GUELPH — A minor variance application has been submitted for 360 Woolwich Street, owned by 894419 Ontario Ltd. and Wellington Standard Condominium Corporation No. 292. The proposal seeks to convert an existing office unit within the three-storey building into a residential apartment, increasing the total number of apartment units on the property from six to seven.
Zoning and Variance Details
The property is zoned Site-specific Mixed Office/Commercial (MOC-7) under Zoning By-law (2023)-20790, which permits a maximum of six apartment dwelling units. The applicant requests relief from Section 18.10.7(a) to allow a seventh unit.
Key property details include:
- Building Size: 957.5 square metres (gross floor area).
- Building Dimensions: Height of 12.2 metres, width of 11 metres, and length of 50.3 metres.
- Lot Size: 1,039.8 square metres, with a frontage of 14.3 metres and depth of 49.31 metres.
- Setbacks: Front setback of 0.5 metres and rear setback of 4.5 metres.
Rationale for the Proposal
The applicant cites decreased demand for office space following the COVID-19 pandemic, as remote work has become more prevalent. The conversion is intended to meet the rising demand for residential units while optimizing the property’s use.
The proposal does not involve alterations to the existing building, parking, or amenity spaces, and aligns with the site’s designation as a mixed-use area under Guelph’s Official Plan.
Next Steps
The application is scheduled for review by the Committee of Adjustment on January 16, 2025. The committee will evaluate the proposal based on the four tests of a minor variance under the Planning Act:
- Adherence to the general intent of the Official Plan.
- Alignment with the general intent of the Zoning By-law.
- Appropriateness for the land, building, or structure.
- A reasonable and minor deviation from the zoning regulations.
Balancing Needs
The decision will reflect a balance between the need for additional housing and preserving the property’s mixed-use character, contributing to Guelph’s broader goals for urban development and housing supply.
