Housing vs. heritage: Brampton’s historic Churchville area split over neighbourhood’s future

While much of Canada continues to grapple with a housing crisis, one of Brampton’s oldest neighbourhoods represents the complexity of the nation’s vexing dilemma.

City officials desperate to add more housing stock that residents need are now considering an application submitted by Design Plan Services Inc. to create a handful of new homes in the historic Churchville neighbourhood near the northwest corner of Brampton. 

Proponents Amaninder Bharj and Rasneet Bharj want a zoning amendment to allow the construction of four new estate-style single-detached dwellings and one other housing feature on the existing property, which currently is a deep lot, surrounded by trees and one main building that sits back from Creditview Road. 

If approved, five new residential lots would be created on the existing property. 

The subject property of an application for a zoning amendment that would allow a handful of new homes in Brampton’s historic Churchville area.

(City of Brampton/Google Satellite)

The subject property, located at 7631 Creditview, is part of  Churchville’s built and natural heritage system, which includes Churchville Park and the Credit River. Residents in the area wrote to the City and delegated during a September 8 planning and development committee meeting, opposing the removal of trees, the threat to local heritage and wildlife and the increase in traffic (which would be minimal).

A letter by Magdalena and Robert Lamoureux strongly opposed the rezoning and construction of four single units, calling it “a serious threat to the character and integrity of our neighbourhood.”

"This area is a heritage neighbourhood, deeply valued by its residents for its historical significance, architectural charm, and peaceful environment," they wrote.

"The proposed development would disrupt the established character of the community and compromise the preservation of its unique identity."

A significant issue highlighted by residents is the use of the property as a short-term rental, with claims that numerous large unpermitted parties have been held on the site, which residents said led to repeated police involvement and issues with garbage scattered across the area including broken and empty bottles on the road. 

"This pattern of behaviour reflects a troubling lack of consideration by the property owners. Their actions suggest that their interest in the neighbourhood is purely financial, with little to no investment in its preservation or well-being," the Lamoureuxs wrote in their letter.

Residents from Churchville attended the September 8 Planning and Development Committee meeting, voicing concerns over a proposal to build new homes along Creditview Road in the historic heritage district.

(Muhammad Hamza/The Pointer)

"Approving this proposal would not only reward this neglect but also set a concerning precedent for future developments that could further erode the character of our community."

For others, the new development would impact privacy and pose a risk to wildlife as well as pine and oak trees in the Churchville neighbourhood.

"This will bring more traffic and disturb existing wildlife in the area that call it home," Monika Lendorff, another Creditview Road resident, wrote.

"I believe a lot of trees will need to be cut down to make room for these additional four homes. Is this even allowed? These are mature pines or oak trees that keep our neighbourhood beautiful.”

She continued: “And what about fencing? I believe fences are not allowed. If this project does move forward, I would hope there are no windows facing my home out of privacy concerns."

On top of the neighbourhood opposition, the site sits in one of Brampton’s most flood-prone areas. In the early spring of 2022, Churchville was submerged under water after the Credit River overflowed, damaging 15 to 20 homes and leading to the emergency evacuation of nearly 50 homes. After a year of analysis, the Credit Valley Conservation Authority and the City raised concerns about building residential units in a floodplain.

At the planning and development committee meeting on September 8, Saghar Massah, the City's planner assigned to process and review the subject application, briefed Brampton council members on a range of issues that will be considered including environmental factors. It will be evaluated for compliance with the Planning Act, the Provincial Planning Statement 2024, the City of Brampton Official Plan, Brampton Plan 2023, Brampton West Secondary Plan 40(C), and the Churchville Heritage Conservation District Plan.

“The property is part of the original Churchville settlement area and is located within the Churchville Heritage Conservation District," she explained.

"The application must be reviewed and approved by the Heritage Board prior to council consideration of the zoning by-law amendment and draft plan of subdivision. The development must preserve and reflect the unique historical character of the village residential designation. An amendment to the secondary plan is not required.”

Massah emphasized during the meeting that staff are still assessing several key aspects, including the review of the supporting Environmental Impact Study, the arborist report and the appropriateness of specific built forms and designs relative to the existing character of the Churchville Heritage Conservation District.

“At this time, preliminary issues and considerations that will need to be addressed include reviewing the supporting environmental impact study to confirm the appropriate environmental buffers and boundaries of the natural heritage system," she said.

"Reviewing the arborist report and processing the proposed tree removal; conducting further environmental investigation regarding the existing on-site septic system; assessing the appropriateness of the built form and design in relation to the existing character of the Churchville Heritage Conservation District; evaluating the proposed lot pattern and the retention of the existing single detached dwelling; and determining the appropriateness of the location for site access and the use of a private condominium road.”

The issue is another illustration of the struggle cities such as Brampton face while trying to weigh the need for more housing, with a wide range of considerations that some critics believe contribute to the lack of supply on the market. 

“Brampton has experienced significant growth since the early 2000’s and will continue to do so. By 2051, Brampton’s population is forecasted to increase by an additional 282,000 residents, making the City home to 1 million residents,” Brampton’s “2025 Housing Needs Assessment report highlights. “To accommodate this growth, Brampton is working to increase housing supply, including a full mix and range” of housing across the city. 

With almost 300,000 new residents expected to settle in Brampton in the next 25 years, areas such as Churchville will continue to face pressure related to the continued rapid growth of the city.

After hearing the concerns of local residents three weeks ago, City staff are expected to submit a final recommendation on the Creditview Road application, subject to appeal, in the coming months.

It will then be up to council members to make a final decision.

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