Council defers decision on revised Phase 2 of Alliston Woods subdivision
September 17, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Councillors greeted a plan to increase unit counts and move to a heavily townhouse-focused development at the Alliston Woods subdivision with a healthy dose of skepticism.
They ultimately deferred a decision on the proposal until September 28 to give them time to consider some legal aspects based on a recent letter received from the lawyer for developer Mountainview Homes.
However, councillors expressed concern about parking for the area, as well as a move away from single family homes to townhouses that will also increase the overall unit count.
A previously approved plan for Phase 2 saw a total of 98 single detached dwellings, 61 street townhouse units, and 59 block townhouse units. The new plan sees the number of single detached homes decreased to 53, street townhouse units increased to 257, block townhouse units eliminated entirely, and the introduction of 68 stacked townhouse units.
“Years ago we approved something that was going to have 304 units,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop. “Now we’re faced with something that’s 60 per cent greater in terms of the number of housing units.”
Earlier this year, Upper Canada Consultants submitted applications on behalf of Mountainview Homes for official plan and zoning bylaw amendments, and to approve a revised draft plan of subdivision. Staff’s recommendation report recommended approval, but included holding provisions related to sanitary servicing capacity and transportation capacity.
Councillors likewise had concerns about parking. Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes said plans for on-street parking don’t work with existing Town bylaws, namely minimum distance requirements for parking spots from driveways.
“We need a solution for that. And I don’t see any solution,” she said.
Supervisor of Development Approvals Devon Morton said staff similarly don’t support the parking plan as outlined.
“From a development planning perspective, we are not accepting the parking plan, full stop,” he said.
But since the new application doesn’t seek relief from parking provisions, it will have to meet current minimums. Redekop noted there’s potential concern about where visitors would park if there’re no on-street spots available.
The increased unit count and heavier focus on townhouses nonetheless received support from staff, with Morton saying the stacked townhouse units are “appropriately located.”
Redekop, who has in the past expressed displeasure about developers focusing their attention on townhouses, disagreed.
“What we really need is housing that will meet the needs of people living in this community, and I don’t think that some of these units are necessarily that,” he said.
Despite hesitancy from councillors to support the new plan and the deferral passing, Redekop acknowledged Mountainview Homes’ strong history of home-building.
“Mountainview Homes has a very good reputation and has built some wonderful housing units in the Town of Fort Erie and all over the place,” he said.
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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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