KITCHENER — A significant new development proposed for 328 and 330 Mill Street in Kitchener, owned by 1658194 Ontario Ltd., went before the planning committee on September 16, 2024.
Following the meeting, a motion was passed to defer the development’s amendments, allowing staff and the developer to reconsider the proposal’s specifications.
The proposed development features a 20-storey mixed-use building, approximately 68 metres tall, which would introduce 293 residential units and 212 square metres of ground-floor commercial space to the Mill Courtland Woodside Park neighbourhood.
Located 1.5 kilometres southeast of Downtown Kitchener, the project would replace the existing structures on the site, including a single detached dwelling, a semi-detached dwelling, and an automotive repair shop.
Parking provisions include 166 vehicle parking spaces, with a proposed parking ratio of 0.53 spaces per residential unit, which is significantly reduced from the required 1.0 spaces per unit.
This results in 155 residential parking spaces instead of the 293 typically required. The 11 other spaces are designated for non-residential use and visitors as a shared parking system.
Additionally, the development includes 106 bicycle parking spaces, 100 of which will be secure indoor spaces and six outdoor spaces for visitors.
To advance this development, the owner submitted applications for both an Official Plan Amendment and a Zoning By-law Amendment.
The current zoning, split between ‘Commercial Residential One Zone (CR-1)’ and ‘General Industrial Zone (M-2),’ is proposed to be changed to ‘High-Intensity Mixed Use Corridor (MU-3).’
Several significant changes are being requested, including an increase in the Floor Space Ratio (FSR) from 4.0 to 6.7, a reduction of the front yard setback from 1.5 metres to 1.0 metre, and a reduction of the rear yard setback from 14 metres to 1.0 metre.
Additionally, the proposal seeks to reduce the minimum ground floor façade width from 50% to 29.9%.
The developer is also seeking a Special Policy Area designation to permit a higher FSR than typically allowed under the ‘Mixed Use Corridor’ designation.
A Holding Provision will apply to the entire site, requiring a Record of Site Condition before development can proceed.
During the planning committee meeting, Councillor Scott Davey of Ward 1 expressed concerns about the proposal, stating, “They are very far from our established parameters, like very, very far… they are going to have to come a long way if they’re looking for approval from this Council.”
The committee has deferred the amendments, and staff will meet with the developer to reconsider the proposal’s parameters.
The development highlights the ongoing transition in the area from industrial use to residential and mixed-use, with a focus on urban intensification and renewal.
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