Victory for Community Unity: Paris Residents Stand Together Against Developer's Plans

By Chris Whelan

In a heartening display of community solidarity, residents of the Mile Hill subdivision in Paris have successfully thwarted a proposed development by Losani Homes that would have drastically altered the landscape of their neighborhood. The planned eight-storey apartment building, initially met with shock and discontent, has been withdrawn following a resounding outcry from the neighbourhood. The turning point in this grassroots movement came after an outpouring of opposition, both in the form of physical "Stop Losani Homes. Say no to high density/apartment" signs dotting lawns and a strong presence at a pivotal public meeting on September 10th , 2024. Residents voiced their concerns, feeling misled by the developer who had initially promised townhouses and mixed-use commercial for the vacant blocks 98 & 99 in question. However, in a surprising twist, it was revealed that Losani Homes was only adhering to Brant County’s new official plan, which permits residential buildings up to 12 storeys JohnAnthony Losani, the property management operations manager, explained that the 8-storey proposal was a direct response to the county’s re-zoning of the property. In response to the community's discontent, Losani Homes submitted an amendment to the of a new plan that proposes 72 townhouse units in place of the apartment building for one block. This change was in response to the community’s discontent and campaign to stop the apartment building construction county, offering a revised plan that includes 72 townhouse units in lieu of the contentious 211-unit apartment building. This amended proposal, which also features 80 three-storey townhouse units, aims to maintain the essence of the neighborhood with the townhouse styles that will include fourplex, row house, street fronting and stacked townhouse, with a maximum building height of around 3 5 storeys, the letter neighborhood residents received stated. While the revised plan does not include commercial units as some had hoped, it signifies a remarkable reduction of approximately 139 residential units from the original proposal.

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Residents, overjoyed by this triumph, flocked to social media to share their relief and appreciation for the joint endeavor that culminated in this result

In a letter received by The Paris Independent on Thursday from Mile Hill resident Teresa Rys, she expressed, “It's great that Losani reconsidered their plan and avoided the 8-story building on such a small plot. Although the revised plan doesn’t include the originally proposed commercial space, much-needed parking, or green space, it’s wonderful how residents united and made their voices heard. The Mile Hill community and surrounding areas were remarkable in raising concerns collectively. Thank you again for covering our story.”

Ironically on October 8, 2024, the council, in a recorded vote of 5 to 4, sanctioned another amendment put forth by Losani Homes and opposed by neighbours, for the addition of an additional 8-story apartment complex adjacent to the one planned for construction at 139 Court Drive. Although the original apartment building has been approved for a decade, construction is yet to commence These two 8-story apartment buildings aim to offer 1 and 2-bedroom units for the local community.