A proposal to rezone parts of two Willow Road properties in order to create lots for a five-storey permanent supportive housing project is heading out for public input.
A public meeting regarding the rezoning applications will be held March 8, beginning at 6 p.m. and streamed live at guelph.ca/live.
If the project goes ahead as proposed, it would see the creation of a 32-unit permanent supportive housing project, with 24-hour support services provided, at the back of 85 and 89 Willow Rd. and accessed through an easement off Shelldale Crescent.
All of the residential units – to be bachelor apartments – are to be on the second through fifth floors, with common indoor amenity and office space on the main level.
Eight parking spaces are proposed on the site, with six more on a nearby property for use by building residents.
The project offers “an evidence-based and cost-effective solution for people who are highly vulnerable because of long-term disabilities,” explains Greg Jones, president of Skyline Real Estate Holdings, in letter to the city. “Leases are held by tenants without limits on length of stay, rental assistance will be linked to each unit, and support will be provided by on-site staff.”
Skydev owns one of the Willow Road properties, while Starlight Investments owns the other. Both properties currently feature six-storey apartment buildings with parking in the back. Each of the companies has agreed to donate currently unused land to non-profit Kindle Communities for the permanent supportive housing project.
In his letter to the city, Jones notes Kindle has committed to offering 20 per cent below market rent there for at least 40 years and partnered with Guelph Community Health Centre to provide services to residents.
At 80 per cent of market rate, apartment rentals should cost about $650 per month, he added.
Government funding is being sought from various levels to help with loan eligibility requirements, and the City of Guelph can expect a request for a municipal grant equivalent to city fees, which is standard for affordable housing projects.
In future, plans call for the rear portions of 85 and 89 Willow Rd. to be severed and merged to create a new lot for the project.
An outdoor common amenity area is slated for the back of 89 Willow Rd. for use of residents there on an “interim basis” with the specific use to be “determined by the future building residents,” states the planning justification report.
The deadline to register as a delegate or make a written submission for the March 8 public meeting is March 5 at 10 a.m. though anyone wishing to address council about the official plan amendment will be allowed to speak during the meeting.
To register, call 519-837-5603 or email [email protected]
