Dear City Planners,

We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of Brampton, express our strong opposition to the proposed development at 104 and 118 Queen Street West (file OZS-2024-0034). The proposed high-density, 51-storey mixed-use tower situated on a 7-storey podium raises significant concerns regarding its compatibility with the existing urban fabric and the overall character of our community. Our key concerns are as follows:

Excessive Height and Scale:

• The proposed 51-storey tower is unprecedented in height and scale within the Downtown Brampton area. Such a towering structure is not only out of character with the predominantly low- and mid-rise buildings surrounding it but also creates an overwhelming and imposing presence that detracts from the community's aesthetic appeal.
• The drastic increase in Floor Space Index (FSI) from 2.0 to 12.0 sets a concerning precedent for future developments, potentially leading to further disproportionate high-rise projects that do not fit within the established context.

Lack of Transition:

• The development fails to provide an adequate transition between the proposed high-density tower and the existing low-rise residential neighborhoods. This abrupt change in height and density is likely to create significant negative impacts, including shadowing, reduced privacy, and an overall loss of community character.
• Proper urban planning principles dictate the need for graduated building heights to ensure harmonious integration with surrounding areas, a principle blatantly disregarded by this proposal.

Negative Impact on Community Character:

• The proposed development threatens to undermine the historical and cultural integrity of Downtown Brampton. Our community's identity is closely tied to its human-scale architecture, historical buildings, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, all of which are jeopardized by the introduction of such a high-rise structure.
• The demolition of properties of cultural heritage value and interest at 104 Queen Street West further exacerbates the loss of our cultural heritage and diminishes the unique character of our neighborhood.
• Potential for damage to adjacent heritage building located at 100 Queen Street West, known as the John Howard
  Society Building, which is designated under Part IV of the OHA.

Infrastructure and Traffic Concerns:

• The significant increase in residential units and commercial space will inevitably strain existing infrastructure, including roads, public transit, and utilities. The current infrastructure is not designed to accommodate such a high density of population and activity, leading to congestion and reduced quality of life for current residents.
• The addition of 551 residential units will result in increased traffic, noise, and pollution, further impacting the well-being of the local community.

Environmental and Sustainability Issues:

• The proposed development's environmental impact, particularly concerning the removal of existing green spaces and mature trees, is a critical concern. The Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan fails to adequately address the long-term environmental consequences of such a large-scale development.

Our Request:

We respectfully urge the City of Brampton to reject the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for the development at 104 and 118 Queen Street West. We call for a more community-focused approach that respects the existing character and scale of our neighborhood, provides appropriate transitions between building heights, and preserves the historical and cultural assets of Downtown Brampton.

We, the undersigned, stand united in our commitment to maintaining the integrity, character, and livability of our community.