KITCHENER — The House of Friendship has secured approval for an ambitious mixed-use development project at 47-75 Charles Street East and 40-50 Eby Street South.
The milestone was reached following the June 18, 2024, Committee of Adjustments meeting, marking a significant step forward for the proposed redevelopment aimed at enhancing affordable housing options and expanding commercial opportunities in the heart of Kitchener.
The development plan entails the severance of existing land parcels to facilitate the construction of two distinct buildings.
The first parcel, known as “Severed Parcel 1,” located at 47-63 Charles Street East, will host a 7-storey structure encompassing 103 affordable housing units.
Notably, this parcel has been granted variances allowing for zero parking spaces per dwelling unit, deviating from the required 0.2 spaces per unit mandated by Zoning By-law 85-1.
An easement along the easterly lot line has been approved to provide access to the adjoining Severed Parcel 2.
Severed Parcel 2, situated at 75 Charles Street East and 40-42 Eby Street South, spans 1,680 square metres and is slated for a 10-storey mixed-use building.
The parcel will accommodate 69 affordable housing units alongside office and retail spaces.
Similar to its counterpart, Severed Parcel 1, Severed Parcel 2 has been approved for zero parking spaces per dwelling unit.
Moreover, a variance permits a reduced parking ratio of 1 space per 140 square metres of office space, whereas the standard requirement is 1 space per 90 square metres.
An easement along the westerly lot line will ensure connectivity with Severed Parcel 1.
The retained parcel, located at 50 Eby Street South, will maintain its existing multiple-dwelling building, with the proposed severance reinstating original lot lines prior to a merger.
The Committee of Adjustments’ approval also covers consent applications for the severance of the land into two new parcels and the creation of necessary easements.
The applications had initially received approval in 2021 but required reapplication due to lapsed timelines.
Under the Cedar Hill Neighbourhood Secondary Plan, the subject properties are designated as ‘High-Density Commercial Residential’ for the Charles Street East addresses and ‘High-Density Multiple Residential’ for 50 Eby Street South.
Zoning classifications include ‘Commercial Residential Three Zone (CR-3)’ for most Charles Street East properties and ‘Residential Nine Zone (R-9)’ for 50 Eby Street South.
The development plans align with existing Zoning By-law 85-1 regulations, with no variances required concerning the pending ‘SGA-3’ zoning awaiting council approval.
Strategically situated within a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), the development promises enhanced connectivity, benefiting from proximity to light rail transit (LRT) and bus stops.
The positioning supports Kitchener’s vision for high-density, transit-oriented residential and commercial growth.
The approved development represents a pivotal initiative in addressing Kitchener’s affordable housing needs while fostering economic opportunities through integrated commercial spaces.
The project’s alignment with community and urban planning objectives underscores its potential to contribute significantly to Kitchener’s evolving urban landscape
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