GUELPH — Strik, Baldinelli, Moniz Ltd., on behalf of Habitat for Humanity (Guelph-Wellington), is leading efforts for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for the development of a mid-rise apartment building at 303-317 Speedvale Avenue East.
Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit housing organization, aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing while promoting social and financial stability within the community.
The proposed development seeks to provide a six-storey residential apartment building with 48 units and 48 parking spaces with a ratio of 1.0 spaces per unit.
Located on an arterial road, Speedvale Avenue East, the site boasts convenient access to transit, commercial establishments, schools, parks, and other amenities, making it an ideal location for intensification.
Serviced by the City of Guelph public transit buses, the site enjoys accessibility to several bus stops within a short walking distance.
The nearest bus stop at Speedvale Avenue East and Stevenson Street North is approximately 210 metres away.
It provides easy access to “Route 12—General Hospital” for commuting. Another bus stop at Speedvale Avenue East and Metcalfe Street, just a minute’s walk from the site, offers southbound travel options toward Guelph General Hospital and downtown destinations.
The strategic access to public transit enhances connectivity for future residents of the proposed development, fostering sustainable transportation solutions for the community.
The project aligns with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing and foster community transformation.
The Subject Site, spanning approximately 2,601 square metres, currently comprises three buildings: single detached residential structures and a professional office/clinic building.
The proposed mid-rise development aims to optimize land use efficiency and fulfill the demand for housing, particularly for Habitat for Humanity’s target families.
Following initial discussions with city planning staff and subsequent redesign efforts, the proposed building’s height has been reduced, setbacks increased, and overall intensity decreased to better integrate with the surrounding neighbourhood.
The revised design emphasizes compatibility with existing land use policies and urban planning principles.
The development plan includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, ranging in floor area from 48 to 90 square metres.
The 48 residential units will be distributed as 11 one-bedroom units, 17 two-bedroom units, and 20 three-bedroom units.
The diverse mix of unit types caters to various household sizes and needs, supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing options for families in the community.
Access to the building will be facilitated from Speedvale Avenue East and Manhattan Court, with vehicular traffic directed to the latter for improved traffic flow.
A total of 48 parking spaces will be provided on-site, with a ratio of 1.0 space per unit.
Additionally, indoor and outdoor amenity spaces will enhance resident experience and community engagement.
The proposed development aligns with existing provincial and municipal policies, including the Provincial Policy Statement, A Place to Grow, the Guelph Official Plan, and the Guelph Zoning By-law.
The requested Zoning By-law Amendment aims to transition the site to accommodate the proposed mid-rise development.
Currently zoned for low-rise buildings, the requested amendment aims to adapt the zoning regulations to accommodate the proposed development.
The amendment seeks to align the zoning designation with the intended land use, transitioning the site to permit the construction of a higher-density residential building.
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