Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Guelph planning department is recommending approval for an eight-storey, 110-unit apartment building. The reconstruction project is expected to begin in 2023.
“Several design improvements were made to the development to align with the City’s Urban Design policies and vision for the Gordon Street Intensification Corridor. While the revised proposal includes an increase of 22 apartment dwelling units for a total of 110 units,” Krista Walkey, general manager, planning and building services wrote in a report to council.
“Planning staff are of the opinion that the resulting density is within a compatible form of infill and redevelopment of an underutilized site.”
The development was initially submitted by Weston Consulting on behalf of 1354 Gordon Street Inc. as an 88-unit apartment complex with a Petro-Canada gas station and convenience store on the ground level, 59 above-ground parking spots and 153 underground parking spots.
The gas station and convenience store were eliminated the development now includes 110 apartments.
With 1.5 acres of developable land that formerly housed Hamilton’s Corner Garage closed 2016 after more than 85 years. It is currently zoned as an urban reserve, permitting agricultural, environmental and recreational land uses. If council approves the plan the area will be redesignated as specialized neighbourhood commercial.
Construction could start in 2023
Staff has also recommended a holding provision be placed on the zoning as full sanitary servicing capacity is not currently available for the development.
“Full and adequate sanitary services are anticipated to become available after completion of the Gordon Street reconstruction directly in front of the subject lands,” Holmes wrote.
“Once it can be demonstrated to the City Engineer’s satisfaction that adequate sanitary servicing capacity is available to support the proposed development, the developer can apply to the City to have the Holding Provision lifted from the zoning.”
Council will consider the staff recommendation at its Sept. 12 meeting.