23-storey condo tower approved in downtown Burlington

A controversial development project has received final approval in Burlington.

City council has voted 5-2 in favour of a 23-storey mixed-use condo tower on Brant Street, across the street from Burlington City Hall.

About a dozen residents were unsuccessful in urging councillors to reject the high-rise proposal on Monday night.

Their opposition is based in large part on the height of the building. They had the support of Mayor Rick Goldring — one of two council members to oppose the proposal. He worries the development will harm what he calls the “urban intimacy” of Burlington’s downtown core.

A few of the residents yelled “boo” and “shame” as the final vote was taken.

City staff recommended approval of the 23-storey building which will include a rooftop amenity area and a four-storey podium, including ground floor retail/commercial space and 365 square metres of office space on the second floor.

The plans call for a maximum of 169 residential units and 1.2 parking spaces per unit in underground parking with an additional eight dedicated visitor parking spots and one car-share space.