GUELPH — Fusion Homes has submitted its detailed concept plan for the much-anticipated Guelph Innovation District (GID) development, marking a significant move toward transforming the city’s east end.
The Guelph Innovation District development is situated at the northeast corner of Victoria Road South and Stone Road East, extending towards the proposed extension of College Avenue in Guelph’s east end.
The concept, covering Block 1 and Block 2 of the 328-acre site, envisions a dynamic mixed-use community featuring residential, commercial, and employment spaces integrated with natural and recreational areas.
The proposed development for Blocks 1 and 2 spans approximately 116.6 hectares, with a net developable area of 97.3 hectares.
The plans feature a diverse range of residential, commercial, and innovative employment spaces designed to foster a vibrant, sustainable community.
The site’s current zoning, Urban Reserve 1 (UR.1), will need amendments to accommodate the proposed urban forms, necessitating further planning applications for zoning and subdivision plans.
Fusion Homes aims to provide a broad spectrum of housing options with a residential density of 62 units per hectare.
The housing includes:
● Low-density residential areas at 30 to 60 units per hectare.
● Medium-density residential zones at approximately 100 units per hectare.
● High-density mixed-use corridors with up to 250 units per hectare.
The entire development is expected to accommodate around 11,506 residents, aligning with the GID Secondary Plan’s density targets.
Additionally, the site includes provisions for commercial spaces along major roads designed to support local businesses and provide amenities for residents.
A key component of the GID is its focus on employment and innovation. The development targets a total of 4,200 jobs within the Employment Mixed-Use 1 and 2 designations, which cover 10.8 hectares of the planned area.
The zones are slated to host a variety of uses, including research and development facilities, offices, entertainment and recreational facilities, and commercial spaces.
The site is well-positioned to support multimodal transportation with access to existing arterial roads like Stone Road East and Victoria Road South.
Several transit stops are proposed along these roads, as well as the new primary road, “New Street ‘A,'” to ensure connectivity within and beyond the district.
Planned bicycle lanes and extensions to the City Trail Network will further promote sustainable transportation options.
The development includes detailed plans for parking, though specific numbers for parking spaces and ratios are not mentioned.
The plans emphasize providing adequate parking while promoting walkability and access to public transit.
Respecting the site’s natural landscape, the Guelph Innovation District development by Fusion Homes integrates various forms of parks and open spaces.
The plan includes neighbourhood parks, a community park, linear parks, and a public square.
The green spaces are designed to enhance the community’s recreational opportunities and preserve the area’s natural beauty, creating a harmonious balance between development and the environment.
Fusion Homes’ plan includes a proposed elementary school on the south end of Block 2, requested by the Upper Grand District School Board, though this falls outside the initial focus on Blocks 1 and 2.
Fusion Homes’ Guelph Innovation District project represents a comprehensive vision for a mixed-use community that balances residential, commercial, and innovative employment spaces.
The development plan, currently under review by city officials, sets a path for significant transformation in Guelph’s east end, integrating urban living with sustainable practices and natural preservation.
As this project moves through the approval stages, it promises to bring substantial economic and community benefits to the area.
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