There’s too many units and not enough common space, several neighbourhood residents said of plans to convert the historic building at 65 Delhi St. into a temporary supportive housing project.
“I don’t believe this is terribly well thought out,” said Delhi Street resident John Anderson, noting the cause is a “noble” one. “This, as it exists right now, is just not on.”
The County of Wellington is seeking official plan amendments and zoning changes to allow the city-owned building to be converted into a 36-unit temporary supportive housing project, with common spaces, shared kitchens and washrooms as well as office space.
The county plans to buy the property, which city council agreed to put up for sale last year, though that’s dependent of approvals being granted.
Monday’s open house was held to gather community feedback on the requested zoning and official plan changes. Council has not taken a position on the proposal – that will come during a future meeting.
Several residents expressed concern about the size of the facility and quantity of units proposed.
Jason Blokhuis noted most units are anticipated to be the same size as parking spaces on the property, with others even smaller, along with a perceived lack of office and programming space – concerns echoed repeatedly.
Stephen Kilburn suggested the proposed infill apartment zoning is inappropriate because there is an existing building on the property, pointing out the infill designation allows for greater density than would otherwise be allowed.
If ultimately approved and the sale goes through, the plan is to relocate the temporary housing initiative currently at Loyola House at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre on Hwy. 6, north of Woodlawn Road, to 65 Delhi St.
That project is run by the Welcome In Drop-In Centre. Executive Director Gail Hoekstra spoke in favour of the project, despite concerns about the number of units and the adequacy of common and programming spaces.
“Offices are not what’s most critical,” she said, explaining that’s best achieved through direct interactions with residents. “The amount of offices is not a driver for improved outcome for individuals.
“We will be a better community for it.”
Several setback reductions are being sought through the zone change, as well as permission to allow parking in the front yard. All of them recognize what’s already seen at the site, explained Dave Aston of MHBC Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, on behalf of the county.
The only changes planned for the site include the addition of an accessible ramp in the front and two fire escapes in the back.
The zone change would also allow for a daycare and use as an emergency shelter, which Aston noted are intended to allow for future flexibility with the site; supportive temporary housing is the intended use.
However, those potential uses need to be taken into consideration, noted Kilburn, who suggested they may not be compatible.
Coun. Rodrigo Goller asked about continued public use of green space, though Aston was unclear about how that would be impacted.
Coun. Dominique O’Rourke questioned whether there would be adequate space for staffing and running support programs, which which Aston explained those plans to accommodate staffing and programming being worked out by the county.
