on developments.

The plan, which appeared to be moving forward in late 2023, was for three condominium apartment buildings of  25-, 18-, and 16-storeys high. This was reduced from 32-, 20- and 18-storeys high after a negotiation with the city.

Neighbouring property owners Paul and Freeda Ricardo have been leading the fight, along with nearby residents, to reduce the density of the development due to concerns about traffic and privacy.

Freeda launched a petition in 2023 and continues to speak out.

“Our community has petitioned, attended city hall, the OLT, as well as the Tribunal, only to witness that our concerns for safety, our concerns for our lifelong investments are fully disregarded,” Freeda told INsauga.com.

A rendering of the plans for 189 Dundas St. W. submitted in 2023.

She and Paul plan to attend the next Ontario Land Tribunal meeting but are missing a vital report.

They have requested the developer’s new light/shadow study that was submitted to the city. They had hoped to have the study in advance of the Sept. 24 meeting, but had to put in a freedom of information request.

The Ricardos said it will be difficult to speak constructively if they don’t have the new information in the study report. The delay undermines transparency and public accountability, they said.

“We have a right to see the study if it is submitted to the city; it should be public,” Paul said.

A car sales lot was at 189 Dundas St. W. Photo: Google Maps

A City of Mississauga spokesperson told INsauga.com that the documents may contain personal, copyrighted or third party information, and therefore, a freedom of information request was required.

“The city has 30 days to provide the requested information and is in the process of compiling the information, which is due to the requester by September 13,” the spokesperson said.

The Ricardos are concerned that the project will bring more traffic to Parkerhill Road. They also said the height far exceeds what is permitted on the property. Anything in excess 10 or 12 storeys is too high for this residential area, they said.

Their home backs onto the development property.

“It’s literally in our backyard,” Freeda said.

Their concerns include loss of privacy, wind and shadow cast over their home and their neighbours’ homes.

“They are forcing us out of the city, I don’t want to live this way,” Freeda added.

Lead rendering: City of Mississauga submission from 2023