WATERLOO — A proposal to amend zoning regulations for the area at the southwest corner of Beaver Creek Road and Conservation Drive is currently under review.
Northgate Land Corp., Gabriella Groff, 1017081 Ontario Limited, and 1455136 Ontario Limited are leading the initiative, aiming to transform the landscape into a vibrant residential community.
The development envisions a blend of single detached, semi-detached, and townhouse dwellings, along with potential low-rise apartments or stacked townhouses.
Additionally, the project includes provisions for road networks, parks, trails, stormwater management ponds, and protected environmental areas.
The ambitious plan foresees the creation of 621 to 975 new residential units upon full build-out.
To facilitate the development, amendments to Zoning By-law no. 2018-050 are proposed, necessitating rezoning from ‘Zone Change Application’ (ZC) to several different zones.
The zones include Residential One (R1), Residential Five (R5), Residential Eight (R8), Residential Nine (R9), Residential Mixed Use (RMU-20), Open Space One (OS1), and Open Space Three (OS3).
Each zone delineates specific regulations regarding permissible building types. The requested zones permit:
● Residential One (R1) Zone: Permits single detached dwellings.
● Residential Five (R5) Zone: Permits singles and semis, with provisions for freehold townhouse buildings on specific lands.
● Residential Eight (R8) Zone: Allows various building types, including freehold townhouses, townhouses, stacked townhouses, and triplex buildings.
● Residential Nine (R9) Zone: Permits apartments, townhouses, and stacked townhouses.
● Residential Mixed Use (RMU-20) Zone: Intended for mixed-use buildings, apartments, and stacked townhouses.
● Parks and Recreation (OS1) Zone: Designated for parks, walkways, and proposed pumping stations.
● Conservation (OS3) Zone: Reserved for natural features and stormwater management facilities.
Furthermore, provisions for dual zoning are proposed for specific blocks to accommodate temporary or permanent residential or stormwater management uses.
The development applications are aligned with the city’s Official Plan and District Plan, aiming to create a diverse and sustainable residential community.
The subject lands, totalling 55.719 hectares, are designated for low-density residential and open space use, consistent with the city’s planning objectives.
The proposed amendments seek to enhance housing diversity and maximize land utilization while respecting environmental conservation efforts.
The developers appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal regarding the proposed development.
The Tribunal has approved, in principle, the requested planning instruments necessary for the proposed development, except in relation to Block 1 Stage 5.
The Tribunal found that the proposed roadway to connect the development of Block 1 Stage 5 would likely negatively impact natural protected features in the area.
Written approval for the development is still required from the Ontario Land Tribunal and has yet to be issued.
While the development promises significant growth opportunities for Waterloo, it also underscores the importance of responsible urban planning.
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