Parking proved to be the primary concern for a proposed mixed-use seniors complex at Arkell Road and Gordon Street during a Monday evening open house, with councillors questioning if there’s enough provided on-site.
“On the whole, I think it’s a positive development for the area,” commented Coun. Dominique O’Rourke, adding later, “There’s always lots of pressure for parking in that area.”
If ultimately approved, the All Seniors Care (Guelph) project at 33 to 37 Arkell Rd. and 1408 Gordon St. would see the development of a building with three sections – with heights of five, six and eight storeys – containing 47 retirement-oriented apartments, 99 independent living units and 80 memory care suites on the 4.85-acre site, as well as a dedicated commercial unit along the Arkell Road frontage.
Monday’s open house was held to gather community feedback to the requested zone change needed for the proposal to become a reality. Council took no formal stance on the project, as that comes at a later date.
The project received a relatively gentle reception, with only one community member speaking out with concerns, in addition to a handful of written submissions.
Susan Watson asked council to consider lobbying the provincial government for funding for a second publicly operated long-term care home in Guelph, raising concerns about the “creeping privatization of healthcare.”
“The grey tsunami is about to hit,” she said of aging baby boomers. “The need for elder care is about to balloon.”
Like several of the written submissions, Watson also questioned whether the project provides enough parking space for residents, employees, visitors and various assistance providers.
The developer intends to include 155 parking spaces at the site, including 50 underground. David Galbraith, manager of planning for IBI Group, said that number was reached following an analysis of comparable facilities in other municipalities.
“Many of the future residents … will not own a car,” he told council.
However, speaking from personal experience with a parent in long-term care, Coun. Leanne Caron questioned whether that’s enough space, especially during Christmas and other common visiting occasions.
“Visit spaces are almost always used up,” she said, noting overflow parking isn’t allowed on Gordon Street or Arkell Road.
Councillors also called for a more detailed waste management plan and the use of carbon-neutral technologies, as well as potential traffic issues and the impact of shadowing on nearby roads and residents.
