BRANTFORD — A substantial residential development is poised to transform a 58.86-hectare (128-acre) expanse in West Brant.
The proposed subdivision, located at 205-211, 299, 399, and 409 Mount Pleasant Road, is set to unfold in three phases.
Despite the project’s promise of diverse housing options and community amenities, residents of the Pioneer Grove neighbourhood are expressing concerns about its potential impact, particularly advocating for Clement Drive to remain a closed street.
Submitted by Glen Schnarr and Associates Inc. on behalf of Kennedy (Mount Pleasant) Inc., the proposed development will feature a mix of housing types and community amenities distributed across three phases:
Phase 1 (11.57 ha / 28.60 acres):
● 80 single-detached dwellings, 15 semi-detached dwellings, 75 street townhouses, and 115-145 block townhouses.
● Infrastructure: Stormwater management pond, walkways, and public roads.
Phase 2 (30.81 ha / 76.14 acres):
● 180 single-detached dwellings, 40 semi-detached dwellings, and 195 street townhouses.
● Mixed-use commercial block
● Dual-zoned school/residential block
● Community amenities: Two park blocks, natural heritage systems, and stormwater management facilities.
Phase 3 (9.48 ha / 23.43 acres):
● 80 single-detached dwellings, including 3 estate lots, 20 semi-detached dwellings, and 90 street townhouses.
● Medium-density residential block
● Walkways, road widening, and local public roadways.
In total, the development will introduce approximately 900 new homes to the area, complemented by commercial spaces, parks, and a site for a potential elementary school.
The project includes substantial public infrastructure to support the new development:
● Road Network: A new collector road will connect to Mount Pleasant Road and extend through Phases 1 and 2, while local roads will serve Phase 3. Notably, Clement Drive will be connected to the development despite opposition from local residents.
● Pedestrian Access: Walkways are planned to link the development to the L.E. & N. Trail, and a proposed pedestrian path will connect Sherman Drive with Phase 1.
● Stormwater Management: Each phase will feature stormwater management facilities to handle runoff and ensure sustainable water practices.
Significant amendments to the current zoning regulations are proposed to facilitate the development.
The existing zoning across the site includes “Suburban Residential (SR)” and “Agricultural Employment (AE).”
The proposed zoning changes will accommodate a mix of residential, commercial, and open space uses:
● Phase 1: The land will be rezoned from “Holding-1 Suburban Residential (h-1 SR)” to several residential and open space zones, including “Residential Singles – Exception 21 Zone (h-R1-21)” and “Residential Multiple Medium Density – Exceptions 10 and 11 Zones (h-RM2-10 and h-RM2-11).”
● Phase 2: This phase will see rezoning to include the “Natural Heritage (NH) Zone,” “Mixed Use Commercial Zone (h-C5),” and “Minor Institutional Exception 2 Zone (hN2-2),” among others.
● Phase 3: The current zoning of “Agricultural Employment (AE)” and “Suburban Residential (SR)” will be changed to “Residential Singles – Exception 21 Zone (h-R1-21)” and “Residential Multiple Medium Density – Exception 10 Zone (h-RM2-10).”
As the City of Brantford moves forward with this extensive residential project, the balance between new growth and preserving the character of existing neighbourhoods remains a focal point of discussion.
The proposed development, by Glen Schnarr and Associates Inc. on behalf of Kennedy (Mount Pleasant) Inc., promises to bring new housing and amenities to West Brant.
At the same time, ongoing community feedback will be crucial in shaping the outcome.
