Council clears way for more diverse housing
By approving several official plan and zoning bylaw amendment applications, Kitchener Council has cleared the way for more diverse housing in different parts of the city including central neighbourhoods and Ottawa Street South areas; more affordable housing near Fairview Mall; and new high-rise construction at the edge of the core near King Street East and Highway 8.
[b]The approvals will allow developers to build: [/b]
By approving several official plan and zoning bylaw amendment applications, Kitchener Council has cleared the way for more diverse housing in different parts of the city including central neighbourhoods and Ottawa Street South areas; more affordable housing near Fairview Mall; and new high-rise construction at the edge of the core near King Street East and Highway 8.
[b]The approvals will allow developers to build: [/b]
- Up to four infill units at 27 Roy St. Council’s amendments allow the interior of an existing building (one dwelling) to be renovated into four dwelling units, or three dwelling units plus a unit containing an artisan’s studio and small-scale cafe.
- 48 affordable housing units operated by the Region of Waterloo on Wilson Avenue at Fourth Street — a net increase of 32 geared-to-income homes for seniors. The zoning bylaw amendment allows a previously demolished two-storey building containing 16 units to be replaced with a six-storey building containing 48 units. The amendment allows for a taller building and more parking (.5 spots) per unit.
- 166 mid-rise units by the Mill ION light rail station near Mill Street and Ottawa Street South. Council's changes respond to the “missing middle” by changing the Official Plan designation from low-rise residential to medium-rise residential. The proposed development consists of 166 residential units, including 110 one-bedroom units, 49 two-bedroom units, and seven three-bedroom units along with 157 parking spaces located underground and in the rear yard.
- 658 residential units in two towers on a lot between King Street East and Weber Street East – the site of the former Schwaben Club across from Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Council’s amendments allow for the construction of two towers, 24 and 25 storeys in height, each with an eight-storey podium. The 403 parking spaces, located underground and on a parking deck, would include 123 EV-ready parking stalls.