WATERLOO — On September 9, 2024, the City of Waterloo Council approved the Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z-23-03 during a public meeting submitted by 20 University Inc. for a proposed 25-storey mixed-use building at 20 University Avenue East.
The proposed development will feature 260 residential units (260 bedrooms) and three commercial units, occupying 676 square metres of floor area on the ground floor.
The site, located at the northwest corner of University Avenue East and Regina Street North, is approximately 3,624 square metres in size.
It was previously occupied by a commercial auto cleaning and service station, which was demolished earlier in 2024.
The proposal also includes 197 parking spaces within the podium and 182 bicycle parking spaces, with the latter including stacked spaces.
The approved Zoning By-law amendments will facilitate several site-specific modifications, including:
● A reduction in the tower separation distance from the required 11.0 metres to 10.5 metres along the westerly lot line.
● A reduction of the minimum tower stepback above the podium from 3.0 metres to 0.0 metres for portions of the Regina Street North façade.
● An increase in the maximum tower dimension from 40.0 metres to 43.5 metres for a portion of the building.
● A reduction in the number of required parking spaces from 308 to 197.
● The inclusion of stacked bicycle parking spaces.
The property is designated as Mixed-Use Community Commercial within the City of Waterloo’s Official Plan, which allows for high-density residential development up to 81 metres in height, equivalent to 25 storeys.
The approved development fits within these guidelines, with a residential density of 750 bedrooms per hectare.
The site is also located in a Major Node, a key area designated for high-density, transit-supportive development.
The proposed development is well-situated, providing access to public transportation, and is considered walkable.
It aligns with the Region of Waterloo’s Official Plan, which encourages the intensification and efficient use of existing infrastructure.
In terms of zoning, the site was previously zoned as a Mixed-Use Community Commercial with a Holding (H) symbol (C1-81).
The council has also approved the removal of the Holding (H) symbol, as the developer has met the necessary requirements, including a record of site condition for the former commercial use of the land.
City planning staff supported the minor nature of the requested variances, noting that they would not negatively impact adjacent properties and that the development would contribute to the efficient use of land and services.
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