Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – At the March 18 council meeting, feedback was heard on a proposal to build a five-storey apartment building with commercial space on the ground floor. The building is planned for a vacant lot along the main road on the east side of town and would include 58 apartments, some small commercial units, and 82 parking spaces.
The land has been vacant since 2010 and was previously the site of a gas station. Developers have applied to change the zoning and the official plan to allow residential use on land that is currently zoned for highway commercial use.
Planners from the developer’s team say the project will help meet local housing needs and offer more options for people who want to live in Lucan. They also say the building is designed to reduce shadowing and privacy impacts on nearby homes. A walkway connection to a nearby subdivision and new sidewalks are also included in the plan.
However, several local residents raised concerns. They worry the building will be too close and too tall compared to the surrounding single-family homes. Some fear it will reduce privacy and block sunlight in their backyards. Others are concerned about traffic, parking, and whether there’s enough demand for more apartments in Lucan.
Deputy Mayor Dave Manders said he’s worried about the height and the reduced parking rate requested by the developer. “Lucan is still very car-dependent. We need enough space for everyone to park,” he said.
A number of technical reports were submitted by the developer, including studies on the environment, traffic, and market demand. According to those reports, the site is safe for building, the traffic impact will be manageable, and there is a long-term need for different types of housing in Lucan. The developer also held a public information session in August and said they are open to adding trees and fencing to improve privacy for neighbours.
Town staff confirmed that the lot is fully serviced and that no contamination was found in the soil or groundwater. The next steps will include more detailed engineering work and a review of stormwater and drainage systems.
No decisions were made at the meeting. Council will wait for a full recommendation from planning staff before voting. Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson said the discussion showed how important it is to listen to the community: “We want to be thoughtful about how our town grows. We’re hearing the concerns and will work to find the right balance.”
