KITCHENER — A significant new mixed-use development has been officially approved at a Planning meeting on June 17, 2024, for the property at 20 Ottawa Street North.
The project, led by 20 Ottawa GP Inc., promises to bring a transformative blend of residential and commercial spaces to a key location near the intersection of King Street East and Ottawa Street North.
The development aligns with the city’s vision for sustainable urban growth and has received all necessary approvals to move forward.
The developer has obtained the approval of a Draft Plan for a Vacant Land Condominium. Formal approval from council is still required.
The development will occupy a 1.23-hectare (3.04-acre) site and feature three distinct buildings, providing a total of 468 residential units.
These buildings will be arranged as follows:
● Unit 1: A 29-storey tower that will include 301 residential units.
● Unit 2: A 6-storey building designed to house 120 residential units.
● Unit 3: A 4-storey building with 47 residential units.
The development will be organized as a Vacant Land Condominium (VLC), a unique model where private roadways and units replace traditional public streets and lots.
The buildings will be interconnected by internal drive aisles, walkways, and landscaped areas, offering a cohesive community environment.
The site boasts 147 metres of frontage along Ottawa Street North and is situated within Kitchener’s delineated built-up area.
It is part of a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) as defined in the 2014 Kitchener Official Plan, which emphasizes the importance of proximity to transit services.
The development is strategically located just 500 metres from the Borden ION LRT station, enhancing its accessibility and promoting the use of public transportation.
The project will cater to a diverse range of residents with various unit sizes, including one to three-bedroom options.
Notably, it will feature 15 two-storey, three-bedroom live-work units along Ottawa Street.
The units are designed to accommodate residents seeking a blend of residential and workspaces, with each unit offering a rooftop terrace on the second level, adding to the project’s appeal.
The development will provide a total of 315 parking spaces, which includes a combination of underground, internal, and surface parking.
The parking spaces translate to a parking ratio of approximately 0.67 spaces per unit, reflecting the project’s emphasis on reducing car dependency and encouraging the use of public transit.
In addition to parking, a significant second-floor amenity area is planned, ensuring adequate recreational space for residents and mitigating the impact on nearby public parks.
Several key amendments to the city’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law have already been approved to facilitate the development:
The land use designation has been changed from ‘Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centre with Special Policy Area 3’ to ‘Mixed Use Corridor’ within the King Street East Secondary Plan.
The new designation supports a higher density of residential and commercial uses, consistent with the city’s goals for urban intensification.
The zoning has been updated from ‘Neighbourhood Shopping Centre Zone (C-2) with Special Use Provision 2U’ to ‘High Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-3)’.
Currently, the site is occupied by a commercial building and a large surface parking lot, which was formerly used as a car dealership.
The surrounding neighbourhood features a mix of commercial, residential, and institutional uses, contributing to a vibrant and diverse community atmosphere.
The development will significantly increase residential density in the area and introduce new commercial opportunities, supporting Kitchener’s vision for urban growth and enhanced transit-oriented development.
By providing a range of modern housing options and integrating seamlessly with the existing neighbourhood, this project will add considerable value to the local community.
The ambitious project by 20 Ottawa GP Inc. is poised to become a landmark development in Kitchener’s King East neighbourhood.
It reflects the city’s commitment to creating sustainable, vibrant, and accessible urban spaces.
Residents and businesses alike can look forward to the enhanced amenities and opportunities that this mixed-use development will bring to the area.
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