Third retirement residence proposed in Bradford

A third new retirement residence may be coming to Bradford West Gwillimbury.

Town council recently heard a proposal for the development of Middleton Retirement Residence, a six-storey building that would house 130 independent living units, a 100-square-metre medical office, and 111 parking spaces, including some underground parking.

The nearly one-hectare property would be located at 558 Holland St. W., adjacent to Holland Gardens Retirement Residence.

“This is an age-related priority. This is a wonderful project – nice to see,” said Deputy Mayor James Leduc. “I love the underground parking.”

Ward 4 Coun. Ron Orr suggested the medical office “could alleviate a lot of trips to hospital” for senior residents.

Kris Menzies of MHBC Planning presented details of the proposal to council during a public meeting April 17.

Ward 1 Coun. Raj Sandhu said his top concern was privacy, as the balconies of units facing the rear of the property may overlook the backyards of the homes to the south. He also questioned the location of waste storage on site, and whether the proposed four handicap parking spaces is enough.

Ward 3 Coun. Gary Lamb also questioned whether the town’s fire equipment could easily pass through the proposed canopy driveway, and whether it would be possible to set up an alternative emergency access.

Menzies promised the entrance would be designed to accommodate emergency equipment.
“You need to make the fire chief happy,” she said, adding council’s other concerns will be looked at. “We will take back issues like the balcony overlook.”

Within the proposal, the developer is requesting a reduction in the minimum front yard setback, from six metres to three metres, to bring the façade closer to the street, as well as a minimum interior side yard setback of 0 metres, to permit a future connection with Holland Gardens.
Access to Middleton Retirement Residence would be off Holland St. W., through a pass-through.

“Holland Street has the capacity to handle the traffic,” said Menzies, citing a traffic study.

If approved, the retirement residence would join The Elden and Holland Gardens, which utilized the town’s Community Improvement Plan grant program for seniors housing. The grant program has since ended.

The proposal was referred to town staff for review and to make a later recommendation to council.