Residents in the Glenora neighborhood who are opposing a proposed multiplex near a private K-12 school experienced an unusual form of pushback from the developer earlier this week. A sign that briefly stood on a lot at 133 Street and 106 Avenue has since been removed after residents complained to the city. The sign and a subsequent mailout suggested that the development would become a halfway house due to the opposition of two community members.
Developer Tactics Spark Outrage
According to Glenora resident Rob Smyth, who provided images to Postmedia, the sign went up on Monday. Smyth expressed concern that the sign frightened parents who drive their children to Progressive Academy, the private school located opposite the property. He noted that many parents were likely unaware of the permit issues but were alarmed by the prospect of a halfway house. Smyth described the situation as 'beyond the pale' and criticized the angst caused by such actions.
The developer, Glenora Homes, did not respond to a request for comment. However, their lawyer, James Murphy, referred Postmedia to documents filed for the May 1 hearing. The two community members named in the sign also did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
Mailout Adds to Controversy
After the sign was removed, many homeowners, including Smyth, reported receiving a mailout later in the week that made similar threats. The mailout, which included no indication of its author, stated: 'Did you know, thanks to the efforts of (names withheld) an application to replace a permit for multi-unit housing with a halfway housing permit is being considered in your area?' Smyth found the letter in his mailbox and expressed uncertainty about who delivered it.
This is the second time a planned development at the 13302 106 Ave. lot has faced an appeal decision. An original plan for a similar structure was overturned by the appeal board last fall. The current proposal involves building a 10-unit, 30-bedroom multiplex on the lot, which previously housed a single-family home. The property was stripped of trees after being purchased by the developer.
Previous Approval and Appeal
Initially, the applicant sought to build a five-unit row house with five secondary suites, which was approved in June 2025. However, following an appeal by residents, the appeal board concluded that the city had erred and rescinded the permit. Glenora Homes subsequently reworked the application and resubmitted it earlier this year, receiving approval in February.
Appellants argue that the developer intends to use the building as a rental property, pointing to other multiplexes built by Glenora Homes that are advertised as lodging spaces through companies Emerald Properties and Turnkey Investment Properties. This prompted the new hearing. Additionally, appellants claim that the city misinterpreted its own zoning bylaw by allowing a 10-unit multiplex, as the zoning bylaw limits infill to eight units.
