WATERLOO — The landscape is set to transform with the approval of DCB Development Canada’s proposed residential development in the Northdale Neighbourhood at 83-85 Hickory Street West and 265-267 Hemlock Street West.
Masri O Architects Inc., representing the developer, successfully secured council approval on November 20, 2023, to redevelop four parcels of land at the southwest corner of Hickory Street West and Hemlock Street.
The parcels, currently occupied by single detached buildings, encompass approximately 3,115 square meters.
The approved development encompasses a six-storey residential apartment building featuring 168 dwelling units totalling 186 bedrooms.
The development offers diverse layouts, including six studios, 119 one-bedroom units, 25 one-bedroom plus den units, and 18 two-bedroom units.
The project aims to cater to the community’s various housing needs.
Ample parking facilities are integrated into the design to address the community’s concerns and promote sustainable living.
The development will provide 57 underground parking spaces and 70 bicycle parking spaces, ensuring residents have convenient access to transportation options.
The approval marks the successful culmination of efforts to amend the Official Plan and the Zoning Bylaw to accommodate the project’s requirements.
The amendments establish a new Special Provision Area (SPA), permitting a maximum density of 597 bedrooms per hectare, a significant increase from the previous maximum of 250 bedrooms per hectare.
Additionally, adjustments to setback regulations, parking provisions, and landscape open space requirements have been approved.
Specifically, the approved amendments include reducing the required minimum rear yard setback from 7.5 meters to 3.0 meters, permitting exterior stairs to project into the minimum required street line setback along Hemlock Street, and allowing the building to project into the required Daylight Triangle from the third storey and above.
Furthermore, the minimum required Landscape Open Space has been reduced from 30% to 23%. With council approval secured, the project is poised to enhance the Waterloo community in line with various planning policies.
The development aligns with the Provincial Policy Statement, adheres to Regional Official Plan policies, and fulfills the City of Waterloo Official Plan’s general intent.
The approved development is designed to be transit-supportive, promoting walkability and accessibility while optimizing land use, services, and infrastructure.
Removing the Holding (H) symbol from the site underscores compliance with relevant requirements, signalling this transformative residential project’s imminent commencement of construction.
As DCB Development Canada’s proposal progresses from approval to implementation, it signifies a significant step forward in meeting Waterloo’s housing needs and contributing to the city’s evolving urban fabric.
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