Large mixed development may come to Oshawa neighbourhood

A large mixed development featuring both detached homes and townhouses may be coming to an Oshawa neighbourhood if approved.

The 78-unit subdivision is set to take over three lots on the east side of Harmony Road just north of Pinecrest Road; 1081 and 1093 Harmony Rd. N. and 836 Pinecrest Rd.

The lots sit just south of Taunton Rd. near multiple schools and amenities. If approved they’ll also be home to 33 single detached dwellings, 24 semi-detached dwellings and 21 block townhouses.

The development has been in the works since before January 2023 when a public meeting was held to discuss it. Since that time, the development has grown from 73 units to 78 total. This is due to an increase in the semi-detached and townhouse units.

During this public meeting, some area residents complained of potential traffic impacts due to the influx of new residents. As a result, the development will not have direct access to Harmony Rd.

“Ultimately, it was determined that the road geometry and sight distance conditions along the adjacent segment of Harmony Road North render most turning movements from this access unsafe,” the latest report concluded. All traffic will therefore go through the driveway on Pinecrest Road.

The development will also feature a 686 square metre parkette which is somewhat larger than the original pitch.

The city’s development committee has recommended council approve the development as it is “compatible with the surrounding residential uses,” per the report.

“The proposed development conforms to the Provincial Growth Plan, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, conforms to the Durham Regional Official Plan and Oshawa Official Plan, is within the City’s Built Boundary and represents good planning,” it reads.

Additionally, the development will contribute towards Oshawa’s provincially imposed goal of building 23,000 more units by 2031.

However, Oshawa has fallen behind this target. They were supposed to at least approve 1,687 units last year, but only reached 1,135, or 67 per cent of their goal.

Pickering, which reached 158 per cent of their 953 goal (or 1,502 approved units) got an extra $5.2 million bonus from Ontario due to “getting it done on housing,” in the words of Premier Doug Ford.

The Harmony/Pinecrest development will be futher debated at the next standing committee meeting on April 8.