The mall's construction was opposed by some long-term residents of Markham, and was delayed numerous times from 1993 to 1996. Concerns were raised by Markham City Council over the impact the mall would have parking and traffic volume, the style of the building that would replace Cullen Country Barns, and challenges in dealing with multiple owners in a condo-style mall. The Council commissioned an independent study on retail condominiums by John Winter and Associates, which concluded that retail condos are a positive means of diversifying developments. Pacific Mall's application underwent a nine-month review, with a building permit granted in May 1995.