City council has voted 10-5 in favour of a proposal by PenEquity Realty Corporation to build a new $200-million shopping centre near Highway 401.
The Planning and Environment Committee recommended last week that rezoning for the massive project on Wellington Road be approved.
However, concerns over a 10.4 acre woodlot and wetland on the proposed site led to a compromise motion tonight from Councillor Matt Brown.
The proposal includes compensation and the replacement of the woodlot with six times more trees.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the Ministry of the Environment are still considering whether those features are ecologically significant.
A report prepared by consultants for PenEquity claims that is not the case, and that most trees on the site are elm and ash trees susceptible to disease and infestation.
PenEquity says the major gateway development in south London could bring 1,200 retail jobs at $2.8 million in tax revenue to the city each year.
