LONDON, December 2024 — The Municipal Housing Development (MHD), in partnership with Wastell Homes Inc., has submitted applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law for Blocks 5 and 7 of the Duluth Crescent Subdivision, located at 1958 Duluth Crescent. The proposal aims to construct two five-storey mid-rise apartment buildings on Block 5, adding 120 residential units, with 83% designated as affordable housing.
Development Highlights
Key features of the proposed development include:
- Residential Units:
- 51 studio units and 9 one-bedroom units per building.
- 83% affordable housing and 17% market-rate units.
- Parking:
- 61 parking spaces (0.5 spaces per unit).
- Long-term and short-term bicycle parking.
- Outdoor Amenities:
- Landscaped buffers, pavilions, and rear-located amenity areas to enhance privacy and reduce impacts on adjacent properties.
- Active Transportation:
- Pedestrian pathways connecting Duluth Crescent and Admiral Drive.
- Proximity to transit routes for improved accessibility.
Zoning and Official Plan Amendments
The development requires changes to the existing R5-6(18) and R6-5(93) zones and amendments to accommodate its design and density:
- Official Plan Amendment:
- Increase the maximum building height from four storeys to six for Blocks 5 and 7.
- Zoning By-law Amendment:
- Increase the building height from 15 metres to 16.5 metres.
- Increase the density from 200 to 225 units per hectare.
- Reduce the minimum front yard setback to 1.5 metres and remove the maximum front yard depth of 6.0 metres.
- Allow 0.0-metre yard encroachments for architectural features, balconies, and patios.
Strategic Location and Urban Compatibility
Located on a 2.98-hectare site northeast of Clarke Road and Trafalgar Street, the project supports the London Plan’s focus on compact urban growth by “growing inward and upward.” The site’s location near public transit routes enhances mobility, while thoughtful landscaping and architectural designs ensure compatibility with the surrounding low-density residential neighborhood.
Addressing London’s Housing Needs
This development addresses London’s housing crisis by delivering a mix of affordable and market-rate units, supporting housing diversity and supply. Additionally:
- The design features align with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024).
- Increased height and density support future intensification goals, particularly for Block 7, which remains open for future mixed-use development.
Next Steps
The proposed amendments are under review, with the Site Plan Approval process ensuring that reduced setbacks, increased density, and other considerations are balanced with neighborhood impacts. This project represents a proactive approach to meeting housing demand while prioritizing affordability and urban design.
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