2620 Chalkwell Close Development Approved with No Method to Appeal
On Monday, February 10, 2025, the Mississauga Planning and Development committee approved by a vote of 10 to 1 the proposed development of 2620 Chalkwell Close (former site of Elmcrest Public School). Councillor Dipika Damerla of Ward 7 was the only councillor to reject the proposal. Councillor Alvin Tedjo, our Ward 2 representative, voted to approve the development proposal by Dunpar Homes.
The Park Royal Community Association (PRCA) presented in opposition to this development of 166 back-to-back townhomes 13 metres in height. Other residents of Park Royal also presented.
Residents Marina Le Brun and Craig Thompson presented evidence that was verified by the Deputy Fire Chief Samuel Williams of the Mississauga Fire Department that this proposed development plan does not provide adequate fire department vehicle access to comply with the Ontario Building Code. Upon questioning from Councillor Damerla, the fire department representatives indicated that likely the number of units would have to be reduced to meet the Ontario Building Code or meet the requirements of the code in an alternative manner. This would be addressed during the Site Plan Approval (SPA) process and via the building permit process.
The presentation from Marina Le Brun and Craig Thompson indicated that in the current design, 51 of the 166 proposed units do not meet the Ontario Building Code. They also pointed out that in an emergency, accessing this site only by Chalkwell Close is dangerous with parked cars and snow removal.
Sadly, after exploring options to appeal this decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal, there is not a path open to the Park Royal Community Association. Because of recent June 6, 2024 legislative changes introduced by the Ford government through “The Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act” Bill 185, the Park Royal Community Association or any individual no longer qualifies as a “specified person”.
Only specified persons who presented before the Mississauga Planning and Development Committee are eligible to launch an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal under The Planning Act.
The Park Royal Community Association is very disappointed by the actions of our elected representatives. Our own Ward 2 Councillor Alvin Tedjo did nothing to stand up for our concerns about the 2620 Chalkwell Close development proposal. Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish showed little regard for our concerns, while Ward 11 Councillor Brad Butt misrepresented the Dunpar Homes development in his ward, stating that there is only one entry point to that development as well, instead two entry points exist and are near Thomas Street—not exactly the same as Chalkwell Close.
The Park Royal Community Association is also disappointed that our ability to appeal such a decision is made impossible by “The Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act” that was voted into law by our member of provincial parliament Rudy Cuzzetto and Premier Doug Ford.
Our municipal and provincial representatives show disregard for those of us who live in Park Royal and understand our community and how these decisions—by those who do not live here—will affect us.
What can we do? First, take time to watch the replay of the 2620 Chalkwell Close decision by Mississauga city council. Look at their disregard for the common sense objections we raised. See the hard work many community members put into their presentations to make an impact and speak up for our community. We all have very busy lives, these people confronted this challenge head on.
If you only have a few minutes, watch from minute 44 in the recording to see when Deputy Fire Chief Samuel Williams of the Mississauga Fire Department agrees with the presenters' assessment that the proposal does not meet fire vehicle access requirements.
We can also hold those we elect accountable. Write letters and emails to Councillor Tedjo to let him know your disappointment. Write Rudy Cuzzetto and tell him about how his support of “The Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act” hurt our ability to have a say in the development of our own community. Take the time to vote in elections and ask candidates their plans to respect the will of communities.
The next step for 2620 Chalkwell Close is that Dunpar Homes will have to get site approval for their plans. Since their existing plans violate the Ontario Building Code, there will hopefully be substantial revisions still to the site design. The next steps are not open to the public, but we should keep the pressure on and make sure they know we are watching their every decision.
Dunpar Homes expressed a desire to start construction in the summer of 2025. So, the site approval will begin shortly. Hopefully our continued scrutiny for this project will still ensure further reductions in the number of units—for the safety of those who live in Park Royal and those that will move into this new development.
