WATERLOO — On October 21, 2024, council approved the proposal by Lester Sunview Development Inc. for a 13-storey apartment building at 249-253 Sunview Street.
The development, located on a 0.2194-hectare site that currently holds three single-detached houses, will feature 131 one-bedroom units and is focused entirely on residential use.
The approved project will provide 33 vehicular parking spaces, including 6 surface and 27 structured spaces, as well as 45 bicycle parking spaces, with both indoor and outdoor options to support transit-oriented living.
Additionally, the development will have a density of 596 bedrooms per hectare, staying within the maximum permitted density permissions of 600 bedrooms per hectare.
Situated within a major transit station area (MTSA) near the University of Waterloo ION station and the bus terminal on Phillip Street, the development aims to enhance transit accessibility for residents.
While the site’s current zoning, (Holding) Residential Northdale 12 ((H)RN-12), allows for buildings up to 12 storeys, the council’s approval permits an additional storey, bringing the building to 13 storeys.
Despite the extra storey, the overall height will remain within the 41.5-metre maximum allowed, measuring 39.01 metres due to the site’s sloped topography, which causes the southern side to appear taller.
Key modifications to the zoning by-law were approved to accommodate the building’s design and location:
● A reduction in the rear yard setback for structured parking from 7.5 metres to 1 metre.
● A reduced side yard setback along the northern property line from 3 metres to 0.5 metres.
● A decrease in the landscape open space from 30% to 27%.
● Adjustments to the first storey, including a reduced height from 4 metres to 2 metres and fewer required entrances, from four down to two.
The design also includes a podium that will reach 20.5 metres, slightly exceeding the usual 20-metre limit, while providing 691 square metres of amenity space, which surpasses the city’s standard requirements.
Enhanced landscaping will be featured on the rooftop of the structured parking, adding green space and aesthetic value to the project.
The approved amendments reflect the development’s aim to maximize land use within the zoning framework, adapting to the site’s unique characteristics while supporting a compact, transit-focused community.
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