CAMBRIDGE — Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region Inc.’s proposed affordable housing project at 325 Shantz Hill Road received a ruling in favour despite a neighbouring resident’s appeal.
Represented by Alex Ciccone, Habitat for Humanity successfully defended its development plans, emphasizing its compatibility with the neighbourhood and adherence to land use planning principles.
The Tribunal found the proposed development to be sufficiently compatible with the surrounding area, constituting good land use planning.
The affordable housing project comprises two blocks of stacked townhouses, each standing 3.5 storeys tall.
These blocks will house a total of 24 residential units, with 12 units in each block. The units are designed to accommodate diverse housing needs, contributing to the availability of affordable housing options in the community.
The proposed affordable housing project includes provision for 30 surface parking spaces, with 24 designated for residents, four for visitors, and two for barrier-free access.
The proposed zoning entails a change from the current R3 zoning to RM3-XX, with special provisions allowing for reduced setbacks and common amenity area sizes.
Additionally, the proposed development boasts a density of 37 units per hectare, maximizing the site’s potential for affordable housing while remaining below the maximum allowable density of 40 units per hectare.
Highlighting the project’s alignment with provincial policies, the Tribunal noted that the proposed density and Zoning By-law Amendment with site-specific amendments adheres to the requirements of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), Growth Plan, Regional Official Plan (ROP) and the City Official Plan (COP) policies.
The inclusion of residential units within walking distance of schools, outdoor amenities, and community services in the nearby Preston Village Core Area further strengthened the project’s merits.
Regarding environmental conservation, the Tribunal recognized efforts to preserve natural features on the property through an additional 15-meter setback designated as Open Space between the development area and natural features.
Emphasizing compatibility with existing development, the Tribunal concluded that the Zoning By-law Amendment with site-specific amendments met legislative requirements and contributed to the Province’s goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing units.
Additionally, it concluded that the public process undertaken by the City planning department adhered to all prescribed statutory requirements.
In light of these findings, the Tribunal upheld the decision to approve Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing project on March 11, 2024, dismissing the neighbour’s appeal.
The ruling marks a significant milestone in advancing affordable housing initiatives in the region, aligning with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide safe and affordable housing for families in need.
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