Council clears way for 100-unit apartment on Garrison Road
March 10, 2026 at 3:12 AM
An apartment development on Garrison Road will bring a mix of family-friendly options, possibly some affordable housing units, but neighbours think it may also bring some headaches for nearby residents.
Councillors supported a staff recommendation to approve a zoning bylaw amendment for 825 Garrison Road that paves the way for a six-storey, 100-unit apartment building. The development will be on the south side of Garrison Road, just east of Kraft Road.
Despite some concerns voiced by neighbours, councillors supported the application. Councillor Joan Christensen said the mix of units–including one, two and three bedrooms–will offer options for young families. Its location also fits with what the councillor wants to see for Garrison Road.
“I really want to see Garrison looking like a boulevard, eventually,” she said.
While there aren’t any affordable units currently planned, consultant Nicholas Godfrey said that was something they could look at.
“They (the developers) do have experience providing affordable housing so there is that capacity within the development team,” Godfrey said.
There was some opposition from nearby residents. Emilie Schneider, who owns property next to the proposed development, said the layout will mean the proposed parking lot will run along her entire property line.
“The design of this development with its huge residential building and parking spaces will have a long lasting and harmful effect on my entire property,” she said, pointing to a combination of fumes and exhaust blowing onto her property, noise, and the perceived loss of property value that will result.
“My property will be devalued and make it more difficult to sell to prospective buyers or rent in the future,” she said.
She also raised drainage concerns, something other nearby residents expressed in written correspondence.
The proposal required minor relief from parking requirements. Typically this type of build would require 1.5 parking spaces per unit, which would mean 150 spots are required. The developers are proposing 145 spots instead.
“The relief sought results in the loss of five vehicular parking spaces to accommodate room for planted islands in response to review comments from staff,” the report said.
The report included a holding provision recommended by staff that would need to be addressed before construction could go ahead. Under the holding provision the developers would have to satisfy staff that there’s appropriate sanitary sewer capacity at the Alliston Avenue pumping station and the downstream network.
Godfrey requested council consider removing the holding provision, as it’s a regional matter and he said there are other ways to address those concerns.
“The wording of the holding provision in particular puts the onus onto the individual landowner to address those broader sanitary capacity issues,” he said.
At the request of Councillor Nick Dubanow, staff said they will have a meeting with the developers to see if they can come to an agreement before the issue comes back to them at the bylaw stage.
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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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