The publishing of letters of appeal against Burlington’s new Official Plan has revealed yet another major development proposal for Aldershot, one about which few people are aware.
In its letter objecting to the city’s new Official Plan, Camarro Development Group disclosed plans for what it calls an “upscale future friendly development,” consisting of 30- and 32-storey residential towers at the north end of Cooke Blvd., specifically on the east side of the street at 1062 and 1074.
“This location is ideal for commuters situated only a 400-metre walk to the Aldershot GO train station on the Lakeshore East/West with trips every 30 minutes,” according to Camarro’s website.
Camarro reports that the project is in early development and will eventually be constructed in two phases using “the most advanced sustainable technologies.”
“I still have to determine whether it’s going to be purpose-built rental or if it’s going to be a condo project. I haven’t decided,” said Kyle Camarro, CEO and president, during an interview.
Mr. Camarro is not enthusiastic about retail on the first floor of his buildings although he understands that the city wants it. He said he would need some assurance that the retailer would be upscale, something he worries he could not control. “I don’t want a nail salon or a dry cleaner or anything ugly on the first floor.”
Camarro is just the latest developer to reveal big and tall plans for the area around the Aldershot GO Station, technically known as a Major Transit Station Area, or MTSA.
Adi Development Group wants to build up to 39 storeys in three towers at the corner of Waterdown Road and Masonry Court. As an alternative, they would consider four buildings with heights of 18 to 39 storeys.
The Camarro appeal argues a number of specific policy issues and joins Adi in opposing the city’s current height limit of just six storeys.
Aldershot city Councillor Kelvin Galbraith reports that he has only had preliminary conversations with Camarro and they have not filed an application with the city or begun preliminary talks with planning staff.
There is a bit of a race going on to determine the final design and content of the Aldershot MTSA. The city is expected to begin detailed studies later this year, but at the same time, the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal is scheduling hearings that will rule on the appeals.
Mr. Camarro is looking forward to approval to move ahead. “I’m excited to connect the building to the community and have community input.”
