I have lived in St Thomas along Elm Street by Centennial Rd for several years, and it has always been a wonderful area, with its blend of mature, older homes and the charm of newer single-dwelling and semi-detached properties. Our neighborhood is not just a place where we live; it's a place where families grow, kids walk to school, kids ride their bikes along roadways,  people enjoy being outside in their yards year round, and the surrounding neighborhood enjoys the slower level of their daily lifestyle. The character of our neighborhood is under threat by a proposed apartment building development that does not reflect or respect the scale and essence of our established surroundings.

The developer's plans, replete with extensive design analysis, fall short of demonstrating how their principles truly align with our neighborhood’s streetscape character. The introduction of a 5-storey large apartment complex is not just about providing housing development for St Thomas (which as a community we support); it poses a serious risk to our neighborhood landscape, resources and ambiance.  A good idea but not a good location.  This addition will include increased vehicle usage along streets where no public city transport is available,  increased parking congestion, increased light pollution and introductions of high density buildings which does not match our community charm.  Older properties that define our streets and the very identity of our neighborhood could soon be affected with the target finished date of 2030.

The increase in population density could strain our existing infrastructure, increase residential noise levels and lead to traffic congestion and overall safety.  A more in depth traffic and pedestrian analysis should be performed through spring, summer and fall (not just in winter months from 2020 and 2023) for a true reflection. This population increase can significantly reduce the quality of life not only for current residents but also for future generations who will call this place home.  The proposed increase in residential density will also significantly strain the already over capacity neighbourhood public school, leading to more overcrowding, much larger class sizes, and reduced access to valuable educational resources for existing and new students.

I urge city planners and zoning officials to consider these implications deeply. Instead of allowing Doug Tarry Ltd to build based more on financial gain to disrupt the harmony of our established community, let's explore alternatives that complement our neighborhood's scale and ensure sustainable growth that aligns with its historical context.  A context of a neighborhood designed with two- to three-storey residences and private green space for children to enjoy safely.

Together, we have the power to protect our community from disruption and preserve its integrity for years to come. Sign this petition to voice your support and call on our local authorities to deny the approval of the development of a 5-storey apartment complex.

Proposed plan details can be found here:

File No. 34T-26502 - Proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision - Harvest Square (Block 103/104, 11M-232)

Join us in person at City Hall on April 13th, 2026 at 6pm to address our concerns.  Or by zoom.