Condo Towers and Commercial Complex Proposed for Downsized Brampton Golf Course Spark Debate Over Urban Density and Community Impact

Introduction: Major Redevelopment Plan Targets Turnberry Golf Course

The City of Brampton is currently reviewing a significant redevelopment proposal that could dramatically reshape the landscape of the Turnberry Golf Course property, replacing a portion of the existing green space with high-rise residential towers and new commercial buildings. The proposed plan envisions a mixed-use community featuring four condominium towers, four commercial structures, public parkland, and modern recreational amenities, while retaining a reduced version of the golf course itself.

Located at 10100 Heart Lake Road near the Bovaird Drive and Highway 410 corridor, the Turnberry Golf Course site has long served as a recreational hub in the area. The proposed transformation, however, signals a clear shift toward intensified land use as Brampton attempts to balance housing demand, urban growth, and preservation of open space. While city staff evaluate the application, the proposal has already triggered discussions around density, infrastructure strain, and the compatibility of high-rise development with surrounding low-rise neighbourhoods.

Official Review Process and Planning Application Details

City planners are currently assessing a formal application submitted by KLM Planning Inc. on behalf of property owners Vardon Flyer Inc. and York Major Holdings Inc. The application seeks amendments to Brampton’s official plan and zoning bylaw to permit the proposed development, which differs significantly from the site’s current recreation-commercial zoning designation. A draft plan of subdivision has also been submitted and is under detailed review.

A public meeting to discuss the development proposal is scheduled to take place during the next Planning and Development Committee session at 7 p.m. on December 1. The meeting will offer residents and stakeholders an opportunity to express concerns, provide feedback, and request clarification on the scope and impact of the project.

Downsizing the Golf Course: From Traditional Greens to Modern Performance Centre

One of the key elements of the proposal involves the reduction of the existing Turnberry Golf Course from its current size to a 12-hole configuration. While this downsizing has raised concerns among golf enthusiasts and nearby residents, the developer has proposed the creation of a new year-round golf performance and entertainment centre as part of the reimagined site.

A Shift in Recreational Offerings

The proposed performance centre aims to modernize the recreational use of the property, offering training facilities and entertainment-focused golf amenities that could appeal to a broader demographic. However, the transition from expansive open fairways to a more compact golf layout reflects the broader trend of repurposing large tracts of land in rapidly growing urban areas.

Residential Towers: High-Density Living on a Seven-Hectare Site

At the heart of the redevelopment plan is the construction of four residential towers positioned on the southwest portion of the seven-hectare property. These towers would bring nearly 1,000 new residential units to the area, marking a substantial increase in density compared to the surrounding low-rise housing.

Tower Heights and Unit Mix

The planned residential buildings would vary in height, with one tower rising eight storeys, another reaching 29 storeys, and the remaining two standing at 22 storeys each. In total, 945 residential units are proposed, designed to accommodate a range of household sizes and lifestyles.

The unit breakdown includes:

• 463 one-bedroom units
• 175 one-bedroom-plus-den units
• 301 two-bedroom units
• Three two-bedroom-plus-den units
• Three three-bedroom units

The diverse mix is intended to cater to singles, couples, and small families, although concerns remain about how the high-density development will integrate with the existing neighbourhood character.

Amenity Spaces and Parking Provisions

To support resident lifestyle needs, the plan includes 1,890 square metres of outdoor amenity space and an equivalent 1,890 square metres of indoor amenity space within the residential block. These areas are expected to provide communal gathering places, fitness areas, and recreational facilities for future occupants.

Parking is also a key feature of the development, with 1,087 total parking spaces proposed, including 142 designated for visitors. City planners will examine whether this allocation adequately addresses potential traffic congestion and overflow parking concerns in adjacent residential streets.

Commercial Development Along Heart Lake Road

The northern portion of the site, fronting Heart Lake Road, has been earmarked for commercial use. The proposed commercial block would consist of four buildings with a combined gross floor area of 11,320 square metres, offering space for retail, services, or office uses.

Commercial Infrastructure and Accessibility

Plans for the commercial area include four loading spaces, 475 parking stalls, and 16 barrier-free parking spaces, as well as 18 bicycle parking spots. The inclusion of these features signals an effort to create a functional and accessible commercial zone, though its impact on traffic flow and pedestrian safety remains a subject of scrutiny.

The developer’s vision is to establish a multi-use destination that complements the residential component and generates economic activity within the broader community.

Green Space, Public Park and New Road Network

Despite the density of the proposed development, the plan incorporates designated green space and public amenities to support community well-being. This includes a 0.5-hectare public park, a 0.05-hectare multi-use trail, and a newly designed road network intended to improve access and circulation within the site.

Balancing Development With Open Space

City officials acknowledge the importance of retaining accessible green areas, particularly in a neighbourhood that already benefits from nearby parklands. While public park spaces north of the site will remain untouched, residents are questioning whether the new park and trail network will sufficiently offset the partial loss of the golf course’s open landscape.

Surrounding Neighbourhood Context

The Turnberry Golf Course site is bordered by a mix of land uses that underscore the complexity of the proposed redevelopment. To the north lie public parklands, while Bovaird Drive and single-detached homes are located to the south. To the east, Heart Lake Road is lined with commercial properties and townhouses, and to the west are a park, daycare facility, townhouses, and additional single-family homes.

Compatibility With Existing Housing

One of the city’s primary concerns is the appropriateness of introducing high-rise towers into an area predominantly characterized by low-rise residential buildings. The contrast in scale, height, and density has become one of the central points of debate in early consultations.

Key Planning Issues Under Review

City staff have identified several critical considerations that will shape the final decision on the proposal. These include:

Development Intensity and Urban Fit

The suitability of the proposed high-density residential development in relation to existing low-rise neighbourhoods will be closely evaluated. Planners will assess whether the project aligns with Brampton’s broader urban growth strategies and housing objectives.

Building Height, Setbacks and Tower Separation

The proposed tower heights, building setbacks, and distance between structures will be reviewed to ensure compliance with safety standards, privacy expectations, and visual impact guidelines.

Construction Impacts and Environmental Concerns

Potential construction impacts, such as noise, dust, and prolonged disruption to nearby residents, are also on the city’s radar. Mitigation strategies will be required to minimize disturbance during the development phase.

Traffic and Infrastructure Pressures

Traffic flow and increased vehicular trips resulting from the residential and commercial components will be studied in detail. The city will analyze whether the existing road network can accommodate the added demand or if additional infrastructure upgrades will be necessary.

Public Input and Next Steps

Following the December 1 public meeting, Brampton city staff will compile feedback from residents, technical experts, and relevant agencies. All input will be reviewed and incorporated into a comprehensive recommendation report that will be presented at a future Planning and Development Committee meeting.

This report will ultimately guide council’s decision on whether the proposal moves forward as submitted, requires modifications, or is rejected altogether.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Brampton’s Urban Future

The proposed redevelopment of the Turnberry Golf Course represents a pivotal moment in Brampton’s ongoing urban evolution. While the development promises new housing opportunities, commercial growth, and modernized recreational amenities, it also raises critical questions about sustainability, density, and the preservation of community character.

As the city continues its review process, the balance between accommodating population growth and protecting the quality of life for existing residents will remain at the forefront. The outcome of this proposal will not only shape the future of the golf course site but also set an important precedent for how Brampton navigates similar redevelopment projects in the future.