Brampton’s Planning and Development Committee has rejected a controversial proposal for a 12-storey apartment building at 3407 Countryside Dr., near Goreway Drive, after strong opposition from local residents.
The proposed development included:
- 128 apartment units
- Ground-floor commercial space
- 175 parking spaces
The application was submitted by Gagnon Walker Domes (GWD) Ltd. on behalf of property owners Surinder Malhi and Charanjit Dhaliwal.
Residents Raised Concerns About Traffic, Density and Neighbourhood Character
At the May 11 committee meeting, residents argued the project was incompatible with the surrounding low-density executive residential community.
Local resident Bruno Spina said the development would:
- increase traffic congestion
- create additional noise
- impact privacy for nearby homes
- alter the quiet nature of the neighbourhood
Another resident, Ryan Coelho, submitted a petition containing approximately 700 signatures opposing the project.
Residents argued the existing infrastructure and road network were already heavily used and could not properly support a high-density development of this scale.
City Staff Recommended Refusal
An April 7 staff report prepared by city planner Harjot Sra recommended rejecting the proposal, stating the building represented:
“an overdevelopment of the subject lands”
The report further concluded the proposal:
- was incompatible with the surrounding area
- introduced excessive height and scale
- did not represent good planning
- would negatively impact the existing community context
Councillors Support Residents
Harkirat Singh praised residents and city staff for the extensive consultation process and for reviewing public feedback carefully.
Committee chair Michael Palleschi congratulated residents after the committee voted to refuse the application.
Developer Argued Project Would Modernize the Area
During earlier public meetings in 2025, the developer’s planning consultant argued the building would:
- provide attractive architectural design
- support intensification goals
- contribute to Brampton’s image as a modern and livable city
Despite those arguments, the committee sided with residents and planning staff in rejecting the proposal.
The decision reflects growing tensions in many GTA communities between intensification targets and concerns over neighbourhood compatibility, traffic pressures and infrastructure capacity.