Donovan mountain housing project opposed by locals at public meeting

A proposed housing development in Sudbury's Donovanneighbourhood was met with opposition from localsat a consultation meetingTuesday.

Developers are looking tobuildsix apartments standing five to six storeys tall. That would amount to approximately400 units,plus parking.It would be built on the "mountain" in the Donovan area. The 8.1-hectarerock outcropis currently green space.

Approximately40 community members were in attendance and most of them were vocally against the project. Apetition against the proposal was spotted being passed around with a growing list of signatures.

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Donovan resident Mary Chretien, who brought the petition to the meeting, says the land is an important spot for locals.

"I played in those mountains as a kid. It just disheartens people that they can just come along and take what's always been there."

Chretien said she wants to see the area remain as it is and is hoping the city will intervene and purchase the privately-owned land.

Julien Dionne protested a different development on the same plot 20 years ago and came out to voice displeasure with the current proposal.

"[It's] very, very frustrating. We thought we had nipped it in the bud," he said. "Now here we go again. I wish they would just leave the mountain alone."

The main concern from locals is that replacing the green space with development could create issues with water runoff down the mountain and into their homes.

Residents said it's an area that already deals with flooding issues when the snow melts.

Matthew Dumont, land use planner for the engineering firm hired by the landowner, said residents raised valid concerns.

"The whole purpose from our end was to look at some opportunities where we can work with the public before we move forward with this project," he said.

While this was the first public meeting regarding the project, both residents and the engineering firm told CBC News this won't be their last.