WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? Vaughan developer plans 6 towers near Canada's Wonderland

Smart Centres' proposed project at Major Mackenzie Drive and Weston Road -- west of Walmart -- includes 2 seniors' buildings, 4 residential towers

Yorkregion.com
August 10, 2020

The northeast corner of Weston Road and Major Mackenzie Drive, just west of Canada's Wonderland, could undergo a major transformation in the next few years, that is if the vision proposed by a Vaughan-based developer comes to fruition.

JUST THE FACTS

• SmartCentres is proposing to build an infill development on a vacant 6.3-acre piece of land that is part of a 45-acre property currently home to an open-air shopping centre, anchored by a Walmart store and a SmartStop Self Storage facility, which is under construction.
• The site is directly south of a vacant 12-acre parcel of land where there is a proposal to build a 179-unit townhome under a joint-venture partnership between SmartCentres and Fieldgate.
• SmartCentres submitted an official plan amendment and rezoning application for the 6.3-acre site in April, which proposes six buildings, including two supportive living buildings for seniors and four residential buildings with a total of 1,268 units.
• If approved, the proposed development would unfold in three phases. Phase 1 would see the construction of two seniors' buildings, operated by Revera Inc., at the north portion of site.
• SmartCentres' aim is to start construction of Phase 1 in late 2021.
• The four residential buildings will be erected on the south portion of the property in two phases, at a later date.
• At the southwestern corner of the property, where Weston Road and Major Mackenzie intersect, SmartCentres is proposing to build a large piazza with retail shops that would serve as a gathering place and gateway to a network of green spaces, internal walkways, sidewalks, and landscaping features.
• A public hearing to gather comments on the application is expected to take place in the fall.