KITCHENER — The minor variance application for the redevelopment of 22 Woodfern Court, led by 22 Woodfern Court Inc., was approved by the Committee of Adjustment on September 17, 2024.
The approved proposal will convert the existing vacant 17-unit apartment building into a 34-unit residential development consisting of one-bedroom and studio units.
The property, situated on the east side of Woodfern Court, is adjacent to the Grand River Transit Operations Centre at 250 Strasburg Drive and borders Elmsdale Park at 13 Elmsdale Drive.
It is designated as “Low Rise Residential” in the City’s 2014 Official Plan and zoned “Low Rise Residential Five Zone (RES-5)” under Zoning By-law 2019-051.
The zoning allows for the proposed multiple-dwelling use while preserving the low-rise character of the neighbourhood.
However, the developer requested relief from the parking requirements.
The by-law mandates one parking space per unit and 0.15 visitor spaces per unit, which would require 34 spaces for residents and six spaces for visitors.
The approved variance permits a reduction to 20 resident parking spaces and three visitor spaces for a total of 23 parking spaces.
To offset the parking reduction, the developer will provide 23 Class A bicycle parking spaces, exceeding the by-law requirement of 17 spaces.
The site’s strong connection to public transit, including Grand River Transit routes 3, 16, and the iXpress 205, supports this reduction by encouraging alternative transportation methods.
The property’s Low Rise Residential designation supports a range of housing types, including the proposed multiple dwelling use.
Planning staff confirmed that the development aligns with the general intent of both the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, as the low-rise form is maintained, and the additional units suit the designated land use.
The reduction in parking was deemed appropriate due to the smaller unit sizes, which typically demand fewer parking spaces.
Moreover, the proximity to transit and commercial amenities further justifies the variance.
With the approval, the developer can proceed with the redesign of the building’s interior to accommodate the additional units without increasing the building’s gross floor area. The project is part of a Site Plan Application that is currently under review.
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