General Urban Waterloo Updates and Rumours

[danbrotherston]

I also understand that in contrast to publicly owned buildings (eg a City Hall or library) or those funded by someone keen on their legacy (eg Perimeter Institute, CIGI, or some of the University buildings), the City doesn't have much control over the design of a building provided it fits the various building code and zoning rules. I believe, even in the case of a zone change variance, the City cannot deny a building permit on aesthetic grounds. I also seem to recall that the building that was going to look pretty sharp at the corner of NW King St and University Ave was stopped because one of the retail tenants refused to break their lease which would have allowed the demolition and rebuild of the low-rise commercial plaza.

In the case of significant variances, it's really a negotiation between the developer and the city staff. The city can certainly request aesthetic changes, but it will always depend on what their priorities are.

They probably can deny on aesthetic grounds, but I'm not sure there's a practical way for city governments to legislate on the longevity or long term looks of the treatments used to cover a building.