Guelph Approves Major Student Housing Expansion at 601 Scottsdale Drive
GUELPH, November 19, 2024 — The City of Guelph has approved by-laws (2024) – 21008 and (2024) – 21009, allowing for a significant student housing development at 601 Scottsdale Drive. The project, led by Forum 601 Scottsdale LP and represented by MHBC Planning, will expand the existing Phase 1 development to meet the increasing demand for student accommodations.
Phase 2 Development Details
The approved Phase 2 will feature two seven-storey buildings connected by a one-storey indoor amenity area and a single-level parking structure. This addition includes:
- 489 units or suites, providing 587 beds in Phase 2.
- Combined with Phase 1, the development will offer 653 units and a total of 764 beds.
Parking and Accessibility
The project prioritizes parking and accessibility, including:
- 191 vehicular parking spaces and 191 bicycle parking spaces, with most bicycle spaces located indoors.
- Consolidated vehicular access from Scottsdale Drive, aligning with city directives and improving coordination with nearby Stone Road Mall.
Modern Amenities
To create a vibrant, campus-like environment, the development will include:
- An outdoor courtyard, multi-use sports court, fire pits, and community gardens.
- Indoor and outdoor seating areas designed for community engagement.
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments
The City approved several amendments to accommodate the project:
- Density Increase: Permitted density increased to 300 units per hectare, surpassing the original 150-unit limit.
- Setback Adjustments: Reduced setback requirements and approval of a 58-degree angular plane along the north lot line.
- Parking Ratio: A reduced parking rate of 0.28 spaces per unit, inclusive of visitor parking, compared to the 822 spaces previously required.
- Bicycle Parking: A ratio of 0.57 spaces per unit for both short-term and long-term bicycle parking.
- Amenity Space: Approval of 6.8 square metres per unit, rather than the required 1,300 square metres.
The site has been rezoned from the Site-specific Mixed-use Corridor with a Parking Adjustment Suffix and Holding Provisions (MUC-2(PA)(H12)) Zone to a new Site-specific Mixed-use Corridor with a Parking Adjustment Suffix and Holding Provisions (MUC-XX(PA)(HXX)) Zone.
The H12 Holding Provision was also removed, confirming adequate municipal servicing for the development.
Alignment with Growth and Sustainability Policies
City staff emphasized the project’s alignment with the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, which encourage urban intensification and sustainable development. The site’s designation as a Mixed-Use Corridor 1 ensures it is ideal for such a high-density project.
Impact on Guelph’s Housing Market
This development will address the growing demand for student housing in Guelph, creating a modern and engaging community close to local amenities. The addition of indoor bicycle parking and reduced vehicle parking highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
Next Steps and Completion Timeline
With the by-law amendments approved, the developer can now move to the building permit stage. The project is on track to deliver new student accommodations by the Fall 2027 semester, providing much-needed housing for Guelph’s student population.
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