Hamilton’s Planning Committee unanimously approved a small-scale intensification project that will see an existing single-detached home on a large corner lot replaced with four separate single-detached homes at 20 Saveryn Road in a suburban Glanbrook neighbourhood within the existing urban boundary.
The project required an official plan amendment (OPA) due to its proximity to Hamilton’s international airport and being located between the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) contours 28 and 30, a zone where the Urban Hamilton Official Plan (UHOP) currently prohibits new residential and infill development.
City staff recommended approval, with planner Shaival Gajjar stating an environmental noise study was submitted and concluded that noise impacts can be adequately controlled through mitigation measures, ventilation provisions, and warning clause requirements.
UHOP is more restrictive than the Provincial Planning Statement, which permits development below the NEF 30 contour.
Ward 11 Coun. Mark Tadeson noted the neighbourhood does not have direct access to public transit, is a 10-to-12-minute walk to the nearest bus stop on Upper James, that Twenty Road “has no shoulders to walk on,” and as a result, the new residents will have cars.
Tadeson acknowledged letters submitted by neighbours objecting to the proposal. The letters include concerns that the development is “grossly incompatible” with the existing large-lot neighbourhood, could decrease property values, and exacerbate parking and traffic issues, posing a safety concern for local children.
The owner’s agent, Registered Professional Planner David Falletta, stated each new house will include double-wide driveways and two-car garages to accommodate parking demand.
Tadeson explained he was voting to approve the OPA.
“I am in support of this because it does fulfill the directions of the City of Hamilton in terms of densification. I think it’s a good spot for it,” Tadeson stated. “Again, some of the neighbouring residents don’t always agree with that, but overall it does make a lot of sense here.”
Ward 7 Coun. Esther Pauls said, “I think it’s great that a family together could build four homes. I wish I could have done that. I think it’s great — I have four sons,” adding she hopes Hamilton sees many similar projects in other neighbourhoods.
The 12-0 vote will be formally ratified at the Oct. 29, 2025, full council meeting.
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Published: October 21, 2025
Last updated: October 21, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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