Niagara Falls city council has approved an application to build what’s being described as the tallest residential condominium building in Canada. Many people living in the area agree that more housing is needed, but this project is not the right fit.

Mike Gilchrist says he isn’t too thrilled about his view of the Niagara Falls skyline being replaced by what’s being dubbed “Canada’s Tallest Condominium” right in front of his home. He says, “It’ll take out the sun, it’ll just be unnecessary, to me.”

Residents near the corner of Allendale Avenue and Robinson Street are concerned following city council’s approval of amending its’ official plans and zoning bylaw Wednesday night. This will permit the 77-storey residential building to replace modest properties and join the tourist district.

The condo is projected to stand nearly 30 storeys taller than the Skylon Tower. The proposed development is slated to have 962 living units with hundreds of square footage for potential commercial space.

Rocky Vacca, who is representing the developer, Fudzi International says investors want an iconic landmark and the proposal is within the tourist district. “Based on my client’s research, at 77-storeys, this will be the tallest residential condo building in Canada, not commercial, not mixed-use hotel-condo, a purely residential condo building.”

Niagara Falls city staff was recommending not to support the proposal. While height was an obvious concern, other concerns were the shadow it would cast over the neighbourhood, wind conditions, and parking.

There are concerns over 713 parking spaces and the condominium which exceeds the area’s maximum limit of 30 storeys. The developer’s representatives say the building can be designed to handle wind concerns and their client has the right to lease nearby land for additional parking.

Council approved the application with conditions, including geared-to-income housing of $80,000 per year and Green-led infrastructure.