KITCHENER — A new proposal aims to transform a property at 174 Wellington Street North from its current status as a semi-detached dwelling into a more dense semi-detached duplex.
The application, submitted by Tina Malone-Wright, Manager for Development Approvals, requests several modifications to accommodate the increased residential density while maintaining the architectural integrity and community cohesion of the neighbourhood.
The subject property is located on the north side of Wellington Street North, nestled between Weber Street West and Ahrens Street West.
Currently, it houses a semi-detached dwelling featuring two dwelling units on a single lot under one ownership.
The property falls within the ‘Community Areas’ as designated in the City’s 2014 Official Plan and is currently zoned as ‘Low Rise Residential Five Zone (RES-5)’ under Zoning By-law 2019-051.
The proposed development seeks to convert the existing structure into a semi-detached duplex, resulting in a total of four dwelling units on the lot.
The increase in residential units will support higher-density living within walking distance of key transit options, promoting sustainable urban growth and the efficient use of land.
The following minor variances have been requested to facilitate this conversion:
● Rear Yard Landscaped Area: A reduction from the required 30% to 24%. This regulation intends to ensure sufficient amenity space for residents.
The property’s rear yard, measuring approximately 15.4 metres in width and 12.3 metres in depth, will still provide adequate space for both parking and resident amenities, aligning with the Zoning By-law’s general intent.
● Front Yard Setback: A significant reduction from the minimum required 4.5 metres to 0.98 metres. The current front yard setback is pre-existing, with no changes proposed. The property and its neighbouring lots share similar setbacks, maintaining a consistent streetscape.
Additionally, there exists a 2.5-meter stretch of city-owned land between the property line and the sidewalk, adding to the perceived front yard depth.
The site is designated as ‘Low Rise Residential’ under the Urban Structure Map 3 of the 2014 Official Plan, aligning with the proposed semi-detached duplex’s scale and residential use.
The requested variances are in keeping with the objectives of maintaining adequate resident amenities and consistent streetscapes within the zoning framework.
A significant factor supporting this development is its proximity to public transit. The property is situated within 800 metres of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) station, promoting the use of sustainable transportation options and reducing reliance on personal vehicles.
The proximity of the site aligns with broader urban planning goals to develop areas within major transit station areas (MTSA) and encourage high-density residential development near transit hubs.
The location of the property within Metrolinx’s 300-meter railway corridor zone of influence necessitates consideration of potential noise and vibration impacts from the nearby railway.
The developer must ensure that these environmental factors are addressed, protecting future residents from possible disturbances. This proposal to redevelop 174 Wellington Street North into a semi-detached duplex aligns with Kitchener’s urban growth and densification objectives.
By accommodating increased residential density in close proximity to public transit, the development supports sustainable living and efficient land use.
The requested variances for reduced rear yard landscaped area and front yard setback are justified within the context of maintaining community character.
As Kitchener continues to evolve, projects like this exemplify the balance between respecting established neighbourhood patterns and embracing future growth.
Comment Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in the comments section of this blog are solely those of the individuals who submit them and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the author or the website owner. We do not endorse or support any comments that may be offensive, discriminatory, or harmful in nature.
We encourage open and respectful discussions and welcome diverse perspectives. However, it is important to remember that comments are the personal opinions of the commenters and not official representations of our stance or values. We reserve the right to moderate or remove comments that violate our comment policy or that we deem inappropriate.
Please engage in discussions with courtesy and respect for one another, keeping in mind that differing opinions can coexist in a constructive manner. Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping to maintain a positive and inclusive environment.
