The group behind an appeal of plans for a temporary supportive housing project on Delhi Street is claiming a partial victory despite the effort being given the go-ahead.
Earlier this week the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) upheld city council’s decision last year to approve zoning bylaw amendments that allow the historic building at 65 Delhi St. to be converted into a 28-bedroom temporary supportive housing initiative.
“(Delhi Eramosa Neighbourhood Advocates) is pleased that the tribunal has recognized many of the concerns we raised and how they can be incorporated into ongoing planning for this site,” said group spokesperson Stephen Kilburn in a news release.
“Based on the county’s stated willingness to work with the neighbourhood, we are looking forward to continuing working with the county towards the best possible outcomes for everyone.”
The property is owned by the County of Wellington, which intends to provide the housing program and offer services to residents intended to help them gain permanent housing.
“They represent an efficient use of land in an appropriate location, which contributes to the county’s objective of providing transitional housing to bridge the gap between homelessness and permanent housing in the city,” the OLT decision states, referring to the amended city bylaws. “Overall, the proposed ZBA (zoning bylaw amendment) and the development that it permits represent good planning in the public interest and address the urgent need to support the county in homeless housing.”
During the five-day appeal hearing held last month, DENA raised issues including access through and around the area of the site, as well as potential parking limitations, which are to be considered during the site planning stage.
DENA did not oppose the temporary supportive housing project as a whole.
“It is still unclear how the proposal complies with Guelph’s official plan, which requires minimum standards to be met,” states the DENA release. “The (OLT) decision recognizes that the county’s planner agreed these are required, but that none appeared to be set out.”
The building at 65 Delhi St., which is on the city’s list of identified heritage structures but not formally designated, was acquired by the city in 1911 and was used as an isolation hospital. During the 1960s it was converted into recreational space for summer camps, arts programs and more, but that stopped in 2008.
The north half of the building was once used by Guelph Wellington Paramedic Services.
City council declared the building surplus in 2020, opening the way for its sale, after a staff report noted it required $800,000 in renovations and repairs but had no planned use.
Wellington County’s purchase offer was dependent on zoning approval for the temporary supportive housing program.
