:format(webp)/https://www.therecord.com/content/dam/localcommunities/guelph_mercury/news/council/2023/01/20/proposed-downtown-guelph-apartment-building-would-be-tallest-in-the-city/10839412_58-Wellington-Street-East-Urban-Design-Brief-December-2022-1.jpg)
A developer is looking to build the city’s tallest building on a vacant piece of downtown property.
According to documents posted on the city’s website, Fusion Homes has filed for the rezoning of 58 Wellington St. E, at the northwest corner with Wyndham Street South, in order to construct a 23-storey building. Inside, Fusion is looking to have 250 residential units and commercial space on the ground floor.
Under the city’s official plan, the tallest building permitted for that property is 18 storeys.
As well, Fusion is looking to include 224 parking spots — 211 for residents and the remaining 13 divided up between visitor’s to the building’s residents and for those going to the retail outlets on the ground floor.
“Through reduced parking standards, the proposed development will allow for residents/tenants to live in the downtown, which reduces the requirement for vehicle ownership,” a planning justification report, included with the application, explains on why there are fewer parking spaces than there are units in the building.
“Locationally, the site is well-situated and supported by existing servicing infrastructure, with a residential density that contributes to the viability of transit use.”
Previously, the property had been occupied by a Petro Canada gas station and three single detached houses, all of which were torn down in 2018.
At 18 storeys each, the tallest buildings in the city are currently the River Mill condo building on Wellington Street East, the River House condo building at the corner of Woolwich and Macdonell streets and the Riverside Residences near the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre.
In late 2019, the Skyline Group, via Skydevco, was looking to build an even taller building, 25 storeys, at 70 Fountain St. E. containing 180 units. In mid-2020, council would reject the proposal; however, following an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, a 16-storey building was given the go ahead.
Fusion’s application is set to make its first appearance in front of council for a public meeting on Feb. 14. At that meeting, no final decisions on the project will be made, with council only voting on officially receiving the application.
The Valentine’s Day meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm at city hall, and will be streamed live online at guelph.ca/live.
Anyone wishing to speak to council on either of these applications is asked to register as a delegation no later than 10 am on Friday, Feb. 10. To register, go online to guelph.ca/delegate, or get in touch with the city clerk’s office at 519-837-5603 or with TTY at 519-826-9771. You can also email [email protected].
Written comments can be submitted to the city clerk’s office as well, also no later than 10 am on Feb. 10.
Comments are closed.