Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City Council of Guelph has put on hold zoning and subdivision approvals for a proposed development of 4,724 housing units in the Guelph Innovation District while further studies are conducted on how well the new homes will coexist with nearby industrial operations.
Council unanimously agreed to amendments for the official plan regarding the project on September 15, but chose to delay decisions on the zoning changes and draft subdivision plan requested by Fusion Homes.
This planned development spans around 116 hectares at 328 Victoria Rd. S. and 588 Stone Rd. E. The area is primarily agricultural land and mostly empty, aside from a shop building and the former Turfgrass Institute building, which is protected due to its heritage status.
The proposal includes a variety of low and medium-density residential areas, mixed-use spaces, employment zones, a school, parks, open spaces, public roads, and stormwater management facilities.
When completed, this project is anticipated to provide 4,724 housing units along with over 4,600 jobs.
However, there are concerns about how well the residential sections will work alongside existing industrial sites and utility operations in the vicinity. These include Cargill Ltd., the city’s Waste Resource Innovation Centre, PDI Bulk, and Lockhart Excavators pit.
City staff have requested more detailed site information as well as emissions modeling and mitigation strategies to prove that this proposed residential area can function effectively next to surrounding industrial activities.
Possible mitigation steps might involve setbacks, screening options, and other requirements that could influence zoning regulations and site layout.
This deferral does not have a set deadline. According to council’s decision, staff should bring these applications back before council within 60 days after receiving the finalized compatibility studies for land use.
Other planning matters considered during this review involved infrastructure needs, stormwater management systems, natural heritage considerations, and transportation aspects.
The city is also looking into upgrades for Victoria Road South, Stone Road East, and Mc Quillan’s Bridge to support future development in the Innovation District. This transportation work involves suggested road widenings along with cycling facilities as well as initial planning for sanitary sewer systems and watermain infrastructure improvements.
The Guelph Innovation District remains one of the city’s key growth areas designed to host housing projects along with job opportunities and community facilities.
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