To be constructed in Waterloo’s Northdale neighbourhood: an 8-storey mixed-use building with 136 residential units

WATERLOO — Columbia Hemlock Holdings Inc. secured approval from the city council on February 6, 2023, for the construction of an eight-storey mixed-use building at 85-89 Columbia Street West and 300 Hemlock Street. 

The development, designed by MHBC Planning, will bring 136 residential units, 309.6 square metres of commercial space, and ample amenities to the Northdale neighbourhood. 

The approved building will feature one-bedroom units except for one unit containing two bedrooms, totalling 137 bedrooms. 

Of the 136 residential units, 89 will include a den, offering additional living space or a home office. 

Additionally, the project includes four commercial units, further enhancing the vibrancy of the area. 

Parking for the development includes 77 vehicle parking spaces, with ten allocated for commercial use on the ground floor and the remainder located in the underground parking level for residents and visitors. 

Bicycle parking will also be available, with 42 spaces provided, including 12 outdoor spaces. 

A significant highlight of the project is the common amenity area, situated on the south side of the building. 

The space will feature a party room, a kitchenette, and a rooftop terrace, providing residents with opportunities for socializing and relaxation. 

Many units will also boast balconies or terraces, offering private outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. 

To facilitate the redevelopment, Columbia Hemlock Holdings Inc. received approval for changes to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. 

Specifically, they have been granted permission to remove the holding symbol and rezone the site to Residential Northdale Eight (RN-8) for Columbia Street West and Residential Northdale Six (RN-6) for Hemlock Street. 

Site-specific regulations were also approved to accommodate various aspects of the development, such as lot frontage, tower setback, parking location, and retaining walls within side yard setbacks. 

The site, located within the Northdale neighbourhood, is currently designated as Mixed-Use Medium Density Residential and Low Density Residential (Northdale) for properties on Columbia Street West and Hemlock Street, respectively. 

The approved development aligns with these designations, adhering to maximum building heights and residential densities outlined in the City’s Official Plan. 

The project’s design features the tallest portion of the building facing Columbia Street West, gradually stepping down to a lower height along Hemlock Street. This approach ensures compatibility with the surrounding built environment while maximizing the use of available space. 

Overall, the approved mixed-use development by Columbia Hemlock Holdings Inc. presents an opportunity to enhance the Northdale neighbourhood with modern residential units, commercial spaces, and communal amenities. 

With the necessary approvals in place, the project is poised to contribute positively to the urban fabric of Waterloo. 

The approved site-specific regulations entail specific aspects of the development: 

● Permit a lot frontage of 15.7 metres at Hemlock Street (existing condition), whereas a minimum of 20 metres is typically required. 

● Allow for a tower setback of 2.0 metres above the podium on the Columbia Street West building facade, whereas a minimum of 3.0 metres is required. 

● Provide an exemption from regulation 7.12.14, which mandates parking to be located entirely behind the building floor area. 

● Provide an exemption from regulation 3.A.7.4 to allow retaining walls within the side yard setbacks. 

These site-specific regulations allow for flexibility in certain zoning requirements to accommodate the design and layout of the proposed development while ensuring compatibility with the surrounding area and adhering to the city’s planning objectives.