A contested proposed development on the edge of Downtown could move forward at a reduced height
No longer is the building at 75 Dublin St. N. – on the northeast corner of Dublin and Cork streets – proposed to have five storeys, which would require an official plan amendment, but rather four levels, as is currently permitted.
That, among other adjustments to the project, is the outcome of a negotiated settlement reached between city officials and the developer last Tuesday – one day ahead of a scheduled case management conference before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) dealing with planning appeals that date back to 2016.
According to the minutes of settlement, Rykur Holdings Inc. agreed to withdraw its appeal of council’s 2018 refusal of an official plan amendment allowing a fifth floor and move forward with the plan as a four-storey building.
Other changes include a three-metre side yard setback, down from 4.5 metres, along with a reduction to the number of required visitor parking spaces. Additionally, terraces and balconies will not be permitted on the north side of the building, overlooking a public school.
The OLT has not approved the settlement at this time. Another case management hearing is set for Nov. 2.
As noted in the settlement, the fifth storey appeal won't be withdrawn until the settlement has been approved.
Previously proposed as offering 35 apartment units over five storeys, the development was to include 20 affordable units, four of which would be barrier-free.
A city-led zone change for the property was approved in 2016, prompting an appeal from Rykur as well as the Guelph Old City Residents’ Association and the Upper Grand District School Board.
The OLT consolidated all appeals associated with the project last November.
City council met behind closed doors on July 19 to discuss the project and appeals, as allowed for planning appeals and other legal matters, ahead of its regular monthly meeting.
“We did give direction to staff on that item,” Mayor Cam Guthrie declared when the open meeting resumed.
