Increased Alliston Woods density met with resistance from council
January 27, 2026 at 4:32 AM
New owners of the long awaited second phase of the Alliston Woods subdivision are pitching a new plan, one that’s been met with some hesitancy from councillors.
Increased density with a heavy focus on townhouse units would see the total unit count for the second phase reach 378, with 53 being single detached units and the remaining a mix of street townhouse units and stacked townhomes. A previous plan that received council’s blessing back in 2014 approved 304 units for the lands.
Consultant Nicholas Godfrey, with Upper Canada Consultants, presented the plan to councillors on behalf of Mountainview Homes Monday night, which purchased the property a few years ago. Godfrey said they were bringing the new plan forward to reflect the current situation.
“I’d argue what we’re doing is bringing these up to speed with current, contemporary market realities,” he said, responding to councillor questions about an entire new plan coming forward.
Councillors raised several other questions and potential issues with the development. Chief among them were traffic and pedestrian connections, the significant increase in density, and heavy use of townhouse units.
“I’m so frustrated with these landscapes of townhomes,” said Councillor Nick Dubanow.
Councillors also questioned the lack of affordable housing in the development. While there aren’t plans to provide affordable housing, Godfrey did suggest some steps, such as smaller lot sizes, were planned that could provide for more attainable housing options.
Resident William Thomas, chair of the town’s affordable housing advisory committee, praised councillors for raising the issue of affordable housing.
“We should be thinking about how we work affordable housing into the conversation,” he said.
Despite some opposition, there was some optimism to finally move the project forward. Approval for the initial phase of the project goes as far back as the turn of the millennium, as the 103 lots for single detached homes was greenlit in 2001.
“It’s nice to see this gap in that area of town fill out,” said Dubanow.
Councillor Tom Lewis also broached the idea of implementing a sunset clause in an updated draft plan approval, something Godfrey said they’d be open to though not initially fully supportive of.
The purpose of sunset clauses is to ensure developments move forward and don’t sit idle for years, like this one has.
However, Godfrey said sunset clauses may not be the best solution.
“It doesn’t necessarily spur development,” he said, adding it could scare off investors.
Mayor Wayne Redekop suggested staff consider what the density levels could hit if future owners install accessory dwelling units, and also encouraged a peer review of the traffic impact study.
No decisions were made at the meeting. Staff will now take the information provided and develop a recommendation report.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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