KITCHENER – Activa Holdings Inc. has successfully secured approval for a significant residential development at 495 Huron Road.
The project, set to rise across from Lexington Park, envisions a 10-storey building comprising 148 residential units.
Approved by the city council in August 2023, this development is poised to reshape the local urban landscape, offering contemporary living spaces in a strategic location.
The site, covering 1.49 hectares, was previously under a Holding Provision (15H) that restricted residential development until specific regional requirements were met.
The site was previously zoned General Commercial with Special Provision 119 (COM-2(119)) and is now zoned MIX-3. The new zoning is intended for mixed-use development.
These included land use compatibility and road traffic noise studies. Following thorough evaluations and the lifting of this provision, Activa Holdings Inc. can now proceed with its ambitious plan.
The approved project incorporates several variances from the existing zoning by-laws to suit better the unique characteristics of the site and the city’s developmental goals.
One significant change is the building’s height. The project will feature a 10-storey structure, surpassing the typical 6-storey limit for mid-rise buildings in the zoning.
The variance allows the development to maximize its residential capacity and provide more housing options in the area.
Additionally, the development plan includes a modification to the required street line stepback.
The approved variance allows the building to align directly with the street at 0 metres, compared to the usual requirement of a 3-metre setback.
The adjustment is designed to create a more integrated and cohesive streetscape, enhancing the urban feel of the area.
In terms of façade design, the ground floor street line will cover 20% of the street width, deviating from the standard 50% requirement.
Similarly, the street line façade openings have been approved at 0%, down from the required 50%, which aligns with the building’s innovative architectural approach.
The site plan also includes a strategic land severance to optimize the use of the property.
The larger portion, identified as “Lands to be Severed 1,” is designated for residential development. It measures 79.6 metres in width and 149.72 metres in depth, totalling 1.49 hectares.
An easement of 7.3 metres wide, extending over 149.7 metres, will provide access across this land, benefiting both the severed and retained parcels.
“Lands to be Severed 2,” a smaller section of the property, is intended for a commercial design center.
This parcel measures 56.2 metres in width and 149.72 metres in depth, covering 0.84 hectares.
A variance has been approved to reduce the side yard setback on the northern side to 1.5 metres from the standard 3 metres, allowing more efficient land use for the commercial purposes envisioned.
The development’s location is ideal for fostering community connectivity and accessibility.
The City of Waterloo’s planning staff endorsed the removal of the Holding Provision after confirming that Activa Holdings Inc. had met all requirements concerning land use and traffic noise studies.
The Council’s approval reflects a broader commitment to expanding and modernizing Waterloo’s housing landscape, making room for innovative projects that meet the growing demand for contemporary residential spaces.
As construction progresses, this development at 495 Huron Road stands as a testament to Activa Holdings Inc.’s vision and the city’s proactive approach to urban planning.
It promises to contribute significantly to the community, offering new housing opportunities while enhancing the urban environment.
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