Another mega housing development is being proposed in Mississauga.
If approved, a development application prepared by Bousfields Inc. for Hazelview Investments would set the stage for the construction of 10 towers and three townhouse blocks on a 7.39-hectare site just east of Little Etobicoke Creek in the Dixie community.
The proposal includes a total of 3,027 residential units, including both rental apartments and condo units. Five high-rise towers would soar from 18 to 41 storeys, while the five mid-rise buildings are between 12 and 15 storeys. The townhouse blocks are planned at three storeys.
Rendering: SvN Architects + Planners
Unit sizes and types aren’t set in stone. However, in the initial application, the community has a combo of 169 bachelor suites, 1,706 one-bedroom units, 731 two-bedroom units, and 236 three-bedroom units, as well as 185 townhouses. “The proposal will establish a vibrant mixed-use community with a wide range of residential dwelling units, new retail uses and new recreational uses, including a new public park that will serve existing and future residents,” reads the planning rationale submitted with the application.
A pair of two-storey mixed-use buildings, a single-storey commercial structure, and large surface parking lots currently occupy the potential development site, referred to as 1580-1650 Dundas Street East.
The existing on-site buildings would be razed to make way for the shiny new community designed by SvN Architects + Planners, but every rental unit lost in the process would be replaced. “The owner is committed to replacing the 68 rental units located within the existing buildings that are proposed to be demolished as part of the redevelopment with the same unit number, type and size and with similar rents,” according to the submission’s housing report.
Rendering: SvN Architects + Planners
The report suggests the assembled lands are “optimally situated” near MiWay and GO Transit stops (for example, the Dixie GO Station is about one kilometre away) as well as along a future bus rapid transit route. The Walk Score for 1580 Dundas Street East is 70, but the address scores lower for transit (53) and cycling infrastructure (52) and the proposal calls for 2,447 parking spaces.
At the southwest corner of the site, a one hectare (10,358 sq. m) public park -- described as “a focal point” of the master-planned community -- would encompass one of six blocks in the massive redevelopment. The parkland dedication, which represents 15% of the developable area, could feature a soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, seating areas, and playgrounds.
Rendering: SvN Architects + Planners
The developer also plans to add 449 sq. m of community space in the podium of a building that neighbours the park. Some of the 2,955 sq. m of retail would be adjacent to the park, while the rest is positioned parallel to Dundas Street East.
“The ultimate build out of the proposal can contribute significantly towards Mississauga’s housing stock, including purpose built rentals and opportunities to explore affordable ownership scenarios,” the planning rationale concludes.
