Highrise complex proposed near Westminster Ponds ESA draws criticism, but land-swap sways planning committee

Residents showed up to city hall on Tuesday to voice concerns about a proposal for four high-rises near the Westminster Ponds.

A highrise development proposed on land adjacent to the northern boundary of the Westminster Ponds environmentally significant area was supported by the planning and environment committee after Mayor Josh Morgan said the plan is a better environmental fit than what is currently permitted.

Auburn Developments has applied to rezone the property at 845–875 Commissioners Rd. E. to allow four 14-storey buildings with a total of 868 residential units on the 6.9-hectare site, which is currently zoned for a mix of commercial and light industrial uses.

“We’re very excited by the opportunity to develop this site and build several hundred rental housing units,” said Alex Vandersluis, development manager at Auburn Developments.

About a dozen delegates, however, raised concerns about locating such an intense residential development near the ESA and provincially significant wetlands.

Several councillors also expressed concern that the project’s environmental impact study was described in a staff report as “insufficient to deem acceptable and requires additional information.”

“I wouldn’t approve this without that EIS [environmental impact statement],” said Coun. David Ferreira. “I’m not saying not to approve it. I’m just saying we should have all the information in front of us before we make these decisions.”

City staff said the environmental impact study could be completed during the site plan approval process.

But Coun. Sam Trosow said the document should come earlier.

“The EIS serves as a document that should happen early in the process,” he said. “It should not be something that is left until after the fact.”

Morgan asked opponents to consider how the proposal is arranged on the property.

The buildings and parking areas are concentrated in the northwest corner along Commissioners Road. A land swap would see the city provide the developer with an unused municipal right of way in exchange for an undeveloped portion of the property that would expand the ESA.

Morgan said rejecting the application would leave zoning in place that allows light industrial development up to the edge of the wetlands.

“The reality today is the site can be developed in a way that you probably would disagree with more,” he told delegates. “If there’s an opportunity to absorb a good portion of this site through a development agreement that allows the city to expand the ESA and protect that portion forever, that’s not a bad pathway moving forward.”

The committee voted to recommend approval of the residential development.

City council will make a final decision April 28.